Caucasian women between the ages of 20 and 40 who spent their early years in temperate climates (that is, south of the Tropic of Cancer and north of the Tropic of Capricorn) in the U.S. or northern Europe are the most likely candidates for the autoimmune disease called multiple sclerosis (MS). There are presently about 400,000 people with MS. In this disease antibodies are produced which mistakenly attack normal tissue. The antibodies provoke inflammation and damage the myelin sheath, which is a fatty substance that insulates the nerves and helps with the transmission of messages between the brain and body parts. In MS, portions of the myelin are destroyed, so the electrical signals that travel in the nerves are halted or at least disrupted.

Many of the early symptoms of MS are numerous and common to other diseases, sometimes making the diagnosis difficult. They include: fatigue, tingling, numbness, loss of balance, difficulty walking and problems with the eyes (including double vision, pain and involuntary eye movement). Depending on where the damage has occurred symptoms may include such things as problems with equilibrium, bladder and bowel dysfunction and/or a change in behavior including memory problems, slowed thinking and concentration difficulties. Sometimes the person will complain of facial numbness and muscle weakness or spasticity. Sexual dysfunction, dizziness and stiffness are also problems that may occur with MS. Many people have tremors, and nearly all affected by heat – their symptoms get worse when exposed to hot showers and warm temperatures. The gait is altered because of equilibrium problems, muscle weakness, foot numbness and other factors.

The various symptoms of MS can be treated with a number of different drugs including steroids and immune system suppressants, but none are cures – symptoms can be managed and the number of brain lesions can be reduced, lessening the severity of the attacks. Tremors can be treated with deep brain stimulation or surgery (this was used much more in the past, before deep brain stimulation was available). Recently, Botox has been used to treat spasticity, and Interferon has been used to reduce the frequency of relapses. Many alternative therapies such as yoga and massage have proven useful too. Your doctor will discuss the side effects of the various medications and therapies.

Exercise is beneficial for cardiovascular health and mental well-being. However, since heat sensitivity is common, it may be best to exercise early in the day or in the cool of the evening - you might want to look into the feasibility of doing water aerobics. Drink plenty of liquids (at least 8 8-oz. Glasses of water a day). Salt, sugar, alcohol and foods high in saturated fat and cholesterol should be limited. Physical therapy can be useful in improving balance and walking, lessening spasticity, and extending range of motion. In any chronic medical condition it is important to maintain adequate levels of protein and other nutrients because it will provide energy, help in the healing of wounds and fight infection.

RECIPES

Rice Pilaf

In 6-qt. Dutch oven sauté for 5 minutes:

• ½ c. (1 stick) butter
• 2 c. uncooked rice
• 1 c. onion, chopped
• 1 c. celery, coarsely chopped
• 8 oz. Mushrooms OR Golden raisins

Stir in and bring to boil:

• 2-(13-3/4 oz) cans of chicken broth
• ¾ c water
• ½ tsp thyme
• 1 tsp salt (opt)

Simmer (covered) for 25-30 minutes, until rice is cooked OR bake at 350^o for 45 minutes. Just before serving toss with:

• ½ c. coarsely chopped parsley

Leftovers rewarm nicely!

Grilled Halibut with Apricot Sauce (serves 4)

Brush a grill rack with vegetable oil. Heat grill to medium. Place on grill:

• 1 lb Halibut

Cook about 10 minutes on each side, until fish flakes easily with fork. While it is grilling mix together:

• ½ c. apricot preserves
• 2 TB white vinegar
• 1-1/2 tsp chopped fresh tarragon

Spoon onto fish during last minute of serving.

Southwest Chicken in the Crockpot

In slow cooker mix together:

• 1-15 oz can black beans, rinsed and draimed
• 2-15 oz cans corn, drained
• ½ c. thick and chunky salsa

Top with:

• 6 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves

Top with:

• ½ c. thick and chunky salsa

Cover and cook on high for 2-1/2 to 3 hours, until there is no more pink inside the chicken. Overcooking will make the chicken tough! Sprinkle on:

• 1 c. shredded cheddar cheese

Cover and cook about 5 more minutes, until chicken melts.

Fresh Applesauce

In Dutch oven mix together:

• 4 lb tart apples, peeled, cored and thinly sliced
• ½ c. sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 2 dashes nutmet

Let stand for about 30 minutes, until juices start to form, stirring once or twice. Cook, covered over VERY LOW heat for about 10 minutes. Turn heat up to MEDIUM and continue to cook, stirring most of the time, until desired thickness.

Endnotes

http://www.womenshealthchannel.com/multiplesclerosis/index.shtml

http://my.webmd.com/content/article/57/66131

http://www.msactivesource.com/application/msas?dest=%2Fportals%2Fmsas%2Fmsrc%2FconMSInfo.jsp

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