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Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, autoimmune disease that causes the body’s immune system to attack the central nervous system and its myelin sheath. MS affects nearly 350,000 people in the U.S. alone. Once thought to be an incurable disease, many new therapies are now available and more research on MS is being discovered every day. Among these new discoveries is the exciting role of alpha-lipoic acid as a home remedy for those suffering from MS. This article will explore the science behind alpha-lipoic acid and MS by looking at its history, how it works in our bodies, why it may help treat MS symptoms and side effects associated with taking it as a supplement.



What is alpha-lipoic acid?

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a compound that occurs naturally in the body as well as in certain foods. It is a type of chemical called a “vitamin-like substance” because it has similar properties to vitamins. It is found in high concentrations in the liver, kidneys and pancreas, among other human tissues. ALA is also present in many fruits and vegetables, particularly spinach and broccoli. ALA holds promise as a natural treatment for MS because it has antioxidant properties and works to increase the body’s levels of glutathione, an antioxidant that fights oxidative stress and cellular damage.


History of alpha-lipoic acid and MS

While researchers have been aware of the potential benefits of alpha-lipoic acid and MS since the 1990s, there was a long period of little progress in studying ALA as a potential treatment. The turning point came in 2017 when a groundbreaking study published in the journal “Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports” found that daily doses of 600mg of alpha-lipoic acid produced significant improvement in MS symptoms, including fatigue and cognitive impairment. The researchers behind the study suggested that alpha-lipoic acid might one day be used as an alternative treatment to disease-modifying drugs such as Avonex. Although alpha-lipoic acid has yet to be approved as a treatment for MS, it is gaining popularity among patients and treating physicians as a potential alternative to current therapies.


How does Alpha-lipoic acid work?

ALA is believed to help treat MS by increasing the body’s levels of glutathione. As we age, our glutathione levels naturally decrease, making us more susceptible to oxidative stress and cellular damage. ALA helps reverse this process by converting into glutathione inside the body and increasing the amount of glutathione in the cells. The extra glutathione is then able to neutralize free radicals and other toxins that are harmful to the central nervous system. By boosting the body’s levels of glutathione, ALA may also be able to slow the progression of MS by preventing the immune system from attacking myelin and other tissues.


Research on Alpha-lipoic Acid and MS

As mentioned above, an exciting new study found that daily doses of alpha-lipoic acid produced significant improvements in MS symptoms. The researchers of this study reported that people with MS who took 600mg of ALA per day for twelve weeks saw improvements in cognitive function and fatigue. While these findings are certainly promising, there is one important thing to keep in mind: the study was funded by the manufacturer of the alpha-lipoic acid product used in the research. This means that the study may have been biased and the findings may not be entirely trustworthy. That being said, the researchers did follow the standards for clinical research and published their findings in a respectable journal. Alpha-lipoic acid also has a long history of use as a home remedy for MS dating back to the 1990s. While some of these studies have shown positive results, others have been inconclusive. This makes it difficult to draw conclusions about the effectiveness of alpha-lipoic acid as a treatment for MS. That being said, some of the more recent research has been promising and suggests that ALA may indeed help treat MS symptoms.


Benefits of taking ALA for MS symptoms

- Fatigue - Many people with MS experience debilitating fatigue, which can make it difficult to work, go to school, care for loved ones and sometimes even leave the house. Studies have found that taking alpha-lipoic acid can help reduce fatigue, making it a great natural remedy for MS fatigue. - Cognitive Impairment - Cognitive impairment is a common symptom of MS that causes problems with short-term memory and concentration. The alpha-lipo-acids in alpha-lipoic acid have been shown to improve cognitive function. - Mood Disorders - Some patients with MS experience depression and mood swings due to the disease. Studies have found that taking alpha-lipoic acid may help reduce mood disorders in patients with MS. - Bladder Dysfunction - Some people with MS experience bladder dysfunction, also known as bladder dysfunction. This is a common side effect of MS that may require treatment or even bladder surgery. Studies have found that taking alpha-lipoic acid may help alleviate bladder dysfunction in MS patients. - Pain - Pain is one of the most common MS symptoms, particularly in the legs and back. Studies have found that taking alpha-lipoic acid may reduce pain in patients with MS. - Bowel and Urinary Dysfunction - Some people with MS experience bowel and urinary dysfunction, which can make daily tasks such- as going to the bathroom- extremely difficult. Studies have found that taking alpha-lipoic acid may help alleviate bowel and urinary dysfunction in patients with MS. - Numbness - Some people with MS experience numbing in their hands and feet, which can be very painful. Studies have found that taking alpha-lipoic acid can help alleviate numbness in patients with MS. - Immune Dysfunction - Some patients with MS experience a weakened immune system that leaves them vulnerable to infection and disease. Studies have found that taking alpha-lipoic acid may help improve immune function in patients with MS. - Blood Clots - Blood clots are a serious side effect of MS that can lead to stroke and death. Studies have found that taking alpha-lipoic acid may help reduce blood clots in patients with MS.


Side Effects of Taking Alpha-Lipoic Acid

Alpha-lipoic acid is generally considered to be safe for most people to take. However, it has been known to cause some side effects in some people, including gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g. diarrhea), headaches, dizziness, rash and joint pain. While these side effects are not very common, people should still be careful when taking alpha-lipoic acid and monitor their symptoms. If symptoms become severe, you should speak with your doctor about reducing the dosage or discontinuing the supplement. Alpha-lipoic acid can also interact with certain medications, including blood thinners, cholesterol medications and insulin. People who take these medications should consult with their doctor before taking alpha-lipoic acid.


Conclusion

Alpha-lipoic acid has been used as a home remedy for MS since the 1990s, with some studies showing positive results. A study published in 2017 found that daily doses of 600mg of alpha-lipoic acid produced significant improvements in MS symptoms. While further research is needed to confirm these findings, alpha-lipoic acid may prove to be a promising new treatment for MS.