Supplements with Benefits

After reading my last post, you might be thinking there aren't any supplements that an MS person can take since we need to avoid immune boosters, but there are plenty of supplements that may help your body's fight against MS without interfering with the work of your prescription injections.

Suggestions given here are NOT to be substituted for the advice of a knowledgeable, and qualified health practitioner. If you know of any reason why these supplements would not be good for you, err on the side of caution. Having said all this, I also advise that you use common sense with the use of any dietary supplement and discontinue use if you have negative reactions. I purposely choose widely-used supplements that have the most comprehensive tonic benefits with little to no known toxicity or risk, but every human is unique in their chemistry.

Since inflammation is linked to MS, and is thought to be the first stage of many diseases (cellular inflammation), from arthritis to kidney disease, I look for food-sourced supplements that benefit the body by keeping the inflammatory response in check. One of my favorites is Bromelain, an enzyme from pineapple that breaks down the proteins that cause inflammation when it is taken on an empty stomach (if you take Bromelain with meals it will be used to digest proteins in your stomach-which is good for you too).

Another favorite is Turmeric, and its main constituent curcumin, which are known for giving curry a distinct color and flavor. Turmeric is known in the natural health world as a cellular healer and protector. It is a truly superb herb.

Never forget Ginger, in all its glory, which is so beneficial for numerous common bugs and annoyances, like motion sickness, digestive discomfort, sinus congestion, and achy joints. Ginger is also a revered herb due to its ability to assist the body's natural inflammatory control mechanism. Lastly, Ginger has a synergistic benefit, since it helps make other herbs work faster and more efficiently in the body. My final thumbs up goes to Ginger because it so cheap and easy to find at your local commercial grocery store, and in many many forms at your local health food stores.

If you suffer from sinus troubles and/or allergies you may have heard of Quercetin, which is my third top choice for balancing inflammatory response. Quercetin can be extracted from the white pith of citrus fruits, or from eucalyptus (do not consume the essential oil). It is a bioflavanoid that exists alongside vitamin C in nature, and compliments vitamin C in absorption in the body. Source Naturals makes a supplement called Activated Quercetin that is a combo of quercetin, vitamin C, and bromelain, which is great. Quercetin may also benefit bruising, vein issues and even skin inflammation in some people. All the while, it is supporting the body's natural healing processes.

Next... more on Good Supplements... and recommendations on brands.

**Remember to check with a knowledgeable physician about your choices, and do not substitute supportive tonic herbs for the advice your physician gives you, use them as a tonic addendum to your regular prescribed treatments.