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Multiple Sclerosis & Supplements: Monolaurin

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory, autoimmune disease which affects the Central Nervous System (CNS). MS affects more than 2.5 Million people around the world. It has observed to affect women more than men, and is diagnosed usually in the ages of 20-40.

But what is MS? Multiple sclerosis is a progressive neurological autoimmune disease which affects the central nervous system. The immune system due to unknown reasons starts to dysfunction and releases T-cells, which mistakenly attack the myelin sheath.

Myelin sheath is a protective fat layer surrounding the axons of neurons, which conducts impulses for neurotransmitters and enables communication between the brain and the body.

MS triggers different symptoms which affect each individual differently. Some people experience intense symptoms while others experience milder ones. Some patients are affected in relapse-remission stages; some have progressing symptoms while some might experience them just once.

The symptoms include, blurring vision, balance and coordination issues, memory loss, dizziness, muscle spasms, leaky gut syndrome, and bladder control issues, numbness in face and limbs and extreme fatigue; in more progressive cases the symptoms might lead to partial or complete paralysis.

Even though it has affected several people around the world, there are still no known evidences of what triggers the symptoms. Its’ not only the causes that are unknown, until now there is no conclusive research which provides treatment for MS.

But there are some ways in allopathic and alternative medicine with which these symptoms can be managed and even reduce their intensity. Different supplements of vitamins, minerals and enzymes are used to control the symptoms.

One supplement suggested by experts is Monolaurin. Monolaurin is a chemical which is derivative of lauric acid and glycerin, both of which can be found in coconut oil.

Monolaurin is a mono-ester which forms in the body, and is used as a microbicide. Microbicide is a compound which has the ability to reduce infection probability which comes from microbes like bacteria, viruses and fungi.

Monolaurin also has antiviral properties which are effective in fighting off multiple types of infections common in patients with MS. Viral infections usually trigger inflammation and over production of T-cells, which can cause the myelin sheath to break down.

But Monolaurin has been effectively seen to reduce inflammation, which in turn lowers the chances of more lesions being created in the myelin sheath.

Monolaurin which comes from lauric acid is also called medium chain triglycerides (MCT’s) which are converted into ketones when consumed. Ketones have been observed to positively affect brain health and activity by providing an alternate source of high energy for cell metabolism.

Because Monolaurin showed positive results in the study for Alzheimer’s, experts have the opinion that it will provide the same neurological benefits to those suffering from MS. Although it cannot reverse the disease, but the benefits it provides can certainly help in alleviating some of the symptoms and ailments common in patients with MS.

Even though the study showed promising results for MS, further research and exploratory study is required. In particular to study how Monolaurin can help better the quality of life for patients with MS.

April 04, 2018 by

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