I was first introduced to Spark at a Multiple Sclerosis seminar at St Luke MS Clinic.

At first glance, you see the sub-headline: The revolutionary new science of exercise and the brain, and say to yourself, what this book could have to do with multiple sclerosis. My first initial impression was I can’t exercise much less do it at the level that could affect my disease. How could this help me?

But hold on a minute partner.

Dr Ratey lays out a case study from Naperville school district in Illinois on how children whom exercise perform better in school. A lot better. While it was impressive to see how children’s performance was changed for the better by a specific exercise regime, I still had trouble making the connection to my life. After all I am unable to walk more than a mile and a half before overheating and suffering from drop foot. Notice I said walk not run.

Never the less I continued through the rest of the book. Finally I arrived at Chapter 10. The Regimen, Build your Brain, and it started to make sense as to why you should read this book. The research scientists are proving that you can build your brain. Actually grow new nerve cells and myelin.

WHAT!

I thought you couldn’t rebuild nerves once they had been damaged Well not so. Neurologist Scott Small says,at his Columbia University lab, in 2007, where they saw the telltale signs of neurogenesis for the first time in live humans.

Neurogenesis is defined as the creation of nerves.

Dr. John Ratey states in his book Spark,

He and his peers view exercise primarily as a surefire trigger to increase the growth of new cells. It’s a similar story with many of the other positive effects of exercise I’ve discussed, from increasing neurotransmitters and neurotrophic factors to releasing factors from the muscles that build new capillaries in the brain and encourage synaptic plasticity.

That was all I needed to read. I dug out my exercise bike and made a determined effort to start my exercise program. I couldn’t run but I could sit on my stationery bike and peddle till my hearts content. The key was to do it every day. So, I now ride my bike for 30 minutes a day at a minimum. At first it was hard, but now after six months it is just a part of the routine. Each day it is easier to keep a steady pace.

Raising your heart rate is the key to starting neurogenesis. You will need to calculate your base heart rate. Take 220 minus your age, and then calculate 55%, 65%, 75% and 90% or your maximum heart rate. You should be trying to exercise in the moderate level (65 -75) at least four time per week and twice a week you should be trying to achieve high intensity.

Don’t refuse to start today simply because you can’t achieve these results. When I am struggling to walk back to the car after a walk and look like I just spent the last fours hours at the bar, I simply say to myself, I am out here!! and that is the most important thing. So start today, you will never regret it. What is good for the heart is good for the brain. So get out there and start moving.

Robert Groth is the author of “Conquer Multiple Sclerosis”. To receive a FREE ebook on reclaiming your life and conquering Multiple Sclerosis go to http://www.ConquerMS.com

An autoimmune disease is defined as: An illness that occurs when the body’s tissues are attacked by its own immune system. The immune system is a complex organization and is normally designed to seek and destroy invaders of the body, including infectious agents.

Common autoimmune diseases are: multiple sclerosis, lupus, Crohn’s disease, type 1 diabetes, or rheumatoid arthritis.

Over the past 20 years there has been an explosion of autoimmune diseases, multiple sclerosis being one of them. There are an estimated 23.5 people affected by these diseases.

The Autoimmune Epidemic explores the reason for the massive increase of these diseases and what you can do to protect yourself.

The book The Autoimmune Epidemic states, there is a common belief that genetics has much to do with all these diseases. In this book the environment is painted as the culprit. The chemicals and environmental pollutants that we are exposed to have been on the rise over the past thirty years. The increase in autoimmune diseases can’t be explained by genetics. There must be some other explanation.

It’s important to read labels and carefully choose foods that are chemical and additive free, and if you choose to use dietary supplements, ask your doctor to corroborate that they are from a reputable source. Several past cluster outbreaks of autoimmune disease still haunt scientists because of the rapid and insidious way in which thousands of individuals were stuck ill with autoimmune reactions seemingly overnight, not from contact with unseen chemicals but from impurities in the processed food products, drugs, and supplements they consume.

This above comment from the author I completely agree with, we are exposed to many toxins, preservatives, and pollutants. But my question to all of you is how far do we take this? I find it unrealistic to drive myself crazy trying to protect myself from the world we live in. Yes, let’s use common sense and not go out and expose ourselves to a toxic environment but reality is we have toxins and pollutants all around us each and every day.

The food we consume and the products that we surround ourselves with are hard to avoid. We live in a fast paced society that wants everything immediately at our disposal.

The Autoimmune Epidemic states that new carpets, new cars give off chemicals.

We want ours foods packaged, our carpets stain free, our cars new. Are we taking risks with each of these supposed improvements in our society?

This book explains clearly yes this is the answer.

I found myself feeling hopeless while reading the beginning of this book. Are we supposed to climb into a cave somewhere and shun all modern conveniences? In the end The Autoimmune Epidemic gives us answers on how to reduce our exposure and hopefully take us back to health. The main thing is to have awareness of our environment. We choose what foods to eat and products to buy. She makes the case for activism on our part. If we tell our government no, and use our wallets to let companies know that we want change all of us can make a difference.

This book will challenge the idea that we have no control over our present life and health. I would suggest anyone having MS should read it. Make yourself aware of what you can improve in your life and not worry about crawling into a bubble to not expose yourself to anything.

If we all work together hopefully we can put an end to this terrible epidemic of autoimmune diseases. I hope that my children will see a day when this trend is reversed and sanity is brought back. This book is a start to that process.

Robert Groth is the author of “Conquer Multiple Sclerosis”. To receive a FREE ebook on reclaiming your life and conquering Multiple Sclerosis go to http://www.ConquerMS.com

Looking for alternative treatments for multiple sclerosis and being creative in finding it is as important as getting a good night’s sleep and taking all your Copaxone.

A good message therapist should be familiar with the symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Feel comfortable interviewing that person and make sure that you are a good fit and feel totally comfortable. Remember this is about a relaxing experience and releasing all your troubles and concerns.

Below you’ll find the benefits of message for multiple sclerosis suffers:

Relieves anxiety

Increases blood circulation, reduces heart rate

Lowers blood pressure

Relaxes muscles

Improves range of motion

Stimulates weak and inactive muscles

Decreases the effects of depression, itching.

I usually see my message therapist once every two weeks, and pay $50.00 per hour- which I’ve found in my area (Wisconsin) is a good price.

The benefits I get out of massage are an addition to all the other things I do to reclaim my life from Multiple Sclerosis.

It’s not just about going to the doctor and taking the medication- it’s about finding a holistic approach and being creative. Finding alternatives to making you feel good.

It’s just plain relaxing and I love looking forward to it.

Massage is all about no talking and just pure relaxation. Classical music is softly playing in the background. Much to my delight it’s a composition with a heavy amount of Oboe. I was a concert oboist for seven years before MS. That set the tone just right. Each appointment last for a minimum of 60 minutes and covers all areas of the body. She knew immediately that I was in a quiet mind type of mood. Whether you meditate or just relax, it is so important to unwind the chatter in your mind. This was the perfect opportunity for me. So close your eyes and feel the relaxation rush in.

Massage is a healing and rejuvenating experience and a piece of the puzzle that allows me to reclaim my life from MS

Robert Groth is the author of “Conquer Multiple Sclerosis”. To receive a FREE ebook on reclaiming your life and conquering Multiple Sclerosis go to http://www.ConquerMS.com

The symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis can be clouded by other diseases such as stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Studies have shown that it could have taken one to ten years longer to diagnose MS in people who had mental health issues, were obese, or who had other physical problems, including smoking.

Thankfully, things have progressed in the process of diagnosing neurological diseases with imaging techniques that now can help diagnose diseases of the brain quicker and tell more of the destruction caused by it.

Since there are no single test to diagnose multiple sclerosis, several tools are used to first rule out other damaging disorders.

Lesions in the nervous system can be found by using imaging technologies. The plaque is the result of the loss of myelin. The Magnetic Resonance Imaging, MRI, is painless and exposes no radiation.

An MRS, magnetic resonance spectroscopy can give information about the brain chemical N-acetyl aspartate. Decreased levels may show nerve damage.

Magnetization Transfer Imaging, MTI, detects white matter problem areas before lesions exist.

A Functional MRI (FMRI) uses radio waves to measure differences in the physical function of the brain such as mental problems and blood flow.

VEP, Visual Evoked Potential is the study of cerebrospinal fluid that circulates through the brain and the spinal cord. This exam can show cellular and chemical abnormalities associated with MS.

With these aids, physicians are able to more easily diagnose what is a true MS attack, but there can be similar symptoms in some conditions and diseases. Polyarteritis, lupus erythematosus, syringomyelin, tropical spastic Para paresis, some cancers, and certain tumors may show attacks and some MS like lesions of the brains white matter. Often it is understood to take a closer look when there are a reoccurrence of the MS symptoms.

Neurological exams performed by a physician can show decreases in nerve function. This might be a loss in sensations such as numbness (pins and needles). There may be signs of the loss of neurologic functions including changes in vision, speech or the ability to move parts of the body.

The Babinski reflex test may show as a positive. This test is done on the outside sole of the foot with a painful stimulus. A positive result would be for an upward movement of the big toe instead of the normal result of a downward flex.

Eye exams show pupil responses, changes in peripheral vision, or rapid eye movements triggered by eye movement. It can also show any problems with the internal structure of the eye.

There are many therapies that may slow the disease allowing you to control your system and the quality of life. Always talk to your physician for guidelines to the diagnosis and treatment of any disease.

Gilbert Lowe has been dealing with multiple sclerosis for more than 14 years. You can see how he manages this at http://www.gilbertlowe.info

Multiple Sclerosis is a disease that attacks the nervous system from the brain to the spinal cord.

The brain, as we know, has been referred to having gray and white matter. The neurons, which are made of a cell body, are grouped together in an organized position. When looking at the brain with the naked eye, it appears gray. This is the cerebral cortex. The much deeper gray cells are called nuclei. These two areas allow us to think, speak, and tell our body what to do.

Myelin is a coating that covers our axons, which when looked at, appear to be white. Axons are the threads that connect cells. The coating,(myelin) acting similar to insulation on electrical wires, keeps the treads from short circuiting allowing signals to flow quickly from the brain to other parts of the body.

MS, as it is also called, disseminated sclerosis, affects the white matter in the brain that has to do with the nervous system. The covering, like what you might find on an electric wire, covers the nuclei which can be attacked by your own immune system. Multiple sclerosis is one of the most nonvascular causes of neurologic disabilities. The disease has no preference, men or women, though some testing has shown it is more prevalent in the female gender. It has been found in children, but it usually begins in early adult life.

An exact cause has not been found, but MS may result from damage to the material which surrounds the nerve cells called the Myelin Sheath. Multiple sclerosis, a progressive disease, often worsens over time. The inflammation can leave many areas of scar tissue, also known as lesions. The progression and repetition of flare-ups, (inflammation) can occur anywhere along the threads from the brain to the spinal cord.

There are medicines that are used to help control the symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis, but many patients have had problems dealing with the side effects of the medications and seek other types of treatment.

Researchers do not know what triggers the relapse of the disease. It is not unusual for MS patients to have higher numbers of immune cells. Immune responses may play a role in theories which include virus, or genetic defect, or combinations of both. Geographic studies have been preformed and results have shown that MS occurs more often in northern Europe, northern United States, southern Australia, and New Zealand. People who live in these areas and have a family history or the gene have a higher risk of the disease. It is not yet known what role genetics play in the disease, but it is on-going research.

Attacks of MS vary and symptoms may last days to months, reduce, disappear, and then have a relapse. The inflammation can reoccur in different parts of the brain. Symptoms may be different than before depending on what new areas of the brain are affected. Fever, hot baths, sun exposure, and stress are common triggers and may worsen attacks.

A history of two or more attacks separated by a period of no symptoms may be signs of relapsing-remitting MS. Disability and discomfort vary with the damage done and the frequency of attacks. Progressive MS is diagnosed when attacks get more severe with less improvement between attacks.

It may be a common factor that there is a return to normal or near-normal function between attacks. Some people have remissions, that last days, months, or even years. Research has yet to come up with a cure, but there are new progressive treatments for the symptoms and some can ead a close to normal life. Living a healthy lifestyle is the first step towards the goal of controlling the disease.

Always check with your physician before you start any treatment, and know that you have a true diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis. Some diseases can mimic the symptoms of MS. Discuss the ways that may be of the most benefit to you both in healing your body and the safety involved.

Gilbert Lowe has been dealing with MS for more than 14 years. You can see how he manages Multiple Sclerosis at http://www.gilbertlowe.info

Some sufferers with multiple sclerosis decide to take responsibility for the management of their disease. There was a time when physicians might have frowned upon this, but now it is sometimes encouraged. People who take an active roll in their fight against ms may have better results purely on the physical and mental benefits it provides. It is better to know you are trying to do something instead of just waiting for the disease to take you over.

There were limited treatments for multiple sclerosis at one time because there was limited knowledge. Since more research has been done, some new things have come to light in the fight with on going ms treatments. There is beginning to be a base line of research where new products are being tested as well as ways to diagnose the disease. There is still much research, and trial studies that need to be performed including but not limited to the use of pharmaceuticals, alternative and herbal therapies. There have been breakthroughs which have shown certain similar results in the MS patient. One such thing is the deficiency of vitamin D. It still needs to be more understood, what if any roll, nutrition, genetics, geographical latitudes, and allergies play in this disease. Because of such research, there have been facts that might make ms sufferers resort to alternative methods of treatment besides medication. Some people can not deal with the side effects, and use any means possible to feel better.

Your treatment depends on available options that should be evaluated; therefore you need to be informed on treatments to help you manage your health. Complimentary and alternative medicine, CAM for short, consists of either complimenting or using a completely different way from the traditional medicinal ways now offered by physicians.

Alternative is the practice used instead of conventional medications. Some popular CAM therapies include; diets, dietary supplements, acupuncture, meditation, massage, and yoga. It is always wise to advise your physician of any complementary or alternative choices you make.

Herbs are often used in therapies for many people, alone or in addition of drugs used to prevent symptoms. Herbs can be dangerous, even toxic when the wrong amount or types taken are not complimentary to one another.

Some herbs that might be effective are; cranberry tablets for the prevention of urinary tract infections. Psyllium, which is approved by the FDA, is used for constipation and Valerin may help insomnia. St. Johns Wort has long been the treatment for depression. The strength and amounts of this herb taken to assure the prevention of its toxicity, if any, has not been established by the FDA. It also may interfere with antiviral medications, and the effect of oral contraceptives. Medications for heart disease, seizures, and certain cancers may be affected by herbs.

Certain herbs may interact with medications given to MS sufferers. You should always know what you are taking and the appropriate doses of herbs. Some have immune-stimulating properties that include alfalfa, astragalus, Echinacea, garlic and Ginseng, Chamomile, Asian and Siberian Ginseng, Goldenseal, Kava-Kava, stinging nettle, passionflower, sage, St. Johns Wort, and Valerian may be considered sedating herbs, and care should be cautioned while taking sedating prescriptions at the same time.

The intake of steroids while taking the herbs; aloe, bayberry, or Asian ginseng may worsen the side effects.

Some herbs that have been recommended by some herbalists for the treatment of ms include; chaparral, comfrey and yohimbe.

Some facts found while doing research on certain herbs are; Kava is known primarily as a relaxant, and has been used as a muscle relaxant. Echinacea is used as a blood purifier and antibiotic. Valerian is used alone or in conjunction with other herbs. It depresses the central nervous system similar to GABA (which occurs naturally in the brain) and inhibits nerve impulse transmission. Some people are stimulated with the use of Valerian, so should it cause insomnia, try hops, chamomile, passion flower, skullcap or avena which are herbs that relieve stress, anxiety and insomnia.

Valerian has many physiologic effects on the CNS, or central nervous system such as a depressant or stimulant to gastric, pulmonary and cardiovascular functions.

You should be evaluated metabolically before using herbs to see if they are suited to you as a complement or is of an antagonistic nature to your system. St. Johns Wort has also been used as an anti-depressant, and studies have shown that it may compliment some sufferers of depression and is an alternative to using prescribed drugs.

This is not a guide or how-to article for using herbal treatments. The exact amounts needed to help fight MS would need to be designed and discussed with your health manager. This article is only a fraction of the information available on herbs and MS. Hopefully; there will be follow-up articles as more results are known from clinical testing.

Gilbert Lowe has been dealing with multiple sclerosis for more than 14 years. You can see how he manages this at http://www.gilbertlowe.info