The simple fact is that MS and vitamin D work well together. Multiple Sclerosis and vitamin D are able to balance each other out, in the sense that MS is an autoimmune disease and vitamin D boosts the immune system. Not only does vitamin D help improve the immune system, but it also promotes cellular differentiation, reduces inflammation, and help lower the number of relapses MS patients experience. Some scientists even believe people taking a supplement of vitamin D can help to prevent Multiple Sclerosis from occurring in the first place.
The environment also plays a role in the presence of MS. A lack of sunshine will lower the amount of vitamin D gained from the environment, so enjoying some sunshine each day adds at least a small amount of vitamin D to a person’s system. It isn’t solely environmental factors that cause Multiple Sclerosis, so the genetic makeup of a person also must be considered. Taking a vitamin D supplement is a good place to start. The doses need to be much higher than those stated on the vitamin bottle. The average dose tends to be around 1,000 IU, but it needs to be closer to 14,000 IU or higher for MS patients. Some researchers have even boosted the levels up to as high as 40,000 IU for a short period of time with much success.
MS and Vitamin D Deficiency
Signs of a lack of vitamin D include muscles that cramp often, are painful or achy in any way, spastic, show signs of wasting, and mild to moderate weakness. Depending on the amount MS has progressed in a person, there could be a number of these signs present, as opposed to just one. While numbness, tingling, or weakness in multiple limbs is commonly noticed by MS patients, a lack of vitamin D can amplify these discomforts. Be sure to check your level of vitamin D to make sure your body is getting enough.
Multiple Sclerosis and vitamin deficiency can easily be connected. There is a higher rate of MS patients in countries where the climates are cloudier. Hanging out in the sunshine for a bit enables the body to create its own vitamin D. Getting a daily dose of sunshine is going to be the cheapest route, but generally not the safest way to allow MS and vitamin D to work together. The sun’s harmful rays can do a lot of damage to the skin, so taking a supplement of vitamin D is usually the best. Many researchers agree with this link between Multiple Sclerosis and vitamin D.
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