Multiple sclerosis (MS): supporting nerve health through root cause resolution
MS can impact mobility, energy, and daily life in unpredictable ways. Functional medicine looks deeper, addressing factors that influence inflammation and nervous system health to promote stability and resilience.
Managing multiple sclerosis naturally – alternative therapies for MS
Are you looking to learn about functional medicine support for people with MS or manage MS naturally? This page covers:
At Melbourne Functional Medicine, we help people with MS support their health and wellbeing with a personalised approach to healthcare.
What is MS?
Understanding your condition
Multiple sclerosis affects around 2.5 million people worldwide and is diagnosed in more women than men, commonly aged between 20 and 50. It is a progressive autoimmune condition, where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the protective coating (called myelin) around nerve cells. This slows the communication between brain and body so that the body is unable to react in time. When the myelin is badly damaged, people with MS can have altered sensations in the body, losing control of vision, muscles, and balance.
What is MS?
Understanding your condition
Multiple sclerosis affects around 2.5 million people worldwide and is diagnosed in more women than men, commonly aged between 20 and 50. It is a progressive autoimmune condition, where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the protective coating (called myelin) around nerve cells. This slows the communication between brain and body so that the body is unable to react in time. When the myelin is badly damaged, people with MS can have altered sensations in the body, losing control of vision, muscles, and balance.
Managing multiple sclerosis naturally
People living with MS often look for natural ways to manage their symptoms alongside conventional care.
A functional medicine approach takes a holistic, personalised view, using evidence-based natural therapies, nutritional support, diet, and lifestyle strategies to improve wellbeing and quality of life.
MS symptoms
The nervous system is a series of networks throughout the body that transmits communications from the brain to all organs, tissues, and muscles. The immune system in MS damages the myelin sheath that covers nerves anywhere in the body, causing symptoms that vary from person to person, day to day, fluctuating in severity and over time. This can make it hard to understand, live with, and diagnose MS.
Commonly, the first signs of MS include extreme fatigue, stumbling, tingling and altered sensations, eyesight problems and slowed thinking. Early treatment can help slow progression, and may even facilitate remission.
Symptoms can include:
- Anxiety and depression, mood changes
- Ataxia – a lack of coordination of the muscles, appearing as speech problems, clumsiness, unsteady walking and balance issues, impaired limb and eye movement or dizziness
- Extreme fatigue
- Reduced strength
- Double vision and sensory issues
- Bladder and bowel control problems, incontinence
- Memory, cognition and judgement difficulty
- Dizziness and vertigo
- Heat sensitivity, which can exacerbate other symptoms
- Pain, which can vary considerably from one person to another
- Sensory dysfunction – numbness, tingling, pins and needles, itching, burning, prickling, crawling, or tightness can occur in any part of the body, although usually trunk, arms, legs or face and sometimes genitals
- Sexual dysfunction and poor libido
- Spasms, tremors, involuntary jerking / kicking movements
- Difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia), chewing, controlling food in the mouth and dribbling
There are 3 main types of MS:
- RRMS relapsing-remitting – the mildest form, approx. 85% of people diagnosed will have this form
- SPMS secondary progressive – can develop later in some people with RRMS, where disability worsens and may or may not have relapses
- PPMS primary progressive – 10-15% approx. of people will have PPMS, characterised by gradually worsening symptoms and few or no remissions or relapses
Get better, personalised care
What causes MS?
As with all autoimmune diseases, the precise cause is not clear, however, research has confirmed that a complex interplay between genetic susceptibility and environmental triggers (epigenetics) is implicated in autoimmune conditions. Triggers can also include viruses and other infectious agents, and it is common to find gastrointestinal disturbances such as intestinal hyperpermeability, and gut flora dysbiosis in people who develop MS.
A large 2022 study revealed the leading trigger of MS to be the presence of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) commonly known as glandular fever, or mononucleosis, which after infection resides permanently in immune B cells in a dormant state and can be reactivated with little or no symptoms.
Other triggers/risk factors for developing MS are:
- Genetic predisposition/family history
- Genetic MTHFR polymorphism which can impair methylation (a process that is essential to healthy detoxification)
- Being female
- Aged between 20 – 40 years
- Smoking
- Chronic stress/trauma including adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)
- Gluten and dairy consumption
- Exposure to heavy metals such as mercury (e.g. in dental fillings and fish), toxins, chemicals such as organic solvents
- Mycotoxins from mould exposure
- Vitamin D deficiency – as a selective immune system regulator, Vitamin D inhibits autoimmune disease
- Being born and living a minimum of 15 years in northern latitudes, or of Scandinavian, North American or Northern European ancestry (likely due to reduced exposure to sunlight for Vitamin D3 production)
- Viruses and infectious agents, such as EBV, measles, herpes and chicken pox
- Bacterial infections such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus.
- Digestive disorders, such as intestinal hyperpermeability (aka leaky gut), poor gastric secretions, SIBO, fungal infections such as Candida albicans
- Gut microbiome dysbiosis, in particular, the presence of C. perfringens
How is MS diagnosed?
Multiple sclerosis diagnosis can be difficult, as no single test can tell positively if you have MS or not, and early symptoms can mimic other conditions. Often people see many practitioners, GPs, optometrists etc. who may suspect MS but cannot make a diagnosis.
A 2019 study suggests that up to 25% of people are incorrectly diagnosed with MS, with symptoms similar to B12 or copper deficiencies, some genetic conditions, and other diseases of the myelin sheath and structural abnormalities.
The McDonald criteria is a diagnostic guide used by clinicians to clarify the likelihood of a patient having MS, and rule out conditions with similar symptoms. It requires 2 or more clinical attacks / relapses along with 2 or more lesions identified by MRI in the spinal cord or brain.
MS tests may include:
- Neurological examination checking movement, vision, balance, reflexes and the function of other senses such as touch
- The visual evoked potentials (VEPs) use electrodes and may indicate how fast nerve messages are travelling relating to your vision, or other parts of the body
- MRI to detect scars / lesions in your central nervous system
- Lumbar puncture (spinal tap) to test a small amount of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for any sign of oligoclonal bands (OCBs) which are not usually found in the CSF. Often analysed in conjunction with the MRI results
- Blood tests that may indicate or rule out other conditions
MS treatment – the conventional approach
Conventional treatments of multiple sclerosis in Australia provide management of symptoms as part of a plan developed by your healthcare professionals that may include a neurologist. Generally, this involves the use of medications including:
- Immunotherapies (Disease Modifying Therapies), a variety of about 16 drugs that may slow the severity and frequency of attacks to the nervous system, and are often prescribed for people with relapsing-remitting MS
- Corticosteroid medication to reduce inflammation and symptoms of an acute attack
- Specific medications for individual symptoms such as for treating spasticity, incontinence, depression, or pain
Rehabilitation may be part of the treatment plan to learn to adapt to altered mobility or levels of function, such as physiotherapy, and speech pathology.
Finding the correct medicines can take time and be frustrating, and there can be significant side effects meaning that close monitoring is required to ensure safety, even if carefully directed by an MS specialist. These treatments can relieve the effects of some symptoms and may slow progression, however, they often don’t treat the root causes or contributing factors that drive MS. This is why many people with MS are dissatisfied with conventional drug therapies and prefer managing multiple sclerosis naturally.
Functional medicine multiple sclerosis support
People seeking a natural treatment for MS often find that the functional medicine approach benefits them, because it involves treating the whole person. A thorough investigation from a functional medicine practitioner will seek to determine what led to the development of symptoms in the first place. Whether the triggers are food, mould exposure, smoking, or chronic stress, your functional medicine practitioner can help uncover and address those issues naturally, gently and effectively.
Treatment strategies are tailored to the patient to improve healthy myelination of nerves, reduce inflammation, decrease autoimmune activation, increase energy and improve mood, and peripheral sensation. Other strategies include healing the gut, improving the diversity and makeup of microbial gut flora species, testing and removing heavy metals, mycotoxins and increasing immune resilience. Natural treatment options that can support a person with MS may include:
Dietary changes
- Include/increase consumption of – anti-inflammatory foods, lecithin, Omega 3 fatty acids via wild-caught oily fish (sardine, mackerel, anchovies, salmon and herring), plant flavonoids found in colourful fruits and vegetables, berries, healthy fats such as coconut, avocado and extra virgin olive oil, nuts and seeds, only grass fed animal foods, garlic, onion, mushrooms, and eggs
- Avoid all processed foods and soft drinks, alcohol, coffee, black tea, dairy and wheat, gluten, smoked and cured meats, and sugar as inflammatory foods and triggers
- Increase fibre intake to improve and support gut microbiome diversity and makeup
- Identify food sensitivities, allergies or intolerances and eliminate them from the diet
Supplementary nutrients
- Phosphatidylserine, choline – for healthy myelin production of nerve cells
- Digestive enzymes – to ensure digestion and absorption of vital nutrients
- Selenium, magnesium, Vitamin D3 – to decrease autoimmunity
- Tyrosine and phenylalanine – to support neurotransmitter production
- Vitamins B6, B12 and folinic acid – for healthy nerve transmission
- R-lipoic acid, N-acetyl cysteine, Vitamin C, tocotrienols – antioxidants, energy production
- 5-HTP for serotonin production
- Histidine – for energy, myelin production
- CoQ10, resveratrol – antioxidants for heart and nerve health, and energy
- Precision probiotics for improving gut health
Herbal medicines
- California poppy, Jamaican dogwood, white willow – for pain management
- Boswellia, turmeric, bupleurum, cat’s claw – anti-inflammatories
- Ginkgo biloba, gotu kola, bacopa – antioxidants, nerve function
- Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Enokitake – for regulating the immune response to reduce myelin sheath destruction, or for their antiviral actions
- St Mary’s thistle (Silybum marianum), globe artichoke to support detoxification
Lifestyle medicine
- Gentle exercise to maintain mobility, such as walking, Tai chi, yoga and forest bathing, adequate sunlight on bare skin, and massage
- Stress resilience techniques, including vagal nerve stimulation such as singing, gargling, massage, and meditation/mindfulness practices
In addition, your functional medicine practitioner will be mindful of optimising immune resilience for SARS-CoV-2 infection and long COVID symptoms.
These strategies can prevent further damage and slow or stop progression for as long as the patient maintains the regime.
In our personalised program, your practitioner and your health coach will give you the guidance, support, care, and encouragement you need to get better. We can help with a range of chronic health conditions, from autoimmune conditions like MS to digestive disorders, women’s health concerns, and more.
Ready for a personalised, natural functional medicine treatment?
Our unique model of care was designed with you in mind. Find out how, then book a call today
Frequently
Asked
Questions
Is MS hereditary?
Yes. Multiple sclerosis (MS) has a genetic component, but inheriting certain genes does not mean you will definitely develop the condition.
Whether MS develops often depends on epigenetic factors – how your genes interact with the environment. Triggers such as viral infections, toxin exposure, nutrient deficiencies, and food intolerances can influence whether those genes are expressed. This means that while there may be a family predisposition, lifestyle and environmental factors play a major role in determining who develops MS.
Even if you do develop MS or any autoimmune condition, there are natural ways to manage the condition effectively and gently.
Is multiple sclerosis an autoimmune disease?
Yes. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune cells mistakenly attack the protective coating around nerves, called myelin.
Neurologists now recognise that one of the main triggers is the Epstein–Barr virus (EBV). Because parts of EBV closely resemble myelin, the immune system can confuse the two and attack nerve cells – a process called molecular mimicry, which also occurs in other autoimmune diseases.
Supporting the immune system by reducing triggers, providing nutrients needed for nerve repair, and restoring resilience can help reduce flares and support wellbeing. These functional medicine strategies can complement the care you receive from your neurologist.
How is MS diagnosed in Australia?
Diagnosing MS can be complex, as there is no single test that provides a definite answer. In Australia, neurologists use the McDonald criteria to guide diagnosis and rule out other conditions with similar symptoms.
According to these criteria, a diagnosis usually requires:
- Two or more clinical attacks/relapses, and
- Two or more lesions visible on an MRI scan of the brain or spinal cord.
Other investigations, such as lumbar puncture or evoked potential tests, may also be used to support the diagnosis.
Is multiple sclerosis a virus?
No. MS is not a virus – it is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the protective coating of nerves. However, research shows that viruses such as Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) may act as triggers in people who already have a genetic predisposition to the disease.
Is there an MS naturopath near me in Melbourne?
Yes. If you’re looking for a naturopath who can work alongside your neurologist, our functional medicine practitioners at Melbourne Functional Medicine can help. We consult from our clinic in South Melbourne, or via telehealth if you’d prefer the convenience of home.
Our naturopaths support people living with multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune conditions through a personalised, functional medicine approach that complements conventional care.
What natural treatments are available for MS?
While there is no cure for MS, a functional medicine approach can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Our naturopaths use a range of personalised strategies to:
- Support healthy myelination of nerves
- Reduce inflammation and autoimmune activation
- Boost energy, mood, and peripheral sensation
- Heal the gut and improve microbiome balance
- Identify and address triggers such as heavy metals or mycotoxins
- Strengthen overall immune resilience
These natural therapies are designed to complement the care you receive from your neurologist, providing a holistic approach to MS management.
Can MS be reversed?
At present, MS cannot be cured or fully reversed. However, depending on how long you’ve had MS and the level of nerve damage, symptoms can often be improved, progression slowed, and in some cases stabilised.
A functional medicine approach focuses on:
- Identifying and removing triggers that drive inflammation and immune activity
- Reducing inflammation through targeted nutrition, supplements, and lifestyle strategies
- Restoring gut health and improving nutrient absorption
- Providing building blocks needed for myelin repair and healthy nerve function
- Supporting key areas such as energy, mood, vision, and overall quality of life
Working alongside your neurologist, a functional medicine practitioner can help create a personalised plan that complements conventional care and supports long-term wellbeing.
What are the early signs of multiple sclerosis?
Early signs of MS can vary, but some of the most common include:
- Vision changes: blurred or double vision, or pain with eye movement
- Numbness or tingling: often in the face, arms, legs, or fingers
- Muscle weakness or stiffness: making movement feel more difficult
- Fatigue: a deep, persistent tiredness not explained by activity or rest
- Problems with balance or coordination: such as clumsiness or dizziness
- Cognitive changes: including forgetfulness or difficulty concentrating
These symptoms may come and go in the early stages, which is why diagnosis can be challenging. If you experience these signs, a neurologist can investigate further. At the same time, a functional medicine approach can help address lifestyle and environmental triggers, supporting overall resilience and quality of life.
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Reach out to the team directly – we’ll be happy to assist.
