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BACTERIAL INFECTION

Clostridium perfringens (formerly known as Clostridium  welchii, or Bacillus welchii) is a bacteria found in soil and contaminated undercooked meat. It is widely distributed in the environment and foods and forms part of the normal gut flora in man and animals. Spores of Clostridium  perfringens survive cooking and, during slow cooling and unrefrigerated storage, germinate to form vegetative (growing) cells. Under optimal growth conditions the organism has a generation time of 10 to 12 minutes, and gastroenteritis often follows ingestion of food containing large numbers of vegetative cells.

Food poisoning most often occurs when food (usually meat) is prepared in advance and kept warm for several hours before serving. Food poisoning from this bacteria can cause diarrhoea and stomach cramps that usually resolve within 24 hours. However, the bacterium is also responsible for 80-95% of cases of gas gangrene, a rare but very severe form of gangrene (tissue death). One particular strain of Clostridium perfringens, Type B,  makes a toxin that can travel through blood to the brain and kill myelin producing cells which is the damage seen in MS.

IRON ACCUMULATION

A major cause for multiple sclerosis can also be iron accumulation in the brain due to the blocking of blood flow to pathways which remove excess iron. One Italian doctor has discovered that opening up the veins using balloons or stents can relieve this accumulation of iron and reverse and stop the damage caused by iron to the blood vessels in the brain. More than 90% of people with MS have some sort of malformation or blockage in the veins that drain blood from the brain. Because nicotine constricts blood vessels and clogs up arteries smoking may, in the long term, be an added factor in the development of multiple sclerosis.

TRANS FATTY ACIDS

Multiple sclerosis can also be caused by the high consumption of trans fatty acids which stick to cell walls or constantly eating the same food that contains trans-fatty acids, synthetic food additives and microbes. Examples would be the artificial sweetener,aspartame, meat or peanut butter. People who eat a lot of peanut butter can have several health problems due to both the trans fats and microbes present in peanut butter.

HEAVY METALS

Another cause of multiple sclerosis is heavy metals; usually mercury from fish, dental amalgam or other sources. However, other heavy metals and even some chemicals can cause MS. Analysis of the cause of the MS must be done and will include determining whether the person has been exposed to heavy metals or other chemicals.

For example: in a dental clinic or chemistry class; does the person have an abnormally high number of "silver" fillings (which are actually about 50% mercury); has the person been exposed to drinking water contaminated with chemicals (e.g. well water); has the person eaten a lot of fish (all fish have some mercury in them, especially ocean fish); did the person have their mercury fillings removed by an unqualified dentist (less than 1% of all dentists are qualified to remove dental amalgam) etc.

The distribution of multiple sclerosis cases are concentrated near ocean coasts (where the person has consumed an abnormally high amount of ocean fish). Norway and the West Coast of the United States (e.g. Alaska) have abnormally high rates of MS.

There is concern that the synthesising of some vitamins can leave traces of heavy metals which are detectable in the final product. Over the last decade a number of supplements, from individual vitamins to whey proteins, have been tested and traces of a number of heavy metals have been detected. As mandatory product testing is not enforced it is impossible to determine which vitamins may contain these heavy metals, and which do not. It is for this reason that Nature Cures does not recommend synthetic forms of vitamins, as heavy metals are linked to  brain degeneration, liver toxicity and genetic mutations and could lead to the development of Alzheimer's disease, dementia, multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's disease. It is always best to consume natural foods rich in the vitamins and minerals required rather than synthetic versions. Alpha lipoic acid also increases the levels of intra cellular glutathione. Heating or pasteurisation destroys the delicate disulphide bonds that give these proteins their bioactivity. Coriander helps to eliminate heavy metals. Cysteine is a co-factor for glutathione so foods rich in this nutrient are important. Glutathione is a superb chelator of mercury. Cysteine, glutamic acid, glycine and selenium are cofactors in this process. Therefore foods rich in these phytochemicals must be consumed to avoid developing multiple sclerosis from heavy metal contamination. Glutamic acid is a co-factor for glutathione so foods rich in this nutrient are important. Glycine is a co-factor for glutathione so foods rich in this nutrient are important. Green tea helps to remove heavy metals. Drink three cups per day. Selenium is important to help remove toxins and heavy metals from the brain. Consume two brazils nuts per day to obtain sufficient levels of this important mineral. Sulphur-rich foods can remove heavy metals from the system. Highest sources of sulphur in milligrams pr 100 grams Scallops 520 mg Lobster 510 mg Crab 470 mg Prawns 370 mg Mussels 350 mg Haddock 290 mg Brazil nuts 290 mg Peanuts 260 mg Cod 250 mg Oysters 250 mg Chicken livers 250 mg Cheese (parmesan) 250 mg Caviar (fish roe) 240 mg Peaches (dried) 240 mg Cheese (cheddar or stilton) 230 mg Salmon 220 mg Beef 220 mg Eggs 200 mg Apricots (dried) 160 mg Almonds 150 mg Rabbit 130 mg Walnuts 100 mg Peppercorns 100 mg Cabbage 90 mg Spinach 90 mg Brussel sprouts 80 mg Chickpeas 80 mg Figs (dried) 80 mg Coconut 80 mg Hazel nuts 80 mg Mung beans 60 mg Dates 50 mg Split peas 50 mg Onions 50 mg Leeks 50 mg Radishes 40 mg See Heavy metals on this website for more information about how to avoid heavy metals and eliminate them from the body. NATURAL REMEDIES FOR MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS AND OTHER DEGENERATIVE DISEASES OF THE BRAIN Many natural foods are capable of cleansing the body of bacterial infections and toxins, boosting the immune system and aiding in restful sleep. A diet rich in all colours of vegetables and fruits, legumes, herbs, spices, grains, seeds and nuts will provide the body with the nutrients necessary for these processes to take place. Natural organic alfalfa, almonds, aloe vera juice, apple cider vinegar, basil, berries, brine pickles, citrus fruits and peel, coconut (flesh and juice), dried fruits, grapes (black), green tea, honey, lemon juice, mushrooms, papaya, parsley, peppercorns, pomegranate juice, pumpkin seeds, radishes, rapeseed oil, sea salt (pure unrefined), sesame oil, shellfish, sunflower seeds and walnuts should also become a staple part of the diet. Eat a diet rich in both soluble and insoluble fibre in the form of amaranth, bran, brown rice, buckwheat, legumes, millet, oats, quinoa, rye, citrus peel or coconut flesh. A tablespoon of psyllium husks in plenty of water daily can aid digestion, feed the beneficial bacteria and keep the gastrointestinal tract, especially the colon, in a healthy state. Eat foods rich in the vitamin A precursor beta carotene with fatty foods like avocado, nuts and virgin cold pressed vegetable oils. Vitamin A is thought to increase tissue resistance to penetration by microbes. Pineapple is rich in beta-carotene and vitamin A.  It is a useful addition to the diet as it can also help to rehydrate the brain and remove heavy metals, microbes, parasites and toxins from the body as well as reduce inflammation and aid with digestion. NOTE: As beta-carotene is fat-soluble it must be consume with some oil in order to be absorbed. Consuming some yoghurt or avocado at the same time as pineapple can achieve this. Foods rich in vitamin C and zinc also help to support the immune system. Zinc is lost by drinking alcohol and through many medications. The B complex are important to protect the nerves and myelin sheaths of the nerves especially vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 which can be deficient in those that take drugs or drink alcohol. Vegans and vegetations can consume barley grass or nori seaweed to gain sufficient vitamin B12. Vitamin D is essential therefore fifteen minutes skin exposure to midday sunshine as often as possible is vital. Sunscreens and windows block the skins ability to utilise the suns rays to make vitamin D. Consuming foods rich in vitamin D may help in the early stages of multiple sclerosis. Red krill oil is one of the richest sources of both vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids which are also important for a healthy brain and immune system. Krill is not contaminated by mercury, like some oily fish is, as it is short lived and resides near the surface of the oceans. Take 1000 mg of krill oil per day. Adding probiotic and prebiotic foods helps to restore the balance of the intestinal flora which helps with many bodily processes and the absorption and manufacture of some vitamins and minerals. Drink plentiful supplies of bottled mineral water to ensure the addition of essential minerals in the diet. Himalayan salt crystals and unrefined sea salt should be used instead of table salt which has had all the essentials minerals stripped out. Try Raw Juicing, Micro Diet Sprouting and Brine Pickling to add high concentrations of vital nutrients to the diet. NATURE CURES DIET FOR MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS Meat (three times a week) Lean organic beef, organ meats, rabbit and venison Fish (three times a week) All oily fish, anchovies, bloater fish, carp, cod, eel, herring, halibut, kipper, mackerel, octopus, pilchards, salmon, sardines, shellfish, swordfish, hilsa fish, sprats, trout, tuna (fresh only) and whitebait Dairy (yoghurt & kefir milk daily, eggs and cheese two times a week) Blue cheese, eggs, kefir milk, yoghurt (live probiotic) Vegetables (a selection of all colours per day, try to consume all at least once a fortnight - see Nature's Colour Codes) Alfalfa, aubergine, bell peppers (all colours), broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrots, cauliflower, courgettes, cress, cucumber, garlic, kelp, lettuce, mushrooms, okra, onions, parsnips, radish, red cabbage, spinach and all other green leafed vegetables, spirulina, seaweed and tomatoes. Legumes (at least three times a week) All beans especially black beans, black-eyed peas, broad beans, chickpeas, legumes, lentils, lima bean, mung beans, navy beans, peas, pinto bean, red kidney beans, soya beans and winged beans.   Algae and seaweed (consume when eating oily fish to help prevent absorption and remove heavy metals) Chlorella (blue/green algae), dulse (brown algae), Ecklonia cava (brown algae), Irish moss (red algae), kombu (fermented seaweed), kelp (seaweed), miso (seaweed soup), nori (red algae), samphire (seaweed), spirulina (blue/green algae) and Wakame (seaweed) Whole grains (at least one whole grain everyday) Amaranth, barley, brown rice, buckwheat, millet, oats, quinoa and rye. Fruit (two or three colours of fruits per day, see Nature's Colour Codes) Apples, ash gourd, bananas, blackberries, blueberries, cherries, cranberries, grapes (red), peaches, red grapes, red berries and all citrus fruits especially lemons, limes, oranges and tangerines. Dried Fruit (as snacks or added to meals daily) Apricots, dates, figs, prunes, raisins and sultanas. Nuts (as snacks or added to meals daily) Almonds, cashews, coconut, hazelnuts, peanuts and walnuts. Seeds (as snacks or added to meals daily) Butternut squash, chia, flaxseeds, hemp seeds, nasturtium, poppy, pumpkin, sesame, sunflower and watermelon. Common Herbs (nutritious herbs as teas of added to meals daily) Basil, burdock root, cardamom, coriander, cloves, dandelion, dill, lemongrass, oregano, parsley, rosemary, safflower, sage, tarragon and thyme. Medicinal Herbs (consume as teas or add to meals as required) Ashitaba, drumstick, false unicorn, gingko, gotu kola, Japanese knotweed, lavender, lobelia, motherwort, passion flower, periwinkle, pine needle tea, rock-rose flowers, schizandra, skull cap and valerian. Spices (nutritious spices to be used as often as possible daily) Cayenne pepper, cinnamon, cumin, coriander, nutmeg, paprika, peppercorns, (ground) and turmeric Derivatives and others (to be consumed and used as desired on a daily basis) Anise seed tea, apple cider vinegar, bergamot tea, black strap molasses, brewer's yeast, brine pickles, green tea, honey, miso, olive oil, psyllium husks, royal jelly, sesame oil, tea and tofu. WHAT TO AVOID WHEN All essential oils if pregnant or breast feeding. Also not suitable for children under 5. Allspice if suffering from stomach ulcers, ulcerative colitis and diverticulitis. Almonds, cabbage and kale, plums and prunes if suffering from gout, bladder stones, gallstones or kidney stones, joint problems, osteoporosis or thyroid gland problems. Aloe vera, cats claw, dandelion, Echinacea and astragalus if pregnant or breast feeding or have high blood pressure. Angelica (dong quai), cumin, ginger, Japanese knotweed, motherwort and turmeric if taking anticoagulants (blood thinning medication) hormone therapies and contraception or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen, have heart problems and during the first trimester of pregnancy. Chinese rhubarb root is not recommended for long term use and not suitable for pregnant or breast feeding women, children under twelve years of age, those who suffer from colitis or have an intestinal obstruction or have a history of kidney stones or urinary problems, or if taking anticoagulant (blood thinning) medicine or aspirin. Chlorella and spirulina if suffering from a seafood or iodine allergy, a metabolic condition called phenylketonuria (PKU), multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. If pregnant or nursing or have hyperthyroidism, consult a healthcare provider before taking spirulina. It may interfere with medications to suppress the immune system. Devil's claw if diabetic or taking blood pressure or blood-thinning medications. Ginseng if pregnant or breast feeding or suffering from asthma, emphysema, fibrocystic breasts, high blood pressure, clotting problems and cardiac arrhythmia Goji berries if taking medication for diabetes, high blood pressure or anti-coagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin or aspirin. Grapefruit can interact with many types of medications, such as statins or blood pressure medications amongst others, by reducing or increasing their effectiveness. Land caltrop can cause foetal miscarriage and must be avoided by pregnant or breast feeding women or individuals with breast or prostate cancer. Excess consumption of land caltrop can cause sleep disturbances and irregular menstruation and high doses may adversely affect the eyes and liver. Linden if suffering from heart disease or are pregnant or breast feeding or if taking diuretics as it could increase the concentration of lithium in the blood. Liquorice root if suffering from high blood pressure, a heart condition, oedema or are taking certain medications such as warfarin or diuretics. Marshmallow herb if suffering with diabetes, alcohol dependency or liver disease or if pregnant or breast feeding. Nettles if suffering from heart or kidney problems. Reishi mushrooms if taking medication for anti-hypertensive, blood sugar lowering medications and anti-coagulants or are pregnant. Rosemary if pregnant or breastfeeding or suffering from high blood pressure. Sage if pregnant or suffering from epilepsy. Scutellaria if pregnant or breastfeeding. Senega root if hypersensitive to salicylates or aspirin or pregnant. Siberian ginseng if suffering from high blood pressure or anxiety. Swiss chard if there is an existing and untreated kidney or gallbladder problem. Whole nuts and seeds if suffering from diverticulitis (grind to a fine powder first). NOTE: Motherwort may be habit forming. CAUTION: Many herbs are powerful and can react with medications. Always check before taking at the same time as any drugs. NOTE: Some nutritional yeasts, especially brewer’s yeast, can  also interact with medications. Those who are on Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor antidepressants (MAOIs) medication are especially at risk. It is also best avoided by those carrying the herpes virus as it can induce a attack. Try to avoid any foods with additives such as aspartame, refined and processed foods, coffee,  fizzy drinks, sugar, table salt (use Himalayan pink crystals or unrefined sea salt), white flour and white rice (choose whole grains and brown or wild rice). Only eat fruit and vegetables if they are organic because of the risk of pesticides, herbicides and fungicides: Associated articles Aspartame Bacteria infections Coffee dangers Heavy metals Lyme disease Neurological disorders "Nature cures not the physician..." 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