MS-Diet Support Group DIRECT-MS

BEST BET DIET BOOK Scientific Papers

"MS: Probable Cause and Best Bet Treatment" Dr. Ashton Embry © 1996
Section 15: Strengthening the BBB
There is very little literature on possible ways to strengthen the BBB. Recently an essay on this subject was posted on a web site (http://spider.lloyd.com/~tstout/articles) by T. Stout. Much of the information in this section is taken from this excellent contribution. Experiments with animals have shown that there are three related chemicals, anthocyanosides, proanthocyanidins and procyanidolic oligomers, which strengthen the BBB (Robert et al., 1977; Detre et al., 1986). These chemicals are found in blueberries, cherries, black berries, grapes and the bark and needles of certain pine trees. They are currently available as encapsulated supplements called bilberry, grape seed extract and pycnogenol. These supplements and/or substantial quantities of the above fruits should be ingested daily to help strengthen the BBB. The anthocyanosides and proanthocyanidins act as very powerful anti-oxidants, block enzyme actions and bind with the BBB and it is these properties which likely result in their beneficial effect on the BBB (see Stout essay for details). Other supplements which are anti-oxidants (much less powerful) include vitamin A (cod liver oil), vitamin C (with bioflavonoids) and vitamin E. These, along with vitamin B complex and vitamin D, should be taken daily. Calcium and magnesium supplements are also essential and have been shown to beneficially affect MS progression (Goldberg et al., 1986). As described earlier, micro-emboli, formed due to high saturated fat intake, also damage the BBB. As a complementary treatment to the reduced intake of saturated fats, consumption of polyunsaturated fats should be increased. Such fats aid in the desegregation of platelets and are important for cell growth and reducing inflammation. These fats include unrefined safflower, sunflower and flax oil as well as encapsulated evening primrose oil and borage oil. It was recently scientifically shown that gamma-linolenic acid, the key ingredient of evening primrose oil and borage oil, greatly reduced arthritis attacks (Zurier et al., 1996). Fish also contain valuable polyunsaturated fats (omega 3 EFA) and should be eaten at least two or three times a week. Fish oil (e.g. salmon oil) is also available in capsules. Notably fish oil has been found to be very beneficial in controlling another autoimmune disorder, Crohn's disease (Belluzzi et al., 1996). The interested reader is referred to the comprehensive book by Erasmus (1993) which provides detailed information on the harmful effects of some fats and the beneficial effects of others.
End section 15.