This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

Hi to everybody.

I have come across a booklet issued by Solgar, describing its supplements. I read that L-Tryptophan raises beta-endorphins production. Recently, at the front page of this site I read an article stating that tryptophan looks promising in MS.

After a google search, I found the following page stating that a tryptophan derivative raises endorphin levels five times more than tryptophan itself.

http://www.immunesupport.com/news/98sum007.htm

Could the action of tryptophan in MS be similar to the LDN's?

At last, I believe that somebody must *formally* investigate the link between beta-endorphin levels and autoimmune diseases. If Dr Bihari's hypotheses are proved, then he deserves the Nobel prize.

The page I mentioned above mentions that there is a link between endorphin production and extreme body reaction to sugar and refined carbohydrates.

My body does have extreme reaction to sugar. I used to be overweight since I was a baby because of refined carbohydrate consumption. I lost almost 35 kilos when I realized what the problem was. I was 16 at the time. Too bad that my MS must had already been triggered when I was 11. (double-vision) The diagnosis came ten years later, at a period of great anxiety. I used to have some minor relapses on stressfull periods, but I did not pay any attention to them.

Do you believe that there is something to do with metabolism? Have you heard of any similar stories?

Refined carbohydrates were introduced in our diet in the last 50-100 years. According to Dr Atkins, it takes about 30 years for the consequences to take place. And since then ALL autoimmune disorder and cancer occurances increased almost 10 times. Ok, there are other factors, too, but most of them lead to decreased endorphin production. (stress, diet, not much exercise etc)

Finally, starvation is considered beneficial for MSers and other sufferers of autoimmune disorders and cancer. Could it be because starvation also means no cosumption of refined carbohydrates and temporary increase in beta-endorphin levels and decrease in cortisol levels?

I would like your comments on this. I was just thinking loudly.

Thanks,
Stavros

_________________
If God created MS, Devil would create Rebif to treat it!

Stavros

I like your "thinking out loud." I definitely think it’s possible these things can be linked together. I tie them together a bit differently than you do although I think they are all inter-related.

While the following abstract doesn’t mention beta-endorphins or LDN, it is a hypothesis of MS that seems to incorporate some of your “thinking out loud” and mentions several of the things you noted: stress, 5-HT, tryptophan and reactions to sugars and carbohydrates. It also incorporates HPA hypersecretion of cortisol that’s been discussed recently in other threads. The whole abstract is a relatively “easy” read I think. Tryptophan Availability and the Susceptibility to Stress in MS: A Hypothesis .

It strikes me Stavros that your “thinking out loud” parallels some of the ideas in this hypothesis of MS. It may be pertinent as well to Lynda Carol’s pursuit and interest in “high insulin levels” in people with MS. The sugars and carbohydrates I love are definitely out of my diet because of my sensitivity to them. It’s a bad combo with my MS for sure and stress is worse, without a doubt.

As for LDN, I definitely think it should be in a clinical trial ASAP. My focus though has been on the proposed mechanism of action, i.e, inhibiting glutamate excitotoxity that seems to be associated with the neurodegeneration in MS.

Keep thinking out loud …..and take care.

Sharon

I know when John eats processed foods he feels like crap and we pretty much eliminated refined carbs right off the bat. Pasteurization is another one that is suspect IMO. It destroys bacteria which is great but it also destroys enzymes and I assume some of those were needed for digestion. If we think this is a problem now wait to see what the genetically altered foods will do. Soy is a great example as it used to be considered non allergenic until it was modified and now it is a know allergen. All thoughts to ponder

"Refined carbohydrates refers to foods where machinery has been used to remove the high fibre bits (the bran and the germ) from the grain. White rice, white bread, sugary cereals, and pasta and noodles made from white flour are all examples of refined carbohydrates."

<shortened url>


Genetically Modified Foods: A Concern for the Allergic
From Judy Tidwell,
Your Guide to Allergies.
FREE Gift with newsletter sign-up! Act Now!
Do They Cause Allergic Reactions?
Genetically modified (GM) foods should be a concern for those who suffer from food allergies because they are not tested, regulated, or required to be labeled.
What Are GM Foods?
When gene technology is used to alter the genetic make up of any food crop, food ingredient or animal product it is considered to be genetically modified. Foreign proteins are spliced into common foods products making them genetically modified.

Other names used in describing these products include: Genetically Engineered (GE) and Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs).

Soy beans, corn, canola (rapeseed) and cotton are the most widely grown GMO crops. Almost all of these crops are either "insect resistant" or "herbicide tolerant". The list also includes: peppers, peanuts, potatoes, sugar beets, sunflowers, and tomatoes.

Why Should We Be Concerned?
There is concern that GM foods pose an allergy risk. Currently the list of GM food products intersect with the eight most common food allergens: eggs, milk, fish, peanuts, shellfish, soy, tree nuts, and wheat.

Proteins in food are what trigger most allergic reactions in people. Most of the foreign proteins being gene-spliced into foods have never been eaten by humans before or tested for their safety.

There also is no mandatory labeling of genetically modified foods. Those who suffer from food allergies have no way of knowing if the food they purchase contains GM foods.



<shortened url>

_________________
John was diagnosed Jan 2005. On lipitor 20mg .On Copaxone since July 4,2005. Vitamin D3 2000iu-4000iu (depending on sunshine months)June 10 2005(RX::Dr. O'Connor) Omega 3 as well Turmeric since April 2005. Q10 60mg. 1500mg liquid Glucosamine Nov 2005.