Exploring Emu Oil as a Potential Relief for MS Symptoms
In previous blog posts, we’ve explored the effects of Emu oil on the gut and brain, as well as how the Omega fatty acid chain may provide several health benefits and relief from multiple symptoms, such as inflammation, arthritis, and digestive issues. Now, Emu oil is being more closely scrutinized as a natural alternative to relieve symptoms experienced with multiple sclerosis.
A Brief Overview of Multiple Sclerosis
MS is a serious autoimmune disease that can cause excruciating pain and affect the performance of the brain. The disease attacks the myelin (protective sheath) around nerve fibers, which can cause communication issues throughout your body. Over time, these attacks could lead to physical disabilities and permanent nerve damage.
The effects can vary from patient to patient: some may lose the ability to walk, while others may stay in remission for years with no new effects.
Still, the fact remains that there is no known cure for MS. However, the symptoms can be treated to speed up recovery from MS attacks and improve the quality of life for the patient.
What Causes MS?
Doctors are unsure of what causes MS in the first place. However, there are some factors that may heighten a person’s risk for developing the disease:
● Age. MS often occurs between the ages of 16 and 55, but can develop at any age.
● Sex. Women are twice as likely to get MS than men
● Family history. If someone in your family has MS, you’re more likely to develop it.
● Vitamin D deficiency. Low level of Vitamin D and/or low exposure to sunlight may increase your chance of developing MS.
● Viral infections. Certain types of viruses have been linked to MS, including the Epstein- Barr virus, which causes mononucleosis.
● Other autoimmune diseases. Certain autoimmune diseases, such as thyroid disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or Type I diabetes, may make you more susceptible.
How Lipid Levels Testing Can Help People with Multiple Sclerosis
Research supports the idea that MS isn’t strictly about the central nervous system, but rather includes the vascular system and metabolic syndrome.
Lipoproteins are a combination of lipids (fats) and proteins. When the fat ratio is higher than the protein content, it results in very low density lipoprotein (VLDL). Other fat to protein ratios create low density (LDL) and high density (HDL) lipoproteins, commonly associated with cholesterol.
One study showed increases in both VLDL and HDL cholesterol in MS patients compared to a control group, arriving at the idea that high lipid levels in people with MS may cause disability and pain-inducing inflammation. To further support this idea, the bad cholesterol subtype level (VLDL biomarker), also showed a connection with disabilities.
This data better allows scientists to understand more about the pathways and molecules that may be responsible for these relationships. Ideally, the results will help to explore ways that blood lipids can be modified to better manage the symptoms of MS.
How Can Emu Oil Help Treat MS Symptoms?
Our previous blog post goes into greater detail about Emu oil and the Omega chain, but to recap, Emu oil is rich in the entire Omega fatty acid chain. This may be critical for those who have MS because of Omega 7 and Omega 9’s ability to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and reduce inflammation.
The prior research on LDL’s effects on MS supports the idea that MS symptoms improve when LDL is lowered in the bloodstream.
In addition, Emu oil is earning attention by those who follow the Mediterranean Diet to help manage MS symptoms.
The Mediterranean Diet consists of high consumption of olive oil, legumes, fruits, vegetables, and unrefined cereals, moderate consumption levels of fish, cheese, wine, and yogurt, and low small portions of non-fish meat. Or, to put in other terms, many of the foods in this diet are rich in Omega fatty acids.
Research has found that the Mediterranean Diet may improve depression, cognitive performance, and fatigue, all symptoms experienced by MS patients. A pilot clinical trial to observe the impact of the Mediterranean Diet in MS patients is underway.
Even though these foods contain higher level of Omegas, Emu oil is often included in the Mediterranean Diet to fill gaps in nutrition.
Further study is needed to examine the direct link between Emu oil and MS symptoms, but there’s enough current evidence to support the idea that Emu oil could provide a much-needed natural option to live a better quality of life.
Head to our online store for Emu oil and related products, or visit our research center to learn more about the health effects and benefits of Emu oil.