Probiotics Consumption May Improve Certain Disease Parameters in MS Patients, Study Suggests
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Probiotics may improve the health of people with multiple sclerosis (MS) by reducing disability and improving inflammatory and metabolic parameters, an Iranian study shows.
The study, “Clinical and metabolic response to probiotic supplementation in patients with multiple sclerosis: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial,” appeared in the journal Clinical Nutrition.
Live microorganisms linked to health benefits, known as probiotics, have long been known to help chronic disease patients. In a previous study of people with major depressive disorder, probiotics treatment for eight weeks improved patients’ depression and metabolic parameters.
More recently, authors investigated the impact of probiotics on a group of MS patients, looking not only at mental health and metabolic indicators, but also  disability scores. Researchers at Tehran’s Shahid Beheshti Hospital recruited 60 MS patients, divided them in half, and assigned 30 to take a probiotic capsule and 30 a placebo once a day for 12 weeks.
The probiotic contained the healthy bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Bifidobacterium bifidum and Lactobacillus fermentum. Researchers measured patients’ health parameters and disability scores at baseline and after treatment.
The results showed that probiotic intake after 12 weeks improved MS patients’ disability scores (assessed by the expanded disability status scale, EDSS) when compared to placebo controls. Although this improvement was statistically significant, it was not clinically significant — which is defined as a change of 1.0 point or more at EDSS levels less than 5.5, or 0.5 point or more at EDSS levels greater than 5.5).
Moreover, benefits were also detected in several mental health parameters – Beck Depression Inventory, general health questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28), depression anxiety and stress scale.
Consuming probiotic capsules also significantly decreased insulin levels and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in circulation, researchers also found. It also lowered certain markers of inflammation and oxidative stress, such as serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and malondialdehyde (MDA).
“Our study demonstrated that the use of probiotic capsule for 12 weeks among subjects with MS had favorable effects on EDSS, parameters of mental health, inflammatory factors, markers of insulin resistance, HDL-, total/HDL-cholesterol and MDA levels,” the team concluded.
Alan
No one I have seen wants to treat me for my pain I have to see a pain clinic why can't my neurologist treat my pain ?
Marie
Due to new FDA guidelines a doctor must have a,special license to prescribe pain meds.
Tracy Shudo
I have been taking a Probiotic with a special coating so it gets the best results. I have also been taking a special little yellow pill along with one that helps NRF1. What does these mean you are asking. Well I have been dignosed with MS for 23 years in the last 12 months my mobility was just getting worse and worse. I am a 55 year old lady that thinks she can do everything. Well there have been ups and downs in the last 23 years. But in only 8 weeks of taking the little yellow pill my life has change. I am walking better, sleeping better, waking up feeling rested. What more do we ask for. Not much. This is not a cure but for me one big ass HELP. I am more than willing to share if anyone would like anymore info. Tracy Vancouver
Fran LeBeau
What is the special little yellow pill? What is the pill that you take for NRF1? I have also had MS for 23 years, and I am happy to say that I am doing great. Always on the lookout for additional supplements to add to compliment my current treatments.
Janet Paay
So what is this little yellow pill?
Sheila Smith
How much of a probiotic are you taking a day and what is the little yellow pill called?
Rose
Hi Tracy
Please share the name of the probiotic with me and where I could buy it from
I live in Toronto
Thanks very much
Karen
I'm interested Tracy
Dave
Hello, what is the name of the little yellow pill and can I purchase it?
James
So what is that "little yellow pill" anyway?
Cheryl Gehrke
Yes I'd like info on yellow pill
CG
Rebecca Ramirez
I'm very interested...if you could please share more info I'd appreciate it. Thank you.
Diana
Hi Trudy
I have been diagnosed with MS for the past 10 years and my mobility is dreadful. Please share with me your secrets! What a challenging condition this is!
To health!
Diana
Sherry Burns
Wonderful❤️ Please share what taking!!!
Dana
Please share!
Prue
Hi,
Would love to no. Please share.
Tracy
Hi Tracy! I'm a Tracy too! I'm 57yrs young lady from Southern Calif. I was officially dx'd 5/2003, although I experienced mild symptoms abt 12-15yrs before.
ANYway... What is the name of that yellow pill? I had my gallbladder removed in 1989. My Dr gave me a yellow capsule, in it was what looked like little tiny balls or marbles. I forget the name of that med, but I think I need something like it again! My "Gut" had always been problematic and now with the meds I take for ms, I'm certain it's all messed up! I haven't been using probiotics or any other Gut treatments, but it's time to start again- I just don't know where to begin!! Currently I'm taking a VERY strong antibiotic course for 10days. I was instructed to eat Activia yogurt while taking this antibiotic for probiotic replacement.
I'd like to take a capsule form because I'm dairy sensitive. What works for you? Thanks in advance for your help! ? Have a Great Day, Tracy!! Best Wishes, Tracy.
Heather
Tracy,
I also have MS (newly diagnosed @ 44 yo) and had my gall bladder removed over 10 years ago. There definitely seems to be a correlation to diet and gut health, not to mention the role of Vitamin D. I am very intrigued, especially considering I am refraining from meds at this time. Any pointers anyone?
Ed Alves
Tracy, what are you taking specifically ? There are 1,000's of choices out there.
Brandi
What is the yellow pill?
Amanda Ratliff
Hello, do you mind me asking what you are taking?
Kristin Garrett
Hi Tracy,
Thank you for sharing! Your story gives me hope. Could you please tell me about the “little yellow pill”?
Best Regards,
Kristin
Brenda
What is the little yellow pill please ? I am struggling with ms
Farah Akram
Hi Tracey which probiotics Are you taking?
Regards
Farah
Antoinette C Williams
Tracy
Please tell what the little yellow pill is.
Thank you
Antoinette Williams
Jean-Pierre Sargologo
What is it’s name ?
Maureen
Hello, I also have MS and is open to anything that will help.
Please let me know the details of the Probiotic you are taking
Dave
Hello, what is the name of the little yellow pill and where can I purchase it?
Dan
Tracy this special little yellow pill sounds very interesting. I am 28 and was diagnosed with MS at 21. I have quite an aggressive form of MS and im looking to stay as healthy and as active as i can for aslong as possible.
Any information would be greaatly appreciated.
Speak Soon,
Dan
FB
"Consuming probiotic capsules also significantly decreased .... high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in circulation..."
Well that's a bit of a worry for people who are trying to maintain appropriate HDL levels as part of their management of cardio-vascular risks or disease
Adie
Well looks like Tracy as ramped up mine and everyone's interest in this "little yellow pill" so what is it ?
Tani Maher
Someone in my family has MS. Please provide name of probiotics and yellow pill that you are taking. Thank you!
mary ohana
Hi Tracy plese could yoou tell me the priobiotic nd little yellow pill you hve been taking which betters your condition so I cantry it for my MS. Thanks mary
Ed
What are you taking Tracy ? Thereb are 1,000's of choices out there.
Sharron
Why isn't Tracy revealing what the "little yellow pill" is? It's called Protandim (Green Tea & Turmeric) are the key ingredients https://www.lifevantage.com/topics/protandim-ingredients/