We try different things every few days but are running out of ideas. Your information has been so valuable. I read your column every day in our local newspaper. Any suggestions?

DEAR READER: For readers who may not fully understand multiple sclerosis, this disorder occurs when the body’s immune system attacks itself, destroying the protective sheath that covers the nerves. This may result in deterioration of the nerves over time and, unfortunately, the condition isn’t reversible. However, there are a number of things your son can do to remain active both mentally and physically.

Symptoms can occur at any age but are most common in people between the ages of 20 and 40. Women are more susceptible than men. Family history plays a large role, as well. For example, if a parent or sibling has the disorder, the other children of the affected parent or the siblings of the affected individual have up to a 3 percent chance of also developing it. This compares with one-tenth of a percent without a family history. Patients may have tremors, weakness or numbness in one or more limbs, occurring on one side of the body at a time, double vision, fatigue and more. In the beginning stages, there may be partial or complete remission that can reverse suddenly.

Bowel and bladder difficulties and depression are common in those with MS. I suggest he speak with his physician regarding the use of warm prune juice daily or my “colon cocktail,” which consists of equal parts prune juice, applesauce and bran. The specifics can be found in my Health Report “Compelling Home Remedies” and is one I have found to be effective when treating patients in nursing homes.

Your son should be eating a more healthful diet with fiber. Poor diet is linked to constipation, and diets low in fiber are known to increase the possibility for producing stools that can be difficult to pass. Because his diet is so limited, he should begin slowly — perhaps with whole-grain cereals and breads. He should drink plenty of fluids daily. Gradually add fresh fruits and vegetables, broiled fish and/or chicken and other appealing foods.

Many medications carry the unwanted side effect of constipation. He should speak with his prescribing physician to determine whether any of his drugs are contributing to his problem. If so, he should request another drug be ordered in its/their place.

His depression must be addressed. I don’t know how limited your son is in terms of walking, riding a stationary bike, listening to the radio, working on model cars or airplanes, having a stamp collection or using the Internet. It’s hard to make recommendations without knowing his age, general health and physical status, etc., but something between speaking with a therapist, a trip to the local park or a rousing game of checkers or chess with a friend on a regular basis might be just what the doctor ordered. He should also contact the MS Society to find the nearest support group.

As mentioned above, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Compelling Home Remedies.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed stamped No. 10 envelope and a $2 check or money order payable to Newsletter and mailed to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092-0167. Be sure to mention the title or print an order form off my website at www.AskDrGottMD.com.

DEAR READER: Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the body’s immune system destroys the protective sheath covering the nerves. This, in turn, interferes with signals between the brain and the remainder of the body, resulting in nerve deterioration.

Symptoms vary from person to person but can include an inability to speak or walk, dizziness, tremor, unsteady gait, double or blurred vision, weakness on one side of the body at a time or on the bottom half of the body. Increases in body temperature can worsen symptoms.

The disorder can affect anyone at any age but commonly begins between the ages of 20 and 40, with Caucasians at the top of the list. Women are more likely to develop MS than are men. Heredity plays an important role except in the case of identical twins. Should one twin be diagnosed with MS, the second has only a 25 percent to 30 percent chance of developing it. People also appear more susceptible if they have other autoimmune disorders, such as type 1 diabetes, a thyroid disorder or inflammatory bowel disease.

Diagnosis can be difficult because other disorders with similar symptoms must be ruled out first. A spinal tap, MRI or electrical testing might be considered. A spinal tap can show abnormal levels of white blood cells or proteins. The MRI can detect lesions of myelin loss caused by MS. Electrical testing can trigger the brain to respond to outside stimuli. An MRI may not provide proof-positive results, however, because the lesions detected could be caused by other conditions, including lupus and Lyme disease.

While there is no cure, there are medications, such as corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, and glatiramer, which protects the myelin (the fatty substance that covers nerve fibers) and prevents it from being attacked. Another procedure patients might consider is interferons (proteins that protect against vital infection), which appear to slow the progression of MS. The downside is that interferons can cause liver damage. Then there’s physical therapy, obtaining sufficient rest, avoiding extreme heat, and eating properly. Because mental stress can accompany MS, counseling and support groups are endorsed.

Herbal remedies are a long shot but could include omega-3 fatty acids, such as is found in freshwater salmon, and bromelain, a substance extracted from pineapple that is thought to control pain and inflammation. Before trying either of these remedies, I would recommend your relative speak with her physician to obtain his or her opinion. Your daughter-in-law should be under the care of a specialist who can guide her through this ordeal. Many people do not require any treatment in the early stages, while others will fare better with a more aggressive approach.

To provide related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Medical Specialists.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed stamped No. 10 envelope and a $2 check or money order to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092-0167. Be sure to mention the title or print an order form off my website at www.AskDrGottMD.com.

DEAR READER: Multiple sclerosis is generally considered to be an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. From your brief note, it is my guess that your friend has had the condition for some time. Therefore, I must interpret her symptoms are related to one of the following: dehydration with inadequate daily fluid intake; antithyroid medications; neurological disorders; or sinusitis and postnasal drip. Saving the most likely cause for last, I feel she is, in a sense of the word, “overdosing” on B12, because many supplements contain a recommended daily value of 200 percent.