What Causes MS?

Last Updated on December 7, 2023 by Cathy

The exact cause of multiple sclerosis (MS) is unknown. It’s hard to pinpoint the exact cause since every MS patient is different. Understanding what causes MS remains a complex and ongoing area of research, involving both genetic and environmental factors. Although, there are known factors leading to what causes MS.

There have been a lot of talks lately about gut bacteria and MS and for good reason. Researchers are saying there is a link between bad gut bacteria and MS. A possibility of probiotics may be the future treatment. The study discovered people with MS have a different microbiome from healthy people.

“Link between gut bacteria, MS discovered: MS patients show lower levels of good bacteria.” ScienceDaily, 27 June 2016

Being a detective also plays a huge role in getting your MS into remission and reversed. MS begins years before your first symptom so you will need to think back before your diagnosis.

Triggers to MS:

• Poor Diet 
• Infections (bacteria, parasites, viruses, and yeast overgrowth)
• Environmental toxins (heavy metals, mold, pesticides, etc.)
• Chronic stress 
• Hormones (adrenaline, cortisol, etc.)

Diet

Chronic inflammation is at the root of MS, diet is the main culprit. Eating a diet high in inflammatory foods can lead to the severity of symptoms. There is no “one diet” for MS, you need to pay attention to your body and remove foods causing harm to your gut.

Inflammatory foods:

• Gluten/grains
• Dairy
• GMOs
• Legumes (peanuts, soy, etc)
• Processed foods
• Refined sugar and carbohydrates

Possible sensitivities:

• Chocolate
• Eggs
• Nightshades (eggplant, peppers, white potatoes, tomatoes)
• Nuts

Eat foods that are anti-inflammatory and high in antioxidants. If possible, buy organic to avoid pesticides, growth hormones, and antibiotics. Eat lots of foods with omega-3s, they are good for your heart, and brain, and help rebuild your myelin.

Healthy foods:

• Grass-fed and finished meats
• Healthy fats (avocado, coconut oil, olive oil, etc.)
• Omega-3s (chia seeds, flaxseeds, mackerel, salmon, sardines)
• Organic fruits and vegetables
• Pasture-raised poultry
• Wild-caught fish

To learn more read: How To Reduce Chronic Inflammation

Infections

More research is pointing toward viruses and bacteria as possible causes of MS. Currently, several studies are looking into the lack of good bacteria in an MS patient’s gut.

Researchers have connected bacteria and viruses to MS including:

• Bacteria
• Candida overgrowth
• Epstein-Bar Virus (EBV)
• Human herpes virus 6 (HHV-6)
• Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)

Environmental Toxins

MS occurs more often in areas furthest from the equator. This points to a possible vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D is also known as the sunshine vitamin is a hormone. Researcher supports the importance of vitamin D’s protection against autoimmune diseases.

Heavy metals such as amalgam fillings suppress the immune system. Studies have linked Mercury poisoning to MS. If you need to have amalgam fillings removed make sure you see a dentist trained in removal.

Exposures to environmental toxins are greater today than ever. Including herbicides, pesticides, heavy metals, and chemicals. Even the products you put on your body have dangerous toxins. Including your shampoo, soap, toothpaste, lotion, makeup, and deodorant.

There are many toxic chemicals in and around your home. Give your overburdened body a break and start using natural products instead. Vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice are very effective for cleaning your home.

To learn more read: Environmental Toxins In Your Home

Chronic Stress

Stress is hard to avoid but daily chronic stress is detrimental to your health. For some people, chronic stress is what triggered their MS. When left untreated it can lead to many health problems. Such as anxiety, insomnia, high blood pressure, heart disease, and autoimmune diseases.

I experienced daily chronic stress for years, it took its toll on my MS. It is the main cause of my walking ability worsening. Chronic stress causes disease and diseases cause stress, so it’s a vicious cycle.

It’s impossible to remove all stress, instead learn ways to manage your stress:

• Laughter
• Light exercise (tai chi, walking, yoga)
• Massage
• Meditation
• Sleep (8-9 hours)

Genetics

Scientists believe variations in different genes are a risk of getting MS. A pediatric study showed low vitamin D in MS relapses if the kids had a certain immune gene.

Although MS can be genetic and run in families you may still be at risk even if it doesn’t run in your family. I’m the only one in my family who has MS, I always wondered “Why me” and then I had my DNA tested. It showed I was at three times higher risk for multiple sclerosis, I was very shocked.

If your genes are showing you’re at risk for MS it doesn’t mean you’re destined to have MS. Changing to a healthy lifestyle can change your genetic profile even if you already have MS. For most diseases, your genes don’t determine your fate,

The HLA-DRB1 gene is the biggest genetic risk factor for developing MS. It helps the immune system determine the body’s proteins from foreign proteins. Foreign proteins such as viruses or bacteria. The HLA-DRB1*15:01 is firmly linked to MS, notice my DNA below.

The MTHFR gene mutation is also linked to autoimmune diseases like MS. The MTHFR gene regulates homocysteine levels in the body. If it’s mutated you may need to take supplements with B vitamins and folate acid.

I recently had my homocysteine tested and it was slightly high. My functional medical doctor has me taking Methyl-Guard Plus. This will help bring my homocysteine back to a healthy level.

If you would like to read more about my DNA test click here: DNA Test For Multiple Sclerosis

What Causes MS?

What causes MS is not known. Everyone is different so what triggered the onset of your MS will be different for the next person. However, there are steps you can take to get your MS into remission and stay there.

Your body has been taking abuse from the food you eat, the toxins you absorb, and the stress you endured for years. It’s time to help your body heal by getting to the root of your disease. Remove the chronic inflammation and infections to begin healing.

The nervous system is the slowest system to heal. It’s important to stay positive and not get discouraged.

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References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/27890460/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK19932/
https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/multiple-sclerosis#genes

What Causes MS?