Addressing the Root Causes of Multiple Sclerosis

Last Updated on September 14, 2023 by Cathy

If you have recently been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis you may be wondering what your next step is. I am sure your neurologist has already filled you in and wants you to start taking some sort of MS drug immediately. Instead, address the root causes of multiple sclerosis (MS) not just the symptoms.

Today, there are many different medications to choose from, injectable medications, oral medications, infused medications, and even chemotherapy. Then you look at the side effects of these medications ranging from flu-like symptoms, depression, liver problems, PML (a viral disease in the brain), and cancer, to DEATH.

There are medications for all the MS symptoms including bladder problems, depression, fatigue, pain, spasticity, stiffness, and more. Each of these also includes side effects plus on top of all those medications, there are medications for all the side effects. It’s enough to make your head spin!

One thing neurologists do not tell you is: that you can control MS with diet and lifestyle changes. That’s right – diet and lifestyle changes! The reason neurologists do not mention this is because they have not been trained in this field. Another reason is that there have not been enough large studies proving it works. You can find a quick guide to address the root causes at the bottom of this post.

Doctors generally address the one symptom and do not attempt the underlying problems that lead to MS in the first place. They only see it as a neurological disease, so they mask the problem and do not work on the WHY the body’s immune system attacks its own myelin sheath.

What Causes MS?

MS is caused by inflammation in the central nervous system. It damages the myelin coating around the nerve fibers. This damage slows or disrupts the transmission of nerve impulses which causes the symptoms.

It only makes sense to calm the inflammation down, whether it is infections, toxins, allergies, food sensitivities, nutrient deficiencies, leaky gut, stress, or a combination that triggers MS. It is essential to find and remove the triggers that are causing MS.

Triggers to MS:

• Diet (processed foods, refined sugar, refined carbs, food allergies, etc.)
• Infections (Candida, viruses, bacteria, and parasites)
• Environmental Toxins (heavy metals, mold, pesticides, plastics, etc.)
• Chronic Stress
• Genetics

Many people with MS suffer from yeast overgrowth (Candida) and do not even realize it. As antibiotics wipe out the good bacteria, Candida, which is not affected by antibiotics, grows. It feeds off sugar, whether from diet or cortisol (stress), and as it grows it punches its way through the gut lining (leaky gut). Making its way into the bloodstream and blood-brain barrier, becoming a systemic fungus.

Researchers funded by the National MS Society report that diet and bacteria in the gut can act to suppress inflammation. They have plans to investigate further to determine if the findings can be translated into new treatment approaches (probiotics).

Why “wait and see” for the results of larger studies, these can take decades. If you can identify the underlying sources of inflammation, you can act now and put MS into remission.

Start Today

Everyone is different, and figuring out the triggers will be an individual puzzle. For me, it was an infection caused by an overuse of antibiotics destroying the delicate balance of good bacteria in my gut. Therefore, creating a Candida overgrowth and wreaking havoc throughout my entire body.

I craved sugar and carbs, unknowingly feeding Candida. In addition, the many courses of antibiotics kept any good bacteria at bay. Gluten, dairy, sugar, antibiotics, mercury, yeast overgrowth, and mold are all potential immune irritants. Start by getting to the root of what is causing MS by reducing and eliminating the inflammation.

The first and easiest step is to change your diet. Focus on eating nutrient-dense real foods, not processed foods that come in a package or box. No more fast foods, donuts for breakfast, or pizza delivery, you will be making meals at home using real ingredients. This is a lifestyle change and not a diet if a person was to go back to their old eating habits the old symptoms would return.

Steps to Reverse MS

• Fix your leaky gut – researchers have connected the link between a leaky gut and MS.
• Remove gluten and dairy – research shows a link to triggering MS they also contribute to a leaky gut.
• Remove legumes – they can cause unpleasant digestive issues for some people, especially for those with an autoimmune disease. This includes peanuts and soy.
• Eat low sugar and low carbohydrates – refined sugar is an inflammatory food. Even natural sugars and starchy vegetables feed Candida and bad bacteria, it is best to keep these low.
• Check for food allergies/sensitivities – try an elimination diet. If you discover a problematic food, remove it from your diet.
• Eat the right fats – eat foods high in omega-3 fats, including salmon, mackerel, sardines, flax seeds, chia seeds, olive oil, and especially coconut oil.
• Nightshades – they can be problematic to some, it is best to keep these vegetables low to moderate in order to lessen a reaction.
• Clear up infections – Candida, viruses, bacteria, and parasites
• Remove as many environmental toxins as possible – heavy metals, mold, pesticides, plastics, etc.
• Reduce Stress – it is a major factor in those with MS. It creates inflammation, causes blood sugar to go up, and high blood pressure. Learn to reduce stress through low-impact exercises like yoga, tai chi, meditation, deep breathing, or walking.
• Sleep – it is extremely important to get 8-9 hours of sleep each night, this is when your body heals. If you have trouble falling asleep avoid electronics, caffeine, or alcohol a couple hours before bedtime. Keep your bedroom dark, cooler, and quiet to help you fall asleep.

Supplements

In the first place always eat a nutrient-dense diet, for an added boost include supplements. Especially for getting enough proper vitamins and minerals for your body to rebuild and regenerate itself. Vitamins that are especially helpful for MS:

• Vitamins that are especially helpful for MS:
• B-complex to help neurological function.
• C and E to support immunity and scavenge free radicals.
• D3/K2 for support of healthy bones, heart, and blood vessels.
• Omega-3 and Omega-6 for brain function and to repair the myelin sheath.
• Probiotics to help rebuild the good bacteria. Look for a probiotic with Lactobacillus Acidophilus and Bifidobacteria Bifidum strains.

In Closing

I am not a doctor, I cannot say whether you SHOULD or SHOULD NOT take one of the many MS medications that are available. What I can tell you is these medications DO NOT cure MS nor do they put MS into remission. As my neurologist once told me “If they work, they work 33% of the time.” If? That is pretty bad odds!

What I CAN tell you, changing your diet and lifestyle does not come with horrific side effects, it will only benefit your health plus your body will love you for it. Work on what the root cause of your inflammation is by removing the triggers then begin your path to healing.

(Always check with your doctor before starting any supplement. They may interfere with any medications you are currently taking.)

Get Your Quick Guide to Address the Root Causes of MS

Get the password for the library with my quick guide here by filling out this form:

Want to remember this? Save this pin to your favorite Pinterest board!

Addressing the Root Causes of Multiple Sclerosis