Last Updated on December 3, 2023 by Cathy
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a hard disease to live with. You never know if you’re going to wake up the next day just fine or unable to walk or see. Although, there is no cure you can manage and reverse MS naturally by living a healthy lifestyle.
The National MS Society (NMSS) recently increased their estimate of people living with M.S. in the U.S. from 400,000 to nearly 1 million people. Even this isn’t an actual number. The NMSS study didn’t include children, Native Americans, undocumented residents, or prisoners. They also didn’t include people who are seeing alternative medical doctors. That’s a lot of people who aren’t counted.
Worldwide Prevalence: MS organizations have estimated that 2.3 million people are living with MS worldwide. However, in the U.S., there has not been a scientifically sound, national study of prevalence since 1975. Additionally, MS incidence and prevalence are not consistently reported or tracked in the U.S., and there is no government requirement to do so. In the absence of government-reported data, the National MS Society relies on scientifically-sound estimates of prevalence while we advocate for better and more systematic reporting and tracking at a nationwide level.
– The National Multiple Sclerosis Society
I fall into the group of people who aren’t being counted. Years ago, I was sick and tired of the MS medications making me worse. So, I started searching the internet and discovered I could use food as my medicine instead. I now see a functional medical doctor instead of using the typical healthcare system. So, I’m not counted as having MS.
Risk Factors for MS
It’s unsure what exactly causes MS but there are some known environmental factors. Some people have a genetic predisposition, I was one of these people. Researchers believe it’s an environmental factor that triggers MS. Like a vitamin D deficiency or smoking. The image below is my DNA test through 23andMe which shows I have a 3 times higher risk for MS.
Since everyone is different you will need to figure out what your triggers are. It could be exposure to toxins like dental amalgam (silver fillings) or a traumatic event. I believe my triggers were due to poor diet, stress, and too many rounds of antibiotics. This allowed yeast and bad bacteria to take over which caused a leaky gut.
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.)
Steps to Reverse MS
By changing your diet and lifestyle habits you can stop the progression of MS. And possibly reverse your symptoms. It won’t be easy and it may take a while. It depends on how long you’ve had MS, the level of damage, and the level of toxins you’re dealing with. Plus, just so you know – the central nervous system is one of the slowest to heal, so don’t get discouraged.
Start by changing your diet from processed sugar-filled food to a diet mostly of vegetables. You may want to start by removing gluten first. Studies suggest some people with MS are also likely to have Celiac disease. Which is an autoimmune disease that causes an immune reaction when eating gluten.
A gluten free diet should be considered in specific cases of patients who present with gluten antibodies.
PubMed
Gluten-free grains should also be avoided because your body may see them as gluten if they aren’t. Plus, there may have been cross-contamination if it wasn’t produced in a gluten-free environment. Grains contain lectins and phytic acid which can irritate the gut lining. Your main goal in stopping MS is to remove as much inflammation as possible so your body can heal.
There is a food intolerance log to help you find the food you’re sensitive to. You can find it at the bottom of this post.
Next, give up dairy. There is a high number of people, up to 60 percent, who have an allergy or intolerance to casein and lactose. Some of these people don’t even realize it until they remove dairy from their diet.
Dairy contributes to inflammation and raises blood sugar and estrogen dominance. Some people drink grass-fed dairy which is the best option. But, it’s best to remove dairy for one month. Then reintroduce it to see if you have any kind of reaction such as acne or bloating.
Perfecting the diet for your needs
Following an anti-inflammatory diet such as The Wahls Protocol will give your body the nutrients it desperately needs. Not a “one” diet is perfect for everyone so don’t be afraid to tweak it to fit your individual needs.
People with an autoimmune disease usually have food sensitivity. These foods are triggers and should be avoided until your gut is healed then you can try adding them again. Until then try an elimination diet to find your hidden food sensitivities.
Fix Your Gut
Researchers discovered people with MS have higher amounts of bad bacteria in their gut than healthy people. There’s also a gut-brain connection because the vagus nerve connects your gut with your brain. That’s why when you start feeling nervous you get “butterflies” in your gut.
A leaky gut, poor gut flora, and food sensitivities keep your immune system on guard. Eventually, it begins to wear down. Work on fixing your gut and adding fermented foods to improve the balance of bacteria in your gut.
Balancing Your Immune System
It’s not only your diet, but it’s also all about balancing your immune system. Vitamin D deficiency is a known trigger to MS, it’s important to get tested and get your numbers to a good level. There are many studies linking low vitamin D with the onset of MS and the progression of MS.
Stress is another high factor for your gut health and MS. It can lead to MS symptoms, such as fatigue or weakness. Chronic emotional stress is the worst, it will set you back and cause flares.
Your blood sugar rises and your hormones go out of control. Which increases your inflammation. It’s tough to avoid stress but it’s how you manage it that will benefit you. Try relaxing through yoga, meditation, detox baths, reading a good book, or petting your dog or cat.
Sleep and exercise are other important factors to include in your healing. While you sleep your body repairs itself, make sure you get at least 8 quality hours of sleep. Exercise is extremely important when you have MS. It reduces stress, manages symptoms, and like the saying goes use it… or lose it.
Quick Links to information in this post:
• DNA Test for Multiple Sclerosis
• MS and Candida Overgrowth
• What is SIBO?
• 5 Steps to Improve Your Gut Health
Reverse Multiple Sclerosis Naturally
You can stop MS and reverse symptoms. Find your triggers and remove them to reduce inflammation. Some may be easy to find. Such as low vitamin D levels while others can be hard like Epstein Barr virus or mold contamination.
Start adding lots of turmeric, ginger, garlic, and cinnamon to your food. Take supplements such as a good multivitamin, omega 3, vitamin D, and a probiotic. Take many deep breaths throughout the day to help relieve stress and remove toxins.
It is possible to reverse multiple sclerosis naturally. Adopting a healthy lifestyle and incorporating complementary therapies help individuals with MS manage symptoms and improve their overall well-being.
Most importantly – believe you will heal!
Get Your Food Intolerance Log
Get the password for my library including the Food Intolerance Log here by filling out this form:
Want to remember this? Pin it to your favorite Pinterest board!
Resources:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19758171/
Reverse Multiple Sclerosis Naturally