Last Updated on November 17, 2023 by Cathy
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease caused by chronic inflammation. Something you did or were unknowingly exposed to caused your MS. Knowing that gives you the power to stop MS from progressing.
Researchers announced Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is the main cause of MS. It is still unclear the exact reason why this happens but researchers are currently working on it. Moderna is working on a vaccine for EBV but this could take decades to see if it benefits people with MS.
MS is a rare disease but it cost nearly 85 billion dollars in 2019 in the United States. That includes caregivers, loss of work, home modifications, and medical. Prescription medical was the biggest cost at $37.9 billion.
The annual cost that year for a person taking MS medications ranges from $57,202 to $92,719. That is a lot of money for a “rare disease” making it a huge economic burden for each MS patient.
The cost of living with MS is extremely expensive. However, this may help speed up the process of finding a “cure.”
Epstein-Barr Virus
In January 2022, researchers announced EBV is the main cause of MS. However, 95 percent of all adults have EBV and only a small percent have MS so there is something else involved. Researchers believe it has something to do with the HLA-DRB1 gene. Which is not only linked with a higher risk of MS but also fungi infections.
EBV protein mimics protein found in myelin. This may be why in people with MS the immune system might get confused by attacking the myelin. It’s trying to clear up the EBV from the body.
Researchers are currently working on trying to kill the virus. A study conducted a small trial using donor white blood cells to kill the virus. It involved 24 volunteers with progressive MS. Out of those, twenty of those saw improvements. Brain scans also showed signs of damage reversal, where remyelination was occurring.
Eat and Live Healthily
Poor diet, lack of exercise, and psychological stress put a toll on your health. It is often the last straw before your first MS attack (flare or exacerbation). It also creates a flare.
Your first step to stopping MS is choosing to live a healthy lifestyle. Every part of your body including your central nervous system functions better. People often complain they can’t afford it or that it’s too hard. But, every little step turns into a big step.
Today, pick one thing. Stop drinking colas, stop smoking, eat more vegetables, or start exercising. You don’t need to start everything at once or it could feel overwhelming.
Here are some things you could do starting today:
- Avoid alcohol
- Don’t smoke
- Drink plenty of filtered water
- Eat a diet high in vegetables and fruit
- Exercise
- Get plenty of sleep
- Lower your stress
Eat an Anti-inflammatory Diet
MS is mostly caused by environmental chronic inflammation. That includes what you eat, drink, and breathe. Also includes infections, stress, nutrient deficiencies, and unhealthy habits such as smoking.
A study that came out in March 2022 stated people with progressive MS are nutrient deficient. Make sure you are eating a wide variety of healthy foods to get all the nutrients your body needs.
Include foods such as:
- Vegetables and fruit
- Herbs
- Nuts and seeds
- Healthy fats such as olive oil
- Wild-caught fish
- Pasture-raised poultry
- Grass-fed and finished meats
Stop consuming dairy. Researchers have known since the 1970s that there was a possible link between dairy and MS. One study found women who drank more milk had more flares. Countries that consume more dairy have higher rates of MS.
A 2022 study found patients with MS had higher B cell and antibody reactivity to bovine casein. Casein is a milk protein. Drinking cow’s milk and milk products can lead to demyelination and disability.
“Our data suggest that patients with antibodies to bovine casein might benefit from restricting dairy products from their diet.” – PNAS
Avoid Dairy
Stop consuming all dairy products including whey. Always read the ingredient label before buying any products. Ghee also known as clarified butter, is slowly cooked to remove casein and lactose. Grass-fed ghee is the only dairy product that should be safe to consume. Use it occasionally like for special dinners and not every day.
The only store-bought ghee I recommend is Pure Indian Foods. They test every batch for casein and lactose. It is expensive but you can easily make it yourself but it’s best to avoid it altogether.
However, because dairy products are associated with more MS flares it’s best to avoid all dairy products including ghee.
Include lots of vegetables in your diet. Make sure you eat a wide variety of leafy greens, deep-colored, and sulfur vegetables like broccoli. Herbs are healing so add them to every meal such as cinnamon, garlic, ginger, oregano, and turmeric.
Choose healthy fats such as avocados, olive oil, and salmon. Choose meats that are healthy. Conventionally raised meats include antibiotics, dyes, and growth hormones.
Clean healthy meats include:
- Wild-caught fish
- Pasture-raised poultry
- Grass-fed and finished meats
Avoid foods you may have a sensitivity to. You may need to try an elimination diet to find these foods. This is how I discovered I was sensitive to peppers and tomatoes.
Stress and MS
Stress is the body’s natural defense against danger. When you see danger your body floods you with hormones so you can protect yourself. It is sometimes called the “fight-or-flight” response.
When the danger is clear the hormones go back to normal. However, when you are always in a state of stress the hormones stay elevated. It messes with your digestive system, hormones, thinking ability, and sleep patterns.
Chronic stress leads to many diseases such as:
- Anxiety
- Brain fog
- Cancer
- Circulatory problems
- Colds and viruses
- Depression
- Digestive issues
- Eating disorders
- Heart disease
- Headaches
- High blood sugar
- Insomnia
- Muscle tension and pain
- Stroke
- Type 2 diabetes
- and… MS
Chronic stress is what set me back with my MS and caused my walking to get worse. When I had my cortisol (stress hormone) tested I was expecting it to be high. To my surprise it was low.
Having chronic stress every day for years caused my hormones to stop working. It is often referred to as adrenal fatigue although doctors don’t see this as a medical issue. What matters is the importance of getting your stress levels down.
Don’t Stop Moving
In the past doctors told MS patients not to exercise since it could raise their temperature. If an MS patient had heat intolerance it would cause a temporary worsening of their symptoms. It is now recommended to exercise.
As the saying goes “Use it or lose it.” This is especially true for people with MS.
Exercise not only protects you from cardiovascular disease it also:
- Builds strength
- Decreases spasticity
- Helps with bladder control
- Improves balance
Regular exercise lowers inflammation and releases feel-good hormones. In general, exercise improves a person’s quality of life.
Good exercises for people with MS include:
- Online MS gyms, my favorite is OptimalBody Personal Fitness
- Resistance bands
- Stationary bike
- Stretching
- Swimming
- Tai chi
- Walking
- Water aerobics
- Yoga
With MS you need to be careful when exercising, you don’t want to overdo it. Pay attention to your body and push yourself a little but not to the point of exhaustion. Exercising can cause temporary symptoms due to your body temperature rising. Plus, if your balance is off you could risk falling but don’t let that stop you from exercising.
Quick Links to Information In This Post:
Epstein-Barr Virus Is The Leading Cause Of MS
How To Start An Anti-Inflammatory Diet
Why You Should Try An Elimination Diet
Want to Stop MS?
You have the power to stop MS from progressing. Eating and living a clean lifestyle will reduce your symptoms. I won’t lie, it is a lot of hard work but it is worth it!
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Resources:
https://www.pnas.org/doi/full/10.1073/pnas.2117034119
Want to Stop MS? Start Now With These Tips!
