Why did you get MS?

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Last Updated on September 6, 2024 by Cathy

Woman sitting on pier overlooking lake and snowy mountains with overlay: Why did you get MS?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. What causes MS is unknown. Everyone is different and every symptom is different so it is hard to pinpoint the exact cause. So why did your body go haywire and lead to MS?

A recent study found Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is the main factor for the onset of MS. In a 20-year study on military members, they found that 99.9% of people who developed MS have EBV. This could speed up ongoing research toward a vaccine for EBV.

“These findings strongly suggest that the occurrence of EBV infection is a cause and not a consequence of MS.” – Dr. Alberto Ascherio, study author of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

However, 95% of all adults have EBV. Since the majority of adults have EBV and not MS something else is a contributing factor.

Other possible factors include:

Genetic
Obesity
Smoking
Viruses and bacteria including EBV and measles
Vitamin deficiencies

EBV the Major Factor Towards MS

Currently, there are no treatments for EBV. Moderna is currently working on a vaccine and already started clinical trials. The vaccine uses the new mRNA technology, which was also used in the COVID-19 vaccines. When it becomes available for public use, this could be the end of MS for the majority of people.

Current drug-modifying therapies (DMTs) for MS are expensive. Plus, they are not available to everyone around the world. A vaccine would prevent MS from developing. It would also reduce global healthcare costs.

But what about people who already have MS?

A vaccine will help prevent MS but for people who already have MS, it is unknown until there are more studies. And not just more studies but larger studies. However, researchers believe a vaccine could also possibly stop the disease’s progression.

After an EBV infection, it takes about 7 to 10 years for MS to develop. Researchers would have to follow people in the study for a long time to see if they develop MS. It could take another 20 years before they find the answers.

Is it in your genes?

Researchers believe genetic factors play a huge role. The HLA-DRB1*15 allele group is a high-risk factor for MS, it’s also a risk factor for fungi. You can see my DNA result in the image below:

DNA test result showing 3x higher risk for MS

“Patients with MS had higher rates of fungal infections (eg, predominantly candidiasis).” – NeurologyAdvisor

Unfortunately, if you carry the HLA-DRB1*15 allele group, you will be the first to feel the effects of mold. You will also be the last to recover. About one-quarter of the world’s population carries this gene.

You can’t change your genes but you can change your gene expression by living a healthy lifestyle. Your genes are not your destiny. By eating and living a clean and healthy lifestyle you can improve your health.

Fungi and MS

Fungi are neither bacteria nor a virus, mold is a fungus and so is yeast. Some fungi occur naturally in the body. Other times it invades wreaking havoc throughout. Once it is overgrown, it can be difficult to get it back under control but not impossible.

As you can see in the image below, my penicillium level is off the chart. A normal high is between 5 and 50, mine is at 9,147.20.

Common mold infection symptoms include:

Anxiety
Brain Fog
Dizziness
Electric shock sensations
Muscle pain and weakness
Numbness and tingling
Sleep disturbances

A study found patients with MS had higher rates of fungal infections.

Common yeast infection symptoms include:

Athlete’s foot
Jock itch
Nail fungus
Oral thrush
Ringworm
Yeast infection

“HLA-DRB1*15 increases the risk of various conditions either caused or suspected of being caused by exposure to fungi.” – NCBI

This suggests fungi may also increase the risk for MS. Studies found that antibodies against various Candida species are also associated with MS. Yeast overgrowth, also known as Candida, grows on the skin and mucous membranes.

Usually, Candida does not cause problems in healthy people. However, people with MS are vulnerable to candida overgrowth. As Candida spreads it affects organs and tissues, including the central nervous system.

Many rounds of antibiotics are a common cause of Candida overgrowth due to the lack of good bacteria in the gut.

Suspecting yeast overgrowth as a possible trigger to MS is not a new idea. Doctors have suspected Candida for decades. Unfortunately, studies are small so no conclusive evidence has proven this theory.

Possible treatment options for mycotoxins and yeast overgrowth:

Antifungals such as coconut oil, garlic, olive oil, onions, and rutabaga
Herbs such as berberine, caprylic acid, grapefruit seed extract, oil of oregano, and pau d’arco

What You Can Do Now to Stop MS

Discovering EBV is the main factor toward MS and a possible vaccine on the horizon is great news. However, this is a slow process and it will not happen overnight. Even if a vaccine was available tomorrow they would have to follow the people for 10 or more years.

Don’t wait to see what happens. Take control of your health starting right now!

Since MS is a chronic inflammatory disease, work on lowering your inflammation. Start an anti-inflammatory diet and eat foods that fight disease not feed it.

Quick Links To Information In This Post:

Epstein-Barr Virus Is The Leading Cause Of MS
DNA Test For Multiple Sclerosis
How To Start An Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Eat foods that have anti-inflammatory properties, such as:

Healthy oils such as olive oil
Herbs like ginger, oregano, and turmeric
Leafy greens like spinach and kale
Oily fish, such as mackerel, salmon, and sardines

Live a healthy lifestyle! Don’t stop moving, exercise, get plenty of sleep, stop smoking, and lower your stress. Drink plenty of clean filtered water to keep you hydrated and push toxins out of your body.

Always talk to your doctor before taking supplements. Supplements can interfere with certain medications.

Why did you get MS? That’s the big question. Yes, you can ask yourself why me, why did I get MS? But those are negative thoughts, they only bring you down. Instead, use this as a way to improve your overall health.

It will not only improve your MS but protect you from heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and many other chronic diseases. EBV may be the leading cause of MS but it’s not the only factor. It could also be due to fungi, stress, or an unhealthy lifestyle like smoking.

Whatever it is, stress seems to be the last straw for many people with MS. Start by taking deep breaths and learning to relax. You may need to take drastic measures like quitting your job or visiting a professional.

Most importantly, stay positive and believe you will heal, you can do it!

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Woman sitting on pier overlooking lake and snowy mountains with headline: Why did you get MS?

Resources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5650687/