What causes multiple sclerosis?

(NaturalNews) Multiple sclerosis (MS) affects the central nervous system and normally occurs in early adulthood. It usually affects people between the ages of 20 and 40, with women being 2 times more likely to be diagnosed with MS than men. MS has been considered one of medicines least understood diseases, but recognizing the common causes can provide hope to all MS sufferers.

Nutritional deficiencies

People with MS typically have nutritional deficiencies. Studies have shown that essential fatty acids (EFA's), the building blocks of the brain and nervous system, are lacking in many MS patients. MS is very common in Western countries where people consume large amounts of conventional meat, dairy products, and processed foods, all which are low in essential fatty acids. However, it is least common in countries where diets are high in unsaturated fats, including seed oils, olive oil, oily fish, and fresh fruits and vegetables, all which are high in EFA's.

Even with a balanced diet, MS patients have shown difficulty in absorbing essential nutrients. The most common deficiencies appear to be vitamins B1, B6, and B12, as well as magnesium, zinc, folic acid, amino acids, manganese, selenium, and EFA's.

Food sensitivities and leaky gut syndrome

Intolerances or allergies to certain kinds of foods are common in those with MS. The most frequent are dairy products, caffeine, tannin, yeast, sugar, wheat, gluten, corn, food additives, and fermented products such as vinegar and wine.

The result of these food intolerances, and the Candida that is often present, is a system wide poisoning as toxins leak through the intestines into the bloodstream and other tissues (often referred to as "leaky gut"). The food particles and toxins that do leak into the bloodstream are detected by the immune system, which mounts a defense to protect the body. This places a strain on the immune system and weakens it, which allows other pathogenic viruses and yeasts to multiply, creating a heavier load on the immune system.

Eventually, the immune system attacks not only foreign pathogens but it's own cells, which over time, can result in autoimmune diseases such as MS.

Toxicity

Environmental toxins such as chemicals in food and tap water, carbon monoxide and diesel fumes, solvents, aerosol sprays, and foam in furniture and carpets, can cause metabolic poisoning and damage the myelin sheath of nerves, the basic defect in MS.

Mercury, first recognized as a poison in the 16th century, has been used in dentistry since the 1820's. It has been shown to bind to the DNA of cells and cell membranes, causing cell distortion and inhibited cell function. When this occurs, the immune system no longer recognizes the affected cell as part of the body and begins an autoimmune reaction, which destroys myelin in the process. MS patients have been shown to have mercury levels in their cerebrospinal fluid (which surrounds the brain and spinal cord) seven times higher than neurologically healthy patients!

Viral and bacterial infections

Research on patients infected with the Epstein-Barr virus showed that levels of EFA's are very low after illness, similar to levels found in MS patients. The virus interferes with the body's ability to metabolize EFA's, causing a partial breakdown of the immune system. An acute episode of Epstein-Barr during adolescence place the person at risk for illnesses such as MS, many years later.

Genetic predisposition

Although MS is not considered an hereditary disease, it is considered familial. First generation relatives of MS patients show a greater risk (30-50 times more) of developing the disease than the general population. This pattern suggests a transmissible microbe as one of the causative agents of MS.

Other notable causes for MS include vitamin D deficiency, electromagnetic fields, stress, and trauma (see sources).

To learn if heavy metals like mercury are causing your problems, and to get some ideas on how to remove them, visit Remove them From Your Body and the first source. For candida (yeast, fungus) and leaky gut issues, see Kill Candida.

Sources:

http://www.organiclifestylemagazine.com

Trivieri, Larry. Alternative Medicine: The Definitive Guide. Berkeley, CA: Celestial Arts, 2002. Print.

http://www.organiclifestylemagazine.com

http://truthwiki.org/Vitamin_D

http://www.naturalnews.com

http://truthwiki.org/Vitamin_D


About the author:
Derek Henry took a deadly health challenge that conventional medicine couldn't solve and self-directed a one-in-a-million health journey that found him happier and healthier than he had been in his entire life. As a result of this rewarding journey, he now spends his time writing, coaching, and educating thousands of people each month who want to enjoy similar results under their own direction.

Find out how you can reverse disease and thrive with a holistic approach.