Potential Causes of Multiple Sclerosis


When first diagnosed with MS, one of the questions you may ask yourself is “how did this happen to me?” You may think that you did this right, and that right, so therefore that shouldn’t be happening. But as scientists are discovering, it’s not just one thing that causes the onset of multiple sclerosis, it’s usually a combination of several things.
What are these several things? Glad you asked. Usually the onset of MS is brought on by a combination of genetic factors, environmental factors, infectious factors an immunologic factors, as well as several others. So how do all these things interact to create an environment of autoimmunity? And more specifically, one where our own bodies attack the myelin of our nerves? Let’s dive in and find out.

Genetics

Multiple sclerosis is not a 100% genetically inherited disease, but there is evidence that genes do play a role. When scientists and researchers have looked at patterns within families, they find that an individual that has a first, second or third degree relative who also has MS, they have an increased risk of developing the disease also. It’s also noted that if a sibling has MS, the individual has about a 5% higher risk of developing it as well. There are several genes that are believed to predispose someone to having MS and when an individual has these genes, the first piece of the MS puzzle is put into place.

Environment

The saying that I keep coming back to over and over, “genetics load the gun, environment pulls the trigger“, couldn’t be more true in the case of MS. With the genetic predisposition already in place, certain environmental factors can make our bodies express those genes in certain ways. One major environmental factor that is widely known, is that MS is more prevalent in areas that are farther away from the equator. One possible reason for this as I have discussed in previous posts, is that individuals who live further from the equator are exposed to less Vitamin D than individuals who are living near the equator.
MS “clusters” have also been documented, where the prevalence of MS has been noted to be higher than other places. Clusters have been noted in Faroe Islands; Galion, Ohio; DePue, Illinois; Rochester, New York; El Paso, Texas. Even though nothing has been proven regarding these clusters in terms of causation, it is an interesting place to start looking into possible environmental causes.
A note about environmental factors. It seems as though the age of 15 is important. If an individual lives in an area that seems to increase the risk for MS (like northern locations), but then they move, they will assume the new locations level of risk, if they move before they are 15. If the relocation happens after the age of 15, they will keep their original locations risk factors.

Infections

There are numerous infections, viruses and bacteria that have been investigated as a possible trigger to MS. Obviously viruses and bacteria cause inflammation and potentially the breakdown of myelin as well. Therefore it makes sense that a virus/bacteria/infection could cause MS. The infections that are being investigated for their link to MS are Herpes Virus, Epstein-Barr, Measles, Mumps and Rubella. Researchers are also looking into a common food borne illness as being a trigger as well. Clostridium perfringens is being investigated because of it’s ability to cross the Blood Brain Barrier and kill the myelin producing cells, oligodendrocytes; which are the cells that are affected when lesions are active. More studies are needed in this area, but it is very interesting research.

Other Potential Causes

There are several things that seem to have gained traction as possible causes yet have not be proven (at all). Lyme disease, heavy metals, canine distemper, smoking and gut bacteria are among these. It has been thought that lyme disease and heavy metal toxicity are at the root of MS. These are thought to be causes because they activate the immune system, have similar symptoms and specifically heavy metals can lead to an increase in free radicals.

Canine distemper is thought to be linked to MS due to the higher prevalence of cases when individuals had been exposed to a dog with a distemper like illness several years prior to the onset of their MS. Smoking is another possible activity that poses as a risk factor or has causation. There is contradicting evidence regarding whether or not this is actually a factor, but some research shows that an individual is more likely to have a second attack of MS, following the Clinically Isolated Syndrome, if they are a smoker.

Gut bugs! Read my post from last week to get the scoop on the brand new research regarding the link between gut microbes and MS.

 

It is clear that there are many possible causes of Multiple Sclerosis, however none of which have been completely proven. I believe it is safe to say that it is a combination of many of these things that creates an environment within our bodies that makes it possible for MS to start. It is encouraging to know that researchers are hard at work trying to figure out what the exact cause is so it can be prevented in the future.

 

Join my LissMS Community here! I share recipes, further insights and special discounts/deals on an (almost) weekly basis!

I’M ALISSA!

I help women who have also been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis make specific and personalized diet, lifestyle & subconscious changes so that they can begin to heal their body, reduce disease symptoms, and return to a life they love.hey there,

follow along on Instagram:

My reality has changed a whole bunch over the years.

I started out with only a few symptoms. But I could get through the day.

Until all of a sudden I couldn’t.

All within a few years I went from “fine” to:
Having horrible symptoms, had 3 relapses and found myself with “aggressive MS”

This was not ok with me.

Eventually, I took my life into my own hands and rethought how I did most things.
I realized I had to make some changes, or else idk what else was gonna happen to me.

So I did.

I changed my diet.
I changed how I worked out.
I changed my job in the name of stress management.

This is just the tip of the iceberg.

If you want this transformation for you too (I know it’s possible) I’m launching my signature course: Holistically Healing MS in a few weeks. 

This is the course you need to get started on this path for yourself.

Only the waitlist is gonna get the pre sale price… 
Comment WAITLIST below and I’ll add you to it!!

My reality has changed a whole bunch over the years.

I started out with only a few symptoms. But I could get through the day.

Until all of a sudden I couldn’t.

All within a few years I went from “fine” to:
Having horrible symptoms, had 3 relapses and found myself with “aggressive MS”

This was not ok with me.

Eventually, I took my life into my own hands and rethought how I did most things.
I realized I had to make some changes, or else idk what else was gonna happen to me.

So I did.

I changed my diet.
I changed how I worked out.
I changed my job in the name of stress management.

This is just the tip of the iceberg.

If you want this transformation for you too (I know it’s possible) I’m launching my signature course: Holistically Healing MS in a few weeks.

This is the course you need to get started on this path for yourself.

Only the waitlist is gonna get the pre sale price…
Comment WAITLIST below and I’ll add you to it!!
...

43 8
This is the reality I lived, I want you to experience it too.

No, this is not a quick fix.
No, these results wont happen overnight.
No, this won’t cure you.

BUT-

Yes, you can have your life back.
Yes, you can feel better than you do right now.
Yes, your current reality doesn’t have to be a forever reality.

My success years ago was all thanks to the diet changes and the work I put in to know exactly how to eat to support MY body and MS at the same time. 

Yes it took a few months, but what it gave me back was my life- and that’s priceless. 

I’m spilling all the beans on what this process looks like and how to do it in my upcoming Masterclass:
5 Secrets To Creating Your Own MS Diet. 

Comment CLASS below and I’ll send you the link to sign up!!

This is the reality I lived, I want you to experience it too.

No, this is not a quick fix.
No, these results wont happen overnight.
No, this won’t cure you.

BUT-

Yes, you can have your life back.
Yes, you can feel better than you do right now.
Yes, your current reality doesn’t have to be a forever reality.

My success years ago was all thanks to the diet changes and the work I put in to know exactly how to eat to support MY body and MS at the same time.

Yes it took a few months, but what it gave me back was my life- and that’s priceless.

I’m spilling all the beans on what this process looks like and how to do it in my upcoming Masterclass:
5 Secrets To Creating Your Own MS Diet.

Comment CLASS below and I’ll send you the link to sign up!!
...

13 5
This is my vision for the masterclass I’m hosting next Monday.

I want this to be an interactive experience where you learn how to best take care of yourself and MS symptoms through the food you’re eating.

Instead of:
- feeling hesitation and confusion around what foods are best for MS
- not making changes because you’re afraid you’ll do it wrong 
- saying no again to going out to eat with friends 

Find the freedom and confidence you’ve been looking for.

Comment CLASS below and I’ll send you the link to sign up!!

This is my vision for the masterclass I’m hosting next Monday.

I want this to be an interactive experience where you learn how to best take care of yourself and MS symptoms through the food you’re eating.

Instead of:
- feeling hesitation and confusion around what foods are best for MS
- not making changes because you’re afraid you’ll do it wrong
- saying no again to going out to eat with friends

Find the freedom and confidence you’ve been looking for.

Comment CLASS below and I’ll send you the link to sign up!!
...

11 3
Do any of those hit home? 
 If yes… comment MASTERCLASS below.. I got you

Do any of those hit home?
If yes… comment MASTERCLASS below.. I got you
...

14 3
I get asked this question about different foods at least once a week.

Are potatoes with olive oil ok?
Are tomatoes ok even though Tom Brady doesn’t eat them?
What about grains?

It’s all gonna get the same answer from me….

Sure there are foods with nutrient profiles that match the needs of MS, ✨BUT✨if you don’t tolerate them or feel good eating them, they’re not for you.

I’m hosting a Masterclass next week all about this.

⭐️5 Steps to Creating Your Own MS Diet⭐️

You’ll walk away with:

✨Confidence you’re moving in the right direction regarding changing your diet. You’ll know where to start, how to troubleshoot when you “fall off the wagon” and how to find what works for you. 

No more feeling like:
- you have to start AGAIN on Monday..
- you can’t go out to eat with your friends..
- you’re at the mercy of the few foods you tolerate..

Come join me to learn the balanced way out of all or nothing food land.

Comment MASTERCLASS below and I’ll send you the link to sign up!!

I get asked this question about different foods at least once a week.

Are potatoes with olive oil ok?
Are tomatoes ok even though Tom Brady doesn’t eat them?
What about grains?

It’s all gonna get the same answer from me….

Sure there are foods with nutrient profiles that match the needs of MS, ✨BUT✨if you don’t tolerate them or feel good eating them, they’re not for you.

I’m hosting a Masterclass next week all about this.

⭐️5 Steps to Creating Your Own MS Diet⭐️

You’ll walk away with:

✨Confidence you’re moving in the right direction regarding changing your diet. You’ll know where to start, how to troubleshoot when you “fall off the wagon” and how to find what works for you.

No more feeling like:
- you have to start AGAIN on Monday..
- you can’t go out to eat with your friends..
- you’re at the mercy of the few foods you tolerate..

Come join me to learn the balanced way out of all or nothing food land.

Comment MASTERCLASS below and I’ll send you the link to sign up!!
...

14 2
My mom will confirm, this was me HARD as a kid.

I used to hate all forms of vegetables, just cause they were vegetables. Whether or not I had tried them was irrelevant, I hated them all the same.

Now, I’m not saying this to blame myself for anything, I’m more saying this as a message of solidarity and that it’s never too late to change.

But I also understand that process is hard!! 
Sometimes getting support can help you move forward.

If you:
- are wanting to change your diet to help MS symptoms but aren’t sure where and how to start
- feel frustrated when you do make changes because you can’t stick to them
- have already been eating super strict and can’t seem to add more foods back to your diet

My Masterclass the 5 Secrets to Creating your Own MS Diet is for you!!

Comment MASTERCLASS below and I’ll send you the link to sign up!!

My mom will confirm, this was me HARD as a kid.

I used to hate all forms of vegetables, just cause they were vegetables. Whether or not I had tried them was irrelevant, I hated them all the same.

Now, I’m not saying this to blame myself for anything, I’m more saying this as a message of solidarity and that it’s never too late to change.

But I also understand that process is hard!!
Sometimes getting support can help you move forward.

If you:
- are wanting to change your diet to help MS symptoms but aren’t sure where and how to start
- feel frustrated when you do make changes because you can’t stick to them
- have already been eating super strict and can’t seem to add more foods back to your diet

My Masterclass the 5 Secrets to Creating your Own MS Diet is for you!!

Comment MASTERCLASS below and I’ll send you the link to sign up!!
...

15 1
It’s been a week for me… maybe you too?

Use this short video for a moment of peace and regulation.

What do you notice in your body and about your emotions when you exhale and drop your shoulders?

Or when you hear bird songs?

Notice what makes you feel more calm, relaxed and at peace. 
Do more of that..

It’s been a week for me… maybe you too?

Use this short video for a moment of peace and regulation.

What do you notice in your body and about your emotions when you exhale and drop your shoulders?

Or when you hear bird songs?

Notice what makes you feel more calm, relaxed and at peace.
Do more of that..
...

12 4
I get it… I was once in paralysis by analysis for years!!

I’m creating a Masterclass/Workshop experience in August to cover this exact topic: what and how to eat for MS. 

BUT!! I need your help to narrow down what we’ll be talking about.

Which of these options sounds most helpful?
Comment the number below!!

Workshop ideas: 

1. Simple Nutrition for MS: what you need to know about eating for healing 

2. Create Your Own MS Diet: How to know what is best for YOU, while also helping MS symptoms

3. Education into Action: How to put the knowledge you have into action steps that make progress

4. Blend of it All: Education, steps to finding your own MS diet and how to get started

Want something else?? Tell me 👇🏼👇🏼

I get it… I was once in paralysis by analysis for years!!

I’m creating a Masterclass/Workshop experience in August to cover this exact topic: what and how to eat for MS.

BUT!! I need your help to narrow down what we’ll be talking about.

Which of these options sounds most helpful?
Comment the number below!!

Workshop ideas:

1. Simple Nutrition for MS: what you need to know about eating for healing

2. Create Your Own MS Diet: How to know what is best for YOU, while also helping MS symptoms

3. Education into Action: How to put the knowledge you have into action steps that make progress

4. Blend of it All: Education, steps to finding your own MS diet and how to get started

Want something else?? Tell me 👇🏼👇🏼
...

7 3
FYI- This process took several YEARS for me . So please stop beating yourself up if you’re not here yet.

Tbh- I needed to go through the scared, intimidated, rebellious no way before I got to the heck yes.

It took me being at rock bottom, symptoms out of control and knowing I needed something else.

So I didn’t really “do anything” to be ready. 
I just was when I was.

If you’re feeling ready to make diet changes to help your MS symptoms, I created an Eating for MS guide just for you! 

Your guide includes:
- The best foods to be eating when you have MS
- Several ways to get started
- Fast and easy meal ideas
- And so much more!!

Comment GUIDE below and I’ll send you the link to download!

FYI- This process took several YEARS for me . So please stop beating yourself up if you’re not here yet.

Tbh- I needed to go through the scared, intimidated, rebellious no way before I got to the heck yes.

It took me being at rock bottom, symptoms out of control and knowing I needed something else.

So I didn’t really “do anything” to be ready.
I just was when I was.

If you’re feeling ready to make diet changes to help your MS symptoms, I created an Eating for MS guide just for you!

Your guide includes:
- The best foods to be eating when you have MS
- Several ways to get started
- Fast and easy meal ideas
- And so much more!!

Comment GUIDE below and I’ll send you the link to download!
...

15 7
I get it- it’s really easy to shame yourself into changing something, especially your diet/the foods you eat. And especially when we feel there are other things we “should be doing” because we know “it’s better for us”.

But that is NOT my wish for you.

Hi 👋🏼 my name is Alissa and we do things differently around here.

My goal is to empower you with the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed decisions about your dietary choices, tailored to your unique MS needs and preferences.

This is why I wrote my Eating for MS Guide the way I did.
I did not give you foods to fear or messages of ONLY EAT THIS FOOD FOREVER OR ELSE.

I’m giving you the tools to be confident in the choices you’re making, because you know it works for YOU. Not because you “should” do it this or that way.

If you’ve been wanting: 
- to eat in a way that supports your body with MS, but are confused about all the different messages online
- to feel empowered about your choices, not shamed
- to do it all in a gentle, slow way, not a crash diet..

My guide is for you!!
Comment GUIDE below and I’ll send you the link to download!!

I get it- it’s really easy to shame yourself into changing something, especially your diet/the foods you eat. And especially when we feel there are other things we “should be doing” because we know “it’s better for us”.

But that is NOT my wish for you.

Hi 👋🏼 my name is Alissa and we do things differently around here.

My goal is to empower you with the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed decisions about your dietary choices, tailored to your unique MS needs and preferences.

This is why I wrote my Eating for MS Guide the way I did.
I did not give you foods to fear or messages of ONLY EAT THIS FOOD FOREVER OR ELSE.

I’m giving you the tools to be confident in the choices you’re making, because you know it works for YOU. Not because you “should” do it this or that way.

If you’ve been wanting:
- to eat in a way that supports your body with MS, but are confused about all the different messages online
- to feel empowered about your choices, not shamed
- to do it all in a gentle, slow way, not a crash diet..

My guide is for you!!
Comment GUIDE below and I’ll send you the link to download!!
...

7 2
Or for when you’re trying to talk yourself out of being sick.. 🙋🏻‍♀️🙋🏻‍♀️😂😂

Even if you feel fine, try saying a few of these out loud. Feel what happens to your body when you do.

Do you feel an expansion or lightness in your chest?
Does breathing get a little easier?
Just notice the shifts in your body.

I’m not saying we can talk ourselves out of it (illness, flares etc) … but… our body and cells respond to our thoughts.

So how we think about ourselves is definitely in the conversation of how we can take care of ourselves overall. 
🧡🧡🧡

Or for when you’re trying to talk yourself out of being sick.. 🙋🏻‍♀️🙋🏻‍♀️😂😂

Even if you feel fine, try saying a few of these out loud. Feel what happens to your body when you do.

Do you feel an expansion or lightness in your chest?
Does breathing get a little easier?
Just notice the shifts in your body.

I’m not saying we can talk ourselves out of it (illness, flares etc) … but… our body and cells respond to our thoughts.

So how we think about ourselves is definitely in the conversation of how we can take care of ourselves overall.
🧡🧡🧡
...

39 4

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