Understanding Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system and is caused by damage to the myelin sheath, the protective covering that surrounds nerve cells. This nerve damage is caused by inflammation, most likely due to a virus, gene defect, environmental factors, or a combination of these issues. You are more likely to have MS if you have a family history of it or live in a part of the world where it is more common. The disease affects women more than men. Symptoms vary but can include problems using arms or legs, balance and coordination issues, constipation and stool leakage, uncontrollable rapid eye movements, decreased attention span, memory loss, depression, speech difficulty, fatigue and many more. Episodes can last for days, weeks or months. Some people with MS experience a time when symptoms go into remission, and many relapse.
Clinical studies have shown that the physical conditions associated with MS are also associated with oxidative stress, mineral deficiency, and microbial imbalance. Often, these abnormalities are not identified through routine lab work and are dismissed as insignificant when they are discovered. The reality is that the specific concentration of the mineral balance in the body has a profound effect on the response of the immune and nervous systems. Furthermore, individuals prone to inflammation and oxidative stress are more susceptible to opportunistic pathogens. These pathogens can hinder (either directly or indirectly) proper digestion/absorption and create further oxidative stress and mineral deficiency in the body. Unless properly addressed, this vicious cycle will continue to inhibit the various chemical pathways necessary for proper neurological and immune function. The resulting complications will contribute to, and may even cause, the symptoms of MS.
Priority Tests
- GPL-TOX: Toxic Non-Metal Chemicals
- Glyphosate
- Organic Acids Test
- Metals Hair Test
- Copper + Zinc Test
- IgG Food MAP
- Comprehensive Stool Analysis
- Comprehensive Fatty Acids Test
- Advanced Cholesterol Profile
- Vitamin D Test
