The link between multiple sclerosis (MS) and the gut

There are many types of bacteria that cause inflammation in the body and this condition is found in people with multiple sclerosis. Accordingly, several approaches to altering the gut microbiota may benefit MS patients. Learn more about the link between multiple sclerosis (MS) and the gut in the following article.

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Inflammation is caused by damaged myelin or inflammation that disrupts signals from the brain to other organs in the body. At the same time, it causes damage to nerve fibers and is accompanied by other symptoms. People with multiple sclerosis can have mild to severe symptoms, and severe cases can cause disability.

The body's gut microbiome includes all the microscopic living organisms in the digestive system. It is estimated that there are more than 1,300 types of bacteria living in the gut and even more when counting specific strains. Everyone's gut microbiome is different, but there are disease patterns based on many factors: how you were born (cesarean or vaginal delivery), how you were fed as a child (breastfed or formula fed), genetics, increasing age, medications, antibiotic use, stress, location, diet...

The health of the body and the gut microbiome are closely linked. Does the microbiome change, creating disease for us? Or does a change in health cause a change in your microbiome? Researchers are still exploring these big questions. Rates of autoimmune diseases and allergies have increased in recent years. One hypothesis to explain this is the hygiene hypothesis. Many of us live in clean environments with little exposure to pathogens. However, with less infectious disease, studies show more cases of allergies and autoimmune diseases. It is theorized that this increase is due to major changes in the gut microbiota due to reduced exposure. When any type of bacteria in the body's gut microbiome gets out of balance, it's called dysbiosis. Dysbiosis can cause a variety of digestive symptoms. At the same time, it is implicated in the development of many diseases of autoimmune origin. Normally, the bacteria in our digestive tract don't make it to the rest of the body. Because there is a strong cell wall around the digestive tract and helps prevent bacteria in the digestive tract from "leaking" into the bloodstream. Dysbiosis in the gastrointestinal tract can cause gaps in these barrier walls. Bacteria that normally stay in the digestive tract can escape and cause inflammation. This inflammation is associated with autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis MS.

In our digestive system there are trillions of living organisms. This microflora helps the intestines to function properly. There are more types of bacteria in the digestive system than there are cells in the body. Bacteria, fungi, and other organisms play a variety of roles. They help us use and digest food as it enters the body. The bacteria that exist and are available in the body have been shown to be related to a person's immunity, overall health, and disease risk. Therefore, some people with multiple sclerosis are quite concerned about the activity of these bacteria. Several studies have compared the gut microbiota of people with and without MS. However, to date, studies have not found a clear difference between these two subjects, and it is not clear whether the microbiome increases the risk of MS flare-ups or MS flare-ups. Whether MS is a factor in altering the gut microbiota or may be due to a combination of the two. Some studies have also shown that people with MS have dysbiosis in their gut bacteria. An overproduction of certain gut bacteria causes inflammation in the body and this is seen in some people with MS. In rat studies, some MS-like symptoms were improved by altering the gut microbiome.

People with multiple sclerosis or multiple sclerosis MS have less Prevotella histicola bacteria in their gut than people without MS. Copaxone (glatiramer acetate), a disease-modifying therapy, can cause these bacteria to increase. One study found similar benefits to occur in rats given Prevotella histicola compared to rats given Copaxone. However, these studies have only been done in rats, and further studies in humans are needed to prove the effectiveness of this approach.

Some factors, such as genetics and environment, are beyond your control. Our gut microbiome was formed very early on, but there are many factors that influence it. Some changes may promote more diversity in our microbiome. However, other changes can be harmful. Here are a few things you can do to promote a balanced gut microbiome and a healthy body:
Eat plenty of fiber. Fiber provides food for all the small bacteria in the body's gut. Fiber is quite diverse from food sources such as fruits, vegetables, beans, lentils, nuts, seeds and whole grains. Reduce alcohol intake: Alcohol contributes to dysbacteriosis. If you drink alcohol, consider cutting back. Eat fermented foods: Fermented foods are a source of healthy bacteria that can provide health benefits. Fermented foods include kimchi, tempeh, yogurt, kefir, miso, and sauerkraut. Stress management. Stressors can affect the health of the gut microbiome in the body. Try some stress-reduction techniques, such as yoga or meditation, to deal with stress. Inappropriate use of antibiotics, even overuse of antibiotics. Along with bad bacteria, antibiotics can also kill some good bacteria and can lead to dysbacteriosis. It is important that you only use antibiotics when needed and as directed by your doctor. In addition, you should take a probiotic supplement to help restore some of the good bacteria. Explore probiotic supplements. Probiotic supplements may be helpful. However, please supplement with moderate amounts as prescribed by your doctor. Hopefully the information in the above article can help you better understand the relationship between multiple sclerosis and the microorganisms in the gut so that you can have an effective supplement and protect your health. .

Reference source: .healthline.com