What causes MS?
Despite having been identified over 100 years ago and with considerable research since, the cause/s of MS are still unknown. Orthodox medicine currently highlights genetics, viruses and environmental factors as playing a part.
Genetics
There is a strong relationship between our genes and our susceptibility to diseases like MS. Genes alone cannot be solely responsible for MS as the increase has been far too rapid. There is convincing evidence that gene expression and activation, influenced by our environment, is more important than the actual genes themselves. If we provide our body with the optimum environment e.g. through correct nutrition, freedom from stress and adequate Vitamin D we have a much better chance of expressing the right genes. Not all genes are active and they can be switched on and off by changing the environment. In cancer research, for example, Dr T. Colin Campbell found that bad genes could be switched off by reducing the amount of animal protein ingested.
Susceptibility
Genes give us our susceptibility to certain illnesses. In homeopathy that susceptibility with other factors activates the collection of symptoms that orthodox medicine labels MS. It also determines which miasm/s are activated (we all have them). Miasm is a homeopathic term that describes a “predisposition towards chronic disease underlying the acute manifestations of illness,” transmittable from one generation to another
(Dr George Vitoulkas2). It/they can be treated with the corresponding homeopathic nosode prepared from pathological tissue.
Although we do not inherit MS directly the fact that family members share their genes, susceptibility and environment means their chances of getting MS are increased though incidences of familial cases of MS are very low.
Viruses
Various viruses have been suggested by orthodox medicine as being responsible for MS but nothing has been proven. It has been suggested that they could be the trigger that initiates MS. Chronic diseases like MS do not just appear and have been building up for a long time before symptoms are felt.
Electro-acupuncture (EAP) is a German diagnostic non-invasive test that checks the body for pathogens (viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites) and miasms. Treatment with vibrational homeopathy clears pathogens and renders miasm/s (more than one may be active) dormant. The condition for many people with MS has improved or stabilized with this treatment but unfortunately there are very few practitioners in this country.
Is prolonged emotional stress a risk?
Stress causes and is intimately linked to many diseases. It is not the event or situation itself that creates stress but our subsequent thought processes and accompanying emotions. In response to strong emotions like fear our body initiates its emergency ‘fight or flight response’ which is designed to cope with short-term stress only. When stress is prolonged (chronic) the many changes this induces are harmful and cause a further deterioration in health or illness.
Our thought processes also affect the immune system which fights infection. Immune cells are thinking cells that communicate with the other systems in our body e.g. respiratory, digestive and nervous systems (Dr Candace Pert). Thinking healthy, positive thoughts in a calm, relaxed body stimulates the body’s healing system. Negative thinking and stress weaken the immune system, stop the free flow of energy necessary for wellness and prevent maximum absorption of energy from food. These leave us more vulnerable to illness.
Does environment increase risk?
When people move from a low to a high incidence environment they have the same genes but their risk of getting MS increases or decreases to the same level as the rest of the population e.g. if they eat the same diet or live in areas with the same amount of sun. Changing the environment before adolescence changes that risk markedly. Environment can change both gene chemistry as well as DNA
Do certain foods increase the risk and progression of MS?
Dr Roy Swank followed people with MS and their diets for 34 years and concluded that the progression of MS, even in more severe cases, was markedly reduced with a diet low in saturated fats especially those from animal based foods 1. His studies have been confirmed and extended by many scientists in many countries.
Dr Campbell has done in-depth studies of diets and illnesses throughout the world and found that the western diet of meat, fish and dairy products is related to the increasing number of cancers, heart disease, diabetes and autoimmune diseases of which MS is one. Ingestion of cows’ milk with its protein and calcium is strongly associated with MS. We are told that we need milk for calcium but we get more than enough in a balanced diet.
Dr Campbell claims that the plant based diet that prevents diseases like MS can also reverse, slow or stop them. Therefore, eliminating dairy products, meat, fish and foods high in saturated fats in exchange for a plant based diet can have a very positive effect on MS progression and prevention. Food choices affect all areas of our ‘being’ including energy levels and metabolism.
Taken from Multiple Sclerosis Q / A June A Skeggs www.yoga-health-eduction.org.uk updated Oct. 2011
1 The China Study page 196, T Colin Campbell, Benbella
2 The Science of Homeopathy, George Vithoulkas, B Jain Publishers (P) Ltd. page 130
