Chapter 1: Understanding Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a complex and often confusing condition. For some individuals, it’s simply a diagnosis noted on medical forms; for others, it can lead to severe disability, potentially necessitating constant care and the use of a wheelchair.

My introduction to MS occurred during my time in chiropractic school, where one of our professors candidly shared, “I’ve been living with Multiple Sclerosis for several years.” He elaborated on his personal experience with the disease, explaining its various manifestations, ranging from mild to debilitating. Despite facing a potentially life-altering condition, he appeared to manage well, occasionally taking time off due to persistent headaches.

A study from the MS Society indicates that nearly one million people in the United States, and approximately 2.8 million worldwide, are affected by Multiple Sclerosis. The condition can arise in various forms, including clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing, primary progressive, and secondary progressive types. Our professor experienced relapsing MS, which accounts for about 85% of diagnoses. However, even within this category, the experiences of patients can vary significantly.

In contrast, the progressive forms—primary and secondary—are generally more severe and often lead to disability. A defining characteristic of MS is the loss of myelin, the protective covering of nerve cells, which manifests as plaques or lesions in the Central Nervous System. The deterioration of myelin results in diverse neurological symptoms experienced by those with MS.

While medications exist to manage MS, a definitive cure remains elusive, particularly concerning myelin loss. This is where a promising new study from UCLA Health Sciences comes into play.

In this groundbreaking research, scientists have “identified a treatment that could repair myelin in the cortex, reversing some of the damage caused by MS.” Although the study is still in its early phases, the findings are encouraging: “Administering the pregnancy hormone estriol to a mouse model of multiple sclerosis reversed the degradation of myelin in the brain’s cortex, a crucial area affected by the disease.”

The most notable aspect of the UCLA study is its revelation: “This is the first research to pinpoint a treatment capable of repairing myelin in the cortex, reversing some of the damage associated with MS.” Given that current MS treatments often come with significant side effects, these findings are particularly exciting. This could mark the beginning of a potentially transformative treatment approach.

As we look forward to the continuation of this research, the hope is to advance toward successful human trials and, ultimately, a possible cure for MS. My former professor, along with millions of others, certainly shares this hope.

The first video titled Multiple Sclerosis and Pregnancy discusses the relationship between pregnancy hormones and the potential impact on MS treatment.

The second video Multiple Sclerosis and Pregnancy further explores how pregnancy may influence the course of MS and the implications for treatment.

Chapter 2: The Impact of Chronic Stress on Health

Chronic stress can lead to unhealthy eating habits, causing individuals to reach for high-calorie snacks. This behavior not only rewires our brains but also contributes to weight gain, creating a troubling cycle that can be difficult to break.