What is MS (Multiple Sclerosis)

What is MS? As a person with MS, I’ve come to describe multiple sclerosis a bit differently than most. In a nutshell I equate having MS to having “leeches” on the brain; it siphons off electrical signals by damaging nerves, which causes those signals to misfire. Some people are severely affected by the disease and others not so much.

Essentially MS or Multiple Sclerosis is a disease of the central nervous system. It affects hundreds of thousands of people worldwide and is the most common central nervous system disorder among young adults in westernized countries. MS can be bothersome in the very least and devastating to a lot of individuals. It is a progressive disease for which there is no known cure.

The toughest part of responding to the question “What’s MS?” is that the disease is a bit of a chameleon. It is often misdiagnosed as most of the symptoms occur in other diseases and conditions. It usually takes an MRI coupled with a lumbar puncture to solidly confirm that an individual has the disease.

Because MS is a disease of the central nervous system it can affect almost every area of the body. There is a large array of possible symptoms, some subtle some devastating. To truly understand multiple sclerosis one would need to have some understanding of how the central nervous system operates.

The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord. The brain is the primary overseer of what goes on in the body. It orchestrates bodily functions ranging from movement to awareness, thoughts, speech, vision, etc.

The primary building block of the central nervous system is the neuron or nerve cell. The brain and spinal cord have billions of neurons that coordinate and communicate the actions of the body. These neurons are protected by a fatty substance called myelin. It is the erosion of myelin from around the neurons that is believed to be the cause of MS symptoms.

This erosion of myelin is referred to as demyelination. No one knows what causes this to occur. There are theories that range from an external agent such as a virus or foreign antigen to lack of vitamin D in the early years of life. The net effect is a compromised immune system that then sees the fatty myelin sheath, which protects the nerve, as a foreign agent and attacks.

This attack causes inflammation, which eventually erodes the myelin and exposes the neuron. This exposed neuron is like an exposed wire. The signal will be compromised and may not provide the intended recipient with the required information to complete the intended task. Additionally, the nerves themselves maybe damaged. As with most biological functions, when damage occurs scarring follows. Scars form plaque and plaque, as we all know from visiting your dentist or cardiologist, is never a good thing. In the central nervous system this scarring is referred to as lesions. Which brings me back to my opening statement on leeches.

When my neurologist told me that I had lesions in my brain and spinal cord the word “lesion” give me a creepy feeling. It was as if a heard him say, “leeches” in my brain. I’ve come to think that maybe my first thoughts were correct. Lesions are a lot like leeches sucking away at my central nervous system. Unfortunately, this is a leech that can’t be easily removed.

I’ve continued to research this disease and believe wholeheartedly in leaving no stone unturned in my personal quest to be rid of this disease. I always think, and believe that science is starting to bear this out, that for every disease, there is a likely natural cure. Unfortunately, there tends to be little profit for Big Pharma in natural cures. I’m going to be honest; I’m looking for a natural cure for myself. I do this from a selfish prospective. I do not want this disease nor do I wish it on anyone else. But I’m most concerned about me.

While searching for something that would address my physical and cognitive issues, I found the book, How to Reverse MS Now! The book takes an all natural holistic approach to treating Multiple sclerosis. It’s definitely worth your consideration if you are truly interested in regaining control of your life instead of the disease or Big Pharma controlling it for you.

I am not a physician nor am I involved in the medical field. What I’ve presented is learning that I’ve acquired that has helped me in controlling my symptoms of MS. Before undertaking any diet or change in your fitness regime, it is advised that you seek counsel your physician.