“Studies have shown that a lack of certain bacteria within the gut can impair the immune system and may predispose a patient to develop an inflammatory disease like multiple sclerosis,” said Nicholas Chia, Ph.D., associate director of the Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine Microbiome Program.
Dr. Chia was an investigator on a study comparing the gut bacteria of MS patients with the gut bacteria of healthy persons. He concluded: “Our findings show that there is a connection that needs to be explored further.”1
Is there a connection between probiotics and MS?
Future studies are planned to see if the bacteria in the gut of MS patients in remission is different from that of patients whose MS is relapsing. If so, it raises the critical issue of whether probiotic foods might tame MS.
How fantastic would it be if we could manage MS through probiotics! Curbing MS progression by eating lots of yogurt, watermelon, grapefruit, and other probiotic foods would be so simple and safe.
For now, make sure you are working with a competent gastroenterologist who can provide an accurate diagnosis of your gut issues. There is a pretty good chance that, like me, you have a basic case of IBS. It is the most commonly diagnosed digestive malady, affecting 11% of the world population and 12% of the U.S. population.2
If you are diagnosed with IBS, you might be able to control or eliminate it by changing your eating habits. Your doctor might recommend one or more of the following:
So, should MSers take probiotics? Check back soon and we will explore that tricky question in my next article.
This content was originally published here.
