Despite decades of research, the cause of multiple sclerosis remains unknown. In the past it was suggested that the disease might be immunological, though more recently it is thought that it could be a genetic disease.
One theory that has remained strong over the years is that of viral infections as a cause. Infections most under suspicion include measles, rabies, scrapie-like agent, Carp agent, paramyxovirus, coronavirus, Epstein-Barr virus, herpes zoster, herpes simplex virus, human herpesvirus 6, rubella, mumps, canine distemper, Marek's Semliki forest virus, animal and human retroviruses, and human T cell lymphoma virus type I.
Scientists have also focused on chlamydia pneumonia and the Epstein-Barr virus as it was found that patients with multiple sclerosis had an increase in respiratory infections before the onset of the disease. However, it is unknown whether the Epstein-Barr virus plays a specific role in multiple sclerosis or is an indication of an immune system response in patients with the disease.
A vascular theory for multiple sclerosis has also been discussed, along with dietary therapies, which have a vascular defect as part of the rationale.
It has been suggested that vascular changes may precede the inflammation and demyelination in a multiple sclerosis plaque. Those that advocate the infection theory believe that an infection could be the initial event that brings on this process.
In terms of the genetic factor of the disease, research has shown that siblings and fraternal twins have a greater risk, by about two to five percent, than the general population. In identical twins, this risk is about 30 percent higher. While this seems to support the genetic proponent, the question has been raised of why all genetically disposed individuals do not get the disease. To explain this, researchers say that multiple sclerosis may be determined by multiple genes and an environmental factor, possibly infection.
One common theory holds that genetics, viral infections, and immune reactions all play a role in multiple sclerosis.
British Medical Journal 2002;325:1128
It seems likely that some sort of infection is a contributing factor to multiple sclerosis (MS), but that in no way, shape or form indicates that it is the cause of MS. It would merely be the trigger.
It seems equally clear that providing a strong foundation of health practices is frequently helpful in causing this disease to go into remission.
Our staff has seen a significant number of our MS patients go into complete remission after applying these foundational approaches. At this time, I remain highly confident that our approach will consistently help the vast majority of people with mild MS go into complete remission.
However, as with any illness, the more the disease has progressed, the more difficult it is to turn around. At this time our success rate is limited if patients already have impairment that prevents them from walking properly.
Does our approach involve supplements? Hardly, unless you qualify cod liver oil as a supplement. I classify it more as a food. Occasionally we will use supplements, but our approach nearly always factors down to two major strategies:
Diet Optimization and Emotional Balancing
The first step is the eating plan. I have recently revised the plan to reflect my support of Metabolic Typing principles that individualize the program based upon individual biochemistry. The other major strategy is to use large amounts of raw foods as healing agents, especially raw proteins and fats (eggs are a prime example).
Our center has an incredible staff of five therapists that employ a variety of different emotional and energetic balancing techniques, which have been profoundly effective in this area. EFT is one of our major tools, though we use a number of other techniques as well. You can learn the basic methods behind EFT by using our recently updated free guide, or for a more in-depth look my EFT Series is available on DVD or VHS.
Please recognize that I never advocate the use of interferon. It does not treat the underlying cause and is a prescription for disaster, as it will allow the underlying cause to progress while holding the "symptoms" at bay. Fortunately, many people’s bodies are wise enough to reject this approach right off the bat.
Please also recognize that there are clearly other external, environmental issues, such as toxic chemicals and heavy metals like mercury, which contribute to MS. You can read the related article in this issue for more details. However, my experience is that if you help your body by optimizing diet and emotional stances it is typically able to regulate its detoxification mechanisms to minimize these external factors. However, it is still important to take proactive steps to address ongoing exposures to toxins.
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