Gut health with MS

Multiple Sclerosis

MS is an autoimmune disease. In essence this means that the body’s immune system is overactive with the result that the immune cells attack other cells in our body for no good reason.

In MS the nerve cells are attacked. This damages the nerve cells with the result that nerve signals do not work properly. This can cause different symptoms and severe neurological problems. Dead nerve cells cannot be restored so it is important to reduce the immune activity at an early stage.

There is currently no cure for MS. Medical treatment falls into two overall categories; disease modifying treatments, and treatments of symptoms. In addition, support may be given through use of physiotherapists, speech therapists etc.

Gut health in Multiple Sclerosis

Microorganisms living in and on the surface of the human body contain up to 150 times more genes than the human body. Most of the time they live in harmony on or in our body and contribute to our normal health.

Over the past 20 years or so a wealth of research has given us a better understanding of the bacterial environment in the human gut. A well-balanced environment is important for “educating” and regulating our immune system. Amongst others, this enables us to fight various infections. It is also important for the body’s ability to manage other conditions or diseases where the immune system plays a role, such as in MS. It is evident that there is a biological link between our gut and the brain. This link is often referred to as the “gut-brain axis”.

The food we eat contains certain fibers that our gut bacteria live off. When the gut bacteria consume and process fibers from our food, they produce certain proteins and fatty acids. These are the substances affecting our immune system. The fatty acids are often referred to as Short Chain Fatty Acids (SCFA).

Several human studies have shown that people with MS often have a “disturbance” in the bacterial environment of the gut. The level of certain bacteria is reduced, resulting in reduced levels of these critical fatty acids. The fatty acid called propionate is particularly important. It is believed that propionate deficiency plays an important role in the immunological problems seen in MS.

A groundbreaking human study, published in a highly respected medical journal, demonstrated that supplementing propionate through the diet can increase the body’s propionate levels. The same study also showed supplementation can help manage the disease*.

**Duscha A, et al. Propionic Acid Shapes the Multiple Sclerosis Disease Course by an Immunomodulatory Mechanism. Cell. 2020. 180(6):1067-1080