Longitudinal analysis reveals high prevalence of Epstein-Barr virus associated with multiple sclerosis.
Sound exciting?
All of us living with MS, our caregivers, doctors, and researchers, would love to understand why some people become afflicted with multiple sclerosis while others don’t.
Most people who become infected with EBV do not progress to MS. Of the ten million young adult service members included in this study over a twenty year period, only 955 received a diagnosis of MS.
Since EBV infects ~95% of all adults, and MS is still relatively rare, obviously not everyone who tests positive to EBV should be worried about MS showing up in the next decade. However, if you have been diagnosed with Epstein-Barr Virus, you should be aware that you are at a higher risk of progressing into autoimmunity.
A 32-fold higher risk, according to this study of two decades of U.S. military data.
According to WebMD: “EBV never truly goes away. Even if the symptoms subside, the virus will remain inactive inside your body until it is reactivated by a trigger. Some triggers include stress, a weakened immune system, taking immunosuppressants, or hormonal changes such as menopause.”
In my clinic, I find that, like EBV, MS symptoms are also activated by a trigger. Interesting.
So, it would seem that the common denominator that we, as individuals concerned about our own health, can take away from the results of this study is that identifying and avoiding your triggers could help you avoid triggering both Epstein-Barr Virus and Multiple Sclerosis! Or either one!
Yes; this IS exciting!
It’s exciting because it reinforces our understanding about the importance of identifying and avoiding our own triggers, and how doing so can help each of us maintain our own health.
That’s it: the key to health in a nutshell. Identify and avoid your triggers.
If you could use some help, please take advantage of a free naturopathic health assessment to see if what I offer could be right for you and your health journey.
