#MS #LUPUS #EPSTEINBARR
According to the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association (AARDA) about 50 million Americans have an autoimmune disease and 75% of Americans with autoimmune disease are women. Multiple sclerosis (MS) and lupus are the most common of the more than 100 different autoimmune diseases. Research suggests that low-dose naltrexone (LDN)—and its potential effects on hormone imbalance—may prove a positive treatment option for these diseases.
Multiple Sclerosis and Lupus
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. The immune system attacks the myelin sheath, the insulating layer of cells that surround and protect the nerve cells. A healthy myelin sheath allows electrical impulses to transmit quickly and efficiently along the nerve cells. When the myelin sheath is damaged, the nerve cells are left exposed and inflamed and plaques begin to form along the central nervous system. The inflammation and plaques can slow or disrupt the electrical impulses moving between the brain and the rest of the body which may cause symptoms such as numbness, weakness, tingling, dizziness, fatigue, pain, vision disturbances, difficulty walking, slurred speech and difficulties with bladder and bowel function.
Lupus is an autoimmune disease that targets the body’s tissues and organ systems including the skin, joints, cardiovascular system, brain, and kidneys. There are several types of lupus and one type may be induced by medications such as blood pressure medications, antibiotics and anticonvulsants. Because tissue damage can occur anywhere in the body, lupus can be difficult to diagnose.
While the causes for MS and lupus are unknown, environmental factors may be an instigator in susceptible people. Environmental factors that may instigate MS or lupus include:
- Nutritional deficiencies (possibly caused by poor food quality)
- Pathogens and distortion of the gut microbiome
- Disturbed sleep or sleep deprivation
- Chemical exposures
- Hormone imbalances
- Gluten sensitivity
- Emotional or physical stress
- Vitamin D deficiency (MS)
- Smoking (MS)
- Epstein Barr infection (MS)
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