Your gut is home to trillions of bacteria, fungi, and other microbes, collectively known as the gut microbiome. These tiny organisms aid digestion, support immunity, and impact overall health. Normally, they coexist in balance, but changes like a sudden shift in diet can disrupt this harmony, potentially increasing the risk of diseases like MS.
Everyone’s gut microbiome is different, but some common factors influence its development. These include how a person is born (C-section or vaginal birth), how they were fed as a baby (breast milk or formula), their genes, age, medications, antibiotic use, stress levels, where they live, and what they eat.
People with MS have different gut bacteria than those without the disease, often showing an imbalance called dysbiosis. Research, including a 2022 study, has consistently found this imbalance, which is also seen in other autoimmune diseases. Scientists aren’t yet sure exactly how this affects MS.
Do gut bacteria influence MS?
Studies have shown that consuming probiotics may help prevent MS to begin with. And for people who develop MS, probiotics may help reduce its severity, delay progression, and improve certain MS symptoms.
Iranian researchers analyzed data from four clinical trials involving 213 people with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) who took probiotics or a placebo for 12 to 24 weeks. Their findings showed that probiotics improved disability scores, reduced depression, and enhanced overall health. While more research is needed, the authors suggest probiotics could be a useful addition to MS care.
A 2017 study involving 60 individuals with MS found that a 12-week course of probiotic supplementation led to improvements in EDSS scores, mental health parameters, inflammatory markers, insulin resistance indicators, and lipid profiles (including HDL and total/HDL cholesterol), compared to a placebo.
Probiotics are foods or supplements that contain live microorganisms that help keep your gut healthy by supporting the good bacteria in your digestive system.
A clinical trial in Iran found that a probiotic containing the yeast Saccharomyces boulardii significantly reduced pain, fatigue, and inflammation while improving mental health and quality of life in people with RRMS. In the four-month study, 40 participants took either a probiotic or a placebo alongside their standard MS treatments. Those taking the probiotic showed greater improvements in physical and social functioning, fatigue, and pain relief. Blood tests also revealed lower inflammation and increased antioxidant levels.
Researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital have developed a probiotic that reduces brain inflammation and suppresses autoimmunity in mice with an MS-like condition. They discovered that certain immune cells use a biochemical “brake” to prevent attacks on the body, which can be activated by lactate, a common metabolic molecule. To harness this, investigators engineered bacteria to produce lactate, helping to prevent harmful immune responses in the brain. Unlike traditional drugs that wear off over time, these microbes continuously release therapeutic compounds, potentially offering long-term benefits. While promising, this research is still in early stages, and further studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness in humans.
Gut-Friendly Habits to Try
Your gut microbiome develops early in life, but many factors can influence it. While you can’t control genetics or age, you can take steps to support a healthy, balanced gut. Here’s how:
Eat more fiber: Fiber provides nourishment for the beneficial bacteria in your gut, supporting a healthy digestive system. It is found in a variety of plant-based foods, including fruits, vegetables, beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.
Limit alcohol consumption: Alcohol has been linked to gut dysbiosis. If you drink, consider cutting back to maintain gut health.
Eat fermented foods: Fermented foods are rich in beneficial bacteria and may provide health benefits. Examples include kimchi, tempeh, yogurt, kefir, miso, and sauerkraut.
Manage stress: Stress can disrupt the balance of your gut microbiota. To mitigate its effects, try stress-relieving methods like yoga or meditation.
Consider probiotic supplements, but check with your doctor first. They are not FDA-regulated, and more research is needed to identify the best dose and strain for specific conditions.
Use antibiotics wisely: They can kill both good and bad bacteria, causing dysbiosis. Only use them when necessary and take them as directed. A probiotic supplement may help restore beneficial bacteria.
The connection between gut health and MS is an evolving area of research, offering exciting possibilities for new treatments and symptom management. While we still have much to learn, the evidence so far suggests that fostering a balanced gut microbiome – through diet, probiotics, and lifestyle choices – may play a role in overall well-being for people with MS. By participating in initiatives like iConquerMS, individuals can help drive people-powered research, contributing to the growing body of knowledge that aims to improve the health and lives of everyone affected by MS. Together, we have the power to turn curiosity into discoveries that could reshape the future of MS care.
