Vitamin D and Multiple Sclerosis

Here you can read about vitamin D and multiple sclerosis, and the connection between them. Let us first say something about multiple sclerosis. Multiple sclerosis can be defined as a disease that affects the body’s central nervous system. Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease that affects the spinal cord and the brain cells. Many important functions of the body are controlled by nervous system. The cause of this illness is still undetermined, but several factors can contribute to development of this disease. Immune system cells can be seriously disturbed in people who suffer from multiple sclerosis.

Many studies have already been done in order to find out more about this illness. Multiple sclerosis is called an autoimmune disease. The immune system can attack some very important cells in the body and cause this disease. For example, if one’s immune system starts attacking myelin, this will lead to multiple sclerosis. We still know very little about why the immune system attacks normal body cells.

Some viruses can also lead to destruction of myelin. Those infections include herpes virus, Chlamydia, etc. Genetics can also play a role in getting multiple sclerosis.

Vitamin D deficiency is another factor that can lead to this illness. People who do not have normal vitamin D levels are at higher risk of getting multiple sclerosis. Vitamin D is also called “the sunshine vitamin”, because it is produced in the body when you are in the sun. How much time is needed to vitamin D to synthesize? Most doctors believe that twenty minutes minimum is the time you should spend in the sun to get your daily dose of vitamin D. This vitamin is also found in some foods, such as eggs, fish, meat, cereals and dairy products. If you are a vegetarian, you can be at risk of having low vitamin D levels in blood. If you think you may be lacking vitamin D, you should visit your doctor and measure your vitamin D levels. In case you lack this vitamin, you will be given proper supplements to use. Never take any supplements without your doctor’s knowledge. Your doctor must decide about your daily dose, based on your blood test results.

Vitamin D deficiency can lead to other health problems, including osteoporosis, teeth problems, bone problems, fatigue, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels in blood, and depression. Recent studies have shown that there is a close relation between multiple sclerosis and vitamin D deficiency.

The symptoms of vitamin D deficiency can occur when it is already too late. Some patients are very deficient, so they have to take very large doses of vitamin D. You should control your vitamin D levels in order to prevent this condition.

The symptoms of multiple sclerosis include tingling, itching, pain, numbness, double vision, depression, memory loss, mood swings, problems with concentration and attention, Bladder problems, impotency, fatigue, dementia, respiratory complications, and bipolar syndrome.

Having normal vitamin D levels in blood will certainly help you prevent various illnesses, including multiple sclerosis, too.