Atlas of MS

[bromley]

This was published on Wednesday and I'm hoping it will distract Lyon for a few days so that we can have some relief from his constant postings.

http://www.msif.org/en/about_msif/what_ ... index.html

[lyndacarol]

Bromley--I really appreciate your posting of this info, especially the map of prevalence. I have looked at it with the well-known adage of

There is an increased prevalence, and higher risk of MS, further north and south of the equator.

in mind, but I just can't see it. The map would seem to be better explained by "higher carbohydrate diet found in developed countries is associated with higher MS prevalence."

The exceptions that I am aware of (Inuit, Suomi) fit better with the "carb" idea, too.

Why do scientists never see it the "carb" way? Thoughts from other people?

[GeoGuy]

I looked at that map as well and the thought that came to mind was countries with more developed public health systems showed higher a incidence of MS, possibly because they have better reporting systems.

Jack

[cheerleader]

Bob may not have been distracted, but you've provided me an escape from the MS/personality debacle. Thanks, bromley.

Agree with the carb connection, lyndacarol. As well as lower vitamin D and higher consumption of saturated animal fats (rather than good omega 3 fats) in areas with with higher MS prevalence. Diet must matter....
AC

[Loobie]

I fully agree Cheer about diet. Anyone who adopts a 'proper diet' is going to feel the benefits. Especially peole who are sick. There's no doubt, for me anyway, that all the nitrites, high fructose, artifical stuff, et al, have played a major role. I was always so athletic that I would just eat everything; and I never gained a pound so I thought it was all fine. I ate some good food in there as well, but I just ate with complete abandon. Once I changed my diet, and before the MS started making me feel so bad, I felt great for a while; better than I ever had. I just think I came to that realization too late to do anything about it. Although I always got a ton of sun as a kid (11 years of swim team), and get dark for a white boy, I think my young adulthood spent in a factory 75 hours a week (can you say 15 years of Casper?) also contributed. I, in no way, blame myself, but I personally think that we have a predisposition and a combo. of nutritional and env. factors are really the trigger. Of course we may never know because to prove it, you'd have to make people sick, but I really think that's it.

After I read about the sunbathing, Aussie Doc. who has MS and sunbathes constantly, I started trying that. I have to tell you, and it could be placebo effect, but when I do that, I feel a lot better. While doing it I stay completely hydrated and use like a number 4 sunscreen. Sometimes during the process I will feel pretty weak, but those are always some of the best evenings I have anymore. I'm not kidding. Those are usually our 'non little blue pill' nights. I know that's a bit flip, but that's a true marker for me for functioning at a high level, when I don't need one of those son of a guns.

Anyway, that Atlas is fascinating to me. I'm printing it as we speak.