By Dr. Lisa Ballehr
Understanding MS as a Multifactorial Condition
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a complex autoimmune and neurodegenerative disease triggered by a combination of genetic predisposition, environmental factors, chronic infections, mitochondrial dysfunction, and gut-immune dysregulation. From a functional medicine perspective, MS is best managed by addressing root causes rather than merely suppressing symptoms.
Chronic Infections Linked to MS
Chronic infections can trigger autoimmunity through molecular mimicry, persistent immune activation, and disruption of the gut-brain-immune axis. These include:
1. Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)
- The strongest infection-linked trigger for MS.
- EBV proteins mimic myelin, triggering an immune attack.
- Testing: EBV early antigen, EBV nuclear antigen, PCR for chronic activation.
- Treatment: Antiviral herbs (monolaurin, olive leaf, lysine), immune modulation.
2. Human Herpesviruses (HHV-6, HHV-7, CMV)
- Found in MS lesions, contribute to neuroinflammation.
- HHV-6 can reactivate under stress or immunosuppression.
- Treatment: Antiviral therapies (valacyclovir, herbal antivirals, LDN).
3. Tickborne Infections (Lyme Disease & Co-Infections)
- Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease): Can cause neuroinflammation and MS-like symptoms.
- Bartonella: Affects the endothelium and nerves, leading to persistent inflammation.
- Babesia: A parasitic infection that disrupts immune function and mitochondrial health.
- Testing: IGeneX or Vibrant Tickborne Panel, CD57 NK cell test.
- Treatment: Antimicrobials (herbal or antibiotics), immune modulation.
4. Mycoplasma Pneumoniae
- A stealth pathogen that can persist inside cells and trigger autoimmunity.
- Treatment: Herbal or antibiotic protocols (doxycycline, azithromycin, NAC).
5. Chlamydia Pneumoniae
- Can cross the blood-brain barrier, triggering chronic neuroinflammation.
- Linked to increased MS risk.
- Treatment: Antibiotic/herbal protocols, immune support.
6. Candida & Fungal Overgrowth
- Can contribute to gut permeability, systemic inflammation, and immune dysregulation.
- Testing: Organic acids test (OAT), GI-MAP stool test.
- Treatment: Antifungals (caprylic acid, berberine, oregano oil, nystatin if severe).
7. Chronic Mold & Mycotoxin Exposure
- Mycotoxins (from mold like Aspergillus, Stachybotrys) damage the nervous system and immune function.
- Testing: Mycotoxin urine test (Great Plains, RealTime Labs).
- Treatment: Mold remediation, binders (charcoal, chlorella, bentonite clay), liver detox.
Functional Medicine Approach
A functional medicine perspective seeks to identify and address these root causes through personalized interventions such as:
- Immune modulation (gut health, infections, nutrient balance)
- Reducing inflammation (anti-inflammatory diet, omega-3s, antioxidants)
- Supporting mitochondria (CoQ10, L-carnitine, NAD+, fasting strategies)
- Hormonal balance (stress management, adrenal support)
- Detoxification (sauna, binders, liver support)
1. Reduce Inflammation & Immune Dysregulation
A. Identify & Remove Triggers
- Eliminate food sensitivities: Gluten, dairy, soy, corn, eggs, and nightshades (common triggers).
- Reduce sugar & processed foods: High-glycemic foods increase inflammation.
- Optimize Omega-3:Omega-6 Ratio:
- Increase EPA/DHA from wild-caught fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel).
- Reduce industrial seed oils (corn, soy, canola, sunflower oils).
- Address chronic infections (EBV, Lyme, Candida, SIBO, etc.).
- Testing: EBV titers, PCR for chronic infections, GI-MAP stool test.
- Treatment: Herbal antivirals (olive leaf, lysine, monolaurin), antimicrobial herbs (oregano, berberine, allicin).
B. Immune-Regulating Supplements
- Vitamin D3 + K2 (5,000-10,000 IU daily) – Essential for immune modulation.
- Curcumin (Theracurmin or BCM-95) – Potent anti-inflammatory.
- Resveratrol & Quercetin – Modulate immune function and lower oxidative stress.
- Medicinal Mushrooms (Reishi, Cordyceps, Lion’s Mane) – Balance immune function.
- Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN) – Prescription option for immune regulation.
2. Heal the Gut & Restore Microbiome
MS has been linked to leaky gut and dysbiosis, so repairing gut integrity is essential.
A. Gut Healing Protocol (4R Approach)
- Remove inflammatory foods, toxins, infections.
- Replace with digestive enzymes, stomach acid (HCl), and bile support.
- Repopulate with probiotics & prebiotics.
- High-dose probiotics (50+ billion CFU, multi-strain)
- Fermented foods (sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, coconut yogurt)
- Repair gut lining with:
- L-glutamine (5g/day)
- Aloe vera, slippery elm, DGL (for mucosal healing)
- Colostrum or IgG supplements (immune gut barrier support)
B. Address Intestinal Permeability (Leaky Gut)
- Zonulin test (checks gut permeability).
- Fasting & bone broth – Promote gut healing.
3. Support Mitochondria & Nerve Regeneration
Mitochondrial dysfunction plays a major role in MS progression. Strengthening cellular energy production can slow neurodegeneration.
A. Key Nutrients for Mitochondrial Function
- CoQ10 (200-400 mg/day)
- PQQ (10-20 mg/day)
- L-carnitine (500-1,000 mg/day)
- Alpha-lipoic acid (600-1,200 mg/day)
- NAD+ precursors (NMN or NR, 300-500 mg/day)
B. Ketogenic Diet or Intermittent Fasting
- Ketones fuel neurons & repair myelin.
- Intermittent fasting (16:8 or OMAD) boosts mitochondrial biogenesis.
- MCT oil, exogenous ketones – Help sustain energy.
4. Optimize Detoxification
MS patients often have high levels of toxins (heavy metals, mold, pesticides, glyphosate, plastics, etc.).
A. Detox Support
- Infrared sauna therapy – Removes heavy metals & toxins.
- Liver detox nutrients:
- Glutathione (liposomal or IV, 500-1,000 mg/day)
- Milk thistle, dandelion root, NAC
- Binders for toxins:
- Activated charcoal, chlorella, modified citrus pectin, bentonite clay.
B. Heavy Metal Testing & Removal
- Test for mercury, lead, arsenic (Urine or hair analysis).
- If high, consider chelation therapy with DMSA or EDTA under guidance.
5. Hormonal & Stress Optimization
Chronic stress and hormonal imbalances increase immune dysfunction and inflammation.
A. Support Adrenal & HPA Axis
- Cortisol testing (DUTCH or saliva test).
- Adaptogens: Ashwagandha, Rhodiola, Holy Basil, Licorice root.
- Magnesium (Glycinate, L-Threonate) – 400-600 mg/day.
- Breathwork, meditation, vagus nerve stimulation (cold showers, singing, gargling).
B. Balance Sex Hormones
- Estrogen & progesterone levels impact autoimmunity.
- DHEA, pregnenolone – Support hormone production.
- Bioidentical hormone therapy (if needed).
6. Lifestyle & Nervous System Support
MS requires a comprehensive lifestyle approach.
A. Movement & Exercise
- Mild to moderate exercise (yoga, Pilates, resistance training).
- Rebounding (mini trampoline) – Supports lymphatic drainage.
B. Sleep Optimization
- Sleep 7-9 hours (deep, restorative).
- Magnesium, glycine, GABA, melatonin (if needed).
C. Emotional & Neurological Healing
- Trauma therapy (EMDR, somatic therapy) – Emotional stress is a major autoimmune trigger.
- Vagus nerve stimulation – Breathwork, acupuncture, cold exposure.
7. Medications & Advanced Therapies
If additional support is needed, discuss prescription options with a functional medicine doctor.
- Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN, 1.5-4.5 mg/day) – Regulates immune function.
- IV therapy (Glutathione, NAD+, Myers’ cocktail, Phosphatidylcholine).
- Stem cell therapy – Emerging research for neuroregeneration.
Summary: Personalized MS Protocol
✅ Eliminate inflammatory triggers (gluten, dairy, infections).
✅ Gut & immune healing (probiotics, leaky gut repair).
✅ Mitochondrial & nerve support (CoQ10, ALA, L-carnitine).
✅ Detox & heavy metal removal (sauna, binders, glutathione).
✅ Hormonal & stress balance (adaptogens, HPA axis support).
✅ Ketogenic diet & fasting (improves neuroprotection).
✅ Advanced therapies (LDN, IV therapy, stem cells).
Addressing Chronic Infections in MS Treatment
A comprehensive MS protocol should include infection testing and treatment alongside immune, mitochondrial, and gut health support.
Ready to Heal? Work with Dr. Lisa Ballehr
If you’re struggling with Multiple Sclerosis, don’t let your symptoms be dismissed.
Final Thoughts
By supporting your immune system, healing inflammation, and managing stress, you can take back your health.
💡 You don’t have to suffer in silence—get the support you deserve and start your recovery today!
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