There are several key factors that lead many experts to believe that multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease triggered and exacerbated by allergic hypersensitivity to specific food particles.

First is the nature of the immune dysfunction that characterizes MS. Evidence suggests that in MS, the protective myelin sheath of the nerves is destroyed via an autoimmune response, whereby the body's own T-cells attack healthy cell proteins both inside and outside the central nervous system (CNS). What specifically prompts T-cells to do this is still not clear, but there is evidence that an immune reaction to food antigens may provide the initial impetus for this response.

In an allergic reaction, food antigens stimulate basophils and mast cells to release chemical mediators such as histamine and leukotrienes, causing a wide range of inflammatory responses in the body (and hence allergy symptoms such as asthma, eczema, joint pain, etc). Mast cells and their mediators have also been implicated as important agents for inducing brain inflammation in MS, and mast cells have been specifically found in MS lesions.^1,2

Furthermore, stimulated mast cells and their mediators can increase the permeability of the blood-brain barrier, allowing the penetration of immune complexes that are normally prevented from direct contact with the CNS.³ This increased access through the blood brain barrier is a key feature of MS. Once past this crucial central nervous system defense barrier, autoimmune invaders may then set off the inflammatory, myelin-destroying processes characteristic of MS.^4,5 Based on this scenario, it has been proposed that "multiple sclerosis arises due to the effect of various mediators (histamine and protease) released from the perivascular mast cells after stimulation by some diet factor."⁶

Interestingly, many symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as gastrointestinal disorders, migraines, fatigue, muscle weakness, impaired coordination, are also symptoms of MS.⁷ And the geographical distribution of MS has led some to conjecture that differences in food consumption play a major role; MS incidence is lowest, for example, in regions where consumption of gluten-containing grains is low.⁸ One researcher has tracked the historical development of MS around the world and linked its increasing incidence with the introduction and rising use of cocoa products--and particularly chocolate.⁷

Many experts, however, recommend proper testing to determine actual allergies before starting MS patients on an allergen-free diet--to avoid the unnecessary elimination of foods.

Great Smokies' Comprehensive Antibody Assessment assays a single blood sample to determine immediate (IgE) and delayed (IgG) hypersensitivities to over 120 food and environmental substances, allowing practitioners to readily pinpoint allergic reactions that can play a major role in multiple sclerosis and many other chronic conditions.

References

1 Bebo BF Jr, Yong T, Orr EL, Linthicum DS. Hypothesis: a possible role for mast cells and their inflammatory mediators in the pathogenesis of autoimmune encephalomyelitis. J Neurosci Res 1996;45(4):340-348.

2 Rozniecki JJ, Hauser SL, Stein M, Lincoln R, Theoharides TC. Elevated mast cell tryptase in cerebrospinal fluid of multiple sclerosis patients. Ann Neurol 1995;37(1):63-66.

3 Griffin DE, Hess JL, Moench TR. Immune responses in the central nervous system. Toxicol Pathol 1987;15(3):294-302.

4 Compston A. Limiting and repairing the damage in multiple sclerosis. Schweiz Med Wochenschr 1993;123(22):1145-1152.

5 Compston A. Inflammation and the brain. Mol Chem Neuropathol 1993;19(1-2):47-64.

6 Kruger PG, Nyland HI. The role of mast cells and diet in the onset and maintenance of multiple sclerosis: a hypothesis. Med Hypothesis 1995;44(1):66-69.

7 Ross LJ, Ross S. Multiple Sclerosis. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1992;105.

8 Maas Ag, Hogenhuis LA. Multiple sclerosis and the possible relationship to cocoa: a hypothesis. Ann Allergy 1987;59(1):76-79.