How Your Gut Health Impacts Multiple Sclerosis - AI Podcast

Story at-a-glance

• Studies show people with multiple sclerosis (MS) have different gut bacteria than healthy people, with too much of certain bacteria types and not enough of the helpful ones
• The ratio between the bacteria Bifidobacterium and Akkermansia serves as a biomarker for MS progression, with this pattern appearing consistently across patients worldwide
• Normally beneficial Akkermansia bacteria can become harmful in MS when Bifidobacterium levels drop, damaging the protective mucin layer in the gut and increasing inflammation
• Multiple studies confirm MS patients have lower levels of beneficial bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids like butyrate, which normally help reduce inflammation
• Simple dietary changes support gut health, including proper carbohydrate intake (200 to 350 grams daily), increasing fiber gradually if your gut is healthy and avoiding processed foods and vegetable oils