Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune condition that typically emerges between ages 30 and 40, though its symptoms can vary widely from person to person. A neurologist from the Military Medical Academy, Pavel Khoroshev, discussed this on Radio 1, noting that one possible contributing factor could be excessive cleaning.
He observed that the disease tends to appear more often in households that maintain extremely rigorous cleaning routines. The idea is that excessive cleaning may lower the immune system’s exposure to everyday environmental challenges, while the human body has evolved to contend with a constant onslaught from the surrounding world. Our ancestors lived in harsher conditions yet remained relatively healthy, according to the doctor.
During the conversation, he stressed that autoimmune conditions can be mitigated if the immune system is prepared in a thoughtful way.
Multiple sclerosis involves the immune system targeting the protective membrane around nerve fibers, which disrupts the transmission of nerve signals within the brain and spinal cord. This disruption can manifest as weakness in the limbs, vision problems, dizziness, and reduced motor function.
Research from the University of Eastern Piedmont in Italy, published in 2024, suggests that moderate intake of fatty fish and some alcoholic beverages may lower the risk of developing multiple sclerosis. The findings appeared in the journal Nutrients.
In Russia, clinicians have reported a rise in the number of multiple sclerosis cases, a trend that has prompted further study into potential contributing factors and effective prevention strategies. [Nutrients 2024 study; University of Eastern Piedmont findings; clinical observations from Russian medical centers]