With so many cases of multiple sclerosis, people have constantly searched for its preventive measures. The question of it being preventable, however, is still left with a vague answer. Experts studying multiple sclerosis cases said that preventing its development may or may not be possible. They cannot come up yet with a definite answer. Why? There have been studies about multiple sclerosis but the information gathered is not yet enough. Experts have to understand this illness first before coming up with an answer on whether or not it is preventable.

Multiple sclerosis is said to be hereditary. Dr. Tanuja Chitnis, MD, an assistant professor of neurology and also director of the Partners Pediatric MS Center at Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, was noted saying that 25 per cent of people with identical twins who have multiple sclerosis develop this illness as well. Dr. Chitnis the occurrence of multiple sclerosis in general population is 1 in every 100,000. On the other hand, 5 out of 100 people with siblings, parents or children who suffer from multiple sclerosis end up suffering from this. With a few more studies, experts will soon find out what these families can do to decrease the chances of acquiring the condition.

Some researchers have linked the Epstein-Barr virus or EBV to multiple sclerosis. Epstein-Barr virus is a herpes-related virus. Researchers, however, cannot conclude this theory. The EBV is common to most people. In United States, more than 95 per cent people aged 35 to 40 have acquired this virus at some point. Avoiding contact and exposure to this virus might be impossible since the EBV is pervasive. Simple things such proper hand washing and avoiding contact with sick people especially during the cold and flu season may be done to help prevent the acquiring of EBV. People should be more hygienic by washing their hands regularly especially when you rode on public vehicles.

More studies show that the acquisition of multiple sclerosis depends on the person’s demographic location. The Partners Multiple Sclerosis Center said that there are more incidents and cases of multiple sclerosis in southern Australia, North America and northern Europe. This finding suggests that the farther you are from the equator, the greater your chances are of acquiring multiple sclerosis.

It doesn’t necessarily mean that you should move to another place to avoid developing multiple sclerosis. It is assumed that the lack of vitamin D contributed to the development of multiple sclerosis to people in North America, southern Australia and northern Europe. An increase of vitamin D intake may help since vitamin D was found out to play an important role in protecting against multiple sclerosis. This will boost your immune system and help your body absorb more calcium. Eating healthy is also vital in avoiding multiple sclerosis. If you have to eat more foods which are high in vitamin D, you are more protected against multiple sclerosis according to Dr. Chitnis. Drinking green tea is also said to help lower the risk of having multiple sclerosis.