Multiple Sclerosis is a disorder that targets the central nervous system, has many side effects like fatigue, blurry eyesight, difficulty in standing and walking. The cause of multiple sclerosis no matter how many studies have been conducted still remains to be known. However, the colder climate has brought up a lot of attention. With more research and experiments scientists and researchers are beginning to find a connection and potential link between colder climates and the development of multiple sclerosis.
Studies have seen higher rates of multiple sclerosis in areas with colder climates such as Canada, Europe, and Scandinavia. These areas report higher rates of multiple sclerosis compared to any other region. Making it questionable whether colder climates hold the cause of this disease. One major reason why scientists believe colder climates link to MS is through vitamin D deficiency. People in colder climates don;t have extravagant exposures to sunlight which is why they have lower levels of vitamin D. Vitamin D is very important for immune system regulation and the deficiency of it is major is increasing the risk of autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis. Another reason why researchers and scientists are leading to believe colder climates increase the risk of multiple sclerosis is viral infections. Colder climates create more transmissible environments for viruses to replicate and spread. Viral infections have been considered important risk factors in developing multiple sclerosis and through cold climates they are more likely to spread. These were the main leading conclusions researches were noticing that linked colder climates to multiple sclerosis.
However there are multiple other factors that could be the connection to this topic. Scientists have brought up the factor of certain genetic scenarios with environmental conditions. As well as hormonal changes. Especially in women due to seasonal changes and light exposures; hormones may lead to imbalances and affect MS susceptibility. Due to darkness during colder climates another highlighted risk factor is the increase of stress levels due to decreased daylight; which could impact people's circadian rhythms. This could monumentally influence the risk of multiple sclerosis.
Although impacts are very crucial in finding the link between colder climates and increased risk of multiple sclerosis. It is important to understand the internal body connection between both of these factors. Colder climates severely affect the immune system's mechanisms. These cold temperatures may trigger responses in the internal body's inflammation. Which could increase the production of proinflammatory cytokines which replaces the inflammation in the central nervous system where multiple sclerosis forms. Along with that, colder temperatures have severe impacts on the nerve system and hormonal release which could impact the body's ability to maintain homeostasis making it more susceptible to the increased risk of developing multiple sclerosis.
The relationship between multiple sclerosis and colder climates includes many factors of the environment, internal body systems, genes, and deficiencies. Many studies and research of the impacts of cold climates such as vitamin D deficiency, inflammation and neurological sensitivity point towards the conclusion that colder climates indeed trigger the risk towards developing multiple sclerosis. As we continue to dig deeper into multiple sclerosis and the risk factors it is important to be cautious and aware of everything that could make you susceptible to this disease like cold temperatures.
Citations
"Airborne Pollution: A Potential Risk Factor for Multiple Sclerosis in Colder Climates." PubMed Central (PMC), Jan. 2023, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10281616.
Guest Author. "How Does Climate Affect Multiple Sclerosis?" Pacific Neuroscience Institute, 1 May 2023, www.pacificneuroscienceinstitute.org/blog/patient-story/how-does-climate-affect-multiple-sclerosis/.
"Heat & Temperature Sensitivity." National Multiple Sclerosis Society, www.nationalmssociety.org/Living-Well-With-MS/Diet-Exercise-Healthy-Behaviors/Heat-Temperature-Sensitivity.
Watson, Kathryn. "Is There a Best Climate for Multiple Sclerosis?" Healthline, www.healthline.com/health/best-climate-for-multiple-sclerosis.
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