Bowel Problems in Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Bowel problems are very common in multiple sclerosis (MS) and other chronic diseases. Constipation and fecal incontinence are the two most common bowel issues in people with MS.

Research shows that gastrointestinal (GI) problems often start years before the first MS attack, and MS patients are at a greater risk of irritable bowel disease, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.

If multiple sclerosis is a disease of the central nervous system (CNS) where the immune system attacks nerve tissue for no apparent reason, then why do so many people with MS suffer from bowel problems?

Here, we explore the relationship between MS and bowel problems, studies that support it, and how this relationship provides more evidence that MS is an infectious disease caused by parasites. We also discuss how treating chronic parasitic infections has allowed many people to recover from bowel problems, MS and other chronic diseases.

 

 

Bowel Problems in MS: Key Statistics and Studies

Pre-MS diagnosis GI symptoms

1. A 2023 Canadian study[i] compared over 7,500 people with MS to more than 36,000 without MS. Researchers found that in the five years before their first MS attack, those who later developed MS were:

• 1.42 times (or close to 50%) more likely to see a doctor for gastritis (inflamed lining of the stomach) or duodenitis (inflammation of the first part of the small intestine), which can cause pain, indigestion and feeling ill.
• 1.46 times (or about 50%) more likely to visit a doctor for diseases of the esophagus, such as difficulty swallowing and GERD.
• 2 times more likely to receive a drug for constipation.
• Almost twice as likely to receive a drug for nausea or to prevent vomiting.

The researchers concluded that GI symptoms are a common warning sign of MS onset.[ii]

2. A 14 year cohort study linking MS to bowel symptoms

Another study reported that almost one-third of MS patients experienced bowel symptoms one to three years before their first MS attack. Over a 14-year follow-up, researchers found that the average time between the first bowel symptoms and the first MS attack was under four years. Pre-MS fatigue and sensory disturbances were strongly associated with bowel symptoms, offering critical insights into MS progression.[iii]

3. Bowel issues in MS and quality of life

A UK study revealed that constipation affects 29-43% of MS patients, while fecal incontinence affects over 50%. Many participants noted that bowel management significantly impacted their quality of life, comparable to mobility issues, yet effective management strategies were limited.[iv]

4. Common GI symptoms in MS

Nearly two-thirds of MS patients report at least one GI symptom lasting six months or more, including:

• Difficulty swallowing
• Heartburn
• Nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Bloating
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Fecal incontinence.[v]

 

Multiple Sclerosis and Bowel Conditions Like Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Inflammatory Bowel Disease Share Common Inflammatory Pathways

Key findings:

•  A 2017 meta-analysis showed that MS patients were 50% more likely to develop inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis and likewise, IBD patients were 50% more likely to develop MS.[vi]
• A 2024 German study reported that Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis patients had a significantly higher risk of developing MS within 10 years of diagnosis, with male patients showing a higher risk.[vii]
• At least 20% of MS patients have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) which is more than double the rate found in the general population.[viii]

Some experts believe bowel issues in MS are the result of nerve inflammation that disrupts communication between the central nervous system and the digestive tract, but this theory has not been proven. On the other hand, there is substantial evidence linking these symptoms to parasite infections.

 

Parasites and Their Symptoms

Bacteria, fungi, protozoa and helminths (worms) are the main classes of intestinal parasites. These organisms can cause a range of GI symptoms:

• Pathogenic bacteria: nausea, abdominal cramping, gas, pain, diarrhea (possibly bloody) and /or constipation.
• Fungi: diarrhea, vomiting, black tar-like sticky stools, hemorrhage, abdominal pain, gas and /or constipation.
• Protozoa: diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramps, constipation and /or gas.
• Helminths: Lead to abdominal pain and, in severe cases, intestinal obstruction. (Reference: Helminth Infections).

Parasite symptoms mirror those of MS-associated bowel problems, IBS and IBD, yet little attention is given to the potential role of parasites in MS or bowel conditions.

 

The discovery of parasites in MS patients

The following links showcase various parasites that have been identified in MS patients:

MS is an Infectious Disease. Part 1: Multiple Sclerosis and Fungus

 MS is an Infectious Disease Part 2: MS and Lyme Disease

 MS is an Infectious Disease Part 3: Filarial Worms in MS

 MS is an Infectious Disease. Part 4: MS and large roundworms

 MS is an Infectious Disease Part 5: MS and Intestinal Flukes

 MS is an infectious disease. Part 6: Multiple Sclerosis and Malaria / Babesia

Study Finds Tapeworms in the Spinal Fluid of MS Patients

For more information on the role of parasites in MS and evidence-based strategies to address them, visit Evidence That MS Is an Infectious Disease.

 

Parasites Linked to MS and the GI Problems They Cause

It is well understood that parasites found in MS can cause the bowel problems observed in MS patients, including:

• Tapeworms: Abdominal pain, gas, nausea, diarrhea or constipation.
• Roundworms: Abdominal pain, gas, nausea, vomiting, alternating constipation and diarrhea or bloody stools.
• H. pylori: Stomach pain, heartburn, bloating, nausea and loss of appetite.
• Flukes: Abdominal pain, gas, diarrhea or constipation.
• Borrelia (Lyme Disease): nausea, vomiting, gas, diarrhea, abdominal pain and / or constipation.
• Malaria: nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, heartburn, constipation and intestinal obstruction.
• Babesia: nausea, vomiting, anorexia loss of appetite, abdominal pain, diarrhea and constipation.
• Fungi: diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, belching, nausea, cramps and constipation.

Unfortunately, the medical experts who decide how MS is diagnosed and treated, find no value in studying parasites as a possible cause of MS, despite growing evidence of their role in bowel problems and their presence in MS patients.

 

Rethinking MS and its Root Cause

Research clearly shows that people who suffer from multiple sclerosis (MS) have a significantly higher incidence of bowel problems, often beginning years before their first MS attack.

This early onset of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms suggests that bowel dysfunction is not just a side effect of MS but could be an early warning sign of disease development.

Parasites are present in every country, and their ability to cause bowel symptoms and chronic conditions is well-documented. Infections from worms, protozoa, fungi and bacteria are known to trigger inflammation, immune system dysregulation and neurological symptoms—all of which are hallmarks of MS.

Numerous studies have confirmed the presence of these infections in MS patients, and a growing body of evidence suggests that MS is not simply an autoimmune disorder but an infectious disease caused by parasites.

Despite this, mainstream medical experts have largely dismissed the role of parasites in MS, focusing instead on suppressing the immune system and managing symptoms with expensive drugs rather than looking for potential root causes. This refusal to explore the infectious nature of MS is preventing our health care system from finding a cure for millions who suffer from MS.

With mounting evidence linking parasites to both bowel dysfunction and MS progression, it is crucial for the medical community to re-evaluate current treatment approaches. Rather than solely suppressing immune responses, addressing underlying parasitic infections could provide a path to true recovery.

Understanding that MS is an infectious disease opens the door to alternative treatment strategies that target the root cause and create health and recovery rather than managing symptoms.

It is time to challenge outdated assumptions, push for more comprehensive research and consider solutions that have the potential to cure MS.

 

Updates from Wellness Champion’s following the Live Disease Free plan to recover from parasites and MS:

Student #1

“I am sleeping better and my right hand that has had pins and needles for over a year is starting to gain feeling again, after passing those large worms.

The lady that did the colonic saw that I passed two 3′ worms. They were longer than the viewing tube. I passed a lot of others but those 2 were insane. I am no longer using walls to keep my balance.”

Student #2

“I have reduced my Baclofen gradually from 30mg to 10mg at night and expect to stop altogether in next week or so.”

Student #3

“I’ve been following the Live Disease Free diet and the results have been very promising!

I used to experience severe leg twitching, especially at night before bed. I vividly remember reading a bedtime story to my kids while struggling to control my involuntarily kicking leg. Remarkably, this symptom disappeared within just three days of starting the diet—it was incredible and brought tears to my eyes.

I’ve been actively working on my health for some time now. I’ve taken steps to reduce EMF exposure, ordered an ozone generator and a red light therapy device, and experimented with various MS diets, from Autoimmune, Paleo and the Wahls Protocol.

Despite my best efforts, I always felt something was missing. Your perspective on infections was truly the missing piece of the puzzle for me and I’m so grateful for the knowledge and clarity you’ve provided.

I am excited to see what happens once I start treating the parasites. I’m ready to begin.”

Student #4

“When I started in October 2024, I was in a state of constant numbness, tingling, and fear of going into paralysis.  Everything that would startle me would send me into paralysis.  I was so nervous I’d move too quickly. Even playing with my dogs would put me into a spasm/paralysis.  I worked at a school and had to take a leave of absence because I couldn’t care for the kids. If a child had an emergency, it would instantly send stress to my body.

During my first month in the Live Disease Free Academy, I improved DRAMATICALLY.  With the diet changes, I was less irritable, and the symptoms were only some tingling/burning. I then did my first round of treatments and passed many parasites! I couldn’t believe it, but boy I felt so much better. I’m still treating, but I’m no longer afraid that I’ll spin into paralysis. I don’t have constant burning or tingling. I can live a normal day to day and I’m actually going back to my job at the school in a couple weeks!

I love to play volleyball and run. Last fall I was having such a hard time. My legs would barely move for me to play the game I love. Now I’m back to running and know I can now play volleyball just as I did before. I am looking forward to my next season!

I’m so incredibly thankful for all that I’ve learned from you!!”

For more information on the role of parasites in MS and evidence-based strategies to address them, visit: Evidence That MS Is an Infectious Disease.

There are real solutions to recover from infections that cause chronic disease today!

To restore health, we must focus on treating the cause of inflammation, which is infection. First, identify the enemy (the infections), then support the body and treat the infections while following a holistic approach. When infections are treated effectively, we can overcome inflammation or disease.

If you’re frustrated with the fact that our standard of care STILL doesn’t offer a real solution for treating MS and other diseases, then click on the link below to watch Pam Bartha’s free masterclass training and discover REAL solutions that have allowed Pam and many others to live free from MS and other diseases.

CLICK Here to watch Pam’s masterclass training

Or take the Health Blocker Quiz to see if you could have infections

 

Reference:

[i] https://mymsaa.org/news/whats-new-in-ms-research-march-2023/

[ii] https://mymsaa.org/news/whats-new-in-ms-research-march-2023/

[iii]

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30957307/#:~:text=Key%20results%3A%20Among%20385%20MS,was%203.7%20%C2%B1%203.4%20years.

[iv] https://www.ms.pitt.edu/symptom-management/stomach-and-intestinal-issues

[v] https://www.ms.pitt.edu/symptom-management/stomach-and-intestinal-issues

[vi] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27878439/

[vii] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38504334/

[viii] https://www.webmd.com/multiple-sclerosis/bowel-problem-linked

 

Additional references:

1. Almeida, M. N., et al. (2019). Bowel symptoms predate the diagnosis among many patients with multiple sclerosis: A 14‐year cohort study. Neurogastroenterology & Motility, 31(6), e13592. https://doi.org/10.1111/nmo.13592
2. Kyritsis, A. P., et al. (2017). Multiple sclerosis and inflammatory bowel diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Neurology, 264(2), 254–259. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-016-8340-8
3. Loosen, S. H., et al. (2024). Inflammatory bowel disease is associated with an increase in the incidence of multiple sclerosis: A retrospective cohort study of 24,934 patients. European Journal of Medical Research, 29, Article 186. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40001-024-01776-w
4. Wang, X., et al. (2022). Multiple sclerosis and inflammatory bowel disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology, 9(2), 132–140. https://doi.org/10.1002/acn3.51495
5. Yusuf, F. K. L., et al. (2024). Gastrointestinal conditions in the multiple sclerosis prodrome. Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology, 11(1), 185–193. https://doi.org/10.1002/acn3.51945
6. Preziosi, G., et al. (2019). Prevalence and predictors of bowel dysfunction in a large multiple sclerosis population. Journal of Neurology, 269(4), 1610–1617. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-021-10737-w
7. MS Canada. (2023). Bowel issues in multiple sclerosis. MS Canada. Retrieved from https://mscanada.ca/sites/default/files/documents/2023-03/Bowel%20Dysfunction%20ENG.pdf
8. Patient Care Online. (2023). GI symptoms may be characteristic of a multiple sclerosis prodrome, study suggests. Patient Care Online. Retrieved from https://www.patientcareonline.com/view/gi-symptoms-may-be-characteristic-of-a-multiple-sclerosis-prodrome-study-suggests
9. Gastrointestinal Society. (2023). Multiple sclerosis and the gut. Gastrointestinal Society. Retrieved from https://badgut.org/information-centre/a-z-digestive-topics/multiple-sclerosis-and-the-gut