The North (Northeast) European Connection and Your Experiences with Red Meat and Cheese
I just came across an article from last year having to do with the connection of the ancient Yamnaya people and MS. https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/ancient-dna-multiple-sclerosis-risk-northern-europeans-rcna133465
The genes associated with the Yamnaya may also be related to a higher chance of lactose persistence (not becoming lactose intolerant as you grow up.) I do have some Eastern European (areas around Russia, Poland, Estonia, etc) and Northern European (Finland, etc areas) genes, which I was researching when I ended up stumbling on the article. I also have a great love of cheese and most things dairy and also eat a lot of red meat. When I was first diagnosed, I was on a Greek yogurt kick and I had a nurse trying to tell me that dairy is inflammatory and that I should limit my intake and eat low fat yogurt when I do eat it or it might make my symptoms worse. Before I even knew of the in-depth details of my genes, I told her that I "have the genes" for dairy and that it doesn't bother me at all, but I understand SOME people get inflammation from dairy.
Just curious about the percentage of people with MS who are lactose intolerant. I'm wondering if it's significantly lower. How many love dairy products and which kinds? Has anyone cut out dairy and felt better? Ate more dairy and felt better? What about your red meat habits and experiences? (Also if you know if you likely have or do not have Yamnaya genes.)
I guess I'm leaning towards - Would the same circumstances (dietary at least) that lead to a proclivity toward MS help mitigate MS when it presents? Not as a "treatment" in any way, but more like - body less stressed because it feels more "at home."