Preventing MS (multiple sclerosis) is possible, but it is not an exact science. One’s genetic heritage can put him or her at a higher than average risk of developing MS. A variety of environmental factors can similarly raise one’s risk for MS. While it is not possible to undo one’s genetic heritage, one can adjust the environment to reduce his or her susceptibility to the known risk factors for MS.
Geography has been shown to play a role in increasing one’s risk for developing MS: Multiple sclerosis is most prevalent in lands far away from the equator. Thus, while there is low MS incidence in sub-Saharan Africa, the disease is more prevalent in North America, Northern Europe and Southern Australia. It seems that the factor at play is vitamin D, which the human body synthesizes when it is exposed to sunlight. Vitamin D deficiency happens to be associated with MS. …