Constipation. Bloating. Sudden bowel urgency...These aren't just random issues — they’re common in MS, and they’re rooted in real neurological and immune system changes.

Recent studies show that up to 68% of people with MS experience chronic constipation, while nearly 50% report bloating, gas, or discomfort. These problems aren't caused by poor diet alone. Instead, they often stem from how MS affects the enteric nervous system, the gut–brain axis, and the immune system’s interaction with the microbiome.

MS doesn't stop at the brain and spinal cord. It disrupts communication between multiple systems — and the gut is one of the first to feel it.

The Gut–Brain–Nerve Connection in MS

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is controlled by the enteric nervous system (ENS) — often called “the second brain.” It contains over 500 million neurons and communicates directly with the CNS through the vagus nerve and spinal pathways.

Bowel dysfunction is a common symptom that can occur in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). MS can affect the normal functioning of the nerves that control the muscles of the bowel, leading to various bowel problems, including constipation, bowel incontinence, urgency, or incomplete emptying. Here are some bowel dysfunctions often associated with MS:

1. Constipation: Constipation refers to difficulty or infrequent bowel movements. It can occur due to slow movement of stool through the intestines, inadequate water intake, reduced physical activity, or the effects of certain medications used to manage MS symptoms.

2. Bowel incontinence: Bowel incontinence involves the loss of control over bowel movements, resulting in involuntary leakage or accidents. It can occur due to impaired sensation or weakened control of the anal sphincter muscles caused by MS-related nerve damage.

3. Urgency: MS-related bowel dysfunction may cause a sense of urgency, where individuals feel a strong and sudden ne…