Selma Blair says a DNA test she took a few years ago hinted at her eventual multiple sclerosis diagnosis.
Selma Blair
The 46-year-old actress learned in August that she has the disease - known as MS - but has revealed that a genetics test she took from 23andMe a couple of years ago had hinted at her condition, as it had come back positive for indicators of MS in her DNA.
Posting the results of the test on Instagram, Selma wrote: "Only a few will probably care or understand this... but a couple of years ago, I ran my genetic mutations through @23andme . but a genetic counselor may be the way to go...This may help somebody help themselves. I have #MTHFR genetic mutation on both sides. As well as a couple of others.
"#MTHFR shows a higher susceptibility to MS. Toxins build up more. B vitamins need to be methylated. Folate too. Or more toxicity can build up blocking pathways which increase autoimmune disease. I will research and explore."
The 'Legally Blonde' actress then said she may be able to ease her symptoms by using "detox" methods, and revealed her seven-year-old son Arthur - whom she has with ex Jason Bleick - is also battling MS.
She added: "My dearest angel @drsuemccreadie has reminded me of this correlation. And there are possibilities to ease my symptoms with the right detox to open methylation pathways. Hey. #knowledgeispower right? So many oddities of mine can be traced back to active mthfr toxicity. My son has it too. So you can't start too early. Love, Dr. Blair #MS #drsuemcreadie #sharingnotdiagnosing (sic)"
Selma revealed her diagnosis earlier this month in a lengthy post on social media which explained how the condition causes her to "fall" and "drop things".
She wrote: "I was in this wardrobe fitting two days ago. And I am in the deepest gratitude. So profound, it is, I have decided to share. The brilliant costumer #Allisaswanson not only designs the pieces #harperglass will wear on this new #Netflix show , but she carefully gets my legs in my pants, pulls my tops over my head, buttons my coats and offers her shoulder to steady myself.
"I have #multiplesclerosis . I am in an exacerbation. By the grace of the lord, and will power and the understanding producers at Netflix , I have a job. A wonderful job. I am disabled. I fall sometimes. I drop things. My memory is foggy. And my left side is asking for directions from a broken gps. But we are doing it . And I laugh and I don't know exactly what I will do precisely but I will do my best. (sic)"
MS affects the brain and spinal chord as the body mistakes myelin - which is supposed to protect the nerve fibres in the central nervous system - for a foreign body and attacks it.
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