Managing Multiple Sclerosis

Dr.Madhukar Bhardwaj, 4 mins read

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disease that impacts the spinal cord, brain and optic nerves. In MS, the immune system attacks myelin, a protective sheath around the nerves. This affects the nervous system’s ability to transmit signals properly.

Fortunately, there are ways to manage this disease. 

• Sleep well, be well
  

As we all know, getting enough healthy sleep is crucial for good functioning. This is more important when the body is under stress or fighting against any illness. 

• Adopt and stick to a good sleeping schedule
• Keep your room quiet and dark
  
• Maintain a comfortable temperature
  
• Avoid excess fluid intake before bedtime
  
• Keep your bedroom, bedsheet, pillow covers, and blankets clean

• Be active

Exercising regularly improves function, flexibility, balance and overall fitness. An active lifestyle also helps with common MS symptoms, like fatigue, constipation and cognitive issues.

You can take the help of your physiotherapist. They will evaluate your condition and recommend exercises to strengthen the weak areas. Consider exercising at least five days a week.

• Include more nutritious foods in your diet plan

Although there is no specific diet for MS, having healthy and nutritious foods regularly can contribute to your overall well-being. A diet plan that includes lean protein, fruits, vegetables and Omega 3 fatty acids is beneficial for MS patients. 

Improving fibre as well as water intake helps in preventing constipation, which is a common problem in multiple sclerosis. If your sense of taste has gone or reduced, you should dress up your food with fresh herbs and spices. Also, choose warm food over cold foods as they have more flavour. 

• Mental Exercise
  

Mental exercise plays a crucial role in the management of multiple sclerosis. How to do this?

Well, there are many activities that will keep your brain engaged and stimulated, like word games, crossword puzzles, memory games, reading or any other mentally challenging tasks.

In addition, making a social network and investing quality time with them also keep you engaged, improve brain function and prevent feelings of loneliness.

• Quit unhealthy habits

Putting a full stop on your unhealthy habits is good for your overall health. Smoking is one of the unhealthy habits that need to be stopped. It is one of the risk factors for having MS or worsening of the disease.

Also, moderate or stop your alcohol intake. Alcohol can worsen some symptoms of MS, like lack of coordination, imbalance and urinary urgency.

• Work on reducing your stress

The stress of dealing with this disease and inflammation in the brain may lead to depression. This might be one of the explanations for fatigue in patients with MS.

In these patients, both antidepressant medications and psychotherapy are effective. In addition, a few lifestyle changes, like good sleeping patterns, regular exercise, a healthy diet plan and participating in MS supportive groups, can benefit you.

• Ensure Vitamin D intake
  

Many studies show a link between Vitamin D and multiple sclerosis. Experts believe that Vitamin D deficiency may put a person at risk of MS. Studies also reveal that MS patients with enough levels of Vitamin D experience fewer relapses and less disease progression.

• Avoid too cold and too hot

Most people with MS are sensitive to too cold and too hot things. It is seen that extreme temperature can exacerbate the symptoms and sometimes cause new symptoms. A temperature rise impairs the ability of nerves already damaged by multiple sclerosis to send electrical signals.

So, in hot weather, stay hydrated, use an air conditioner or fan and stay out of direct sun exposure. And in cold weather, keep yourself warm as frigid temperatures may increase spasticity and other symptoms.  

• Curate strategizes
  

Making strategies to manage your MS symptoms is an excellent idea. Find tools to make particular tasks easier, like a jar opener. Strategies also help in remembering things. You can write notes or set a reminder on your smartphone. Also, take breaks when you feel fatigued and follow your doctor’s prescription.

Also, Read: How Surgery Can Help Control Seizures