Home | health | 3 Tips For Managing Multiple Sclerosis

3 tips for managing multiple sclerosis

3 tips for managing multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is a condition that affects the central nervous system of the body. Here, the body’s immune system attacks the nerve fibers with the risk of causing permanent damage. As per a National MS Society study, about 1 million people in the country are affected by this condition. While there’s no permanent cure for the disease, it can be managed through the following treatment options, better food choices, and a few lifestyle changes: 

Choosing the right treatment options
People affected by multiple sclerosis (or MS) are usually capable of living a normal or near-normal life. With the right treatment, their condition can improve drastically. Ponvory, Kesimpta, and Ocrevus   are three different options prescribed by doctors for MS patients. Here is what one can expect:

Ponvory:  This helps treat patients suffering from relapsing forms of MS. Adults with active secondary progression and relapsing-remitting MS can also benefit from this option. However, it has not been tested on kids. Ponvory is meant to be taken orally with or without food.

KESIMPTA:  This is a prescription option for adults with relapsing forms of MS. The effectiveness of the option on children is yet to be proven. KESIMPTA is a liquid solution that is injected under the skin to target the B cells of the lymph nodes that play a role in relapsing multiple sclerosis.

Ocrevus:  This prescription treatment provides relief to adults affected by primary progressive multiple sclerosis, MS relapse, relapse-remitting MS, and secondary progressive disease. It is not yet being tested on children in a clinical setting. Ocrevus is administered two times a year.

Making better food choices
There are no typical constraints or specific meals that can prevent the disease or relapse. However, an anti-inflammatory meal plan is usually recommended to patients so that they remain energetic and do not develop other conditions like cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure that can worsen their MS symptoms. So here are foods to have:

Foods rich in probiotics:  Maintaining gut health can help people improve their immune system. Probiotics can contribute to healthy intestinal flora that can help people affected by MS. Include yogurt, kimchi, and kombucha in meals to get a good amount of probiotics.

Fiber-rich foods:  Fiber found in vegetables, nuts, seeds, and fruits can keep the gut and bowel movements in optimal condition.

Fresh fruits and vegetables:  These foods are rich in antioxidants that take control of free radicals and prevent damage to cells. Adding legumes, cereals, herbs, vegetables, and fruits like Broccoli, carrots, potatoes, spinach, artichokes, and avocados can help one get antioxidants.

Turmeric:  This yellow spice derived from Curcuma longa contains curcumin that exhibits anti-inflammatory and therapeutic properties. Studies show that it can help patients with MS by protecting the immune system.

Flaxseeds:  Flaxseed oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids that safeguard the body from inflammation and help reduce the chances of multiple sclerosis relapse.  

Certain foods can worsen the MS symptoms. These include:  

Saturated fats:  One should avoid red meat and animal by-products like full-fat dairy products. Consuming such food items can raise bad cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart attacks.  

Processed foods:  Processed foods contain sugar, which leads to brain fog and fatigue, conditions that should be avoided by people already affected by MS.

Sodium:  Studies prove that the consumption of salt by people with multiple sclerosis can affect longevity. One should ensure that their salt intake is less than 2,300mg per day.  

Introducing lifestyle changes and natural remedies

Lifestyle changes
Regular exercise:  Patients with MS are prone to feel tired and fatigued. One of the optimized ways to fight fatigue and keep energy levels high is to exercise at least five days a week. Half an hour of exercise per day is enough to improve core strength, stay fit, and maintain good posture. Brisk walking, cycling, swimming, and exercising with weights are also recommended for patients. One can indulge in mild physical activities like taking a stroll or cooking or even gardening to keep fit.

Stress management:  People with MS may undergo immense stress at times. Practicing the right stress management techniques like deep breathing, meditation, aromatherapy, and listening to music can induce good quality sleep, helping them relax and unwind. Doctors suggest patients indulge in hobbies to keep stress under control.

Natural remedies
Yoga:  The National Multiple Sclerosis Society suggested that yoga is one of the best ways to relax the mind and body while also addressing issues like pain, weakness, fatigue, muscle, and spasticity, among others. It is a low-risk, cost-effective, and low-impact way of stretching, building core strength, and enhancing posture and balance.  

Psychotherapy:  Consulting a psychologist can help people deal with their symptoms and issues related to MS. One could experience issues like fatigue, pain, lack of sleep and appetite, anxiety, stress, and more. Psychotherapy can help people cope with sleep disorders, fatigue, and stress.

Acupuncture:  This ancient Chinese method is known to provide relief from pain and stiffness. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society mentions that using thin needles on specific areas of the body can help patients deal with issues like depression, bladder problems, numbness, and pain.  

Massage therapy:  This can help patients relax their muscles and deal with stiffness.

Additionally, increasing exposure to sunlight can help people increase vitamin D intake, which helps people reduce the risk of MS.

Read Also

Know more about exciting & latest articles right here

Foods to Avoid to Manage Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Foods to Avoid to Manage Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Eosinophilic Esophagitis, or EoE, is a chronic digestive disease of the esophagus caused by an allergic condition. It is characterized by chest pain, heartburn, and solid food dysphagia. If this disorder is left untreated, it can cause esophageal remodeling and stricture formation. This disorder is also marked by eosinophilic inflammation and impacts the quality of life of the affected person. You can check out various reliable health websites to get information on eosinophilic esophagitis. A patient with EoE must be very careful with his health and meal plans, as research suggests that EoE is linked to food allergies. Therefore, the six most common food items that are responsible for such allergies include: Dairy Cow milk is said to be one of the most common reasons for EoE. Milk protein can trigger too many eosinophils. You should avoid food items made up of milk, buttermilk, lactose, and other related dairy products. You can replace dairy products with coconut hemp, dairy-free yogurts, cashew ice cream, etc. Soy Soy-based food items include tofu, soy butter, soymilk, and miso. Soy cheese, soy nuts, soy milk, etc., should be avoided and can be substituted with refined soybean oil or coconut aminos. Wheat You might think wheat is only found in bread, cereal, or baked goods.
Read More
5 Common Digestive Issues and Their Symptoms

5 Common Digestive Issues and Their Symptoms

One of the most vital systems in our body is the digestive system. It is responsible for the digestion of food and the distribution of nutrients throughout the body to meet the bodily requirements for energy, development, and cell repair. Issues in the digestive can interfere with the body’s ability to get energy from food. While some gastrointestinal issues can go away with healthy eating habits, other concerns may require treatment.  Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) IBS is a functional bowel disorder. This means the cluster of varied symptoms categorized as IBS is brought on by changes in the normal functioning of the digestive system. The primary sign is abdominal pain, which can develop before or after a bowel movement, and is a reliable indicator of IBS. Additionally, one may experience both constipation and diarrhea. The form of IBS can be determined depending on whether a person has diarrhea or constipation more frequently or both equally. Other IBS signs and symptoms are incomplete bowel motions, white mucus in the stool, and bloating. Nutrition is important for managing the symptoms of IBS, which includes eating low-fat, high-fiber meals and avoiding common trigger foods when the cause of the condition is unknown. Food poisoning or gastrointestinal infection are common causes.
Read More
8 Common Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

8 Common Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

Most of us make it a goal to keep our house clean and tidy. Cleaning the house may look like a straightforward task, but there are certain aspects that are generally overlooked. Cleaning is a time consuming and tedious activity. And most of us make common cleaning mistakes that do not provide us with the results we expect. So here is a list of cleaning mistakes to avoid for better results and a sparkling clean home. Mixing cleaning chemicals You may think mixing two or more cleaning products will increase the cleaning power. However, this can be very dangerous as it might release toxic fumes. For example, household cleaners like Clorox Pinesol should never be mixed with bleach as they can react together to produce hazardous chlorine gas or even chloroform. Similarly, Pinesol disinfectant should not be mixed with room spray sanitizer as the chemicals could react together to unleash a toxic cloud of gases that can trigger respiratory problems and even cause skin burns. Instead of mixing chemicals, use a single cleaning agent or solution and stick to a reliable brand. Alternatively, you can also enlist the help of a cleaning company, like Servpro Services, which offers a range of affordable home cleaning services. Using feather dusters A feather duster may seem very useful, but all it does is spread the dust from one surface to another.
Read More
11 Potential Warning Signs of Excess Sugar Intake

11 Potential Warning Signs of Excess Sugar Intake

Processed foods like cakes, cookies, candies, and breakfast cereals contain added sugar, and most people find them delicious and irresistible. However, they have little nutritional value. Eating too many sweets can increase the risk of several health issues. For instance, it can lead to blood sugar spikes and heart disease. When a person eats too much sugar regularly, the body begins to give signs that it is time to cut back on sweet foods. High blood pressure Besides monitoring salt intake, people suffering from high blood pressure should watch their sugar intake because eating too much sugar is also linked to high blood pressure. According to a study, foods high in sugar can reduce nitric oxide in the blood vessels, which can, in turn, impact blood flow and lead to high blood pressure. Mood swings or irritability Feeling moody, irritable, or depressed on and off is a common sign of high sugar intake. Mood swings occur as foods high in sugar affect the neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate mood. Sugary foods also negatively impact gut function, another factor linked to a person’s mood. Low energy or tiredness Binging on sugary snacks wreaks havoc on one’s blood sugar levels. It first causes blood glucose to rise, providing a boost of energy.
Read More