5 Ways to Deal with MS Symptoms

M ultiple sclerosis or MS is a potentially disabling illness of the spinal cord and brain. In this condition, the immune system attacks the protective myelin that covers nerve fibers, causing a communication problem between the brain and the rest of the body. Eventually, the condition could cause a deterioration of the nerves or permanent damage. The symptoms differ widely depending on the extent of nerve damage, and while there's no cure, you can deal with the symptoms in the following ways. Nutrition and Diet While there's no special MS diet, how and what you eat could make a difference in your bowel and bladder function, energy level, and general health. Specialists recommend people with the condition to consume a low fat and high-fiber diet. Vitamin D is also important in promoting calcium absorption and might have significant effects on the immune system as well. Exercise Besides being helpful to overall well-being and health, exercise is beneficial in managing numerous MS symptoms. Numerous studies reveal that exercise leads to improved cardiovascular fitness, better bowel and bladder function; less depression and fatigue, and a more positive attitude in MS patients. Exercise doesn't need to be rigorous to yield benefits. Generally, physical activity is beneficial and can comprise various things that you can do from the comfort of your home such as gardening and household chores. Sleep Quality is significant to sustaining good health although issues such as sleep apnea and insomnia could affect your capacity to obtain sufficient, quality sleep. In MS, the lack of restful sleep could cause daytime sleepiness and possibly serious consequences for fatigue, mood swings, and cognition. Temperature and Heat Sensitivity In many people with MS, their symptoms worsen during humid or hot weather. These brief changes could occur from a slight increase in body temperature. An increased temperature impairs the capacity of a demyelinated nerve to conduct electrical impulses. Nevertheless, strategies exist for alleviating the effects of heat. They include wearing lightweight clothing; staying in an air-conditioned environment throughout periods of extreme humidity and heat, and using a fan while engaging in indoor exercise. Acupuncture Acupuncture involves the stimulation of particular locations on the skin, typically by inserting thin, disposable needles in the body to alter the energy flow. The technique might offer relief for some related symptoms, including tingling and numbness, pain, depression, and bladder problems. However, patients should use it in addition to, instead of as a substitute for standard treatments. Women and Pregnancy The condition is at least 2-3 times more common in women, suggesting that hormones might play an important role in establishing vulnerability to MS. Research also reveals that the condition is more widespread in women of childbearing age. Women with gait problems might find these worsen throughout late pregnancy as the center of gravity moves. Generally, pregnancy doesn't appear to influence the condition's long-term clinical course. Therefore, women with MS and want to have a family can do so successfully with the help of their obstetrician and neurologist. While MS has no cure, these strategies can help manage symptoms, hasten recovery from attacks, and modify the disease's course.