Keeping Fit with MS
All the right moves
If it's good for your health, it's probably good for your multiple sclerosis (MS) too. That's why diet and exercise play key roles in living with MS.
DIET
Eating in general for people with multiple sclerosis
Nutrition and eating habits generally affect people with MS the same way as those without MS. But people with MS often have a lot more to deal with. That's why it's important to develop healthy eating habits and stick with them. MS is unpredictable, but what you eat is something you can control.
Nutrition basics for a multiple sclerosis diet
An important goal for us all is to maintain a healthy weight. This is simple in theory, but not always easy in practice! What you need to do is the same for everyone: watch your calories and exercise regularly. Calories are a measure of the energy in the foods we eat. The calories we use fuel our bodies. The calories we don't use get stored as fat, and over time become extra weight.
Whether you have MS or not, sticking with healthy eating habits takes some work. A good rule of thumb is "follow the pyramid." The US Department of Agriculture's Food Guide Pyramid can show you how to make healthy choices.
Visit the USDA Food and Nutrition Information Center
Making healthy choices isn't always easy. That's because food isn't just about nutrition. It's also about emotions, culture, relationships, and lifestyle. If you need to make changes in what and how much you eat, start slowly and take it easy, and always involve your doctor. Change doesn't have to happen overnight. In fact, it can be healthier if it doesn't—and easier to adjust!
Special diets for people with multiple sclerosis
There have been many different multiple sclerosis diets that claim to treat, or even cure, multiple sclerosis symptoms. The truth is that the proof that they work is very limited. Most have not been rigorously tested in controlled studies. The few that have been tested have produced mixed results.
Be careful of all special diets, not just ones that claim to help with MS. A diet may be popular or receiving a lot of attention in the news, but that doesn't mean it's good for you. Some special diets may be harmful because they include amounts of certain vitamins that could hurt you or exclude important nutrients.
What's best for you if you have multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis specialists recommend that people with MS follow the same low-fat, high-fiber diet that is recommended for people without MS. But you are unique, so always talk to your doctor before making any major changes in your diet.
EXERCISE
Exercise in general
Exercise may be more difficult with multiple sclerosis, but there are ways to accommodate all ability levels. Many studies have shown that people with MS clearly benefit from exercise. Even people with advanced disease can benefit. People with MS respond to exercise the same way as those without MS: they become more fit. Regular exercise can help improve:
- Heart health
- Physical strength
- Bladder and bowel function
- Feelings of fatigue and depression
- Overall attitude
- Participation in social activities
Kinds of exercise for people with multiple sclerosis
Different kinds of exercise help in different ways. Aerobic exercise (such as walking) improves the fitness of your heart and lungs. Weight or resistance training improves strength. Breathing exercises will help improve how well your lungs work. Almost everyone can find some form of healthy physical activity that is both challenging and fun. Whatever you choose, set realistic goals. Studies show that people who start slowly achieve better results.
Special exercise concerns
One concern people with MS have is that exercise can trigger a relapse. This is a myth. None of the studies have shown that exercise leads to an increase in disease activity or an MS relapse.
However, it is true that heat sensitivity (or increased core body temperature) increases multiple sclerosis symptoms for most (8 out of 10) people. They may experience numbness, tingling, or blurred vision. These multiple sclerosis symptoms may not be a sign of a relapse. They may be temporary and go away once you cool down. They may limit the duration of exercise, but should not deter you from a regular exercise routine. You should consult your healthcare professional if you have any questions.
To overcome heat sensitivity, many people with MS cool their body before ("precooling") or during exercise. People precool by dunking themselves in cold water, taking a cold shower, using ice packs, or drinking cold drinks. Cooling during exercise can be done by exercising in water (for example, a pool), drinking cold drinks, or wearing a special cooling suit.
You should note that cooling isn't good for everyone. Some people with MS may benefit from maintaining higher body temperatures. Only you, together with your doctor, can decide what works best for you.
What's best for you
Before starting any exercise program, you should consult your healthcare professional. Every person's response to exercise is different, which is why it's important to work with your doctor to create your exercise program.
He or she can help you decide if there are certain multiple sclerosis symptoms that exercise can help you with. Then together you can choose what kind and how much exercise will be best for you. Moderate exercise for 20 minutes a day can give you the same benefits as intense workouts that leave you tired and sweaty. Your program should be based on your unique needs, and should change when your needs do.
If exercise doesn't seem to help you, try not to get discouraged. The way your MS is progressing can make a difference in whether exercise helps you or not.
Source: The ideas and suggestions were based on information from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. They are general tips and suggestions and are not tailored to the specific needs of any one patient. This information is not intended to provide medical advice or to serve as a substitute for consultations with your healthcare provider.
