MS Diet and Exercise

The power of a healthy diet & being active

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.

The importance of good nutrition.

Good eating habits are important for everyone to follow. But people with MS have a lot more to deal with — physically and emotionally. You can attest from firsthand experience. So it makes sense for you to develop healthy eating habits and stick with them. You can't control MS, but you can you control what you eat.

Nutrition 101

A big goal for everyone is to maintain a healthy weight. Easier said than done, right? The key to getting there is a plan. Start first by watching your calories and exercising regularly.

• Calories are a measure of the energy in the foods we eat. Healthy calories, like spinach, helps fuel our bodies. Unnecessary calories, like donuts, often get stored as fat, and over time become extra weight.

Food choices are rational. And emotional.

Making healthy choices isn't always easy. Especially if a vending machine is nearby. 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. It can help to find a registered dietitian who has developed nutrition plans for people with MS.

Do MS diets work?

Many different MS diets claim to treat, or even cure, multiple sclerosis symptoms. Most haven't been rigorously tested in controlled studies. The few that have been tested have produced mixed results.

Watch out for fad diets

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 diet is best for you?

Specialists recommend that people with MS follow the same low-fat, high-fiber diet that is encouraged for people without MS. But you are unique, so always talk to your doctor before making any major changes in your diet.

Why is exercise so important?

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.

Order your free yoga DVD.

Master yogi Baron Baptiste and Dr. Elliot Frohman created the My MS Yoga program. In the DVD, they discuss the importance of exercise in living a healthy life and how to use yoga as part of a total wellness program.

People with MS generally 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

Physical activity recommendations 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. Resistance-based training builds strength. Breathing exercises give you a greater lung capacity. Stretching exercises, like yoga, helps relieve stress and increase flexibility. A good exercise incorporates all the above.

Exercise should be fun, too

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.

Will exercise trigger a relapse?

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.

The benefits of precooling

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 working out in a pool, drinking cold drinks, or wearing a special cooling suit.

Cooling isn't good for everyone. Some people with MS may benefit from maintaining higher body temperatures. Your doctor can help determine if cooling is right for you.

What's the best exercise for you?

Before starting any exercise program, consult your healthcare professional. Your doctor can help you decide if there are certain MS symptoms that exercise can help you with. After meeting with your doctor, you may want to find a personal trainer to create an individual program for you.

You don't need to do a lot to see results

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 every few months to keep you from plateauing.

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.

Visit the USDA Food and Nutrition Information Center