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 well with
MS.
DIET
Eating in general for people with multiple sclerosis
Nutrition and eating habits affect people with MS the same way as those
without MS. But people with MS 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!
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 carefully 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 more in the end.
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 (80%, or 8 out of
10) people. They may experience numbness, tingling, or blurred vision when
exercising. These multiple sclerosis symptoms should not cause alarm. They are
temporary and decline within 35 minutes of stopping. They are not a true
relapse. They may limit how long you can exercise, but should not stop you
completely.
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
are actually helped by heat. It’s just another thing to think about when
deciding what works best for you.
What’s best for you
Every person’s response to exercise is different. So if it doesn’t seem to
help you, don’t get discouraged. The way your MS is progressing can make a
difference in whether exercise helps you or not. That’s 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 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 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.
Source: Some tips and facts on this page are based on information
from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Their comments are based on
professional advice, published experience, and expert opinion, but do not
represent individual therapeutic recommendations or prescription. For specific
information and advice, consult your personal physician.
