Multiple Sclerosis Awareness by Aaron Westbrook
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a progressive and degenerative condition in which the immune system targets the protective covering of the nervous system. When left untreated, MS can damage the nerves enough to disable a person’s ability to walk and can even make it impossible to do everyday things around the house. According to the National MS Society, an estimated 1 million people in the US suffer from this condition. While current estimates expect to see the number of people with MS rise, it becomes even more necessary to find effective treatments to manage symptoms and improve outcomes!
While there are a wealth of pharmaceutical treatments for severe MS symptoms, our day to day behaviors still have a greater impact on reducing the progression and even preventing development of MS. Low to moderate intensity exercise like walking, cycling, or even light resistance training can maintain nerve integrity, improve balance and coordination, and reduce overall inflammation from MS. Sleep quality determines much of the recovery from MS attacks as well. Making sure your room is dark, quiet, and cool enough as well as giving yourself time to wind-down before bed can help your body get the most out of its resting time. Dietary intake also impacts your body’s response to MS attacks. Emphasize foods that offer adequate daily protein, carbohydrates, fats, and vitamins (evidence supports the role of vitamin D in particular for MS treatment). Generally a wide variety of foods in a balanced diet helps to ensure your body has everything you need to repair and maintain tissue damage from MS.
While some of these things might seem obvious or even seem too simple, they all become increasingly challenging as conditions like MS progress. Balancing normal stresses of daily living with the new stresses of MS attacks can, at times, demand a lot of support and a fine-tuned approach to lifestyle adjustments. Dosage of physical activity, consistency of nutrition and sleep, and supporting you through a major health change are all at the heart of our process at PHP. While we take time to recognize people with MS and the challenges they experience, we encourage and support you to continue fighting back with each step, each good night of sleep, and each balanced meal!