Life With MS

Living with MS is a challenge, as relapses are unpredictable. Various factors can impact a person’s quality of life, and differ from person to person. Ways to improve quality of life:

  1. Eat right
    • An overall balanced diet is recommended to fight fatigue and stay uplifted, though there isn’t a specific MS diet. A diet low in fat is preferred, while reports share that gluten-free and dairy-free diet is beneficial.
  2. Attention to mental health
    • Depression in patients with MS is common, as it is with all chronic diseases. Seek counselling to cope with mental health issues.
  3. Rehabilitation
    • Physiotherapy helps strengthen muscles, relieves spasms, mobility, and flexibility. Find a MS physiotherapist to assist chart your exercise routine. Physical activities in any form are helpful.
  4. Taking Vitamin D
    • Talk to your doctor. Research shows that people taking sufficient Vitamin D may have less symptoms which can improve quality of life and lower the risk of relapse.
  5. Moderate alcohol Intake
    • Research suggests that alcohol directly affects the central nervous system. Alcohol can temporarily affect the coordination, balance issues and increasing urinary frequency.
  6. Avoid Too Hot or Too Cold Weather
    • Extreme temperature, especially heat can aggravate clinical symptoms of MS. High proportion of people are sensitive to heat, and can experience challenging symptoms. Also, take precautions to stay warm when temperatures are freezing.
  7. Get enough sleep
    • The most common symptom of MS is fatigue. Symptoms can get acute during an occurrence of tiredness. Adequate rest and sleep are important.
  8. Join MS support group
    • Joining a local or online support groups will be helpful to patients, caregivers and family members to provide self-confidence in coping with challenges and emotional support.