Multiple sclerosis (MS) can cause a broad array of symptoms ranging in severity from uncomfortable to debilitating. While your healthcare provider can recommend medication plans that can help you manage your condition, many patients like to take a comprehensive approach by combining traditional medicine with complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).
Traditional medicine aims to modify the disease’s progression and help control symptoms. Alternative treatments, on the other hand, use lifestyle modifications to alleviate symptoms. Here are a few to consider.
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Nutritional Changes
No diet can cure MS, but getting ample nutrition can help prevent symptoms from worsening. A heart-healthy diet is particularly important, since MS is associated with high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease, which can exacerbate symptoms. The American Heart Association recommends eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, nuts and legumes, skinless poultry and fish, and non-tropical vegetable oils to maintain heart health. Additionally, limit alcohol and processed foods.
People with MS can also Benefit from:
- Cranberry juice or vitamin C to help prevent urinary tract infections
- Vitamin D and calcium to support strong bones
- Vitamins B6 and B12 to promote energy
- Selenium to help protect against infections
- Zinc to keep bacteria at bay
Exercise
While everyone with MS should consult their healthcare provider before beginning any new exercise routine, in general, most individuals can perform moderate exercise safely. Aim for a combination of physical activity, including:
- Strength moves, which keep the bones strong and build muscle, including lifting dumbbells, using bodyweight exercises, and working with weight machines or resistance bands
- Stretching and balance exercises, such as yoga, to support mobility and muscular control
- Cardiovascular exercise, which can offer both physical and psychological benefits and can be as simple as gardening or doing housework, or include aerobics classes, swimming, and other sports
Stress Management
Stress can contribute to fatigue, a symptom that’s already common with MS. Aim to control your stress with meditation, journaling, positive thinking, and fulfilling hobbies. If you’re experiencing feelings of major stress or depression for more than two weeks, talk to your health care provider to explore causes and treatment options.
Alternative Options
In addition to the lifestyle modifications described above, there are other alternative options for people with MS to consider.
- Acupuncture: This traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) approach uses small needles strategically inserted at different points in the body to provide some relief for symptoms. Specifically, it has been found to help alleviate bladder problems, pain, spasticity, numbness and tingling, and depression.
- Reflexology: Like acupuncture, reflexology uses different points in the body to deliver therapeutic effects. Practitioners apply pressure to stimulate reflex points on the feet, which can also be soothing and relaxing for people with MS.
- Massage: People with MS may benefit from routine massage therapy in numerous ways, including improved circulation, reduced pain, and reduced spasticity.
- Magnet therapy: This energy-based approach uses electrical frequencies to reduce pain, improve energy levels, and optimize circulation by stimulating ions and electrolytes throughout the body.
- Stem Cell Therapy: this regenerative medicine provides an option to help manage the symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis. Stem cells have the ability to regenerate damaged tissues and modulate the immune system to temporarily disable the abnormal attack on healthy cells.
Keep in mind that some of these alternative treatments may take time to show any effects—up to six months in some cases. Keeping a journal of your symptoms before and after starting any new treatment can help you determine whether the new approach is helpful.
This post was written by a medical professional at Stemedix Inc. At Stemedix we provide access to Regenerative Medicine for multiple sclerosis, also known as stem cell therapy for multiple sclerosis. Regenerative medicine has the natural potential to help improve symptoms sometimes lost from the progression of many conditions.