A healthy lifestyle helps to improve your overall mobility level and help manage pain caused by multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms. Doctors often recommend a series of healthy lifestyle changes, in addition to prescription medications such as Ocrevus, Vumerity, Kesimpta, Aubagio, Mayzent, and Zeposiato to help manage MS symptoms and improve patient quality of life. Adopting a healthy lifestyle also means avoiding unhealthy habits for MS patients:
Alcohol
If you are diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, alcohol consumption can affect by creating an imbalance and lack of coordination. Sometimes even one drink can worsen the situation. Alcohol interferes with certain medications that are commonly used to manage multiple sclerosis symptoms. Alcohol increases your urination frequency, which is an irritation to your bladder as well. When you are affected with multiple sclerosis, you might not have the best control over your bladder, very often feeling the need to urinate in a hurry. Though some people say that consumption of alcohol in small quantities helps to ease symptoms of MS, it is better to avoid alcohol as the question of “how much is good?” arises. If you feel you can handle a drink or two, then use your sense of discretion to decide on how much is good for you. Alcohol interferes with your sleep and can cause a disturbance in your sleeping patterns. Considering these facts, it is better to avoid alcohol.
Smoking
Smoking can make your Multiple sclerosis worse. It could accelerate the situation and worsen the symptoms. Every cigarette you smoke is harmful. Individuals with multiple sclerosis should quit smoking before it hinders the recovery process. Take the help of support groups, make a plan and set goals. Studies have shown that people with multiple sclerosis who smoke every day experience the following symptoms.
- Confusion
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Odd sensations like pins and needles
- Muscle weakness or loss of coordination
Irregular sleeping habit
Multiple sclerosis can cause irregular sleep. When you do not sleep well you can have pain, fatigue, depression, and problems with coordination and thinking. Sleep is a proven restorative to the symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Try to improve the quality of your sleep, by avoiding caffeine or alcohol before bedtime. Have a regular sleep routine, this will help you get your daily activities in place. Regular sleep schedules help to maintain a good quality of sleep and to improve overall health. Eliminate distractions like television and other electronic gadgets before bedtime as this can distract you and interfere with your calm mind.
Unhealthy snacking
Poor nutrition can affect your bowel and bladder functioning. Unhealthy foods can deplete your energy levels and overall health and put you at risk for other illnesses, such as heart disease or high blood pressure. Avoid snacking on fried foods and foods high in sugar content. Irregular meal timing is unhealthy and can aggravate symptoms. Opt for a routine in food habits and timings, with a regular pre-planned healthy and set a diet menu.
Apart from the above mentioned habits, a multiple sclerosis patient must try to bring in lifestyle changes for their speedy recovery. One can also consult a doctor to manage the symptoms of multiple sclerosis along with lifestyle changes.