Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disorder that causes the body to attack the myelin sheath coating the nerves. When the nerves are attacked, they can have difficulty sending signals to each other, leading to pain, confusion, and issues moving. While there is no cure for MS, there is some way to treat the symptoms from home.
Healthy Eating
One of the most common forms of multiple sclerosis treatment from home is healthy eating. Because the disease causes painful inflammation in the nerves, certain studies have shown that eating foods with anti-inflammatory properties can help treat the symptoms. When patients eat foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish, they have reported a reduction in the amount of inflammation in their bodies. In addition to healthy fats, a diet high in veggies, fruits, and whole grains can help treat some of the chronic exhaustion MS patients face.
On the flip side, people with multiple sclerosis should try to avoid foods like high-fat dairy, high-sodium products, and saturated fats. While these foods tend to be unhealthy in general, they also have a habit of making MS symptoms worse. Rather than worsening inflammation and exhaustion, stick to healthy food options for improved symptoms.
Supplements and Vitamins
In addition to a healthy diet, certain supplements and vitamins may be able to treat the symptoms of multiple sclerosis. While most MS patients will be on prescription medication to slow the progress of the disease, it’s common for doctors to prescribe supplements to improve their quality of life. Medications that improve fatigue and mental clarity are two of the most popular supplements for those suffering from MS, with some people even being prescribed SSRI antidepressants to treat chronic exhaustion.
When it comes to homeopathic remedies, there isn’t much information. Because multiple sclerosis is such an intense disease, many people prefer to let modern medicine handle their treatment regimen. One of the most popular homeopathic treatments for MS is cannabis or topical CBD. Because it has high anti-inflammatory properties, many multiple sclerosis patients have reported that they’ve seen improvements in pain management when using cannabis. Unfortunately, the FDA hasn’t concluded any long-term studies on the use of CBD to treat MS, so there isn’t any conclusive information. While prescription medicines do most of the work to treat MS, supplements and vitamins can help manage some of the symptoms.
Gentle Exercise
Finally, many multiple sclerosis patients have reported that gentle exercise has helped them manage their coordination and balance. While it may not be possible for those with MS to exercise as hard as others, exercises such as yoga, aerobic swimming, or walking can still help. The Mayo Clinic recommends that people struggling with multiple sclerosis take up gentle exercise such as tai chi or stationary biking to help maintain muscle tone and equilibrium. While these exercises aren’t difficult on the body, they still get the blood moving and reinforce neural pathways dedicated to each limb.
In addition to exercise, it’s also important for MS patients to keep their stress levels down. Multiple studies have shown that MS symptoms get worse when stress elevates, so having stress relievers such as meditation, yoga, or self-care can help in the management of symptoms. While it may never be truly possible to eliminate multiple sclerosis symptoms, treatment is possible. Keeping the body moving at a gentle pace can help reinforce the nerves and push back the worst of the symptoms.
To sum things up, multiple sclerosis doesn’t equal poor quality of life. While the disease may include some stubborn symptoms, modern medicine has given treatments for those symptoms. Many of the worst symptoms can be managed on an everyday basis, making MS treatment more accessible than ever.
