We share steps to take to help manage the symptoms of multiple sclerosis - simple, good lifestyle choices can be effective in living a healthy life and slow down the symptoms of multiple sclerosis.
5 Tips for Managing Multiple Sclerosis
It's tough to live with multiple sclerosis (MS) - but research is progressing, and scientists have found some factors which can ease or aggravate MS symptoms, and even slow down the progression of multiple sclerosis. Many of these factors include making healthy lifestyle choices such as eating the right food and kicking bad habits such as smoking. Not only will these choices help you manage the symptoms of MS, but they will also help your general health and contribute to a more positive mindset.
1. Look After Your Diet
There's no specific diet to follow when you're managing symptoms of MS, however eating anti-inflammatory foods like fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains, and healthy oils can help your body. Add omega-3 and omega-6 foods into your diet - this can be fatty fish like tuna, salmon, and mackerel, and flaxseed (available in health stores) which you can sprinkle onto salads or breakfast. If a person living with MS were to go down the live-in care route, their live-in carer could potentially help them with cooking nutritious meals and ensure they are eating well.
2. Move Your Body
It is recommended we get 150 minutes of physical activity per week according to the NHS - this doesn't mean you have to get a sweat on during a fast paced fitness class, your activity can be walking, swimming, or chair based exercises. Exercising at least two days per week can help reduce fatigue and depression. Of course there are no limits to how much exercise you can do - if this is something you enjoy then incorporate this into your daily routine; or if you're not used to fitness introduce this slowly. You can work with a physical therapist if you're not sure what you're doing when it comes to exercise classes or chair based exercise. Also, a private carer can also help to motivate, guide and encourage a client to complete their exercises as set by a physical therapist or health care professional.
3. Reduce Stress Levels
Stress is the cause of many physical and emotional problems - it worsens MS symptoms, but we understand that managing multiple sclerosis can cause everyday stress. Learning stress management techniques and making lists to help prioritise your days can help you feel more relaxed - and of course getting exercise will help you reduce stress levels. Talk to your family and friends who can help you with what's troubling you, and don't be afraid to bring up problems with your doctor who can advise on how best to manage stress. It can be stressful living with a condition such as MS and having to deal with every day chores and tasks. A great option that many have found is incorporating home care into their lives, this allows the person to maintain independence but with help in areas they may struggle with such as personal care, cooking, cleaning etc.
4. Make Sleep A Priority
Managing fatigue, a prevalent symptom of MS, necessitates a structured approach to sleep. Domiciliary care, particularly with a focus on consistent bedtime routines, becomes crucial. A live-in carer can guide and support this routine, ensuring that evenings are dedicated to relaxation and timely rest. It's essential to minimise stress-inducing thoughts and consider aids like lavender sprays to enhance sleep quality. Additionally, if nocturnal body aches persist, consulting with healthcare professionals is advisable.
5. Get Your Vitamin D!
Researchers have found there is some relationship between vitamin D deficiency and developing MS or worsening MS symptoms. Living in the UK, we know that getting enough sunshine in our lives can be difficult unless you make a trip to a sunny beach overseas - but there are ways you can get vitamin D without relying on the sun.
Eat food containing vitamin D like eggs, fortified milk, and cod liver oil (you can get these supplements in health stores or supermarkets). If you are lucky enough to catch the sunshine, make sure you put on sunscreen and as little as 15 minutes a day should be enough to get your dose of vitamin D!
If you or your loved one can benefit from a live-in carer who can help you with management of MS symptoms and daily tasks, please contact Pamela on 01264 319399 or email hello@access-care.co.uk to find our more about arranging live-in care.