Living with multiple sclerosis (MS) isn’t just about popping pills like Ocrevus or Vumerity. It’s also about making lifestyle changes that can help manage symptoms and improve overall well-being. Here are four habits to ditch for better MS management:
1. Alcohol: Booze can throw off your balance and coordination, which is a big deal if you’re already dealing with MS. Even just one drink can make your symptoms worse and mess with your meds. Plus, alcohol makes you pee more often, which is a pain if you’ve got bladder issues. Sure, some folks say a little tipple might help ease symptoms, but it’s probably best to steer clear and keep your health in check.
2. Smoking: Lighting up can make MS symptoms go from bad to worse and speed up the progression of the disease. Kicking the habit is crucial for giving yourself a fighting chance at a better recovery. Puffing away every day can leave you feeling confused, tired, dizzy, and messed up in the senses department. Get some support from groups, make a plan to quit, and set yourself some doable goals to kick the habit to the curb.
3. Irregular Sleeping Habits: MS can mess with your sleep, leaving you feeling achy, exhausted, down in the dumps, and off-balance. Getting good-quality shut-eye is key to managing symptoms and feeling better. Ditch the caffeine and booze before bed, stick to a regular sleep schedule, and cut out the screens before you hit the hay to give your brain a chance to unwind and keep your health on track.
4. Unhealthy Snacking: Junk food can mess with your gut and bladder, making MS symptoms worse. Munching on sugary and fried snacks can zap your energy levels and put your overall health at risk. Stick to a healthy eating plan with regular, nutritious meals to keep your energy up and your symptoms in check. Say no to eating at weird times to keep things stable and avoid making your symptoms worse.
Along with these changes, it’s a good idea for folks with MS to think about making other lifestyle tweaks for a well-rounded recovery. Chatting with your doc can help you figure out how to manage your symptoms and embrace healthier habits for a brighter future.
