Coping with Multiple Sclerosis
MS is a very challenging disease - you
don't know how you are going to feel day to day or year to
year. The key to maximizing your health and energy is to
work hard at helping your body regenerate, so that you can
counter-balance many of the degenerative effects of the
disease. Think of yourself as in a race to keep your cells
healthy and regenerating faster than the degenerative
process.
Here is what is vital:
Nutrition
Everybody should eat well - but for you it is absolutely
essential that you constantly give your body what it needs.
Lean proteins, vegetables in abundance, fruits, and nuts are
some of the key components. Concentrate on eating
minimally-processed or raw foods that are nutrient-rich.
Water
Your body is made up mainly of water - so it should not
surprise you that you need lots of water to help your cells
regenerate and recover from inflammation. Don't just assume
that you are drinking enough water if you drink when you are
thirsty - you need a lot more water than that. Try to have
several glasses of water early in the morning, and then
several more glasses spread through the day.
Rest
Your body needs rest to repair itself. With MS, you may
find that you have trouble getting restful sleep when you
want at night, and have periods of exhaustion during the
day. Experiment with different patterns of sleep, rest, and
activity, and keep track of what works best for you. You may
find that simple things, such as mid-day meditation or yoga
stretches, can help give you rest periods that re-vitalize
you.
Movement
You must move as much as possible. Moving gives you more
flexibility and strength, helps with balance, holds down
inflammation, and teaches your body how to maximize the
usefulness of your nerve pathways. And it enhances your mood
and feeling of well-being!
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