Multiple Sclerosis
A chronic autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system. Low vitamin D levels are associated with increased risk and activity of MS, so maintaining adequate vitamin D levels through supplementation is often recommended and considered indicated.
- What may help
- 12
- What to avoid
- 19
What may help (12)
- Omega-9 Supplements HighClinical
Crucial for the formation and maintenance of myelin, the protective sheath around nerve fibers, which is particularly relevant in conditions affecting nerve insulation like multiple sclerosis.
- Balance Training Practices MediumClinical
Balance training helps manage impaired balance and reduce fatigue-related instability often experienced by individuals with multiple sclerosis. By enhancing neuromuscular control and strengthening core muscles, it improves functional mobility and confidence, with consistent moderate improvements noted across various clinical studies.
- CBD Supplements MediumClinical
CBD may offer support for managing symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis, such as muscle spasticity and pain, contributing to better quality of life.
- Cortexin Supplements MediumClinical
Cortexin's neuroprotective properties may offer a supportive role in managing aspects of Multiple Sclerosis by promoting neuronal health and potentially influencing inflammation in the central nervous system.
- CrossFit Practices MediumClinical
When appropriately adapted, CrossFit training can help individuals with multiple sclerosis maintain and improve muscle strength, balance, and endurance. This contributes to reducing fatigue and spasticity, thereby enhancing overall functional independence and quality of life.
- Fasting Mimicking Diet Practices MediumClinical
Preliminary clinical trials suggest that FMD may modulate the immune system and promote regeneration, showing potential to reduce symptoms and improve outcomes in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis by fostering remyelination and reducing neuroinflammation (e.g., reduced Expanded Disability Status Scale scores).
- Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR) Supplements LowClinical
Is being studied to reduce fatigue and support cognitive functions often impaired in multiple sclerosis.
- Cognitive Training / Brain Games Practices HighTheoretical
Cognitive training is a valuable intervention for individuals with Multiple Sclerosis to address common cognitive impairments, particularly in processing speed, attention, and memory. By engaging in targeted mental exercises, individuals can enhance brain plasticity and develop compensatory strategies, leading to improved cognitive function and quality of life (effect sizes on cognitive functions often d=0.4-0.7).
- Ketogenic Diet Practices HighTheoretical
Emerging clinical trials show the ketogenic diet to be a promising adjunctive therapy for Multiple Sclerosis. It may reduce systemic and neuroinflammation, provide neuroprotective benefits through ketone bodies, and positively modulate the gut microbiome, leading to reported improvements in fatigue and quality of life in MS patients.
- Vitamin D Supplements HighTheoretical
Maintaining adequate Vitamin D levels is crucial, as research suggests a link between lower levels and an increased risk or activity of multiple sclerosis.
- Integral Yoga Practices MediumTheoretical
Integral Yoga moderately improves common symptoms of multiple sclerosis such as fatigue, balance, gait, and mood. Its practices enhance physical function and reduce anxiety, improving overall quality of life for patients (effect size d=0.5-0.7).
- Naturopathy Practices MediumTheoretical
Naturopathic adjunctive support for Multiple Sclerosis focuses on immune modulation and neuroprotection. Maintaining optimal vitamin D levels is strongly indicated due to its association with MS risk and activity. Omega-3s, N-acetylcysteine, and curcumin can also moderately reduce inflammation and support neuronal health, always under medical supervision.
What to avoid (19)
- Hot Bath Practices Very highClinical
Heat sensitivity is common in multiple sclerosis. Hot baths can significantly worsen symptoms (e.g., fatigue, weakness, vision problems) and should be avoided.
- Bikram Yoga Practices HighClinical
High temperatures in Bikram Yoga can temporarily worsen neurological symptoms in individuals with multiple sclerosis due to common heat sensitivity. This practice should be avoided to prevent exacerbations.
- Calisthenics Practices HighClinical
Multiple sclerosis can cause severe fatigue, spasticity, and balance issues, increasing fall risk and symptom exacerbation during calisthenics. Exercise must be carefully adapted under neurological guidance.
- Dance/Movement Therapy Practices HighClinical
Moderate to severe symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis, such as fatigue, spasticity, or balance issues, increase the risk of falls and injury during Dance/Movement Therapy. Adaptation and medical clearance are crucial.
- Herbal Steam Bath Practices HighClinical
If you have Multiple Sclerosis, avoid steam baths. Heat sensitivity (Uhthoff's phenomenon) is common and can temporarily worsen neurological symptoms, including fatigue, weakness, and vision problems.
- Inactive Lifestyle Habits HighClinical
Inactivity worsens fatigue, muscle weakness, and mobility in individuals with Multiple Sclerosis. Structured exercise programs tailored to individual abilities are crucial for symptom management and functional improvement.
- Integral Yoga Practices HighClinical
Multiple Sclerosis can cause severe fatigue, balance issues, and heat sensitivity. Strenuous yoga, inversions, or hot environments are contraindicated due to fall risk and symptom exacerbation.
- Social Dancing Practices HighClinical
Active Multiple Sclerosis can cause severe fatigue, balance issues, spasticity, and heat sensitivity. Dancing can exacerbate these symptoms and increase the risk of falls and injury.
- Swimming Practices HighClinical
Severe Multiple Sclerosis can cause significant muscle weakness, balance issues, and fatigue, making swimming unsafe due to drowning risk.
- Walking Meditation Practices HighClinical
Multiple Sclerosis can cause significant fatigue, balance problems, muscle weakness, or spasticity, making safe walking difficult or impossible. Consult your neurologist.
- Hiking Practices MediumClinical
Multiple sclerosis often causes significant fatigue, balance impairment, and heat sensitivity, all of which can be severely worsened by hiking, increasing the risk of falls and symptom exacerbation. Consult your neurologist.
- Tai Chi Practices MediumClinical
Severe multiple sclerosis with significant spasticity, ataxia, or debilitating fatigue can impair balance and coordination, increasing fall risk during Tai Chi.
- Wim Hof Method Breathing Practices MediumClinical
Cold exposure can worsen neurological symptoms in individuals with multiple sclerosis. This practice is contraindicated for those with MS.
- Anusara Yoga Practices LowClinical
Individuals with multiple sclerosis may experience fatigue, balance issues, spasticity, or heat sensitivity that could be exacerbated by certain yoga practices. Work with a qualified instructor for modifications.
- Hot Stone Massage Practices LowClinical
Many individuals with Multiple Sclerosis experience heat sensitivity, which can worsen symptoms like fatigue or spasticity. Hot stone massage could be poorly tolerated or exacerbate these issues.
- Ice Packs / Cold Compresses Practices LowClinical
Some individuals with multiple sclerosis may experience a temporary worsening of symptoms with cold exposure; use with caution.
- Weighted Blanket Practices LowClinical
Weighted blankets can cause overheating due to their insulating properties, which may worsen symptoms like fatigue or blurred vision in individuals with multiple sclerosis.
- Yoga Practice Habits LowClinical
If you have severe Multiple Sclerosis with significant motor or balance deficits, certain yoga poses may be challenging or increase fall risk. Opt for chair yoga or modified mat practice with props and expert guidance. Also be mindful of heat sensitivity during vigorous practice.
- Astragalus Supplements HighTheoretical
Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis should consult their doctor before considering astragalus, as it could stimulate the immune system and potentially impact disease progression.