The Mayo Clinic Diet Book, learn more

Free

E-newsletter

Subscribe to Housecall

Our weekly general interest
e-newsletter keeps you up to date on a wide variety of health topics.

Sign up now

Lifestyle and home remedies

By Mayo Clinic staff

These suggestions may help relieve some symptoms of multiple sclerosis:

  • Get plenty of rest. Fatigue is a common symptom of multiple sclerosis. Although generally it's unrelated to your activity level, resting may make you feel less tired.
  • Exercise. Regular exercise, such as walking, swimming, weight training and other physical activity, may offer some benefits if you have mild to moderate MS. Benefits of physical activity include improved strength, muscle tone, balance and coordination, bladder and bowel control, and less fatigue and depression.
  • Cool down. Multiple sclerosis symptoms often worsen when your body temperature increases. Keep cool by running cool water on your wrists, staying in air-conditioned areas, swimming in cool pools and drinking cold beverages.
  • Eat a balanced diet. Eating a healthy, balanced diet can help you maintain a healthy weight, keep a strong immune system and maintain bone health.
  • Relieve stress. Because stress may trigger or worsen MS symptoms, try to find ways to relax. Activities such as yoga, tai chi, massage, meditation or deep breathing — or just listening to music — might help.
Coping and support Treatments and drugs
References
  1. Multiple sclerosis: Hope through research. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/multiple_sclerosis/detail_multiple_sclerosis.htm. Accessed Aug. 7, 2012.
  2. Olek MJ. Epidemiology and clinical features of multiple sclerosis in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Sept. 19, 2012.
  3. Olek MJ. Treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Sept. 19, 2012.
  4. Neurological diagnostic tests and procedures. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/misc/diagnostic_tests.htm. Accessed Sept. 13, 2012.
  5. Olek MJ. Diagnosis of multiple sclerosis in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Sept. 19, 2012.
  6. Olek MJ. Treatment of acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Sept. 19, 2012.
  7. Foley F, et al. Taming stress in multiple sclerosis. National Multiple Sclerosis Society. http://www.nationalmssociety.org/living-with-multiple-sclerosis/healthy-living/stress/index.aspx. Accessed Sept. 24, 2012.
  8. Harmon M. Exercise as part of everyday life. National Multiple Sclerosis Society. http://www.nationalmssociety.org/living-with-multiple-sclerosis/healthy-living/exercise/index.aspx. Accessed Sept. 25, 2012.
  9. Baclofen. Micromedex Healthcare Series. http://www.micromedex.com. Accessed Sept. 25, 2012.
  10. Tizanidine hydrochloride. Micromedex Healthcare Series. http://www.micromedex.com. Accessed Sept. 25, 2012.
  11. Olek MJ. Treatment of progressive multiple sclerosis in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Sept. 19, 2012.
  12. Bone marrow transplantation and peripheral blood stem cell transplantation. National Cancer Institute. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Therapy/bone-marrow-transplant/. Accessed Sept. 25, 2012.
  13. Heat and temperature sensitivity. National Multiple Sclerosis Society. http://www.nationalmssociety.org/about-multiple-sclerosis/what-we-know-about-ms/treatments/exacerbations/heattemperature-sensitivity/index.aspx. Accessed Sept. 25, 2012.
  14. Food for thought: MS and nutrition. National Multiple Sclerosis Society. http://www.nationalmssociety.org/living-with-multiple-sclerosis/healthy-living/nutirtion-and-diet/index.aspx. Accessed Sept. 25, 2012.
  15. Healthy living with MS. National Multiple Sclerosis Society. http://www.nationalmssociety.org/living-with-multiple-sclerosis/healthy-living/index.aspx. Accessed Sept. 25, 2012.
  16. Weinshenker BG (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Dec. 2, 2012.
  17. Olek MJ. Comorbid problems associated with multiple sclerosis in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Dec. 3, 2012.
  18. Tysabri (prescribing information). Cambridge, Mass.: Biogen Idec; 2012. http://www.biogenidec.com/therapies_tysabri.html. Accessed Dec. 3, 2012.
  19. Medication guide: Tysabri. Biogen Idec. http://www.biogenidec.com/therapies_tysabri.html. Accessed Dec. 3, 2012.
  20. Medication guide: Aubagio. Genzyme Corporation. https://www.aubagio.com/. Accessed Dec. 3, 2012.
DS00188 Dec. 15, 2012

© 1998-2013 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "EmbodyHealth," "Enhance your life," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.

  • Reprints
  • Print

  • Share on:

  • Email

Advertisement


Text Size: smaller largerlarger