Multiple Sclerosis, or MS is a terrible disease affecting people from all different walks of life, and it is more common than you might think.You probably know at least one person with MS, but you may not know much about it and could be curious about what you can do to help. 

If a close friend of yours, your spouse, or you yourself  have been recently diagnosed with MS, you might feel scared and completely lost. This is normal! Once you let the news sink in, start doing your research. With all of the medical advances, people with MS can live happy lives well beyond reaching retirement. To help you get started on this journey, here are 3 health tips for people with MS. 

Change Your Diet

Although there are differing opinions amongst the medical community on exactly what type of diet is best for those with MS, there is no doubt that eating healthier in general can help to alleviate symptoms and reduce flare-ups. 

Cutting out gluten, dairy, sugar, and processed foods is a great place to start. You don’t necessarily have to be on a specific diet if you have MS, but eating cleaner is a good idea because it will help prevent inflammation in your body and other things that can aggravate the disease. 

Invest In Air Conditioning And Heat

Temperature control is extremely important for people with MS because they are extra sensitive to hot and cold. If you or someone who lives with you has MS, it is a good idea to make sure you have air conditioning or heat. If you are on disability or even if not, have a doctor write a note to see if you will be able to get your insurance company to pay for these amenities since they are important to your health. 

Be Honest With Yourself

Being honest with yourself about what you can and cannot do is important because unfortunately, MS does cause some limitations. This doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to do any of the things you love, but it does mean you will need to listen to your body and when you are struggling to do something physical it is OK to take a break or stop completely. 

Having a support system who understands your condition will help you to be honest with yourself and take care of your health so that it can slow the progression of your MS and reduce the severity of flare-ups. 

Although an MS diagnosis can be overwhelming and hard to deal with at first, with a good doctor, a strong support system, and a lot of knowledge, you will be able to live a long and happy life. Hopefully these tips are helpful in taking care of your own health in your fight with MS!