How to Prevent Multiple Sclerosis: Ways to Stop MS

All existing diseases in medicine have their own types of complexity. Some of them can be cured, and others can not. But whether it is a chronic or temporary illness, there is always a way to ease it. And this also refers to multiple sclerosis. As soon as this disorder appears in a person, it is crucial to begin its relief. After all, it is still impossible to cure it forever. But it is pretty achievable to stop the progression.

An innovative approach to preventing MS is a plan for a healthy lifestyle. Regular physical activity strengthens the immune system and enhances blood circulation. It prevents the inflammatory processes characteristic of MS. Additionally, a balanced diet can help reduce the risk of nerve tissue inflammation.

Regarding how to prevent multiple sclerosis, doctors often recommend consuming enough vitamins, avoiding stress, and not drinking alcohol. Other recommendations depend on how advanced your disease is. Thus, doctors select treatment and prevention individually for each person with MS.

What is Multiple Sclerosis?

Every human body has myelin. It is a protective layer of nerve fibers. One of its most important goals is the acceleration of nerve impulse conduction. But sometimes, people’s lives change entirely when this myelin starts to destroy itself. After all, this indicates the appearance of multiple sclerosis. 

The fact is that it is a condition of the nervous system. When myelin is destroyed, it harms the organs. It leads to a violation of the functionality of the body. It is because nerve impulses can no longer carry out standard transmission. Because of this, a person can experience a different range of symptoms:

• constant fatigue;
• trembling hands or feet;
• instability when walking;
• lack of confidence in movements and loss of balance;
• muscle contraction;
• muscle weakness or loss of muscle control;
• frequent urination;
• anxiety;
• emotional instability;
• sleep disorders.

The insidiousness of this disease is that you may not notice its signs at an early stage. Because of this, it is rare for people to start preventing MS in time.

The cause of the development of multiple sclerosis remains unknown. Researchers believe that genetic factors play a role in its development. In such cases, preventing MS in family members should be done on time. External influences, such as infections or the environment, can also provoke this disease. But there is no exact proof of this yet. So, to determine in more detail the causes of MS, doctors conduct various examinations. Most often, for this, patients undergo an MRI. Based on the data, doctors make an accurate diagnosis.

Tips on How to Prevent Multiple Sclerosis

You can take some steps to reduce your risk of developing this disease. Doctors usually prescribe them individually. But despite this, there are also general recommendations. They refer to all patients who want to know how to stop MS:

• Healthy lifestyle.
• Regular medical examination.
• A balanced diet.

Such pieces of advice are for easing symptoms, slowing down the progression of the illness, and improving the patient’s quality of life. Sometimes along with this, doctors can prescribe drug therapy with the following medicines:

• immunomodulators;
• immunosuppressants;
• antidepressants, etc.

Of course, you can not use them without a doctor’s permission. But if they prescribed them to you, then take it as a valid recommendation from them and stick to it. Besides, it is also critical to follow the general tips on preventing MS. The next list of them is helpful for every patient and can enhance your condition by following it. So, keep reading:

1. Engage in Physical Activity

Playing sports is important not only for illnesses but also for human life in general. But if you have MS, then sports are a necessity for you. By exercising, a person with MS strengthens their body and improves coordination. Training helps increase muscle strength and flexibility. Besides, physical activity stimulates the production of endorphins. It improves mood and reduces the feeling of pain.

Which sport is the most effective?

• Swimming. It helps support the muscles and relieve the load from the joints.
• Aerobic exercises. They increase endurance and promote better blood circulation.
• Cycling. It supports the work of the lower extremities and can be a healthy stress for the heart.
• Walking. Even ordinary walking contributes to good maintenance of body tone and mood.

2. Avoid Smoking and Limit Alcohol Consumption

To know how to prevent multiple sclerosis, you should first know what habits you should avoid. And the most important rule is to forget about smoking and drinking alcohol. These bad habits can significantly worsen the symptoms of the disease. Smoking harms patients’ health, as tobacco smoke contains many toxic substances. They can increase inflammation and damage the nervous system. Alcohol consumption also impairs patients. After all, it can increase fatigue and disrupt coordination.

How to get rid of such habits?

• Take turns on positive lifestyle changes. Find a replacement for these bad habits.
• Create an action plan to reduce your smoking and alcohol abuse gradually.
• Ask your doctor or specialist what methods and approaches may be most effective for you.

3. Drink Enough Water

Sufficient water consumption has a significant impact on the quality of human life. For the nervous system to function well, it is important to drink enough water daily. Water helps maintain optimal hydration. It helps ensure the normal functioning of cells and neurotransmitters. Thus, proper hydration can have a positive effect on the physical and psychological functions of the body. It contributes to better preventing MS.

What are the recommendations for drinking water?

• Set regular intervals for drinking water.
• Drink in small portions throughout the day, with each meal or snack.
• Drink water not only when you feel thirsty but also beforehand to avoid dehydration.

4. Follow a Proper Sleep Routine

Sound sleep is the key to good health. And when you lack sleep or oversleep, it reflects badly on your health. It is especially bad for those with multiple sclerosis. With such a disease, observing the correct sleep regime is important. Adequate sleep helps restore physical and psychological strength. So with this, you will know how to prevent multiple sclerosis.

How to properly observe sleep?

• Go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day.
• Carefully limit the use of electronic devices before bedtime.
• Air the room before going to bed.
• Create a pleasant atmosphere in the room for better sleep.

5. Get Regular Medical Check-Ups

Regular examinations allow the doctor to determine the effectiveness of the treatment. And if necessary, they can make timely corrections to prevent MS. Regular doctor visits also help support patients psychologically. They provide an opportunity to seek advice and ask questions about the disease.

How to properly make regular visits to the doctor?

• Ask your doctor what frequency of medical examinations would be most appropriate for your condition.
• If you have any health problems, also consult a doctor.
• Keep a journal of any new symptoms and changes in your physical condition.

Preventing MS in Family Members

Living with multiple sclerosis can be difficult both physically and emotionally. And when your relatives are faced with it, it is also challenging. After all, watching how they cope with symptoms can be emotionally complex. Providing them with support in such a situation is the best solution. And preventing MS in family members, you should start with a neurologist study:

• To begin with, go with your relatives for an examination. Let the neurologist examine the patient’s body and explain the reason. After that, start treating your relatives. You can help them with medications and therapies and follow specific medical recommendations. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent further spread of MS in the family.
• Besides, to know how to stop MS in relatives, it is worth remembering their schedule of taking pills. Help them with this and create a list of medications. Write down what and when to take. This way, you will make it easier for your relatives not to forget that they need to take medicine.
• And, of course, motivate your relatives with MS to lead a healthy lifestyle. Go for a run with them and cook them healthy food. Such actions help prevent MS in the family.

Stopping the spread of multiple disorders in relatives is crucial to maintain their health and quality of life. Professional support from medical specialists and an individual approach can contribute to the achievement of this goal.

Bottom Line

The appearance of disorders makes some adjustments in the lives of patients. And it is obvious that it affects in a bad way. It is especially true of incurable multiple sclerosis. When it appears, it is crucial to know how to stop MS. For this, you should consult with neurologists.

If you need help, Lone Star Neurologists are ready to do everything possible. Thanks to our many years of experience, we know how to deal with MS. First, we examine you and then create a treatment plan. We make it individually to achieve better results for our patients faster. After that, we observe your state of health and make certain changes to enhance your health. Thanks to this approach, you become healthier with us.

FAQs

Can multiple sclerosis be completely prevented?

Unfortunately, there is still no method that will cure multiple sclerosis forever. But you can alleviate its condition and its manifestation. To do this, you should regularly visit a doctor and undergo the prescribed treatment.

Can stress trigger multiple sclerosis?

No definitive evidence establishes stress as a direct trigger for multiple sclerosis. Stress could potentially play a role in exacerbating symptoms or affecting the disease’s progression. But it’s unlikely to be the sole trigger for MS.

Is multiple sclerosis hereditary?

Multiple sclerosis has a genetic predisposition. So if you have a family member with the condition, it can increase your susceptibility. But it does not always work, and genetics does not always play a role in this. After all, other factors also influence the appearance of it.

Can certain vaccines prevent multiple sclerosis?

Doctors have not yet invented a vaccine that fights multiple sclerosis. But vaccines play a crucial role in preventing other diseases. Thus, sometimes doctors may prescribe other vaccines for general health in multiple sclerosis. But to get rid of this disorder, there is no vaccine for this.