Multiple sclerosis, also known as MS, is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the body’s immune system attacks the central nervous system. Multiple sclerosis symptoms can include vision problems, lack of balance, loss of muscle control, and the inability to control basic bodily functions. Early warning signs of MS include blurred vision, tingling and numbness, and muscle pain and spasms.
Although some aspects of MS remain unknown to physicians, there are preventative measures that you can take to improve symptoms:
1. Consuming higher levels of vitamin D
The link between MS and vitamin D has been studied many times. Throughout these studies the findings indicate that retaining higher levels of vitamin D may protect those at risk from developing MS. Additionally, those that have already been diagnosed with MS can benefit from vitamin D supplements as they can diminish the intensity,frequency, and severity of symptoms and increase the length of time it takes for MS to progress. Adults up to 70 years old should consume 600 international units of vitamin D and that number increases to 800 international units per day for those adults over 71 years old.
2. Intermittent fasting
Although fasting is in its early stages of testing for MS prevention early studies are reporting positive results. There are different types of intermittent fasting but the important part of the study involves reducing caloric intake over a period of time. Fasting may lessen MS symptoms by reducing the immune systems attack on nerves as many of the foods that we eat every day cause inflammation in our body. Researchers believe that by decreasing the calories we eat we can reduce the inflammation in our body and thus stop our immune system from attacking the protective coating on our nerves, known as myelin.
3. Drinking coffee
Although drinking coffee isn’t guaranteed to prevent you from getting multiple sclerosis it may improve your odds of prevention. Several studies that have observed coffee intake have found that participants with the highest coffee intake were at a much lower risk for getting MS. Coffee contains high amounts of caffeine which is a stimulant that can affect your central nervous system. Additionally, caffeine has anti-inflammatory properties which can help protect the myelin coating on your nerves and therefore protect them from the immune system’s attack. Another benefit of caffeine is that it is linked to lowering your risk for Parkinson’s and Alzheimers. But just how much coffee do you need to drink? Studies found that the individuals who drank at least 4 cups of coffee were the ones who began to have a drastically lowered risk of developing MS.
4. Ingesting resveratrol
This is perhaps one of the most controversial preventatives for MS as early studies found differing results. However, more recent studies conducted on mice have shown that ingesting resveratrol resulted in lower inflammation levels in the brain and thus protects the myelin coating. Resveratrol is a plant compound that is found in red wine, grapes, some berries, and peanuts. There are also supplements available for those who don’t want to or are unable to ingest these foods. Most of the studies that found a positive link between resveratrol and MS used these supplements as they contain a much higher amount than the food sources.
