Diet, exercise prove helpful in treating MS

Multiple sclerosis (MS) affects at least 400,000 Americans and two million people worldwide. It is a chronic inflammatory disorder that targets the brain and spinal cord. Specifically, the immune system attacks the insulation around nerves as if attacking a foreign object.

MS often presents with symptoms of visual loss in one eye, weakness, numbness, double vision or difficulty walking. The course of the illness is typically marked by periods of deterioration lasting days or weeks followed by remission.

Approximately 15 percent of patients have a progressive unremitting course of illness.

Although there is no cure for MS, there has been tremendous progress in the development and use of disease-modifying medications that increase the length of the symptom-free periods. The goal of treatment is to redirect the immune system.

In addition to medications, several other modalities in the form of diet and exercise have been proven to be helpful in treating MS.

MS is most commonly found in temperate climates where exposure to sunlight is reduced. Vitamin D supplements have been shown to be helpful in treatment.

Diets rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables with reduced intake of processed sugars and red meat is optimal.

Interestingly, regular physical exercise has also demonstrated a beneficial effect in maintaining patients’ neurologic function. Moderate aerobic exercise combined with light resistance exercise has proven to be an effective regimen. Overheating the body from vigorous exercise or use of a hot tub can be detrimental.

“A structured exercise regimen that allows for gradually increased intensity under the guidance of a physical therapist and a physician can provide a benefit for patients with MS and other neurologic diseases,” reports Dr. Vernon Williams, Director of Sports Neurology at the Kerman-Jobe Clinic.

MS patients should consider multiple treatment modalities.

Dr. Alessi is a neurologist in Norwich and serves as an on-air contributor for ESPN. He is director of UConn NeuroSport and can be reached at agalessi@uchc.edu