If you have Multiple Sclerosis, then you are familiar with what inflammation can do to your body. As the disease attacks the nervous system, the cells and nerve endings become inflamed in order to fend off the disease. Unfortunately, this inflammation is the root cause of many symptom outbreaks patients experience, as it slows down the electrical communication between the nerve endings.
There are many ways to reduce inflammation in your body through various diet changes and physical activities, and the following are a few techniques that will help you reduce inflammation and shield the nerves from further damage.
Herbal Supplements
Vitamins and herbal supplements are a great, healthy way to reduce MS inflammation. You can choose to take these daily in pill form or use them to brew teas. B Vitamins, such as B1, B9, and B12, are crucial to reducing inflammation as they work to insulate the nerve endings and rebuild them.
These vitamins can be found in lean meats, green veggies, eggs, and a variety of berries. If you’re interested in pursuing herbal remedies, try brewing yourself a chamomile or dandelion tea. Chamomile is a powerful antioxidant that can reduce symptoms, and dandelion also acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that can promote immune health and protect your immune system from MS attacks.
Anti-Inflammatory Diet
Increasing your intake of B Vitamins can help reduce the inflammation caused by MS, but there are many other dietary changes that can be added to your daily routine to keep your symptoms at bay. Boiling carrots and broccoli is a great way to eat healthy and reduce inflammation as these veggies are rich in B Vitamins and calcium.
Increasing your Omega-3 intake will also reduce inflammation. Omega-3s are found in fish, and cooked Atlantic salmon is one delicious way to eat well and reduce symptoms.
Maintain a Sleep Schedule
A good night’s sleep can help you fight inflammation in your body. Getting the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep on a nightly basis will keep your body healthy and your immune system strong, giving you the strength you’ll need to combat symptoms. Relaxation techniques can help reduce stress and lead you to fall asleep easier and faster.
Noise machines that block outside disturbances either with white noise, ocean sounds, or makeshift rainstorms are a great way to relax. Consider installing black-out curtains in order to reduce light disturbances, and make sure you have a supportive mattress and pillows in order to keep your body comfortable during the night.
Pilates and Yoga
Exercise, like sleep, helps maintain healthy bodies and strengthens immune systems. Although the physical stress of exercise routines can sometimes exacerbate symptoms, relaxing exercise techniques with low-impact can be very beneficial.
Yoga and Pilates utilize stretching and meditation techniques in order to build muscle and bone strength as well as calm nerves and reduce stress. By incorporating a regular Yoga routine into your daily schedule, you will notice a positive change in your physical well-being as your physical pain decreases and your symptoms are reduced.
What techniques have you tried?
When it comes to reducing inflammation in your body caused by MS, it is important to pay attention to your physical symptoms. As you incorporate these exercise techniques, dietary changes, and herbal supplements into your daily life, pay close attention to how your body reacts to these changes. Your body will send signals when it is distressed or uncomfortable. Note when symptoms increase and decrease as these changes will help you keep better track of when inflammation occurs and how you can work to reduce it.
Your MS shouldn’t mean the end of any and all activities. Fight inflammation in your body and live with your MS with these techniques.