The good news is, it probably won't kill you, the bad news is, it may certainly shorten your life.
Given, as there is currently no cure for this debilitating disease, your medicinal options can only help you to manage your symptoms.
However, there are lifestyle and dietary changes you will definitely want to implement, to help ensure that your lifespan is not prematurely shortened.
Here are five things that you can do that will help you live a longer life.
Eat Plenty of Fresh Fruits And Vegetables
Your mother was definitely right about this one. Fresh fruits and vegetables contain vital nutrients that can help extend your life. You should strive to eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day.
Plus, as a bonus, they may also help slow the inevitable decline in mental function associated with multiple sclerosis, by as much as 35%, when taken as part of a balanced diet.
Moreover, all vegetables are good for you, but the dark green vegetables are particularly healthy, and include foods such as broccoli, green beans and spinach.
Avoid Sugar
You should avoid sugar like the plague. One prominent physician here in the United States says that sugar is a 'major ager.'
What is more, unlike natural sugar, found in fruits, refined sugar has no nutritional value whatsoever, and is only empty calories.
Furthermore, by eating large amounts of sugar, you are contributing to chronic inflammation, putting you at greater risk for developing infections and arterial damage.
In summary, eating a diet that is high in sugar, you may shorten your life considerably.
Take a Multivitamin
By taking a multivitamin, you can add several years to your life. According to doctors Oz and Roizen, in their book, 'You, The Owners Manual', you could add as much as six years to your life simply by taking two multivitamins each day.
Make sure you choose one that contains a good mix of vitamins including vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, Biotin, C, D, E.
Also, make sure it contains the minerals calcium, magnesium, selenium and potassium.
Additionally, vitamin D and C are good anti-inflammatory vitamins that help to keep the brain sharp.
Take Aspirin
You should take one half of an aspirin each day, whether you have multiple sclerosis or not.
First, the primary advantage to taking an aspirin is its cardiovascular benefits. In one controlled study, it was learned that taking aspirin regularly reduced the incidence of heart attacks by 44%.
Next, by taking an aspirin each day, you help prevent your arteries from becoming inflamed, and your blood from clotting, putting you at lower risk for having a stroke.
Stop Smoking
Apart from the obvious reasons for not smoking, including, preventing diseases such as lung cancer, emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cigarette smoke kills tiny hair-like structures, called cilia that help to filter dangerous toxins from your lungs.
In fact, smoking cigarettes may shorten your life as much as eight years.
In conclusion, although the research for a cure for this debilitating disease looks promising, we're not there yet.
Coming from one who has multiple sclerosis, I know exactly how you feel. If you're like me, none of the medicines have proven effective (Tysabri being the exception); the ones I do take provide minor symptom relief.
However, the one thing I do have control over is my nutritional future, which, hopefully, will add additional years to my life.
I hope that by following the foregoing steps, it will add many years to yours.
