What Is MS Disease, Why Does It Happen? Symptoms and Treatment

What is MS disease? MS is short for the word multiple sclerosis. It is one of the most common neurological disorders. In this condition, the immune system attacks the protective sheath (myelin) that covers the nerve fibers, causing communication problems between the brain and the rest of the body.

The symptoms of MS are very diverse. It depends on the amount of nerve damage and which nerves are affected. People with severe MS may lose the ability to walk independently. There are also patients who experience prolonged remission without any symptoms.

There is no cure for MS disease. The treatment used aims to accelerate the recovery of the attacks, change the course of the disease and manage the symptoms.

What is MS Disease?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disorder that gradually destroys the protective coverings that surround nerve fibers. These coverings are called myelin sheaths.

Over time, this disease permanently damages the nerves, affecting communication between the brain and the body.

Most people with MS have a relapsing and relapsing course of the disease. Within days or weeks, the disease develops. New symptoms or periods of recurrence follow, which partially or completely heal.

In at least 50% of patients with relapsing-remitting MS, symptoms progress steadily, with or without periods of remission, within 10 to 20 years of disease onset. This is known as secondary progressive MS.

Some patients with MS experience a gradual onset with no recurrence. Symptoms progress steadily. This primary progressive MS they are called.

MS Disease Symptoms

Symptoms of multiple sclerosis differ from person to person and throughout the course of the disease, depending on the location of the nerve fibers affected. MS disease symptoms often affect movement, for example;

• numbness or weakness in one or more limbs on one side of the body
• Sensation of electric shock with certain neck movements, especially bending the neck forward (Lhermitte sign)
• Tremors, lack of coordination, unsteady gait

Vision problems such as:

• partial or complete loss of vision
• prolonged double vision
• Blurred vision

Patients also show symptoms such as:

• Speech disorder
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• tingling or pain in parts of the body
• Problems with sexual, bowel and bladder function

What Causes MS Disease?

The cause of multiple sclerosis is unknown. a disease in which the body's immune system attacks its own tissues autoimmune disease It is considered. Immune system malfunction destroys the fatty substance that coats and protects nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord (myelin).

Myelin can be likened to the insulating coating on electrical wires. When the protective myelin is damaged and the nerve fiber is exposed, the messages traveling along that nerve fiber are slowed or blocked.

MS Disease Risk Factors

Factors that increase the risk of developing multiple sclerosis include:

• Age: Although MS can occur at any age, people between the ages of 20 and 40 are more affected.
• Gender: Women are two to three times more likely to develop MS than men.
• Genetic: People with a family history of MS are at higher risk of developing the disease.
• Some infections: Various viruses, such as Epstein-Barr, which cause infectious mononucleosis, have been associated with MS.
• Vitamin D: People who do not see sunlight and therefore have low vitamin D levels are at higher risk of MS.
• Some autoimmune diseases: Thyroid disease, pernicious anemia, psoriasis, type 1 diabetes or other autoimmune disorders, such as inflammatory bowel disease, increase the risk of developing MS.

MS Disease Complications

People with MS may develop the following conditions:

• muscle stiffness or spasm
• paralysis of the legs
• Bladder, bowel, or sexual function problems
• Mental changes such as forgetfulness or mood swings
• Depression
• Epilepsy

MS Disease Treatment

There is no cure for multiple sclerosis. Treatment typically seeks relief from attacks, slowing disease progression, and aims to manage symptoms. Some people have symptoms so mild that they don't even need treatment.

How should MS patients be fed?

There is no official dietary guide for MS patients. Because no two people experience MS in the same way.

But scientists think a combination of genetic and environmental factors, as well as diet, may have an impact on the development of the disease. Therefore, nutrition plays a key role in improving the overall quality of life in MS patients. Nutrition helps prevent and control disease progression and reduce flare-ups.

MS patients should get high antioxidants to eliminate inflammation, high fiber to aid bowel movements, enough calcium and vitamin D to fight osteoporosis. There is evidence that multiple sclerosis patients are more likely to be deficient in certain nutrients, such as vitamins A, B12, and D3.

What Should MS Patients Eat?

Nutrition in MS disease should help control disease progression and minimize the impact of symptoms on overall quality of life. Foods that multiple sclerosis patients should eat include:

• Fruits and vegetables: All fresh fruits and vegetables
• Cereals: Whole grains such as oats, rice, and quinoa
• Nuts and seeds: All nuts and seeds
• The fish: Omega 3 fatty acids ve Vitamin D All fish can be eaten because it is rich in nutrients. Especially fresh fish, oily fish such as salmon and mackerel
• Meats and eggs: All fresh meats such as eggs, beef, chicken, lamb
• Dairy products: such as milk, cheese, yoghurt and butter
• Oils: Healthy fats like olive, flaxseed, coconut, and avocado oils
• Probiotic-rich foods: Yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut…
• Beverages: Water, herbal teas
• Herbs and spices: All fresh herbs and spices

What MS Patients Shouldn't Eat

There are certain food groups that should be avoided to control MS symptoms.

• Processed meats: Sausages, bacon, canned meats and salted, smoked meats
• Refined carbohydrates: such as white bread, pasta, biscuits
• Fried foods: Like french fries, fried chicken
• Junk foods: such as fast food, potato chips, ready meals, and frozen foods
• Trans fats: such as margarine, fats, and partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.
• Sugar-sweetened beverages: Energy and sports drinks, such as soda
• Alcohol: Whenever possible, avoid all alcoholic beverages.

Nutrition Tips for MS Disease

MS patients should pay attention to the following nutritional tips;

• Make sure you're eating enough. Eating too few calories causes fatigue.
• Prepare your meals in advance. If you often feel tired, this will help you.
• Rearrange your kitchen. Place food, utensils and other equipment in close and easy-to-clean areas. This will help save energy.
• If you have trouble eating and swallowing, prepare thick drinks such as smoothies.
• If chewing too much makes you tired, eat softer foods such as baked fish, bananas, and cooked vegetables.
• Take care not to eat crumbly foods that you will have difficulty swallowing.
• Be active. Although exercise can make a person with MS feel tired, it is particularly important to help manage weight and stay healthy. It is also beneficial in preventing osteoporosis, which is common among MS patients.

Long Term MS Disease

Living with MS is difficult. The disease is rarely fatal. Some serious complications, such as bladder infections, chest infections, and difficulty swallowing, can lead to death.

Multiple sclerosis does not always result in stroke. Two-thirds of people with MS can walk. However, many will need support from tools such as walking sticks, wheelchairs, and crutches.

The average life expectancy of a person with MS is 5 to 10 years lower than a normal person. Disease progression is different for each person. Therefore, it is difficult to predict what will happen. However, most people do not experience a serious injury.

In recent years, scientists have made rapid progress in developing drugs and treatments for MS. New drugs are safer and more effective. It holds promise for slowing the progression of the disease.

References: 1, 2