Introduction
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, progressive neurological disorder that affects the central nervous system. It can cause a wide range of symptoms, including fatigue, vision problems, muscle weakness, and difficulty with coordination and balance. While there is no single test that can definitively diagnose MS, there are certain signs and symptoms that can indicate the presence of the disease. In this article, we will discuss the #1 sign that you may have multiple sclerosis, according to experts. We will also provide some tips on how to eat healthy and manage your symptoms.
The #1 Sign You Have Multiple Sclerosis, Say Experts — Eat This Not That
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, often disabling disease that affects the central nervous system. It can cause a wide range of symptoms, including fatigue, vision problems, and difficulty with balance and coordination. While there is no single test that can definitively diagnose MS, there are certain signs and symptoms that can help doctors make a diagnosis.
According to experts, the #1 sign of MS is a change in your diet. People with MS often experience changes in their appetite, cravings, and food preferences. They may find that they are suddenly drawn to certain foods, or that they have an aversion to foods they used to enjoy. This can be a sign that something is wrong and should be discussed with a doctor.
In addition to changes in diet, other signs of MS include fatigue, numbness or tingling in the limbs, vision problems, and difficulty with balance and coordination. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to speak to your doctor as soon as possible.
If you have been diagnosed with MS, it is important to make sure you are eating a healthy, balanced diet. Eating a variety of nutrient-rich foods can help to manage symptoms and reduce the risk of complications. Foods that are high in antioxidants, such as fruits and vegetables, can help to reduce inflammation and protect the nervous system. Eating lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats can also help to keep your energy levels up and your body functioning properly.
It is also important to avoid foods that can worsen MS symptoms. These include processed foods, refined sugars, and saturated fats. Eating these foods can cause inflammation and can make symptoms worse. Instead, focus on eating whole, unprocessed foods that are rich in nutrients and low in unhealthy fats and sugars.
If you think you may have MS, it is important to speak to your doctor as soon as possible. While there is no cure for MS, there are treatments that can help to manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Eating a healthy, balanced diet can also help to reduce symptoms and improve overall health.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) has repeatedly surfaced in the headlines in recent years, as celebrities like Christina Applegate and Selma Blair have revealed their battles with the neurological condition, which can be impairing or disabling. Still, the disease—which is caused by the immune system attacking nerves of the brain and spinal cord—can seem somewhat obscure. But it’s important to be alert to early signs of MS; with treatment, many people live full and happy lives. There are many potential symptoms of MS, but experts say one is more common than the rest. Read on to find out more—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
Inflammation of the optic nerve, also known as optic neuritis, tends to be the most common symptom of MS, according to Dr. Thomas Shoemaker, a neurologist and MS expert with the Rush Multiple Sclerosis Center. Your eyes may ache with movement, your vision may be blurry or dim, or you may not be able to see colors as well. (The colors red and green are often distorted.) This often occurs in just one eye. Fortunately, this is treatable, and often correctable, with medication. Read on for more common symptoms of MS.
According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, a numbness or tingling sensation in the face, body, arms, or leg is a common first sign of MS. Someone with MS might have less sensation in a hand, their leg may feel asleep, or their face might go numb.
“Difficulty in walking, also referred to as gait disorders, is one of the more common symptoms reported among people with MS,” says the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation. “Problems with balance can result in an unsteady gait swaying from side to side. This is referred to by some as the ‘drunk’ walk.” This is caused by a condition called ataxia, when the part of nervous system responsible for voluntary muscle movement is impaired.
According to National Multiple Sclerosis Society, about 80% of people with MS experience fatigue. Fatigue associated with MS tends to occur daily and can come on even after a restful night’s sleep. It can come on easily and suddenly and often gets worse as the day progresses, affecting a person’s ability to work and perform daily activities.
Stiffness in the body (also known as spasticity) is another common sign of MS. Muscles throughout the body may feel tight, often the legs, groin, buttocks, and back. This happens because MS degrades the nerves in the brain and spinal cord that control movement and muscle reflexes. The stiffness may be mild, or it can take the form of uncontrolled spasms. Fortunately, a number of treatments are available, from physical therapy to medications. And to protect your life and the lives of others, don’t visit any of these 35 Places You’re Most Likely to Catch COVID.
Michael Martin