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Navigating lifestyle choices with MS: what really works?

Posted 1 week ago by David McManus
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What is it like to live with multiple sclerosis? [Source: Shutterstock]
What is it like to live with multiple sclerosis? [Source: Shutterstock]

For someone living with MS, the key things to remember are: stay as active as possible, maintain a healthy body weight, keep your mind active, avoid smoking, limit alcohol consumption and take any prescribed medications.

Credible advice for living well with multiple sclerosis

Nearly all Australians with multiple sclerosis want to make lifestyle changes to improve their health and well-being, yet most say they struggle to find trustworthy information. In response, MS Australia has launched a new guide, Living Well with MS, combining the latest research with lived experience to help people confidently manage their health through lifestyle.

A trusted guide, grounded in evidence and experience

MS Australia’s Living Well with MS was developed in collaboration with researchers, clinicians and people with MS. The guide covers 11 modifiable lifestyle areas — including physical activity, nutrition, sleep, vitamin D and mental well-being — providing strategies based on the best available evidence.

Importantly, it was co-designed with the Lived Experience Expert Panel, ensuring that the guide reflects the everyday challenges faced by people with MS. Ninety-eight percent of survey respondents said they would be more likely to make lifestyle changes with access to a resource like this.

Voices from the MS community

People like Deanna Renee, who contributed to the guide, said the flood of online information is often confusing.

“There was so much information out there, but I had no idea what was reliable or relevant,” she said.

Another person, Julie, explained the impact of regular movement on her day-to-day well-being.

“I have never been so active and healthy in my life — all since being diagnosed with a chronic disease,” she said.

These stories reflect the strong motivation within the MS community to take charge of their health, but also the need for trusted, accessible guidance.

Expert advice: what we know and what we don’t

Lifestyle factors like diet, exercise and sleep play a role in MS-symptom management and long-term well-being. However, as MS Australia’s Head of Research, Dr Julia Morahan explained that lifestyle changes can reduce relapses and improve quality of life.

Still, the evidence is evolving; while healthy habits are widely encouraged, extreme diets, untested supplements or miracle claims often lack proof and may be harmful.

Healthcare professionals stress that lifestyle changes should complement — not replace — medical treatment.

How to spot reliable information

With so much misinformation online, here are four ways to assess health advice…

  • Check the source
    You should trust MS organisations, universities and peer-reviewed studies.
  • Avoid miracle claims
    If it promises to cure MS, it’s likely too good to be true.
  • Watch for sales pitches
    You should be wary of programs tied to expensive products or books.
  • Talk to your healthcare team
    You should consult your doctor before making major changes.

Moving forward with confidence

Living with MS can be overwhelming, especially when faced with a flood of conflicting advice. Living Well with MS cuts through the noise, offering evidence-based guidance that has been shaped by people with MS themselves.

Whether you’re newly diagnosed or further along in your MS journey, this guide provides a foundation for healthier choices — with confidence, clarity and community support.

Download the guide from MS Australia: www.msaustralia.org.au.

Do you live with MS? Let the team at Talking Disability know what life is like for you and subscribe to the newsletter for more information, news and industry updates.

 

Related content:

What is multiple sclerosis or MS?

Physical disabilities

What is the NDIS?

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