Seasonal Effects on Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis can make life grueling and painful for patients, and numerous studies have tried to pinpoint different factors that amplify the effects of MS on patients. Many MS sufferers say they are affected by the seasons. Are the seasons truly responsible for MS ups and downs? If not, is there some other explanation? 

Autumn- some MS patients complain that during spring and summer their symptoms become progressively worse but during the beginning of autumn it dies down. For such patients this presents a very terrible dilemma. MS patients are not able to spend time in the sun in spring and summer since they feel tired, weak and achy. Heat and humidity can have devastating effect on MS patients. The activity levels of MS may increase which worsens the symptoms. The studies have concluded the following:

Heat and brain lesions in MS- MRI scan was compared in patients in whom MS was not treated and in people without MS. Over the years chronologically from 1991-1993, the MRI taken was looked at. This MRI was compared with the weather data. In many scans brain lesions was seen. In MS patients they tend to increase the symptoms. Further they worsen migraine and headache. Brain lesions were found to be highest in MS patients from March beginning to August end. The intensity further increased due to heat.

Melatonin and MS- the intensity of symptoms can boost due to other factors too. Changes in melatonin levels also could cause seasonal effects according to scientists. By seasons melatonin is greatly impacted. The melatonin levels are MS patients will not be much if nights become shorter which happens during summer.

Dealing with MS symptoms

To lessen the impact of seasons on MS there are some things that you can do:

• Boost melatonin level- along with supplements there are plenty of foods that can boost melatonin. This includes banana, pineapple, oats, oranges, rice, sweet corn, barley and tomatoes. The impact of MS symptoms will less if this become the staple food of your diet. Also due to melatonin level you will be able to sleep better.

• Ice and ice packs-During summertime activities, MS patients are more prone to overheating. This prevents them from doing certain tasks and they can get very irritated. Whenever you are overheated a great way to stay cool is to have quick access to cooler with ice pack. The body temperature can get lowered when they are placed in the forehead, wrist, or back of the neck.

• Pay attention to the signs- before you start overheating there are many signs that your body can give. This includes vision issues, light headedness, weakness, dizziness or fatigue.

• Stay hydrated- for those who are prone to overheating for them this is especially important. Drink plenty of icy drinks. This will keep you cool. It will also help to reduce the MS symptoms and lower the body temperature. Plenty of health benefits are provided by water. This includes reducing joint pain, inflammation. Also the body system gets rejuvenated by it.

• Clothing- to keep yourself cool, wearing the right clothes is crucial. Wear loose fitting clothes. To avoid trapping heat, avoid dark colors. Since natural fibres allow air to circulate freely hence cotton in particular is great. The same effect is provided by linen fabrics. They also ease breathing.

• During summer time MS patients may fear to go outside due to overheating. Eve for MS patients summer can be fun if it is properly planned and prepared.