Dietary and Lifestyle Changes to Enhance Stem Cell Therapy for MS

Stem cell therapy can have remarkable benefits for multiple sclerosis. However, patients need to support stem cell therapy with diet and lifestyle changes to get the most out of this innovative multiple sclerosis treatment.

Keep reading to learn more about how stem cell therapy can treat multiple sclerosis and the lifestyle and diet changes that can enhance this promising treatment.

Understanding Stem Cell Therapy for MS

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that affects neurons in the spinal cord and brain. In people with MS, the immune system recognizes the body as a threat and attacks its own tissues. 

In MS, the immune system attacks the myelin sheath, a protective layer that covers neurons in the spinal cord. MS patients also have chronic inflammation. Patients with MS will experience symptoms such as

• Blurred vision
• Balance problems
• Cognitive issues (memory, thinking)
• Emotional disturbances

As the disease progresses, symptoms can become more severe, resulting in a significant loss of quality of life. Stem cell injections for MS can help reduce the symptoms of MS and even slow or reverse the progression of the disease by treating the root cause of the disease. 

Clinics like Swiss Medica offer stem cell therapy using adult mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). After MSCs have been administered to the patient, they migrate to the site of damaged tissue and differentiate into the necessary cells to repair and replace damaged neurons.

MSCs release growth factors that promote cell proliferation and anti-inflammatory cytokines that reduce inflammation. MSCs also regulate an overactive immune system in people with MS. All of these actions combined can reduce symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.

Dietary Changes to Support Stem Cell Therapy

MS is an autoimmune disorder, so people with MS must choose diets that support their immune system. Foods rich in antioxidants, such as berries and leafy greens, are essential to supporting the immune system. Garlic and ginger can also help people with MS maintain a strong immune system.

Since inflammation is a common feature of MS, people with MS should try to eat anti-inflammatory foods such as:

• fatty fish
• fruits and vegetables
• nuts
• seeds
• olive oil

To support the immune system and reduce inflammation, people with MS should drink plenty of water and avoid the following:

• processed food
• inflammatory food such as red meat, deep-fried food
• gluten
• alcohol 

Lifestyle Changes to Enhance Stem Cell Therapy

Lifestyle changes are crucial to managing MS symptoms, even after stem cell therapy. 

One of the most important lifestyle changes anyone can make is daily exercise. Daily exercise stimulates blood flow, reduces fatigue and strengthens muscles. Research even shows that habitual exercise improves immune function.

Stress management is also important for people with MS, as some research points to a strong relationship between stress and MS relapse. After you receive stem cell therapy, manage stress by practicing meditation, visiting a therapist or spending time in nature.

Integrating Supplements

Integrating supplements into your recovery can also enhance the effectiveness of stem cell therapy. Supplementation with fish oil and omega-3 fatty acids has been shown to improve the quality of life of MS patients. 

Vitamin D is another good supplementation option, as it can support the immune system of people with MS. Vitamin D deficiency has also been associated with higher levels of autoimmunity. 

Personalized Approach

Multiple sclerosis treatment should be tailored to your specific symptoms and the stage of your disease. Choose a stem cell treatment center with a pretreatment evaluation that allows doctors to find the best course of treatment for your specific situation, including the type of stem cells and the quantity of cells needed. 

Occupational therapists can help you manage common MS symptoms that affect your quality of life, such as balance or vision problems, and help you maintain your independence. 

In conclusion

Stem cell therapy is a promising treatment for MS because MSCs treat the underlying cause of MS symptoms by migrating to the site where the myelin sheath is damaged and replacing and repairing damaged nerve cells. Stem cells also reduce inflammation and modulate the immune system in people with MS. 

Stem cell therapy can stop or even reverse the progression of the disease, but treatment must also include dietary and lifestyle changes that support patients in managing MS symptoms. This includes an anti-inflammatory diet that supports the immune system, daily exercise and stress management.