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24 January 2025

Top 10 studies on lifestyle choices for managing MS

A resource for those wanting to explore original research on how lifestyle changes can impact MS management.

Recent research has highlighted the significant role lifestyle choices play in managing and treating multiple sclerosis (MS). From brain health to disease progression and overall wellness, these studies provide compelling evidence of the power of lifestyle changes. 

Research can be complicated and overwhelming to navigate. How do you know which findings are trustworthy or impactful? To help, we’ve curated 10 standout papers from the past two years. Whether you’re looking to deepen your understanding or share evidence with a healthcare professional, these papers offer clear insights into the importance of lifestyle behaviours in living well with MS. 

1. Lifestyle behaviours for brain health in MS

This expert consensus outlines evidence-based lifestyle recommendations and strategies to support people with MS in making positive changes. 

How to use it: Share with healthcare professionals who may need convincing of the value of lifestyle-based care for brain health.

2. Holistic treatment and management of MS

A comprehensive paper written by notable experts in MS, linking lifestyle, medication, and therapies in MS care, including insights into brain health, bladder management, sleep optimisation, and more. 

How to use it: An excellent reference for illustrating the evidence supporting a holistic approach to MS care. It also contains the most recent evidence for the Overcoming MS pillars of medication, exercise and nutrition.

3. Broad impact of lifestyle on MS

A narrative review exploring risk factors for developing and progressing MS, as well as the influence of other conditions like obesity and cardiovascular disease. 

How to use it: A thorough resource for understanding lifestyle factors in MS management. It focuses on risk reduction and offers a balanced discussion on the broader evidence in lifestyle. 

4. Timely treatment and holistic management

This updated publication outlines best practice for treatment and management of MS, including lifestyle choices, medication and other therapies. 

How to use it: Essential reading for healthcare professionals, emphasising the equal importance of lifestyle alongside traditional therapies. It demonstrates the importance and value of a joined-up approach to managing MS. 

5. and 6. Multiple healthy behaviours and better outcomes

 

These studies show that engaging in multiple healthy behaviours leads to significant improvements in MS-related outcomes. 

How to use it: These papers highlight the positive impact of adopting and maintaining healthy lifestyle choices. They’re particularly encouraging if you’re adding new behaviours, following multiple pillars of the Overcoming MS Program, or to use as inspiration if you’re struggling to sustain multiple changes. 

7. Exercise as a disease-modifying treatment

This review suggests that exercise is impactful enough to be considered a disease-modifying treatment, offering a compelling case for its role in MS management. Dr Robert Motl, a leading expert in this field, explores the robust data that links regular physical activity to improved outcomes in MS. While this paper is a commentary rather than a formal study or meta-analysis, its conclusions are grounded in an extensive body of research. Motl’s assertion that exercise could modify the course of MS gives strong hope that future meta-analyses and systematic reviews will solidify this connection further. 

How to use it: Share this as motivation for incorporating regular exercise into daily routines or to help healthcare professionals understand its potential disease-modifying impact. 

8. Stress and MS progression

This study highlights the link between stress and increased relapse rates, disease progression, and disability in people living with MS across the whole lifespan. 

How to use it: This is one of the first studies to really unpick what stress does to disease activity in people with MS across their lives. A valuable resource to discuss the importance of stress management with loved ones or healthcare providers. 

9. What good healthcare looks like

This document details ideal MS treatment and management, emphasising the importance of information, education, self-management, and access to comprehensive care. 

How to use it: This pathway is intended as an essential tool for any healthcare professional in the UK working in MS. However, the range of services and support that someone with MS should expect to access are transferable. Useful for advocating for better services or referrals in healthcare settings. 

 

10. Vitamin D and MS activity

Vitamin D research can be complex, with mixed findings on its impact on MS. However, this study provides two important insights: it demonstrates that early supplementation (in clinically isolated syndrome) can reduce disease progression and confirms that high doses of vitamin D are both safe and well-tolerated. 

It is worth noting that a similar study, PREVANZ, did not find supplementation significantly impacted disease activity. However, differences between the two trials may account for these results and are covered helpfully here. 

How to use it: Informative for discussions around vitamin D supplementation, especially for early intervention in MS.