Stay Active
Stay active
Reduce stress
Limit alcohol intake
Watch your protein intake
Keep blood sugar in your target range
Meet your blood pressure goal
Work with a dietitian
Reduce sodium in your diet
Get plenty of physical activity
Maintain a healthy weight
Don’t smoke
Find ways to stress less
Get enough sleep
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Keep your blood sugar within your target range
If you have diabetes, this is typically 80 to 130 milligrams/deciliter (mg/dL) before a meal and less than 180 mg/dL after the start of a meal, according to the CDC. Ask your doctor what target is right for you.
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The goal for many people is to keep blood pressure below 140/90 mm Hg, according to the CDC. Work with your doctor to establish a goal that works for you.
Smoking is directly bad for MS, and can also hurt your brain by worsening cardiovascular health.
A dietitian can help you develop a meal plan that helps you keep your kidneys healthy as well as manage your blood sugar and blood pressure levels. The diet may include: • Eating a variety of fruits and veggies • Choosing healthy fats • Limiting simple carbs
Aerobic exercise in particular has been shown to improve mood and cognitive function in MS. Yoga, stretching, and strength training may also have benefits.
Eating too much salt can make it harder for your kidneys to remove fluid, which can build up and increase blood pressure. To limit salt: • Season foods with sodium-free herbs and spices • Limit fast food and salty snacks • Check all food labels for sodium content
There isn’t a special “MS diet,” but a balanced and varied diet that’s high in fiber and low in processed foods may help boost your mood and cognitive function.
Eating too much protein may make your kidneys work harder. Talk to your doctor about how much protein you should eat and opt for lean sources such as fish, low-fat dairy, soy products, beans, peas, and lentils.
Drinking too much alcohol can make it more difficult to think clearly and may worsen your mood.
Exercise can help you manage your weight, reduce stress, and hit your blood sugar and blood pressure goals. Aim to be active for at least 30 minutes most days of the week.
Sleep is essential to reducing fatigue in MS, which often plays a role in cognitive function. Lack of sleep can also worsen your mood.
Being overweight makes your kidneys work harder and may lead to kidney damage. If you need to lose weight, talk to your doctor about strategies that may help.
Smoking can damage your kidneys or make the damage worse. It can also harm blood vessels, increasing your risk of high blood pressure.
Stress can raise blood sugar and blood pressure levels. Practicing relaxation techniques, exercising, doing a hobby you enjoy, and meditating can help you manage stress.
A study published in December 2020 in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that sleeping less than 6 hours a night was linked to an 80 percent higher risk of developing CKD compared with getting 6 to 8 hours of sleep.
