Doctors say multiple sclerosis (MS) happens because the body is attacking itself. However, research says that environmental factors play a big role. Things like diet, toxins, infections, and stress can all contribute to MS symptoms. That means you can change the way you live to start healing.
The good news? It is possible to manage MS naturally. Many people, including myself, have seen real improvements by making lifestyle changes. Eating the right foods and reducing inflammation can help your body heal. Managing stress also plays a key role in supporting overall health. Natural remedies can also help improve overall function and well-being.
When I first started managing my MS naturally, my husband didn’t believe in any of it. He thought it was just a bunch of “hippie” nonsense—something that wouldn’t actually work. He was convinced that only medications could make a real difference. Over time, he saw what I was doing was working. Eventually, he tried it himself and is not only a believer he shares it with others.
If you’ve ever thought about managing MS naturally, you’ve probably run into people who doubt it. Maybe you even doubted it yourself. There’s a lot of misinformation out there that can make you question if it’s worth the effort.
First, you have to understand that this is not a cure. Once you have MS you will always have MS. Instead, you are working on getting MS into remission which is possible.
Some say you have to follow a strict diet. Others claim natural remedies don’t do anything. Some even believe that if it’s not working fast, it’s not working at all.
These myths can be discouraging, but natural approaches work when done right. Here, I’m going to bust five common myths about managing MS naturally. With the right information, you can take control of your health and feel better!
There are so many MS myths out there that it can be hard to separate fact from fiction, but understanding the truth can help you make better choices for your health.
Myth #1: You Have to Follow One Specific Diet
Books I own.
The Truth: There is no one-size-fits-all diet for MS.
If you’ve ever searched for MS diets, you’ve probably seen a lot of conflicting advice. Some people swear by the Wahls Protocol. Others follow the Swank diet or Overcoming MS (OMS) diet. All of these are good diets to follow. But, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, wondering, Which one is the right one?
The truth? There isn’t just one perfect diet for MS. What works for one person might not work for another. I’ve personally tried many different diets over the years. Some helped a little, while others didn’t work for me at all. I only saw real improvements after combining two different diets. Adding key supplements made a big difference. By listening to my body, my symptoms reduced.
Focus on whole, unprocessed foods to reduce inflammation and support healing. That matters most. MS is due to chronic inflammation caused by environmental factors.
Many people with MS feel better when they avoid:
- Dairy (which has been linked to increased inflammation and MS flares)
- Gluten (which can trigger gut issues and worsen symptoms)
- Processed foods and added sugars (which can lead to more inflammation and fatigue)
A nutrient-rich diet supports healing. Focus on vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, and clean proteins. The best approach? Listen to your body. Pay attention to how certain foods make you feel. Make small adjustments and find a way of eating that supports your health.
Foods to eat include:
- Vegetables
- Fruits
- Herbs and spices
- Nuts and seeds
- Healthy oils
- Wild-caught fish
- Pasture-raised poultry
- Grass-fed meats
Choose organic whenever possible to avoid pesticides. This also helps you avoid genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
There’s no magic one-size-fits-all diet. Focus on nourishing, anti-inflammatory foods to support your health. This helps you create a diet that works for you.
Myth #2: Natural Remedies Don’t Work
My homemade gluten-free, dairy-free pizza.
The Truth: Natural approaches can be powerful, but they require consistency.
Some people believe that if something isn’t a prescription drug, it won’t help. That’s simply not true. Natural remedies don’t work the same way as medications, which often just mask symptoms. Instead, they support your body’s ability to heal.
When I was younger, I didn’t really think about natural remedies. I didn’t see the need for them and never gave them much thought. I wanted a better way to manage my MS, so I started researching alternatives. That led me to learn about nutrition, herbs, and natural approaches. That’s when I got hooked. As I learned more, I saw how food, lifestyle changes, and natural supplements made a difference. I realized they could actually help my body heal. Now, my family even turns to me when they need help with their own health!
Many natural remedies can make a big difference in how you feel. For example:
- Turmeric and ginger help fight inflammation.
- Omega-3s (from flaxseeds and walnuts) support brain health.
- Herbs and spices like turmeric, ginger, rosemary, and cinnamon support the immune system and help reduce inflammation.
The key? Patience and consistency. Unlike quick-fix medications, natural healing takes time, but the benefits last longer. Nourishing your body and lowering inflammation support healing. Reducing stress also creates the right conditions for recovery. If a remedy doesn’t work instantly, don’t give up—small changes add up over time.
One of the most common MS myths is that natural remedies are useless. But in reality, they can play a key role in reducing inflammation and supporting healing.
And don’t worry—you don’t have to give up your favorite foods! Many people think eating naturally means never enjoying pizza or other comfort foods again. The truth is, you can still enjoy them—you just have to make them at home with real, wholesome ingredients. My gluten-free, dairy-free pizza is a perfect example (see image above!).
Myth #3: Exercise Will Make Symptoms Worse
The Truth: The right kind of movement can actually help.
For years, people with MS were told to avoid exercise. When I was diagnosed, doctors advised against exercise for people with MS. They believed it would worsen symptoms. The belief was that exertion would cause fatigue, weakness, and even trigger flare-ups. But we now know that’s completely wrong.
Exercise doesn’t make MS worse—it helps improve symptoms. It strengthens muscles, improves flexibility, and supports better balance and coordination. The right movement can reduce stiffness and improve circulation. It can also boost brain function.
Some of the best exercises for MS include:
- Walking (even short walks help!)
- Stretching (to keep muscles loose and flexible)
- Yoga and tai chi (for balance and coordination)
- Strength training with light resistance (to build stability and support movement)
Believing in MS myths like “exercise will make symptoms worse” can actually hold you back from improving your strength, balance, and overall well-being.
One program I personally like is OptimalBody Personal Fitness. The owner also has MS, so he designed exercises that actually work for people with MS. It’s a great way to build strength and stay active without overdoing it.
Tip: Start small and listen to your body. Even a few minutes of movement each day can make a difference. The key is consistency—some movement is always better than none!
Try my 1 Minute Strength Training Challenge! 👇
Myth #4: Healing Naturally Means Never Having Bad Days
The Truth: Progress isn’t always a straight line.
Many people fall for MS myths that suggest healing should happen quickly and without setbacks, but real progress takes time and consistency. Healing naturally doesn’t mean you’ll wake up every day feeling amazing. Ups and downs are normal. Some days you’ll feel great, and other days your symptoms might flare up. That doesn’t mean your efforts aren’t working—it just means healing takes time.
I learned this firsthand. Years ago, stress caused a major setback for me. My walking got worse, and I felt like I was going backward. When I reduced stress and ate well, my health improved. Giving my body what it needed helped reverse my symptoms. About a year later, I looked back at my symptom journal and realized that one of my symptoms was gone. It had healed so slowly that I hadn’t even noticed!
Just like the weather affects how you feel, your lifestyle matters too. Stress, diet, and sleep can all impact your symptoms. Instead of getting discouraged, track your progress over time. Small improvements show progress. Better sleep, fewer flares, and more energy are signs that what you’re doing is working.
Most importantly, mindset matters. Healing isn’t about perfection. It’s about feeling better, little by little, in a way that lasts.
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Myth #5: If It’s Not Working Fast, It’s Not Working
The Truth: Real healing takes time.
We live in a world of quick fixes. If something doesn’t work right away, people assume it’s not working at all. But natural healing doesn’t happen overnight. It focuses on long-term improvements, not instant relief.
Think of it like growing a garden:
- You plant seeds (healthy habits).
- You water and care for them (stay consistent).
- Over time, they grow into something strong and lasting.
The same is true for healing. Small changes add up! Even if you don’t see huge results right away, trust the process and keep going.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is not to compare my progress to others. Healing depends on how long you’ve had MS and how severe your symptoms are. Just because you’ve had MS for a long time, it doesn’t mean you won’t heal too.
Once I changed my diet to fit my needs and added specific supplements I started seeing improvements! About three months later I noticed my heat intolerance completely disappeared. And I had suffered from it for 20 years! If I had given up after a few weeks, I never would have seen that progress.
Healing takes time, but that doesn’t mean it’s not happening. Stay patient, stay consistent, and trust that your body is working to heal.
Conclusion: Take Control of Your Health
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There’s a lot of misinformation about managing MS naturally, and it can be confusing to know what to believe. But here’s the truth:
- You don’t need one strict diet—just a nourishing one.
- Natural remedies work, but they take time.
- Movement can be your friend, not your enemy.
- Bad days don’t mean failure.
- Slow progress is still progress.
Healing naturally isn’t about perfection. It’s about making small, consistent changes to support your body. Over time, small changes add up and make a difference. They help you feel better, gain energy, and regain control of your health.
You have more power over your health than you think. Keep going, keep learning, and don’t let myths or doubts hold you back. The journey isn’t always easy, but every step you take brings you closer to a healthier, stronger you. Now that we’ve busted these common MS myths, you can feel more confident in taking control of your health and making choices that truly support your body.
What myths have you heard about managing MS naturally? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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5 Myths About Managing MS Naturally
