Does Lifestyle Affect Multiple Sclerosis? The Science Behind Diet, Exercise, Coffee, and More
- Health Communicator
- Jun 22
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 9
In recent years, medical science has increasingly focused on the role of lifestyle in chronic diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS). Can changes in diet, physical activity, or other daily habits truly influence disease progression, relapse risk, and overall quality of life? This article provides evidence-based answers to five of the most frequently asked questions MS patients have—based on one of the most comprehensive and authoritative scientific reviews in the field.
All information is based on the peer-reviewed publication “Lifestyle-based modifiable risk factors in multiple sclerosis: review of experimental and clinical findings” (Neurodegenerative Disease Management, 2019), authored by a multidisciplinary team of researchers from the Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo, USA. Leading contributors include Dr. Dejan Jakimovski, Dr. Yi Guan, Dr. Murali Ramanathan, Dr. Bianca Weinstock-Guttman, and Dr. Robert Zivadinov—world-renowned experts in neurology, pharmaceutical sciences, and clinical neuroimmunology. Their summary of findings from dozens of clinical and experimental studies outlines how patients can influence the course of MS through informed everyday decisions.
“Lifestyle changes—diet, exercise, weight management, and avoiding harmful habits—can significantly slow the progression of multiple sclerosis and improve quality of life.”
