What is multiple sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the myelin sheath protecting nerve fibres in the brain and spinal cord. This disrupts nerve signal transmission, causing a wide range of symptoms including fatigue, mobility difficulties, pain, cognitive changes, bladder dysfunction, and mood disturbance. MS follows several disease courses; relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) is the most common form.

What complementary approaches have evidence in MS?

Exercise — including aerobic, resistance, and yoga-based approaches — has good evidence for fatigue, mood, and physical function in MS. Mindfulness-based interventions have evidence for fatigue, depression, and quality of life. Acupuncture and massage are used for pain and spasticity management. Vitamin D optimisation is widely recommended given its potential immunomodulatory role. A nutritional approach (Overcoming MS-style dietary protocols) has observational evidence for relapse reduction.

Does diet matter in MS?

There is growing interest in dietary approaches for MS. The Overcoming MS programme (plant-based diet with fish and flaxseed oil) has accumulated observational evidence suggesting reduced relapse rates and better long-term outcomes. Anti-inflammatory diets generally reduce systemic inflammation. Gut microbiome health is an active area of research in MS. A nutritional therapist with MS experience can assist in developing a sustainable dietary approach.

Is fatigue in MS different from normal tiredness?

Yes — MS-related fatigue (lemniscal fatigue or Uhthoff's phenomenon-linked fatigue) is a distinct neurological phenomenon, not simply tiredness from exertion. It is pervasive, often disproportionate to activity, and not reliably relieved by sleep. It is one of the most common and disabling symptoms of MS. Energy management (pacing), sleep hygiene, temperature management, and targeted exercise all have evidence for MS fatigue specifically.

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Reviewed by Dr. Ava Gardner · Integrative Medicine Researcher26 March 2026Emerging evidence

Quick answer

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune neurological condition in which the immune system attacks the myelin sheath protecting nerve fibres, affecting movement, sensation, and cognition. Holistic approaches focus on neuroprotection, anti-inflammatory lifestyle, fatigue management, and quality of life alongside disease-modifying therapies.

Do any of these feel familiar?

Multiple sclerosis is experienced very differently from person to person, and even from relapse to relapse
Common early symptoms include numbness or tingling — often in the face, limbs, or trunk — visual disturbances such as blurred or double vision, and unusual fatigue that feels disproportionate to any physical effort
Balance problems, muscle weakness or stiffness, and bladder difficulties are also frequent
Many people describe a heat sensitivity, where symptoms temporarily worsen in warm conditions (Uhthoff's phenomenon)
The unpredictability of the condition — not knowing when a relapse will occur or how it will manifest — is one of the most psychologically challenging aspects of living with MS

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