Boost your health this Easter with fresh air and treats

Easter brings hope, fresh starts and cute baby animals but it can also bring temptation and overindulgence if we’re not careful.

However, for those living with multiple sclerosis (MS) there are many health benefits to be harnessed if you make sensible decisions.

Boiled eggs are a common staple around this time and they’re actually powerful little shelled crusaders.

While some believe that egg yolks should be avoided altogether thanks to saturated fat, others find eggs anti-inflammatory and energy-boosting. They’re also an incredible source of high-quality protein, gram for gram, for building muscle and nurturing repair.

Eggs are also high in vitamin B12 which helps make myelin, the fatty substance around nerve fibres damaged in MS.

Vitamin D in eggs can also help regulate immune function, and they’re packed with antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin which help fight oxidative stress – which in turn can slow down MS.

Chocolate eggs can be turned into a positive too. Just make sure to choose a dark chocolate version which is 70+ cocoa to reap those flavonoid benefits.

And finally, Easter encourages us all to take a fresh step into a new season. It feels lighter, brighter and generally boosts our mood so get outdoors to enjoy fresh springtime scents and sounds.

Fresh air and outdoor activity are beneficial for anyone living with MS, aiding in vitamin D absorption and improving mental wellbeing.

If you’re concerned about Uhthoff’s phenomenon where you need to manage heat sensitivity carefully then spring is the best time to relax outdoors, but opt for earlier in the morning or late evening if you’re still concerned.

Exercise is an important part of managing MS symptoms. For more information have a read through of our helpful Choices booklet. Happy Easter!