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More than 150,000 people are living with MS (Multiple Sclerosis) in the UK, with approximately 7,100 new diagnoses each year. Globally, over 1.8 million people worldwide are estimated to have MS, and that number continues to increase.

Though MS affects each person differently, but its core feature remains the same – it is a chronic neurological condition in which the immune system’s attack on the brain and spinal cord causes disruption to nerve signalling, leading to a myriad of symptoms.

In this evidence-based article, we’ll explore how a personalised, holistic approach can support resilience, mobility, wellbeing and quality of life, and how a health retreat can help.

Taking a holistic, personalised approach

The emphasis is always tailored care, layering lifestyle and nutrient strategies, and adapting interventions to the individual’s pattern of symptoms and goals, to support resilience, symptom management and quality of life.

1. Optimise vitamin D and screen for deficiency

Low vitamin D status is linked with higher MS risk. Spending time on retreat in a sunny location, you’re offered regular daylight exposure and can safely begin or reinforce vitamin D optimisation. The supportive retreat setting makes it easier to embed sun-safe exposure, gentle outdoor movement, and restful daylight-cycle habits.

2. Anti-inflammatory, personalised nutrition

Dietary patterns that reduce systemic inflammation are a cornerstone to optimising your health status. Mediterranean-style eating (rich in vegetables, olive oil, oily fish, nuts and whole grains) is typically recommended because of its metabolic and anti-inflammatory benefits. Taking a personalised health approach, practitioners can tailor nutrition, food timing and elimination trials to the individual, such as sensitivity testing (e.g., sensitivity testing, cyclical approaches).

On retreat you’re removed from daily snack temptations, and can join food demonstrations as well as educational workshops to empower you and help you leave with practical habits rather than just theory.

3. Target the gut microbiome

Research shows consistent differences in the gut microbiome of people with MS and suggests the microbiota may influence immune and central nervous system pathways. Personalised strategies to support microbial diversity could include increasing fibre and prebiotic foods, including fermented foods where tolerated, and considering probiotics.

On retreat, you can experiment with elimination periods or gentle detox phases, while your personalised health practitioner can monitor and support your needs. The aim is to enhance microbial diversity and reduce gut-based immune triggers.

4. Essential fats & mitochondrial support

Nutrient-rich juices or whole food meals, and Omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for anti-inflammatory support and general brain health. Mitochondrial support (coenzyme Q10, alpha-lipoic acid) may be useful for fatigue and protection of nerve cells.

5. Personalised movement, rehabilitation & exercise prescription

Exercise is medicine. Tailored programmes combining aerobic conditioning, resistance work and mobility can improve walking, balance, fatigue and quality of life. Away from the distractions of daily life at home, a retreat is the ideal space to build your mobility, strength and endurance.

6. Stress, sleep and nervous-system regulation

Chronic stress and poor sleep exacerbate inflammatory signalling and worsen symptoms. Mindfulness-based stress reduction programmes, have shown improved wellbeing in MS. Sleep optimisation including circadian alignment and better sleep hygiene is prioritised because restorative sleep supports repair and immune regulation.

7. Smoking cessation and risk reduction

Smoking is a modifiable risk factor for MS onset and progression, and quitting can reduce progression risk.

A retreat offers a nurturing and supportive environment, bringing you time to focus on smoking cessation, while removing you from usual triggers.

Takeaway

MS is complex, and there’s no single fix. But taking a multi-layered, evidence-based, and personalised approach can support resilience, reduce symptom burden, and improve quality of life and wellbeing.

Retreats offer a safe environment where you can pause from daily stressors and work with your practitioner to explore your current MS regimen, review nutrition, supplements and lifestyle in a focused way, and plan pathways you can bring home – without the distraction of everyday demands.

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