Managing your multiple sclerosis

A balanced diet, regular exercise and other healthy changes to your lifestyle can give you more strength, energy and confidence in managing your multiple sclerosis.

Start Taking an Active Role

Don't wait to start adopting more healthy habits. Set some goals for yourself now, such as:

• Eat right. A low-fat, balanced diet can give you energy. Cut back or eliminate the junk food and add more fruits and vegetables to your diet. Consult with your healthcare provider about changing your diet.
• Quit smoking. Smoking strains your lungs, making fatigue worse and compounding the effects of MS. If you do smoke, ask your healthcare provider or local cancer society for tips on how to quit.

Get regular exercise

Exercise is essential for good health, whether you have multiple sclerosis (MS) or not. If you do have MS, exercise can be more challenging yet also more important. Many studies have shown the benefits of exercise to people with multiple sclerosis, including:

• Improved cardiovascular fitness
• Increased strength
• Better bladder and bowel function
• Less fatigue and depression
• More positive attitude
• More participation in social activities

In contrast, people with multiple sclerosis who are not physically active show an increase in risk factors, such as heart disease, muscle weakness and bone fractures.

Water exercises and yoga are good low-impact exercises for people with multiple sclerosis. Check with your physician or physical therapist about developing an exercise program that's right for you.

Reduce Stress

Everybody feels stressed out sometimes. But if you have multiple sclerosis (MS), you may be more stressed than ever. What can you do to reduce the stress caused by your multiple sclerosis? There are several ways to cope.

• Simplify your life. Don't sweat the small stuff. Let the house be a little messy. Play hooky every once in a while. Just let yourself have some fun.
• Learn to say no. If you don't have the strength or time to do something, it's okay to say no. Save your energy for things you want and need to do.
• Share your stress. It can help to talk to others with MS. Ask your healthcare provider about MS support groups in your area.
• Get enough rest and eat well. If you are irritable and tense from lack of sleep, or if you are not eating correctly, you may be less able to deal with stress.

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