Multiple sclerosis is a chronic illness.. Those living with MS are often uncertain of the physical symptoms that accompany the disease and it can be a bit hard to predict when symptoms might flare. While there is currently no known cure for MS, there are several ways that you can enjoy life and manage the disease. An active and healthy lifestyle is often the best defense against recurring symptoms or flare ups.

Exercise
It can be difficult to want to get moving when your muscles are already in pain or you are extremely fatigued, but doing so is a great way to help lessen your symptoms and possibly help prevent them. Choose cardiovascular exercise that is mild to moderate in terms of intensity and keep workouts to a reasonable length for your needs. Remember that you should not push yourself too hard and should stop at the first sign of pain or discomfort, as you do not want to make the muscle pain any worse. A great option for those with MS is to take to the pool for exercise. Lap swimming or water aerobics are both excellent choices as they keep you active, but also lessen the amount of impact to your muscles. Avoid exercising outdoors during the height of the day's heat as high heat and humidity can worsen symptoms. Always properly hydrate yourself when exercising and be sure to warm up and cool down to reduce stress to your muscles.

Diet
In addition to staying active physically, the proper diet can help reduce symptoms of MS. Those suffering with MS would do well to avoid overly processed foods, refined sugars and saturated fats. Eat a variety of healthy choices such as fresh produce, lean proteins and low-fat dairy. If you want to take your healthy eating a step further, consider ridding your diet of any animal products. Swap your turkey for tofu and your dairy milk for almond milk to further reduce the amount of fat you consume while keeping protein in your diet.

Health Professionals
For those with MS, it is important to stay in contact with your medical professionals. Communicating with them about new or recurring symptoms can provide you with new treatments or therapies to try. Some doctors may recommend physical therapy as a way of managing MS long-term, as this can help to improve mobility and muscle function.

A healthy diet and exercise regime can do wonders for managing MS. In addition, there are some everyday considerations that must be made when coping with MS. Avoid extreme temperatures when possible, hot or cold, and be sure to keep an eye on the symptoms you experience. Take an active role in your health and help to minimize experiencing symptoms.