To stay healthy when you have MS, it’s crucial to pay attention to your symptoms and how your body feels. Pushing too hard for too long can lead to a worsening of symptoms or even a flare-up, or relapse. But adhering to a healthy lifestyle can be easier said than done when many of the challenges of MS — lack of mobility, financial strains, or even depression — make it even harder to do what you know you should do. Figuring out what works for you — and what doesn’t — can help you live your best life with MS.Diet for MSHow food can improve or worsen various chronic illnesses is a growing area of research. Although some people with MS may experience symptom relief when they eliminate or add certain foods to their diet, there’s no evidence yet that any particular diet can affect disease progression in MS.It’s a good idea to discuss any specific dietary changes you’d like to make with your doctor; some popular diets could have a negative impact on MS. The diet recommended for MS is similar to what’s recommended for everyone: lots of fiber, fruits, and vegetables, as well as limits on the amounts of unhealthy fats and sugar you eat. Staying at a healthy weight is important for everyone, but that’s particularly true if you have MS. Obesity can increase your risk of fatigue and depression, and obesity in children and teens has been associated with an increased risk of MS later in life.RELATED: Healthy Eating Habits for Multiple SclerosisExercising With MSAlthough the fatigue and pain that often come with MS can make physical activity difficult, exercise can improve mobility and make you feel better. A physical therapist or specially trained exercise professional can share specific exercises designed to improve foot drop, walking, balance, and going from sitting to standing.It’s also possible to increase your strength, flexibility, and level of fitness when you have MS. Although exercise can lead to soreness and fatigue, working with an expert can help ensure you don’t overdo it. A consistent program that builds your strength and stamina can actually help reduce fatigue in the long run.RELATED: How to Exercise With MS: Advice From a Physical TherapistTaking measures not to get overheated during exercise is also important for individuals with MS because getting too hot can cause MS symptoms to worsen. Some options for avoiding overheating include exercising in an air-conditioned environment, exercising outside during the cooler parts of the day, and taking breaks to cool off during workouts.Managing Your Prescriptions for MSWhen it comes to medication to treat MS, there are 20 approved disease-modifying therapies. Once you’re diagnosed and you and your neurologist decide the best medication for your situation, you’ll want to start treatment as soon as possible.“Whether you have a slowly or rapidly progressing form of MS, a disease-modifying therapy will reduce the relapse rate by up to 50 percent,” says Michael Hutchinson, MD, PhD, an associate clinical professor of neurology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City.Once your doctor decides what therapy is right for you, you’ll be shown the correct way to take your medicine. It can take time to determine if the drug is working appropriately or whether you should switch medication. In many cases, you’ll need to have periodic blood tests to make sure your body is metabolizing and responding to the medication appropriately.RELATED: A Guide to MS MedicationsComplementary and Alternative Medicine for Multiple SclerosisMany people with MS seek out natural remedies and complementary therapies to augment their disease-modifying therapy. Before you try out any new vitamins, herbs, or supplements it’s important to talk with your doctor first, says Ellen M. Mowry, MD, a professor of neurology at Johns Hopkins Medicine in Baltimore who also treats people with MS. Some supplements that are discussed for MS include:Ginkgo Biloba An extract that comes from the leaves of the ginkgo tree, ginkgo biloba is taken to improve brain function and memory. Although study results on the effectiveness of the herb for MS memory loss have been mixed, there is evidence that it can help with fatigue.Ginseng This herb failed to improve fatigue in MS in a six-week study and caused some study participants to experience insomnia.Green Tea Although there’s no proof that green tea helps MS symptoms, it is rich in antioxidants and other healthy compounds.RELATED: Natural Remedy Dos and Don’ts for Multiple SclerosisEssential oils are collected from plants using processes like distillation (using steam) or cold pressing. The extracted substance is then added with a “carrier” oil to create the finished product. Although there are small studies that suggest benefits for anxiety and cognition, most of those were performed on animals and not people. As with any complementary therapy, it’s a good idea to check with your doctor first.RELATED: Can Essential Oils Help Manage Multiple Sclerosis?Turmeric, a common spice and a key ingredient in curry powder, comes from the rhizomes (underground stems) of a plant in the ginger family. The rhizomes can be ground and dried to make a powder and then made into capsules or extracts. Although there have been many animal studies that show turmeric can have anti-inflammatory properties, most experts agree that it needs to be studied further before it can be recommended as an alternative treatment for people with MS.RELATED: Can Turmeric Help Manage Multiple Sclerosis?Apple cider vinegar is made by fermenting apple juice; the sour taste comes from the acetic acid it contains. It’s a probiotic and contains vitamin B and polyphenols, or plant-based antioxidants. Although there is some evidence that it can help with GI symptoms, it hasn’t been specifically studied in people with MS. If you have a symptom or health goal that you think apple cider vinegar may help with, let your doctor know. They’ll be able to help you determine if apple cider vinegar is the best way to go.RELATED: Can Apple Cider Vinegar Help With Multiple Sclerosis?Home Accessibility and MSFor some people, the impact of MS on balance and leg strength can make getting around a challenge; many people with MS eventually need to rely on a walker, scooter, or wheelchair in their home. Outfitting your living space to accommodate your assistive device may mean modifying areas like your entryway, kitchen, and bathroom.If you aren’t quite ready for a home modification project, just clearing away clutter and removing decorative accessories like rugs or baskets can go a long way in creating space and helping to prevent falls.Mobility Aids for MSFatigue and balance issues are common in MS, and eventually, you might opt to use a mobility aid. The good news is that most insurance companies pay for an evaluation with a physical therapist who can help you select the device that’s right for your needs. There are many options to consider:Canes There are two main types of canes: the familiar single-point cane and a four-point cane, in which four pegs connect to the main shaft. Some people elect to use two canes, one in each hand.Walkers A walker is a good choice if you notice that you’re beginning to stumble more. A standard walker has rubber grips on the bottom to help with stability.Rollators Instead of flat rubber grips on the bottom, rollators (as the name suggests) have wheels on the bottom.Trekking Poles These devices are good for people with impaired balance, and they encourage a more upright posture compared with a cane.Some people with MS resist or put off using a walking aid, but it can actually improve your independence and take some of the stress out of getting from here to there.RELATED: All About Assistive Devices for MS MobilityIf you have MS, whether to use a wheelchair can be a big decision. It may mean that your disease has progressed to the point where you don’t feel safe getting around using other mobility devices. But it’s not an all-or-nothing choice; many people decide to use a wheelchair for certain activities or environments but not full-time.There are manual wheelchairs, which require arm strength or someone to push you, and powered scooters and wheelchairs, which move automatically with buttons or levers you control.Although many people avoid using a wheelchair, it can provide freedom and new opportunities for activities that aren’t feasible with a cane or a walker.Traveling With MSYou might think that because MS can flare up unexpectedly amid stress, fatigue, heat, or an infection, traveling would be off-limits, but that’s not the case. “Most people with multiple sclerosis have no travel restrictions,” says Mary Rensel, MD, a neurologist who specializes in MS at the Cleveland Clinic.There are things you can do to raise the chances that your trip goes smoothly. For one, make sure you have all the medication you need, and don’t forget to bring a way to store it at the needed temperature. Bring any relevant medical information, and check ahead to see if there is medical care available at your destination. Finally, build in extra time to take breaks, and schedule activities so you don’t have to rush or be stressed during your journey.If you use a wheelchair, the key to a successful travel experience is to communicate well in advance. Think about each step of your trip, and email or call the travel agency, airline, and hotel to let them know exactly what you need. Do your research and planning about transportation and dining options so that once you arrive at your destination, you can worry less about details and enjoy your time away.