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Medical Author:

Fernando Dangond, MD

Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Multiple sclerosis affects people differently, and how it affects an individual cannot be predicted. However, improvement of the aspects of health that we have some control over often improves quality of life.

Physical fitness and diet are two aspects of our lives over which we have some control. Studies have shown that for people with multiple sclerosis, regular aerobic exercise (exercise that raises the pulse and respiration rate) and a healthy diet have many benefits, including the following:

• Increased or at least maintained muscle strength 



• Decreased fatigue (tiredness) 



• Increased energy levels



• Increased endurance 



• Increased bladder and bowel control 



• Reduced feelings of depression 



• Protected bone mass

A doctor or healthcare provider may refer a person with multiple sclerosis to a nutritionist or physical therapist to help determine an appropriate diet and exercise plan for that person.

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