When you’re one of the 1.5 million adults and kids in the United States who have the autoimmune disease lupus, just about every organ and system is affected, from your skin to your brain. Living with lupus can be challenging, but several strategies can help manage the condition, improve quality of life, and reduce flare-ups. Here are 7 tips for people living with lupus
Understand your condition
Having the right knowledge is power. Educate yourself about lupus, triggers for flares, and common treatments for symptoms. Learning more about lupus will help you manage symptoms better and take control of your care. Furthermore, educate others about your condition so that they can better understand and support you.
Know your triggers to avoid flares
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In many cases, sun exposure can trigger flares in individuals with lupus. There are also other factors to consider such as stress, exhaustion, infection, and even postpartum. The more you know about what triggers flares, the easier it will be to prevent them. For example, try to stay indoors during peak sun hours to avoid excessive sun exposure. If that’s not possible, wear sunscreen, protective clothing, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself. If you are feeling stressed or exhausted, take some time for yourself, rest, or meditate to relieve the tension. Lupus flares most often have warning signs, such as worsening symptoms, pain, rash, fever or a severe headache
Eat a Healthy balanced diet
There’s a strong link between lupus and heart disease. Eating well and exercising daily can help reduce your risk. Eat a heart-healthy diet that includes lots of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Reduce your intake of processed foods, refined sugars, and unhealthy fats. Also, make sure you get plenty of calcium and vitamin D, which can boost bone and immune system health. Additionally, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Stay active
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Rest is essential when you’re in pain, but when you’re feeling better moderate exercise can do your body good. It gets your joints moving to prevent stiffness, is good for maintaining a healthy weight and stress level, and can ward off fatigue. Exercise also can boost your mood with the release of the body’s “feel-good” chemicals, called endorphins.
Reduce Stress
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Stress can have a significant effect on your immune system. When people with lupus are under a lot of stress, their symptoms tend to worsen and it could lead to a flare. While stress is often unavoidable, you can learn to manage it more effectively with exercise, meditation, deep-breathing exercises, or talking with a therapist.
Get Adequate Rest
Not getting enough quality sleep can increase inflammation in the body, which can exacerbate symptoms of pain, fatigue, and depression. Not to mention, fatigue is one of the most troublesome symptoms of lupus. Make sure you’re getting the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep each night to keep your energy up.
Build a support network.
Build a support system of people you trust to help you cope with lupus symptoms and flares. A therapist also can offer valuable support for overcoming both the emotional and physical challenges of living with lupus.
In addition, many local and national support groups offer programs and resources to help you. Dealing with a chronic disease can be stressful and talking with others who have lupus can be helpful to overcoming the challenges. The Lupus Foundation of America is a great place to start for advice and comfort.
Lupus is lifelong and it can be difficult to manage, but it doesn’t have to get in the way of maintaining a fulfilling life. Many people with lupus live happy, active lives — and you can, too.
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