Lupus is a cyclical disease, one dominated by periods of illness and wellness –- flares and remission. While the disease is a cyclical one, flares tend to be unpredictable.
Since lupus tends to effect patients in different ways, you’ll soon discover those lifestyle changes that best help you manage your disease. But it is also important to remember that establishing healthy lifestyle habits while in remission could help combat the greater effects of flares when they arise.
Remember, while lupus is a chronic disease, between flares, which typically occur two to three times a year, most patients with lupus function at about 90% of normal capacity. That is more than enough reason to use that time to get your body in the best shape.
Here are some simple steps you can take to help ensure you’re in the best health and ready to take on a flare when it occurs:
- Keep exercising: Important in terms of good health, but can also help lupus patients by maintaining joint mobility, flexibility and strong muscles, since lupus often attacks these areas of the body.
- Be an advocate for your joints: Listen to what they’re telling you. Any activity that gives rise to pain could be a dealbreaker between you and your disease. Alternate activities and use assistance devices (like jar openers) to relive some of your joint stress.
- Control your stress level: Since some researchers believe that stress could be both a lupus trigger and a flare trigger for those with lupus, reducing stress is a must. Stress also has a direct effect on pain: it often increases its intensity. Do your best to manage those areas of your life that cause the most stress. And consider relaxation techniques and deep breathing exercises can as a tool to help reduce stress. Exercise, already mentioned, is another way to control and reduce stress.
- Make necessary changes to your diet: Some research suggests that you can help reduce chronic inflammation by ensuring a healthy dose of omega 3 fatty acids, found in fish oil, pumpkin seeds and flax seeds, are included in your diet. Eat more fresh fruit and vegetables and legumes (beans, peas), while knocking out foods containing hydrogenated oils, rich in animal fats, and high-fat dairy products.
- Recognize flare warning signs: If you’ve been newly diagnosed with lupus, you’ll soon discover this piece of advice everywhere you go. Get in tune with your disease. If you can tell when a flare is about to occur, you and your healthcare provider can take steps to control the flare before it gets too far along. And make sure you contact your doctor when you recognize a flare coming on.
Sources:
Lupus Wellness Tips from Recovery Medicine.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment. All About Arthritis.com.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.
Omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil, alpha-linolenic acid. MedlinePlus Herbs and Supplements. MedlinePlus, Nov. 1, 2006
