The chronic inflammatory disease, lupus, develops as a person’s immune system begins attacking tissues and organs. The condition causes inflammation throughout the body, including the skin, kidneys, blood cells, joints, brain, heart, and lungs.
Lupus is often difficult to diagnose, as the symptoms can easily mimic other diseases and ailments. There are ten steps patients can take to help manage their condition.
1. Learn How to Anticipate a Flare-Up
A flare-up happens when previously dormant symptoms recur. Flares can be mild or severe. However, lupus flares have warning signs. As you learn them, you can begin treatment immediately to lessen the severity of your flare-up.
2. Become an Expert on Your Condition
Ask questions of your medical providers, join support groups, and do your research to take charge of your health.
3. Prioritize Sleep and Rest
Sleep makes a big difference in anyone’s health. It is even more crucial for those with lupus. Aim to improve your sleep hygiene to feel your best.
4. Speak Up About Accommodations You Need
When the people in your life understand how they can help you, they can make living with lupus easier. Don’t be afraid to ask for assistance to help you function at your best.
5. Exercise When You Can
On days when moderate exercise is possible, it’s essential to help you ward off symptoms, stay in shape, and improve your health.
6. Follow Your Doctor’s Advice
Your health needs to become your top priority when you receive a lupus diagnosis. You visit your doctor because they’re the expert on your condition, so it’s critical to follow their treatment plan. Visit your healthcare provider on schedule, take your medications as prescribed, and follow their guidance to feel your best.
7. Limit Your Time in the Sun
Fluorescent light or sunlight can trigger lupus flares. When you go out in the sun, wear proper protection so the sun’s natural UV rays don’t trigger your symptoms to flare.
8. Lower Your Stress
High stress levels can trigger lupus symptoms. Manage the stress in your life through yoga or Tai Chi, meditation, relaxation, diet, or another method that allows you to quiet your mind.
9. Follow a Healthy Diet
Patients with lupus may develop hyperlipidemia (high blood fat levels) due to the condition. Low levels of vitamin D can arise from the need to stay out of the sun.
Patients with lupus often feel better on low-inflammation diets, reducing their intake of sugars and saturated or trans fats.
10. Consider Complimentary Therapies
Regenerative medicine, also known as stem cell therapy, aims to help manage the underlying cause of a condition instead of just managing symptoms.
Stem cell therapy is a promising new alternative option for patients with lupus. It can potentially lessen the disease’s long-term effects, reduce the need for medications, and stop the progression of damage to vital organs.
Managing lupus means taking control of the disease. Understanding your options is critical to ensuring you receive the best care available.
This post was written by a medical professional at Stemedix Inc. At Stemedix we provide access to Regenerative Medicine, also known as Stem Cell Therapy in Tampa. Regenerative medicine seeks to replace tissue or organs that have been damaged by disease, trauma, or congenital issues.
