How to Efficiently Manage Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Dealing with lupus symptoms can be challenging, but with healthy lifestyle options, you can handle the condition. Lupus is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation of the joints and skin. There are also instances when the condition affects other parts of the patient’s body.

How Can Lupus Affect Your Life and Life Expectancy?

In the past, there was poor lupus prognosis, and the majority of fatalities are due to kidney failure. But with the advent of new technology, lupus prognosis has already improved. About 80-90 percent of patients can now live a normal life if the disease is properly managed.

Common Problems Experienced by People With Lupus

Living with an autoimmune disorder can often take its toll on an individual, and the following are some of the usual lupus symptoms that you should watch out for:

• Unexplained fever

One of the first symptoms of lupus is an on and off fever without an apparent cause. When this occurs, it can already indicate an infection or inflammation in the body.

• Fatigue

Almost 90 percent of individuals with lupus experience fatigue which can be relieved by taking a nap during the day. However, sleeping too much may cause insomnia at night.

• Appearance of lesions or rashes

Lupus is known for a butterfly-shaped rash which appears on the bridge of the nose or the cheeks. This type of rash may occur when the patient is exposed to direct sunlight, and this can serve as a warning sign for an upcoming flare-up.

• Hair loss

Hair loss or the thinning of hair happens because of the inflammation on the scalp. Aside from the hair on the head, the eyelashes and eyebrows may also be affected.

• Kidney inflammation

Nephritis, or the inflammation of the kidney, is a common symptom of lupus. Because of the inflammation in the kidney, the organ becomes less efficient in filtering the toxins in the body.

How to Efficiently Deal With Lupus on a Day to Day Basis

Lupus treatment would typically be tailored to suit the symptoms observed in the patient. The primary goal of the treatment plan is to minimize the possible damage to the affected organs. Although taking prescribed medications will help, it is still best to make lifestyle changes such as:

• Stress reduction to prevent flares

The term “flares” refer to the worsening of the lupus symptoms, and this is often caused by stress.  Hence, it is crucial that you identify your stressors and avoid them.

• Regular exercise to promote joint health

Obesity could worsen inflammation and put undue pressure on the joints, thus worsening the pain in individuals with lupus. Through regular exercise, a healthy weight is maintained, and pain is reduced or relieved. 

• Choosing heart-healthy foods

A heart-healthy diet is ideal for those who have lupus since the disease could also affect the heart. The diet should be mainly fruit and plant-based.

It is also recommended that people with lupus try to boost their immune system to prevent other infections. The best way to do this is to take supplements like Organic and Kosher Certified PURE Freeze Dried Açai Berry Powder Scoop. This does not serve only as lupus treatment—it is also a preventive measure for other diseases.

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to treat, diagnose, or cure any diseases.