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How can I Manage Lupus Inflammation?
Lupus inflammation can be controlled by taking measures such as monitoring your diet, and getting daily exercise. If you suspect an infection, seeking medical treatment is also essential. Other ways to manage a lupus inflammation flare-up is to avoid tobacco smoke. Not smoking is crucial in managing lupus inflammation, and avoiding second-hand smoke can help as well.
An important step to controlling symptoms of inflammation associated with lupus is to get adequate rest. Interrupted sleep can wear you down, causing fatigue. This may make you more vulnerable to illness, which may manifest in pain and inflammation flare-ups. Receiving seven or eight hours of sleep each night can help your body remain strong.
If you are having difficulty falling asleep, try to incorporate exercise into your lifestyle. This may include a vigorous walk several times a week, Pilates stretches, or yoga. Aerobic-style exercises may be beneficial, as well as dancing. Regular exercise will help control pain and inflammation by keeping your joints flexible and mobile. At the same time, exercise can improve your sleep.
Ensuring a proper diet is essential in managing lupus inflammation. Knowing which foods to avoid is important. Try to avoid foods that have a high concentration of L-canavanine, such as alfalfa sprouts. Limit your intake of alcoholic beverages, or don't drink at all. Alcohol can trigger a flare-up or aggravate symptoms.
A healthy diet should include omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in fish. Other sources of omega-3 include almonds and walnuts. Include plenty of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables in your diet. Try eating fruits that contain high levels of antioxidants, especially berries, which can help to reduce inflammation. Tart cherries may also reduce pain and swelling caused by lupus inflammation.
Maintain a high-fiber diet. Experts believe that fiber may help fight inflammation. At the same time, limit your sugar intake and stay away from foods that contain trans fat. Fried foods might make your symptoms worse as well.
Stress may be a contributing factor of lupus inflammation. If you find you are often tense or anxious, trying to manage the stress in your daily life will be beneficial to you. It's most important not to take your worries to bed with you at the end of the day. Put any stressful situations on hold until morning, and spend an hour before bedtime simply relaxing. Try breathing techniques that can help control pain and induce sleep, or engage in a relaxing activity before bedtime.
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![Walnuts are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which may help reduce inflammation.]()
By: dinostockWalnuts are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which may help reduce inflammation. -
![Symptoms of lupus may include joint pain.]()
By: Laurin RinderSymptoms of lupus may include joint pain. -
![Avoiding tabacco smoke is one way to manage lupus inflammation.]()
By: ra2 studioAvoiding tabacco smoke is one way to manage lupus inflammation. -
![Adequate amounts of sleep can help control Lupus inflammation.]()
By: Savvapanf Studio ©Adequate amounts of sleep can help control Lupus inflammation.
Discussion Comments
I didn't have much luck with steroids for my lupus inflammation. Surprisingly, anti-malarial medications are working well for me.
It sounds odd to be using anti-malarial medication for lupus inflammation but it's not. The inflammation is due to our immune system cells attacking our tissues and joints. Anti-malarial drugs help reduce this response causing lupus remission, which directly leads to less inflammation.
Some people are scared to try these drugs because of the possible side effects but I have not experienced any. Anti-malarial drugs are a very common treatment for lupus nowadays. I think it's a good option for those who are not responding to steroids.
@fBoyle-- Are you taking any supplements like fish oil? Fish oil is rich in Omega 3 and it naturally has anti-inflammatory properties. I just started taking it daily and I think it's helping.
Sleep, diet and exercise plays a greater role in autoimmune diseases like lupus than we realize.
My lupus flares up when I'm under stress. Sometimes I don't even realize it. Changes in my sleep cycles, not being outdoors enough and life stresses in general cause my symptoms to appear and worsen. My main issue is inflammation in my joints. Sometimes my joints are so stiff and painful that it's difficult to prepare a meal. It also doesn't help that I have extreme fatigue during flare-ups.
The only way to get out of it, aside from taking my corticosteroid medication, is to rest and stay away from stress. I make sure that I'm getting eight hours of good sleep every day. I try to go outside for some fresh air and sunlight regardless of how difficult it might be. I also meditate and pray a lot and I think these reduce my stress levels as well. When my stress goes down, the inflammation reduces.
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