Living With Lupus: Following These 5 Tips Can Help
Written By
Nishant Garund
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Varuni AgarwalDr. Varuni Agarwal is an esteemed Ayurvedic physician specializing in diagnosing diseases through Ayurvedic dosha imbalances and providing personalized treatments. She focuses on ahara (diet) and vihara (lifestyle) to manage and heal various ailments.
![Living With Lupus: Following These 5 Tips Can Help](http://urhemped.com/cdn/shop/articles/Blog-image_01_{width}x.jpg?v=1709192441)
Chronic lupus can lead to skin inflammation, inflammation of internal organs and other body parts. Lupus is one of the many autoimmune disorders. Instead of defending against disease and infection, the immune system begins to attack the body's tissues.
Joint problems, skin rashes that may become apparent after sun exposure, and acute exhaustion are all typical signs. Some people furthermore encounter symptoms like mouth or nose ulcers, hair loss, fever, weight loss, and swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, pelvis, or area under the chin. It may also set off mood problems, including anxiety and despair.
Since lupus affects each person differently, two lupus patients may not experience the same symptoms. Treatment and diagnosis become pretty challenging as a result. Many people use CBD oil for lupus as it helps them manage the symptoms. Given this, several recommendations exist for people with lupus to improve their quality of life. Keep reading to learn more!
Stay out of the sun
Although every person with lupus responds differently, it is generally accepted that sunshine can worsen the condition. That doesn't imply that you stay indoors all day; rather, it merely implies that you might want to exercise extra caution when leaving the house. Those with lupus should avoid sunlight, which might lead to flare-ups and skin rashes. Although some people living with lupus are more sensitive to the sun than others, it is still advisable to use caution when outside. Of course, it wouldn't make sense to stay inside all the time, but avoid the sun whenever you can. It is advisable to carry a high SPF, broad-spectrum sunscreen with you. Helioplex, a component of several sunscreens, filters UV-A and UV-B rays, which are dangerous for people with lupus. Apply sunscreen to every part of your body, even those covered by clothing, as most everyday clothing offers low SPF protection to your skin. It is useful to carry a hat or sun umbrella if you know you will be outside. The downside of sun protection is also present in the form of a vitamin D deficiency. This is why it is crucial to take supplements, in addition to eating healthily and taking some dietary supplements as directed by your doctor.
-
Eat a lupus-friendly diet
As mentioned, a vitamin D supplement is the first item you need to include in your diet. The body produces vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. An oral vitamin D supplement will help keep the balance since you need to avoid the sun. There isn't a strict lupus diet. However, there is a connection between cardiac problems and lupus. Therefore, you need to eat a heart-healthy diet. A diet high in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins is one way to do this. The likelihood of blood pressure issues can be decreased by consuming less salt, and the bones that may be weakened by lupus medication can be strengthened by eating foods high in calcium. Eating fish, lean meat, such as liver, and leafy green vegetables can reduce your risk of anaemia. Similar to this, your diet should be rich in sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which naturally contain anti-inflammatory compounds and may help reduce swelling and inflammation linked to systemic lupus. Antioxidants, which are natural healers, are also abundant in many fruits and vegetables.
-
Keep your weight in check.
It can be challenging to maintain control over your weight. Being overweight puts more strain on my heart and joints, all of which are impacted by lupus. Some lupus drugs can increase hunger and cause significant weight gain, making it challenging to maintain a healthy weight. Regular, low-impact exercise can reduce weight gain and enhance your general health. While there are no strict lupus diets, you should eat a diet rich in fatty acids and antioxidants. Ensure you get enough iron and vitamins, particularly C and D. Consume coffee and tea sparingly, avoid meals that have been heavily processed and preserved, and keep a list of foods that worsen your lupus symptoms. Ask your doctor to recommend a dietician if you have trouble controlling your diet.
-
Avoid certain foods
Some components of garlic are thought to boost immune function by increasing the activity of white blood cells, notably macrophages and lymphocytes. Additionally, according to scientists, the sulphur in garlic helps prevent and decrease cancer in the body. Because of this, garlic is frequently taken as a supplement to fight infections and colds. Unfortunately, because autoimmune diseases like lupus already produce an overactive immune system, boosting the immune response has the opposite effect in these patients. As a result, garlic should not be cooked with or added to meals if you have lupus or lupus-like symptoms. Of course, a small amount won't hurt you, but try to avoid buying and making items containing garlic. Alternatively, immunomodulatory supplements like CBD oil can help. Many people who take CBD for lupus symptoms swear by its benefits. Neet offers the best CBD oil for sale in India which can be taken safely by lupus patients. However, it is always advisable to consult your doctor about it.
-
Stop smoking
Stress tends to aggravate lupus, and an aggravated lupus further adds to stress. When we are stressed, the hormones produced in our bodies are disturbed. This results in lowering our immunity and feeling of fatigue – a common symptom of lupus. Stress can cause lupus to flare. On the other hand, the medication can make you depressed, anxious, and forgetful, apart from other things. It is twice as important for people with lupus to understand what triggers their stress and how to unwind.
Another thing that aggravates stress and, in turn, lupus is smoking. Smoking doesn't just worsen lupus; it also makes medication less effective. Smoking increases the risk of respiratory infections and heart problems, and other complications. Since the symptoms of lupus mimic those of other diseases, don't just ignore them. One standard indicator of lupus is pain and swelling in the muscles and joints. If you suffer from joint pains, consult your doctor to diagnose or rule out the possibility of lupus.
Can CBD help with lupus?
Clinical proof demonstrating the connection between CBD and lupus is currently insufficient. However, many patients take CBD oil for lupus symptoms. Researchers can reasonably predict whether CBD will have a good effect on treating symptoms or illnesses based on the current understanding of CBD and its therapeutic benefits.. An essential component of the immune system is T-cells. T-cells' aberrant behaviour is thought to play a role in the development of lupus. A lupus diagnosis may include neuropathy, the discomfort brought on by damaged nerves. Studies have shown that CBD oil helps reduce the discomfort of lupus patients with neuropathy. Remember that more research must be done before we can fully understand the potential of CBD as a Lupus treatment. Clinical data must be gathered and examined to discover whether we could use CBD or medicinal cannabis containing THC to treat lupus. The condition cannot be cured, but CBD may be able to assist those who have it, manage their symptoms, and lead better lives.
Conclusion
Living with lupus is difficult as it contributes to the epidemic of untreated pain. Since there are still many gaps in the current lupus treatment, people living with lupus must explore alternative therapies, including CBD's potential as a treatment. A disorder of the immune system, lupus is an autoimmune condition. When it develops, your ordinarily protective immune system starts targeting completely healthy cells. Among other things, this causes tissue damage, joint or muscle pain, and inflammation. Although there is no known cure, we can manage it with some effort. Now that finding good quality CBD oil for sale in India is easy, you should consult your doctor about including it in your treatment plan.