Lupus is an immune system disorder in which the body starts to attack healthy tissues. The outcome of this disease is persistent inflammation that can affect the lungs, kidneys, joints, brain, and endocrine glands. Since lupus symptoms are common to other conditions like thyroid disorders and lyme disease, diagnosing it becomes a challenge. Sometimes, lupus can turn fatal.
But, if you can follow these healthy lifestyle tips for lupus, and practice some useful home remedies, it is possible to improve the quality of your life and not let the condition affects day-to-day functioning. Home remedies and lifestyle tips for lupus patients include the following:
1. Turmeric
Turmeric contains curcumin that can be effective in treating autoimmune diseases and is useful for reducing inflammation brought on by lupus. You can add turmeric as a spice in your daily cooking or also drink turmeric milk by adding a teaspoon of it to your regular milk. But, it is recommended that people with gallbladder problems avoid turmeric.
2. Ginger
Ginger is the perfect home remedy for treating myriad health problems, including lupus. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that reduce swelling and pain in your joints. Incorporate ginger in your daily diet by drinking ginger tea or adding the spice to seasonal fruits and veggies.
3. Coconut oil
This oil helps balance the negative reactions of your immune system on your body and offers multiple health advantages like improving digestion, controlling cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.
4. Apple cider vinegar
Experts suggest that hydrochloric acid deficiency is common in lupus patients. The best way to overcome this deficiency is to use apple cider vinegar. It not only increases the acid in the body, but it also helps in detoxification and absorption of nutrients. You can add apple cider vinegar to warm water and squeeze a lemon into this mix to drink before meals.
5. Epsom salt
This salt helps to deal with the fatigue that is very common in lupus patients. An Epsom salt bath will help to remove toxins and improve the absorption of magnesium in the body. It can also lessen swelling and pain. However, the use of Epsom salt is not recommended for people with kidney problems and diabetes.
6. Basil
Lupus flares are caused mainly because of elevated stress levels. Holy basil is an herb rich in anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants. It offers a sense of wellbeing and can bring down stress levels.
7. Flaxseeds and green tea
These are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids and help to reduce swelling in patients with lupus. Flaxseeds are also recommended for improving kidney functions, and therefore, are beneficial as renal failure is a common symptom of lupus. Also, green tea is recommended to relieve symptoms of the condition.
8. Good fats and calcium-rich foods
Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines must be added to the diet in place of red meat, which is rich in saturated fats. Calcium-rich foods like cheese, low-fat milk, tofu, yogurt, beans, and calcium-fortified plant milk are great dietary options that lupus patients need to incorporate in their diets.
These useful lifestyle tips for lupus patients are simple remedies that you can practice at home. If you can incorporate these dietary tips in your daily meals, exercise regularly, limit alcohol intake, and quit smoking, it becomes easier to manage lupus. Also, you can practice moderate exercise and limit your time in the sun to avoid sudden lupus flares.
