Living with Lupus

Alcohol and tobacco. Due to the inflammation and damage in the skin tissues and blood vessels, it is advised to avoid drinking alcohol and smoking.

Diet. The diet should be balanced with foods with a low content of salt, sugar, and fat, and with a high fibre content. If there is kidney involvement, the consumption of salty foods must be avoided. The “Mediterranean diet” is highly recommended, as it leads to lower obesity levels and helps to reduce the risks of diabetes, high blood pressure, acute myocardial infarction (heart attacks), cerebral vascular accidents (strokes), etc.

Excercise. Exercise is recommendable, but must be moderate, and exhausting exercise must always be avoided. It is recommended to carry out aerobic activities like walking, swimming, or riding a bicycle, in order to prevent muscle weakness and to control the fatigue. Furthermore, exercise brings about a feeling of well-being.

Sleep. It is advisable that patients with lupus sleep around 7-8 hours a day and, above all, at night. In flare-up periods, short naps throughout the day are recommendable.

Sexuality. The most important thing if you have a worry of a sexual nature, is to talk about it with your partner and, if there are any doubts, mention them to the medical team.Patients with lupus may experience the following symptoms that may have an influence on their sex life:decrease in libido or sexual desire, particularly due corticosteroids; joint pain; headache; tiredness and mouth sores. Lupus is not contagious, but, however, precautions have to be taken against Sexually Transmitted Diseases and, even more so, if immunosuppressants are being taken. It is not recommended that women with lupus take the contraceptive pill as the hormones can worsen the disease or cause a flare-up.

Social and emotional support. It is very important to surround yourself with people that know the disease and understand it, in order to feel supported at times when the mood declines. Professional associations, as well as patient groups, can be a great help.