There are different conditions that can trigger hair loss. If your hair has been thinning out for no particular reason, though, the culprit could be your immune system.
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that requires lifelong treatment and care. Hair loss along with a few other symptoms are typically sure signs that you need to check in with your doctor about this disease.
The symptoms of lupus can start to show up as early as the age of 14. It’s also more likely to affect women than men. If you experience chronic fatigue, a persistent fever, unexplained hair loss, sudden rashes, swollen or achy joints, or dry, gritty eyes, then there’s reason for concern.
It’s important to see your doctor as soon as possible to find out what’s causing these symptoms. The sooner you’re diagnosed, the more quickly you can start treatment and find out how to handle painful remissions.
When you’ve been diagnosed with lupus, it’s vital to not only follow the medical protocol that your doctor recommends, but also to make changes to your lifestyle. These changes will ensure that you maintain your overall health and in some cases, reduce your chances of having regular remissions or flare-ups.
Poor sleep can make inflammation worse and weaken your body’s defenses. It also makes it hard for you to manage stressful situations as well make the proper decisions regarding your diet. When you don’t sleep well, you might not have the energy you need to exercise as well. Additionally, studies show that not getting a good night’s rest can increase your sensitivity to pain.
As with most diseases that cause inflammation, stress can make lupus symptoms worse or lead to a flare-up. Some experts recommend making simple to-do lists each day so you don’t feel overwhelmed. Relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga can also help.
Being physically active will not only keep you in shape, but it can also help to maintain a healthy weight. This will ensure that you won’t be put a lot of pressure on your joints. When you’re looking for the right exercise program, consider swimming. It’s low-impact and can easily burn your calories.
There’s no specific diet for persons who have lupus but studies suggest that taking care of your heart can do wonders for dealing with the disease.
The right diet would include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Stay away from red meat, processed foods, and high-salt foods.
One little-discussed issue with lupus is that you might become more sensitive to the sun. To make things worse, the medications that are used to treat the disease can also increase this sensitivity. If you must be out in the sun, make sure to use a lot of sunscreen and wear protective clothing.
Cigarette smoking can cause inflammation, which may lead to a flare-up in your disease. The best way to avoid this is to stop smoking. If you need help with this, reach out to your doctor or other trusted friends who might be able to help you.
Not everybody with lupus will need to do this but for some persons, alcohol will interfere with how well the medications work. It might be better to limit your alcohol intake to maintain good health but if you decide to drink, make sure it won’t affect your treatment.
Ideally, all the nutrients you need should come from your diet. However, that might not always be possible. Supplements are a great way to complement your diet. This is especially important if you’re cutting down on your exposure to the sun and need to boost your Vitamin D intake. As always, check with your doctor before starting any supplements.
Being diagnosed with lupus can be life-changing. However, if you follow your doctor’s orders and take care of yourself, it will make living with the disease much easier.
As you’re making changes in your life, it can help to reach out to those you trust to support you along the way.
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