Choose food with less salt and sodium if you have high blood pressure
Taking Care of Your Health
See what you can do to help your physical and mental health beyond medication.
Self-care and lupus nephritis
Medication is essential to managing lupus nephritis, but making changes to your lifestyle can also help you better manage the disease. It's important to work closely with your healthcare team to ensure you have a well-rounded approach to your health and well-being. Remember to always speak with your doctor before making any changes to your diet or exercise routine.
Dina
Diagnosed with lupus nephritis in 1994
"It is important to take care of oneself in every way possible—physically, emotionally, spiritually, nutritionally..."
Incorporate a kidney-friendly diet
Eating healthy, kidney-friendly foods may help you manage kidney disease and lower blood pressure. Before making any changes to your lifestyle, care, or diet, be sure to talk with your doctor. Some people also choose to seek advice from a licensed dietitian or nutritionist who can help with meal plans and recommend beneficial diet changes.
Below are some recipes and nutrition tips to help you manage kidney disease.
Recipes for kidney health:
Nutrition tips
Avoid processed food
Eat small portions of protein-rich foods like chicken and fish
Choose heart-healthy foods like fruit and vegetables
Add exercise to your routine
Exercise can have many emotional and physical benefits. It can help reduce stress and strengthen parts of the body that lupus and lupus nephritis affect. You'll want to focus on low-impact exercises to strengthen your bones and muscles without aggravating inflamed joints. Talk with your doctor to figure out the best way to include exercise into your daily or weekly routines.
Low impact activities include:
Walking
Swimming
Stretching or yoga
Using exercise equipment, such as an elliptical, if available
Looking for ways to be more involved in your care?
Find resources, online communities, and advocacy groups that can help.
Access resourcesCare for your mental health
It's okay to feel unhappy, sad, or frustrated at times as you navigate life with lupus nephritis. That's why caring for your mental health along the way is so important.
Consider these ideas to help manage stress and negative feelings:
Practice meditation
Mindfulness meditation involves focusing on the present moment with an attitude of acceptance. For people living with chronic pain, mindfulness meditation has been shown to decrease pain.
Here are some tips for getting started with mindfulness meditation:
- Take a seat somewhere that feels calm and quiet
- Make sure you're in a comfortable and stable position
- Focus on the movement of your breath
- It's OK if your mind wanders. When you find it wandering, gently steer it back to the present moment
- You can also develop visualization exercises: imagining negative or distracting thoughts as clouds or balloons that you watch float away
Living with a medical condition is stressful for both the diagnosed person and their loved ones. Beyond My Battle is dedicated to helping reduce this stress.
Find supportImprove your sleep
Difficulty sleeping has been linked to chronic diseases. Not getting enough sleep can contribute to stress, anxiety, and symptoms of clinical depression.
Trying these tips may help you get better sleep at night:
- Do some type of exercise regularly as recommended by your doctor. Getting your workout in 5-6 hours before bed gives your body enough time to relax and improve your sleep
- Avoid caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol for several hours before bedtime
- Make your bedroom sleep-friendly with a comfortable mattress and bedding, the right amount of darkness, and a temperature that's a little bit on the cooler side
- It's OK if your mind wanders. When you find it wandering, gently steer it back to the present moment
- Try to avoid the use of electronic devices a couple of hours before bedtime
Talk to your doctor if you're having difficulty sleeping or if you notice any changes in your sleep.
Nas
Diagnosed with lupus nephritis in 2017
"I have to listen to my body, which is something my mom always told me, listen to your body because you know when you're tired. Don't push yourself past where you can go."
Consider how a therapist may help
Many people living with chronic pain find that it takes a toll on their mental health, too. A psychologist can provide emotional support as you cope with lupus nephritis. If you think you may benefit from working with one, your primary care doctor can help you find or recommend local mental health professionals near you.
Build up your support system
Keep in contact with helpful and supportive family members, work friends, or long-time pals. Grab the phone, contact friends, and set up a video conference with people who care.
You could also consider joining the ALL IN for LN community on Facebook to connect with others who are affected by lupus nephritis.
Consult with your doctor before making any lifestyle changes.
Use this discussion guide to help you at your next appointment.
Download guide
