Beyond Medical Management: Lifestyle Changes That Support Vasculitis Remission

Vasculitis is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation and thickening of blood vessel walls. As the walls thicken, blood flow decreases, resulting in damage that may affect any organ, including your skin, eyes, kidneys, heart, brain, or lungs.

Medical treatments focus on reducing inflammation and controlling faulty immune responses with immunosuppressants, corticosteroids, and other prescription medications.

Specialty care and close follow-up are critical to preventing vasculitis-related health complications. However, lifestyle habits that enhance the effectiveness of medical management are just as vital.

Our specialty team at Allergy A.R.T.S. in Amarillo, Texas, delivers expert care for vasculitis. We’re also committed to partnering with our patients to ensure they receive the information required to make informed health decisions.

Check these tips for going beyond medication management of vasculitis by adopting healthy habits that support remission.  

Check your diet

Inflammation is central to vasculitis. Establishing an anti-inflammatory diet can reduce systemic inflation and improve vasculitis management.

Our Allergy A.R.T.S. team can work closely with you to ensure your diet includes foods known to help reduce inflammation, including walnuts, fatty fish (salmon), and olive oil.

We also recommend a colorful variety of fruits and vegetables that contain antioxidants and essential vitamins to support immune health.

Limiting processed foods reduces inflammation since many packaged and pre-prepared products contain large quantities of sugar and salt.

Proper hydration is essential for supporting your overall vascular health and reducing complications.

Stay active

Regular physical activity improves circulation, supports immune function, and helps reduce inflammation.

However, we recommend avoiding high-impact exercises that may inflame joints and stress muscles. Walking, swimming, and cycling offer the same cardiovascular benefits without increasing your risk of an inflammatory response.

Strength training with body weight (i.e., pushups, planks, lunges) or resistance bands rather than heavy free weights is a gentler way to maintain bone density and muscle mass, which can be affected by long-term corticosteroid use.

Remember to incorporate flexibility and relaxation into your daily routine with yoga, tai chi, and other stretching exercises.

Manage stress

Stress convinces your brain to trigger the release of natural substances, including cortisol, that are designed to get you out of a threatening situation.

Often described as the “stress hormone,” chronically high cortisol levels can worsen inflammation and impact immune function. This can worsen or trigger a vasculitis flare-up.

Prioritizing stress management is essential for long-term remission. Deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and spending time on hobbies you enjoy can help reduce stress and improve mental health.

Sleep well

Healthy sleep routines support the body’s healing process and help maintain energy levels.

Start regulating your sleep cycle by going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, maintaining a schedule that ensures you get 7-8 hours (more for teens and children) of restful sleep each night.

Create a comfortable environment that’s cool but not cold, and choose pillows and mattresses that support your back and neck. If you’re struggling with sleep, ask your allergy A.R.T.S. provider for help.  

Remember to listen to your body and rest when tired. Pushing too hard can lead to unnecessary strain.

Quit smoking and limit alcohol

Smoking damages blood vessels, increases inflammation, and exacerbates vasculitis symptoms. Excessive alcohol intake can weaken the immune system and interfere with medications used to manage vasculitis.

Schedule a visit at Allergy A.R.T.S. today for comprehensive vasculitis care.