Lupus Nephritis affects different individuals in different ways. The most common effect on most people with lupus are with their kidneys according to the Lupus Foundation of America.
The Center for Disease Control said Lupus nephritis occurs when the disease's autoantibodies affect structures in your kidneys that filter out waste.
The result causes kidney inflammation and may lead to blood in the urine, protein in the urine, high blood pressure, impaired kidney function, or even kidney failure the CDC said.
The symptoms of lupus nephritis beginning to affect your kidneys may include foamy urine and edema—swelling that occurs when your body has too much fluid, usually in the legs, feet, or ankles, and less often in the hands or face.
The Lupus Foundation of America has listed the following steps to take to protect your kidneys which include making healthy food and beverage choices.
Try these steps:
- Eat less sodium (salt) to help control your blood pressure and reduce swelling
- Eat smaller portions of foods with a lot of protein, like meat and dairy
- Cut back on foods with saturated fats, like butter and fatty meats
- If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation
- Work with your doctor to control your blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol
If you have severe kidney problems, you may also need to limit the amount of fluid you drink or the amount of certain minerals in the foods you eat. Work with your doctors to make a plan that’s right for you.
Please visit the health section on our website as we shine the light on Lupus in our month-long series.
INFORMATION CREDIT: Lupus Foundation of Ameria, Center for Disease Control (CDC)