6 Tips for Squeezing Out a Feel-Good Day
Okay, so something special is coming up. You’re a bridesmaid in a wedding, your high school reunion is around the corner, or you’ve got a big day planned with friends or family.
You need to feel good for at least one single day—right?
Here are six ways to help you squeeze out that feel-good day:
1. Stick to super low-inflammatory foods.
For a few days before your event, go all-in on fruits, veggies, smoothies, scrambled eggs, walnuts, and lean turkey. Lay low on the gluten. High-fat foods, salt, and sugar are serious autoimmune triggers. Be good to yourself—skip them for a week before your big day.
2. Stay out of the sun—completely.
Not even a minute! UV light is a major trigger for lupus-related fatigue. Try putting pop-up sun screens on the side windows of your car to stay protected while driving.
3. Avoid UV and fluorescent lights when possible.
Fluorescent lighting can trigger symptoms similar to those caused by sunlight. If you can, choose natural or soft lighting to minimize flare-ups.
4. Skip the red dye.
It’s one of the worst triggers for autoimmune symptoms. Sad but true—Hot Tamales, cherry sours, and cinnamon bears (all my favorites!) might set off a bout of flu-like fatigue.
5. Don’t overdo it.
Focus entirely on feeling good. If you work, put your feet up when you get home. Read, relax, rest, and save your energy for the event itself.
6. Take an Epsom salt soak the day before.
Epsom salts (technically magnesium crystals) not only soothe sore joints and muscles but also boost energy thanks to their magnesium content. Soak for at least 20 minutes and let your body recharge.
Bonus Tips
Take turmeric.
This Middle Eastern spice is a natural anti-inflammatory and available in supplement form. The Lupus Inspiration Foundation reports it can be as effective as hydrocortisone or phenybutazone in reducing inflammation. Take turmeric supplements for a week before your event, and don’t forget your daily vitamins—B-complex, folic acid, D + K2, and C.
Try tonic water.
Quinine, found in tonic water, is a common treatment for autoimmune-related pain. A glass of tonic water topped with lime can help knock back that achy feeling.