Lupus is a chronic inflammatory auto-immune condition. Lupus may affect many of the body’s organs and tissues including the skin, blood vessels, and joints. Lupus is contracted primarily by women (Asian women appear to be at great risk than other women) in their late teens to early 30s, although men may also be at risk.
There are two types of lupus:
1. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Systemic lupus affects many parts of the body and can range in severity from mild to life-threatening.
2. Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE). Discoid lupus is a less serious condition and primarily affects the skin(SLE): Systemic lupus symptoms often resemble arthritis, with swelling and pain experienced in the fingers and joints. A red rash may appear over the cheeks accompanied by scaling lesions elsewhere on the body. Symptoms such as abdominal pain, chest pain, loss of appetite, fever, fatigue, blood in the urine, ulcers, vomiting, hair loss, and weight loss may also be experienced. In 50% of cases, SLE sufferers develop inflammation of the kidneys (nephritis). In more serious cases the brain, spleen, lungs, or heart may also be affected. If the central nervous system is implicated symptoms may include psychosis, paranoia, depression, seizures, depression, paralysis, and stroke
(DLE): In Discoid lupus erythematosus a butterfly rash may develop over the cheeks and nose. Lesions may develop on the scalp and ears, chest, neck, hands shoulders, and upper arms. The lesions appear as small soft lumps, usually yellowish in colour.
The lesions often leave marks or scarring. If the lesions appear on the scalp they may leave permanent bald patches. Although not dangerous DLE is a disfiguring skin disease. Ultraviolet light from the sun might cause a flare-up of DLE, in addition, fatigue, pregnancy, stress, infections and some drugs may trigger a flare-upWhile there is no cure for lupus at present, treatment will revolve around symptom management, these will include lifestyle modifications, sun protection, and diet. Further disease management may include allopathic medications such as anti-inflammatories, immunosuppressive agents, and corticosteroids in severe cases.
The following may assist with symptomatic treatment:
1. Rest and moderate exercise to improve muscle tone
2. Avoid direct sunlight wherever possible, apply sunscreen and clothing that will provide protection to exposed skin when outdoors. Fluorescent and halogen lighting may also aggravate lupus symptoms in the home and workplace so alternative lighting sources may have to be substituted.
3. Intravenous ozone therapy may be beneficial.
4. Diet modification and supplementation.
5. Avoid birth control pills as these may aggravate symptoms
6. Due to an increased susceptibility to viral infections it may be prudent to avoid people with colds and flu.
Nutrients and supplements:
1. Vitamin D: Vitamin D deficiency is common in people with lupus, and low levels have been linked to increased disease activity. Supplementing with vitamin D may help improve bone health and reduce inflammation.
2. Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish and fish oil supplements, have anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce inflammation and improve joint pain and stiffness.
3. Probiotics: Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can help support gut health and the immune system. Some studies suggest that probiotics may help reduce inflammation and improve symptoms in people with autoimmune diseases, including lupus.
4. Turmeric: Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties. Some studies suggest that curcumin may help reduce inflammation and improve symptoms in people with lupus.
5. B vitamins: B vitamins are essential for energy production and immune function. Some studies suggest that vitamin B12 and folic acid may help reduce disease activity in people with lupus.
6. Inflammation remedy – a general anti-inflammatory, for all inflammatory conditions.
7. Auto-immune remedy – for balancing and healing the immune system when autoimmune diseases such as Lupus, MS, FMS, and Rheumatoid Arthritis are present.
8. Zinc – promotes healing and protects organs and skin.
9. Kelp – supplies minerals that may be deficient.
10. Milk thistle and dandelion – to support the liver
While the exact cause of Lupus is unknown it is thought that the following may have a role:
1. Environmental elements such as being exposed to ultraviolet light (UVA and UVB), food additives, chemicals, possible exposure to silica dust in an agricultural or industrial setting, and food allergies
2. An unknown/unidentified viral Infection, other infections such as Epstein-Barr virus.
3. A genetic predisposition.
4. Drug reactions.
Feelings of being under attack, especially by close family members. Feelings of powerlessness to change the circumstances in one’s life. Due to long-term punishment or abuse, there is a belief that punishment is deserved. Oversensitivity to people or situations. Unresolved anger toward a parent or influential person. 1. Add daily fiber to your diet, also consider sulfur-containing foods such as onions, eggs, and garlic these may be of benefit since they are required for the repair of bone, cartilage, and connective tissue. Bromelain an enzyme found in fresh pineapple (not canned) may assist in reducing inflammation.
2. Avoid red meat, dairy products, caffeine, salt, citrus fruits, alfalfa sprouts, and sugar.
3. A diet low in fat, salt, and animal protein is indicated as this will ensure that the immune system will be less reactive, also avoid all nightshades these are known to contribute to inflammation and pain in auto-immune conditions (eggplant, peppers, tomatoes, potatoes)
4. Try to get iron from your diet, iron supplements may contribute to pain and inflammation. Immune System,Whole BodyAuto-immune remedy (tinc), Inflammation remedy (caps)(tinc), Buffered Vit C (caps), Magnesium Boron & D3 (caps), probiotics, Vitamin B complex (tabs), Multi vitamins (tabs), Vitamin E, Hydrolysed Collagen (caps), MSM (caps)
