Lupus causes the body’s immune system to produce abnormal antibodies and direct them to attack and destroy normal, healthy tissues. Largely affecting women, it can cause inflammation, pain and swelling, and damage the major organs, the joints, skin and blood cells.
The two different forms of lupus
Lupus comes in two varieties, the first being discoid or cutaneous lupus, which affects the skin with symptoms of a butterfly rash on the face, loss of hair, thick scarring lesions, and changes in skin pigmentation.
The second version, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), comes with low grade fever, severe joint and muscle pains, deep fatigue, weight loss, nervous system disorders, and can also affect major organs including the heart, lungs, kidneys and brain.
What are the main causes of lupus?
There are many genetic and environmental factors that precipitate the onset of lupus. The main causes are chronic stress, heavy metal exposure, vaccinations, severe trauma such as accident or major surgery, toxic chemicals (pesticides, drugs especially ASPIRIN®, corticosteroids, anti-convulsants or antibiotics). Also implicated in developing lupus are excess sugar or alcohol intake, obesity, food allergies, candida, and viral and parasitic infections.
The treatment plans for lupus will vary depending on symptoms
Various treatment options are available, depending on the symptoms of the individual. These include:
- an allergen-free diet. Research carried out and reported in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases is showing that patients diagnosed with SLE may really be suffering from a gluten intolerance. After removing gluten from their diets, these patients were able to discontinue all their medications.
- supplementation of acidophilus, especially for Candida treatment
- heavy metal detoxification
Specific supplements which may help lupus symptoms
DHEA may be effective in easing lupus symptoms. The most abundant hormone made by the adrenal glands, DHEA is converted into male and female hormones. It can help boost the immune system, improve energy and mood, improve sex drive and increase longevity. DHEA may reduce the risk of heart disease, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, diabetes and some cancers. DHEA levels are usually found to be low in SLE patients and treatment with this supplement is best taken with the advice of a health care practitioner.
Studies have shown that DHEA has immuno-regulatory effects resulting in increased feelings of well-being and reduced symptoms. Minor side effects show up as acne or hirsutism (unwanted hair growth on face, chest or back). A 12-month, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 381 women with mild or moderate lupus evaluated the effects of 200 mg DHEA daily. Although many participants in both groups improved, DHEA was more effective than the placebo, reducing many symptoms of the disease. Similarly, in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 120 women with SLE, use of 200 mg DHEA daily considerably decreased symptoms and reduced the frequency of disease flareups.
Other supplements that may help in lupus treatment include:
- flaxseed oil. Essential fatty acids have beneficial effects on the antibody profile of SLE patients and also those suffering from nephritis (kidney inflammation). A daily dose of one tablespoon of flaxseed oil can help delay the onset of damage caused by chronic lupus, reduce inflammation in the joints, skin and kidneys, and increase life span.
- Vitamin D and Vitamin E deficiencies are often found in SLE patients, so a daily addition of vitamins A, D and E are recommended. Correct dosages should be advised by a health care practitioner.
- Antioxidants dampen down free radical damage which plays a major role in the development of lupus and supplementation may improve the patients’ outcome.
Foods and herbs to avoid with lupus
Alfalfa sprouts or tablets which contain L-canavanine sulfate should be avoided, along with L-tryptophan which may produce substances in the body that may promote the autoimmune process. Echinacea herb should be avoided, or used with caution.
Sources:
Hadjivassiliou M, Sanders D.S, Grünewald R.A, Akil M, Gluten sensitivity masquerading as systemic lupus erythematosus, Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2004;63:1501–3).
Van Vollenhoven RF, Morabito LM, Engleman EG, et al. Treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus with dehydroepiandrosterone: J Rheumatol 1998;25:285-9.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
Anne Dubois - Anne is a mother of one son, living in Auckland, New Zealand. She has worked in the natural health industry for nearly 10 years and has ...
