What is Lupus?
Lupus (also known as systemic lupus erythematosus) is an autoimmune disease, which means that it causes your immune system to turn against tissues and organs throughout your body. Known to trigger major health problems (including kidney disease, neurological dysfunction, and rheumatoid arthritis), lupus can set off inflammation and can cause damage in the heart, lungs, blood vessels, brain, joints, skin, kidneys, and other parts of the body.
While complications arising from lupus can be fatal, the disease often goes into remission, which can sometimes last for years.
Symptoms of Lupus
Although lupus symptoms vary widely from case to case, some signs and symptoms include:
Lupus Treatment
Since lupus can be life-threatening, it's crucial to seek medical care rather than attempting to self-treat the disease. However, you can also consult your doctor about reducing your symptoms with the help of these natural remedies:
1) Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Shown to curb inflammation, omega-3 fatty acids have been found to improve symptoms in lupus patients in several studies. You can increase your omega-3 intake by eating oily fish (such as salmon and sardines) or flaxseeds, or by taking a daily omega-3 supplement.
2) Herbal Medicine
Though not specifically studied in lupus patients, anti-inflammatory herbs like ginger and turmeric may be especially helpful for lupus patients suffering from arthritic symptoms.
Learn more about inhibiting inflammation with herbal remedies.
3) Vitamin and Mineral Supplements
Corticosteroids (inflammation-fighting drugs often used in lupus treatment) may thin your bones and increase your risk of osteoporosis. To keep your bones strong while on corticosteroids, ask your healthcare provider about daily vitamin D and calcium supplements.
4) Mind-Body Therapies
Using mind-body techniques like hypnotherapy and guided imagery may help you deal with the stress of lupus. For more help in coping and alleviating stress, make sure to get plenty of sleep and exercise regularly. Ask your healthcare provider about the right amount and types of exercise for you.
Lupus and DHEA
Research suggests that dehydroepiandrosterone (or DHEA, a steroid hormone essential to the production of estrogen and testosterone) may enhance quality-of-life for people with lupus. While DHEA shows promise as a complementary treatment for lupus, regular use of DHEA supplements could raise your risk of heart attack and some types of cancer. Therefore, it's critical to use DHEA only under the supervision of your doctor.
Sources:
Duffy EM, Meenagh GK, McMillan SA, Strain JJ, Hannigan BM, Bell AL. "The clinical effect of dietary supplementation with omega-3 fish oils and/or copper in systemic lupus erythematosus." Journal of Rheumatology 2004 31(8):1551-6.
Sales C, Oliviero F, Spinella P. "Role of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in diet of patients with rheumatic diseases." Reumatismo 2008 60(2):95-101.
Sawalha AH, Kovats S. "Dehydroepiandrosterone in systemic lupus erythematosus." Current Rheumatology Reports 2008 10(4):286-91.
Wright SA, O'Prey FM, McHenry MT, Leahey WJ, Devine AB, Duffy EM, Johnston DG, Finch MB, Bell AL, McVeigh GE. "A randomised interventional trial of omega-3-polyunsaturated fatty acids on endothelial function and disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus." Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases 2008 67(6):841-8.
