7 Natural Remedies for Lupus.
Lupus, aka systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is a complex disease in which the body attacks
itself (autoimmune), resulting in a wide range of often debilitating symptoms.
It is characterized by acute and chronic inflammation of various tissues throughout the body.
One of the bright spots in the area of treatment is the number of natural remedies for lupus.
Once someone has received a diagnosis, then it's time to explore these natural options
and discuss them with a knowledgeable healthcare provider who can help identify which ones
may be the most effective.
What is lupus?
The immune system of individuals who have lupus produces abnormal antibodies in the
blood, and these antibodies (known as autoantibodies) attack the tissues instead of foreign infectious
agents.
Lupus can appear in one of four forms.
About 70 percent of cases are systemic lupus, in which a major organ or tissue (e.g., heart,
brain) in about half of those affected.
Approximately 10 percent of cases affect the skin only (cutaneous lupus), while another
10 percent is caused by high doses of certain drugs (drug-induced lupus).
A rare form called neonatal lupus can occur in newborns but usually disappears completely
within six months.
Approximately 1.5 million Americans have some form of lupus, and the majority of those affected
are women of childbearing age.
Women of color are two to three times more likely to develop lupus than are their Caucasian
peers.
Symptoms of lupus
Although symptoms of lupus can vary considerably between individuals and from day to day, those
generally recognized as typical include fatigue, pain and weakness in the joints, headaches,
and a facial rash that often extends over the bridge of the nose and the cheeks (aka,
a butterfly rash).
Additional symptoms that occur can include fever, anemia, depression, dry mouth, mouth
or nose ulcers, hair loss, chest pain, sensitivity to light, Raynaud's disease (cold fingers
and toes that turn blue), weight loss, and swelling of the hands, feet, legs, and/or
around the eyes.
Symptoms are the same for men and women.
Read about living with lupus
One of the things that makes lupus a challenge to diagnose as well as treat is that symptoms
can mimic many other conditions, which is why it is sometimes referred to as "the
great imitator."
A quick review of lupus symptoms reveals that they are also associated with fibromyalgia,
diabetes, Lyme disease, rheumatoid arthritis, blood disorders, and various lung, heart,
and muscle diseases.
These symptoms also can come and go without warning, and it's possible to experience
one or more symptoms for a single time only.
Natural remedies for lupus
Here are 7 natural remedies for managing lupus.
1.
Anti-inflammatory diet.
Since inflammation is the hallmark of lupus, you want to focus on foods that don't promote
inflammation but can also help prevent it.
That means avoiding processed foods, added sugar, gluten, trans fat, alcohol, caffeine,
high-sodium foods, and certain legumes (e.g., alfalfa seeds and sprouts, green beans, peanuts,
soybeans, snow peas), which contain the amino acid L-canavanine that can trigger lupus flare-ups
in some people.
Foods in an anti-inflammatory diet include organic, unprocessed foods, foods high in
antioxidants (especially raw fruits and vegetables), avocados, coconut oil, raw milk, cucumbers
and melons, green and herbal teas, and bone broth.
2.
Regular physical exercise.
Regular exercises addresses several critical features of lupus, including stress reduction,
help with sleep, strengthening the heart, reducing joint pain, and improving flexibility
and range of motion.
Exercise sessions (e.g., walking, swimming, yoga, tai chi, cycling) should last about
20 to 30 minutes and not result in exhaustion.
Proper rest between workout days is essential.
3.
Omega-3 fatty acids.
The omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA (eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid) in fish oil
have been shown to reduce inflammation in scores of studies.
In a clinical trial involving 49 women with SLE, those who took 1080 mg EPA plus 200 mg
DHA daily for 12 weeks showed a significant decline in C-reactive protein (an inflammatory
marker) and evidence of a decline in bad cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, LDL) and total cholesterol
compared with no such benefits in women who were given a placebo.
Another study lasting six months also showed improvement in symptoms and inflammatory markers
among patients who took fish oil when compared with placebo.
A suggested daily dose is 2,000 mg EPA/DHA daily.
Omega-3 fatty acids are also available in foods such as wild-caught fatty fish (e.g.,
salmon, tuna, herring), chia seeds, flaxseeds, and hemp seeds.
4.
Vitamin D3.
Most people have low to deficient levels of vitamin D, and those who are living with lupus
are no exception.
It's a good idea to have vitamin D levels checked before starting supplementation so
you know the best dose to take.
Generally, 2,000 to 5,000 International Units daily is recommended, but anyone with a significant
deficiency will require more.
Vitamin D can help enhance immune system function, reduce depression, and facilitate hormone
balance.
5.
Chlorella and spirulina.
These natural microalgae foods are rich in minerals, antioxidants, and omega-3s and are
especially helpful for anyone whose kidneys are affected by lupus.
Chlorella in particular can assist in eliminating pesticides and heavy metals from the bloodstream.
Both chlorella and spirulina help produce electrolytes that can enhance kidney function.
Take these supplements according to package directions.
These powders can easily be incorporated into smoothies.
Try adding a tablespoon to your next green breakfast drink!
6.
MSM.
Methylsulfonylmethane is an organic sulfur compound that is derived from the rain cycle.
MSM has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory, energy-boosting, and detoxifying properties.
Its ability to increase the permeability of cells, for example, allows the body to use
less energy to deal with toxin build-up, resulting in more energy being directed toward healing
and bodily functions, including digestion.
MSM boosts the absorption of nutrients, which also helps energy production.
The anti-inflammatory properties of MSM are associated with its ability to assist with
the elimination of waste materials from cells, whose presence causes inflammation.
A recommended dose is 2,000 to 8,000 mg daily.
Since MSM is tasteless and odorless, its powdered form can easily be included in smoothies.
7.
Turmeric.
Be sure to include turmeric (and its active ingredient, curcumin) both as a supplement
and a food enhancer to help fight pain and inflammation as well as improve rashes and
aid with digestion.
Turmeric is a good source of potassium, magnesium, manganese, iron, fiber, and vitamins B6 and
C. In a study from the University of Pittsburgh, researchers reported that turmeric has shown
promise in reducing activity of lupus.
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