Lupus and Food Supplements

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The traditional way to treat Lupus is with Prednisone and corticosteroids

compound. This can cause damage to the liver, eyes and other organs if

taken long term, so many people search out alternative remedies. Eating

a diet low in fat, salt and animal protein can help lupus patients. This

reduces over reactivity in the immune system, while being easier on the

kidneys. Good foods include olive oil, sardines, garlic, onions, brown

rice, fish, greens, non-acidic fruit, oatmeal and other whole grains.

Fresh (not canned) pineapple has been shown to be helpful. Get plenty

of rest and regular, moderate exercise. Do not consume dairy products (butter

and yogurt are OK), caffeine, citrus fruit, salt, tobacco, or sugar. Check

out you own allergies as allergies can stimulate Lupus flare-ups.

Avoid strong sunlight, always cover-up and use a sun screen with SPF

of 15 or higher. Do not take high-dose birth control pills as the influx

of hormones in higher doses will stimulate the immune system.

DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone), a natural hormone produced

by the adrenal glands has been used to treat lupus with favourable results.

DHEA (start at 5 mg three times a day and work up to 100 mg per day) to

reduce symptoms in mild to moderate lupus, with incremental benefits over

three to twelve months.

Note: Tryptophan should be avoided in patients with SLE-type

lupus. Trytophan is an amino acid found in milk products.

Vitamins A, C & E, fish oils and selenium, pycnogenol,

omega-3 fatty acids & omega-6 fatty acids are nutrients that can play

an important role in battling against lupus.

ECHINACEA (Do Not Take)

Herb reported to stimulate production of T lymphocytes (T-cells), the

white blood cells responsible for immunity. Lupus is a disease that worsens

with stimulation of the immune system's white blood cells. Lupus patients

should NOT take echinacea or any other herb that stimulates the white cell

population.

OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS

Reported to reduce cholesterol, blood pressure, and be beneficial in

autoimmune diseases, such as Lupus. A study has shown that omega-3 fatty

acids have an inhibitory effect on mammary tumors. Sources for omega-3

are salmon, mackerel, albacore tuna, cod, herring, halibut, sardines, flaxseed

oil, green vegetables and some nuts.

Recent animal studies show that omega-3 fat aids bone growth. If the

same hold true for humans it would prevent osteoporosis. Animal studies

also show that omega-3 protects the body against attack by its own immune

system in autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus erythematosus.

Since omega-3 fatty acids are blood thinners, supplements should not be

taken by those on blood thinners. In this instance whole fish would be

better than the oil capsules.

ASTRAGULUS

Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) is an herb that has been named

in Chinese medicine texts dating back to around 100 AD. The Chinese value

astragalus as a specific tonic for strengthening the body’s resistance

to disease. This yellow plant has long been used for treating night sweats,

fatigue, and diarrhea. Astragalus consists of flavonoids, polysaccharides,

glycosides, amino acids, and trace minerals. It is effective as a diuretic,

and may be helpful in the treatment of heart disease. Astragalus also reduces

autoimmune response such as that caused by rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.