Lupus
Lupus
is a chronic, inflammatory, autoimmune disease that affects the blood and connective tissue. There are two
main types of lupus. Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE)
affects the exposed areas of the skin and sometimes
the joints. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is more
serious and potentially fatal condition that affects
the body's organs in addition to the blood and connective
tissues.
Lupus
symptoms vary according to the severity of the illness
and the affected organs. SLE can strike abruptly, accompanied
by fever and mimicking an acute infection. But it can
also occur slowly over months, even years, exhibiting
only sporadic episodes of fever and fatigue. Most people
with SLE complain of pain in various joints that mimics
arthritis, or in children simulates growing pains. In
adults, there is often a history of growing pains. Over
time, muscular contraction may deform the joints.
Many
patients also manifest rashes on their face, neck, upper
chest, and/or elbows. In DLE, the rash starts as red,
circular thickened areas that leave scars, most often
affecting the face and scalp, and can also cause permanent
hair loss. In SLE, there is a characteristic "butterfly-shaped"
rash that occurs on the cheeks and over the bridge of
the nose. Rashes in SLE patients do not scar and do
not cause permanent hair loss.
Ulcers
on mucous membranes such as the mouth and nose are also
common. Swelling of the hands and fingers can occur,
as well, as can sensitivity to light, kidney disorders,
pleurisy (inflammation of lining of the lungs), pericarditis
(inflammation of the membrane surrounding the heart),
iron deficiency, anemia, and high blood pressure. Swelling
of lymph nodes is also common, especially in children.
Both
forms of lupus primarily strike young women (90% of
cases) and young children.
What
To Consider
Food
allergies (there is a 100 percent correlation between
lupus and food allergies), rheumatoid arthritis, other
connective tissue diseases, parasites, candidiasis,
bowel problems, and digestive enzyme deficiencies can
create symptoms that mimic or exacerbate SLE. Migraines,
epilepsy, and psychoses must also be ruled out before
a proper course of treatment can be decided upon.
Since
SLE is often chronic, with periods of improvement and
relapse over many years, years of remission can occur in between periods
of symptoms. This does not necessarily mean that the
disease is gone. To be sure, you may need blood tests
for antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and sometimes skin
biopsies.
According
to the American Rheumatoid Association, four of the
following eight symptoms must be present for a diagnosis
of lupus: ANA antibodies in the blood, low white blood
cell or platelet count or hemolytic anemia, joint pain
in a number of joints (arthritis), butterfly rash on
cheeks, abnormal cells in the urine, light sensitivity,
mouth sores, and seizure or psychosis.
The
drugs hydralazine, procainamide, and beta blockers can
cause false-positive readings of SLE, and can also produce
a lupus-like condition that disappears when the drugs
are no longer taken. Birth control pills can also exacerbate
lupus symptoms.
Note
SLE is considered as mild if the symptoms
are mainly fever, joint pain, rash, headaches, pleurisy,
and pericarditis. It is considered severe if it is associated
with life-threatening diseases. Severe SLE requires
immediate corticosteroid therapy, which can only be
administered under a Health Coach care.
Self-Care
Tips
Diet
Eat an organic, whole foods diet. Also avoid overeating
and limit your intake of milk and beef products. Also
screen for food allergies and avoid all foods to which
you are allergic or sensitive. Increase your intake
of vegetables, especially green, yellow, and orange,
and consume non-farm-raised fish several times a week.
Nutritional
Supplementation
Hydrochloric acid (HCl) deficiency is common in people
with lupus, therefore HCl supplements with each meal
is advised. Other useful nutrients include vitamin A
with beta carotene, vitamin C and bioflavonoids, vitamin
B complex, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, calcium,
magnesium, selenium, zinc, essential fatty acids, proteolytic
enzymes taken away from meals, digestive enzymes taken
with meals, and the amino acids L-cysteine, L-methionine,
and L-cystine.
Herbs
Supplementation with Swedish bitters with
each meal can increase hydrochloric acid production.
Also drink an infusion of nettle twice a day. Other
useful herbs include echinacea, goldenseal, licorice,
pau d'arco, and red clover
Hydrotherapy
Contrast hydrotherapy (alternating cold and
hot water baths and/or packs can help alleviate symptoms.
Juice
Therapy
Drink the juice of carrot, celery, flaxseed
oil, black currant oil, and garlic.
Topical
Treatment
PABA cream applied topically can help ease symptoms.
Caution
If you or someone you know is experiencing the symptoms of lupus, seek the help of a qualified health professional immediately.
Back to Health Conditions A to Z
|
