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[Guest guest]

http://www.uklupus.co.uk/bn11.html

Lupus and Healthy Living

Those of us with Lupus and it's related syndromes are in a quandary when it comes to defining and fulfilling our dietary needs. Although there are reams of research, much of it tends to be basic, repetitive and outdated. The suggestions in this article are derived by cross- referencing the most current research regarding Lupus chemical and dietary sensitivities and needs, combined with the practical experience of those who are living long and well with Lupus. Please share this article with your doctor so that you can work together for your best wellbeing.

Allergies and increased sensitivity to chemically enhanced foods or products is typical in Lupus but since the symptoms are often similar, doctors can't always easily differentiate between them. Lupus may also carry increased risk of early and severe heart disease. With our individually unique immune responses, it's very important that we pay close attention to our bodies' specific reactions to foods and supplements, removing or reducing those that affect us negatively. In a notebook or a journal, we can keep track of the foods we eat, the condiments we use, any prescription or non- prescription medications and homeopathics. If we record the times and amounts or dosages, our bodily responses will help us identify the villains and give them the heave-ho. These notes are valuable tools for our doctors so should be included in our medical records.

Because sunlight, halogen and fluorescent lighting magnify Lupus symptoms and speed disease progression, we must be extremely cautious concerning exposure. We can slather on hypoallergenic 30 plus sunscreen, do head wraps with exotic scarves, toss on floppy brimmed hats, don Ray style shades and slink out like Garbo, in an aura of mystery.

We can also reinforce our diets with extra calcium and vitamin D, vital sun supplied nutrients we're likely to be low because of the precautions taken for our hyperphotosensitivity. In addition, Lupus itself and our steroid medications plunder our bones and bodies of calcium, other minerals and vitamins, making us vulnerable to early osteoporosis. Calcium supplements with vitamin D and magnesium added can enable our bones to absorb the calcium we ingest more effectively. the magnesium aids calcium to clear our kidneys with less residual effect. To protect our kidneys even more, we need to drink at least 8 glasses of water everyday and urinate every 3 or 4 hours. Emptying and refueling in this way helps us to wash out bacteria and toxins, easing the strain on our system. Magnesium has the added benefit of dissolving painful calcium deposits in joints and minimizing the risk of gallstones.

Steroids, besides stripping us of nutrients, contribute to Lupus swelling and can generate ravenous hunger ~ a triple whammy making a balanced diet more difficult to achieve. We may wrestle with guilt and adopt fad diets, doing ourselves more harm than good as the American Institute for Cancer Research shows at http://www.aicr.org/faddiets.htm

Perversely, our Lupus doesn't always allow us to eat well or sometimes at all so we may need to stimulate our appetites. Taking a B complex supplement in the mornings, perhaps with crackers and juice, will usually initiate production of gastric juices. Experimenting with spices in our favorite foods while the rich aroma wafts through the air may arouse sluggish digestion and reinvigorate appetite. Pressure cookers or crockpots slowly stew foods in their natural juices, breaking down plant or meat fibers, fully releasing lush flavors and the nutritive enzymes which aid us in assimilating food.

To minimize that steroid "cushinoid" look we all love to hate, we can try taking the daily dose before 8 a.m. or with split dosage, the first dose before 8a.m. and the second dose before 4 p.m. While we are taking steroids, 1500 to 2000 milligrams of calcium and 800 international units of vitamin D daily are advisable for nutrient replacement.

Research studies show that women who drink cranberry juice regularly have a marked reduction in bladder and kidney infections. That dramatic decline in bacterial levels also seems to reduce fungal/yeast infections For best effect and aid in digestion, we can drink a few ounces of cranberry juice with each meal. Male or female, our internal plumbing is equally inviting to bacteria so the benefits of cranberry juice apply to men too. For the research, visit http://www.jr2..ox.ac.uk/bandolier/band6/b6-3.html

Vitamin C is an essential systemic building block and critical for anyone with autoimmune dysfunction. For some reason, humans and guinea pigs alone among animals do not naturally produce Vitamin C. Investigate the benefits at http://hepatitis- central.com/hcv/herbs/vitaminc.html

Overall, we who live with Lupus and/or FM or other related syndromes, benefit most from a high fiber diet, with fats reduced to 30% of our daily calories. This can be partly achieved by slashing our intake of saturated and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Eliminating or drastically slashing the amount of dairy products and red or game meat in our diets while increasing our intake of immune supportive fruits and vegetables has proven to be a healthy choice for many of us. The primary cow's milk protein, Casein, activates the immune system, while dairy products and beef are indicated as triggers for SLE onset and flare. Acidophilus is a healthy substitute for dairy milk, especially for those with autoimmune diseases, while sherbets and ices are as tasty as ice cream

A recent study among Japanese women demonstrated that those whose diets were dependent on fatty meat such as pork and beef were more susceptible to SLE than those who followed a lean diet. A diet much more fruit and vegetable than meat and dairy based, with only lean meats such as turkey, chicken or fish is preferable for those with autoimmune illnesses. Free range is healthiest, since factory bred fowl, like cattle, are fed hormones and antibiotics which might affect us adversely. Cured meats such as "hot dogs" are considered to instigate flare. Meat fats are larded with concentrations of prostaglandins which increase inflammation and blood clotting.

Fish oils that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as tuna, whitefish, herring, anchovies, salmon and mackerel have strong anti- inflammatory properties and may well reduce our symptoms. The omega-3 fatty acid called DHA is found in breast milk and throughout the brain. It's essential to membrane production and the myelin which covers neural fibers. As DHA expedites cellular communication and works to help regulate mood and memory, it may lessen our brainfog and sharpen our wits. DHA is even reported to reverse Cystic Fibrosis symptoms in animals. A visit to http://www.altnewtimes.com/e03cho.html should spark a few neurons in itself.

Still, it's vital to remember that not all that goes swimingly for fish is good for us. For example, zinc, which enriches meat and shellfish, especially oysters, enhances immune response and could stimulate increased Lupus activity. Zinc is another essential nutrient, fortunately found in reasonable amounts in many other foods

Eating fish 3 or 4 times a week supplies sufficient omega-3 fatty acids for most people but those of us with immunity impairment need as much as 6 or 7 servings weekly to meet our nutritional needs. If fish isn't a part of your diet, you can try taking fish oil capsules, sometimes called EPA/DHA after the names of the fatty acids. A lowfat diet without fish would be properly supplemented in the average person by taking 8 to 10 capsules a day. Without making dietary alterations and still not eating fish, it would require approximately 12 to 18 capsules daily to supply those essential nutrients.

Olive oil, flaxseed oil, canola oil and to some extent, evening primrose oil, have plentiful omaga-3 fatty acids. Flaxseeds also contain antioxidants. Primrose oil, though, and corn, sunflower, safflower and poppy seed oils have omega-6 fatty acids which, in excess, can be troublesome to the immune system and intensify our symptoms.

In one study, nine people with SLE caused kidney impairment were fed increasing amounts of flaxseed over twelve weeks. At the end of that trial, the researchers determined that to best improve kidney function, decrease inflammation and reduce hardening of the arteries, as much as 30 grams of flaxseed per day was advisable.

Other than a full flaxseed diet, naturally grown, chemically free fruits and vegetables are very healthy but "Organically Grown" needn't mean buggy; our peas shouldn't be crawling off the plate. If you prefer or can only find produce from chemically controlled farms or orchards, you might dip it in a weak solution of two drops of dish soap to a gallon of water, rinsing in an equal amount of water with 1/4 cup of plain white vinegar, then a last rinse in plain water. This should remove or at least weaken pesticides. You might not be able to see your gleaming refection in an apple anymore but your digestive tract will be very grateful.

According to the October 2000 issue of the Journal of Renal Nutrition alfalfa may exacerbate Lupus. Alfalfa sprouts, tea, supplements and seeds contain a compound called L-canavanine which triggers a Lupuslike illness in monkeys. L-canavanine and arginine, both in alfalfa, overstimulate the immune system, triggering flares.

Beans and mushrooms contain amine compounds and hydrazines that might intensify our symptoms. Replacing or reducing tobacco, meat, dairy, salt, white sugar, white flour, alcohol, soft drinks can do a great deal to enable our bodies to better absorb and utilize the nutrients we take in. Spore produced or yeast forming foods such as loaf bread, corn and mushrooms also tend to "colonize" our intestinal flora. Versatile flatbreads such as tortillas, pitas, manna or matzos, giros, rice-flour wraps, crepes and more are healthier and delicious.

Nightshade plants contain solanine, which increases joint pains and may spark flares. Eggplant, white potato, tomato, tobacco, and all peppers, except for black pepper, are genus nightshade. Black pepper is unwise for anyone with kidney problems but Capsacin, which is made from cayenne peppers is a topical pain reliever used by some with Lupus. You can check it out at http://adultpain.nursing.uiowa.edu/Topicals/CAPSAIte.htm and visit http://webmd.lycos.com/question_and_answer/article/1668.50111 for information on Capsacin for pain relief and more.

Kale, cantaloupes, carrots, bananas, broccoli, cranberries, asparagus, papaya, artichokes, honeydew melon, brown rice, apricots, strawberries, blueberries, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, cucumbers, and so many more delicious choices are available to us. With a little creative cookery, we can balance our ratio of proteins to carbohydrates and cooked to raw foods with tasty and healthy results. VegSource.com, one of the web's most popular and comprehensive vegetarian sites, has over 1000 recipes at http://www.vegsource.com/klaper/diet.htm

Lemons and Limes neutralize intestinal acids, balancing systemic PH, while pineapple, oranges, grapes, tomatos and grapefruit contribute to intestinal acids. Asparagus neutralizes these acids with it's natural ammonia, helping to detoxify the internal system. As a naturally gentle diuretic, it's protective of our bodies' plumbing. For more information on balancing alkaline and acidic foods, visit http://wellnessguru.com/wellness_candida-3.htm

Soy, uniquely among plant foods, contains all the amino acids needed by the human body and is a great source of protein. Soy also has high levels of the natural plant hormones, isoflavones, which act to mimic estrogen or counteract it. If the soy isoflavanones enter breast cells of pre-menopausal women, they can block estrogen and may lower the risk of breast cancer. However, in post-menopausal women, they may actually stimulate tumor growth. If you're under treatment for a thyroid condition, soy isoflavanones may interfere with absorbtion of your medication. Because soy heightens immune response it may provoke flaring symptoms. Your doctor should know if and how much soy you consume so that your medication can be adjusted if necessary. For data on the effects of soy and more, just visit http://thyroid.about.com/c/ht/00/07/How_Prevent_Thyroid_Disease0962932 956.htm at About.com

Those with Lupus and/or FM, Colitis, Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis, wheat or gluten intolerance or any chronic digestive disturbance have added and specific dietary needs. Grey, a freelance writer whose husband has Crohn's Disease, addresses these gentler dietary requirements at http://www.healingwell.com/library/ibd/gray1.htm The Gluten-free Pantry at http://www.glutenfree.com/celiac.htm is a great site for those with wheat allergies or sensitivities.

Peppermint leaves, whether in salad or steeped for tea, are anti- bacterial, easing nausea and stirring bile production to enhance appetite. Peppermint is very helpful with IBS, colitis and related disorders. One or two digestive enzyme tablets, made of the bromelain and papain found in pineapple and papaya, chewed with or at the end of each meal, will expedite digestion and facilitate sugar, starch and protein absorbtion. This will make meals and the hours after more comfy plus give us greater benefit from the food we eat. For additional information, please read the excerpted article at http://www.findarticles.com/cf_dls/g2603/0003/2603000328/p1/article.jh tml and ask your library for a copy of the Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine 2001.

Aspartame, a common ingredient in many popular food products, is reported to mimic or accelerate symptoms of Lupus, Fibromyalgia, Arthritis, Diabetes, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Alzheimer's', Multiple Sclerosis, Panic Disorder, Depression, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity and a host of other illnesses. Check out http://www.holisticmed.com/neotame/ for a generic list of products containing aspartame and more. Then, you might visit http://www.dorway.com/test.txt and try the 60-day no aspartame test.

In recent lab tests of Echinacea products, only 14 out of 25 were found acceptable for consumption. The others had inaccurate or misleading labels, were below claimed dosage or were unsafe due to contaminants. ConsumerLab.com posts independent test results and related data to help consumers and healthcare professionals evaluate health, wellness, and nutrition products.Visit http://www.consumerlab.com/results/echinacea.asp for a list of the safest brands. Echinacea enchances immune function as does it's more powerful cousin, Golden Seal. Both may induce a feeling of wellbeing at first but both, and especially the Golden Seal, can stimulate Lupus into increased activity. We might be able to get away with using Echinacea for less than a week at a time, to fight off a cold or flu but longer or regular use may be dangerous.

In the USA, October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month but we all know that illness is cetainly no respecter of borders Please, schedule a mammogram for yourself, encourage the women in your life to do so and remind your friends. You may just save a very valuable life, maybe even your own.

Written and copyrighted by Shar Phoenix shar_phoenix@...

http://www.uklupus.co.uk/bnews.html TBN Archiveshttp://hometown.aol.com/pubpanda/index.htmlhttp://www.everydaywarriors.com/index.html

Butterfly News, copyright 2001 The Lupus Site www.uklupus.co.uk

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[Guest guest]

That was a very informative article Dede. I have IBS so alot of that

information was helpful for me to read. I hope you and your dad are

feeling well.

Steph

>

> _http://www.uklupus.co.uk/bn11.html_

(http://www.uklupus.co.uk/bn11.html)

>

>

> Lupus and Healthy Living

> Those of us with Lupus and it's related syndromes are in a

quandary when it

> comes to defining and fulfilling our dietary needs. Although there

are reams

> of research, much of it tends to be basic, repetitive and

outdated. The

> suggestions in this article are derived by cross- referencing the

most current

> research regarding Lupus chemical and dietary sensitivities and

needs, combined

> with the practical experience of those who are living long and

well with

> Lupus. Please share this article with your doctor so that you can

work together

> for your best wellbeing.

> Allergies and increased sensitivity to chemically enhanced foods

or products

> is typical in Lupus but since the symptoms are often similar,

doctors can't

> always easily differentiate between them. Lupus may also carry

increased risk

> of early and severe heart disease. With our individually unique

immune

> responses, it's very important that we pay close attention to our

bodies' specific

> reactions to foods and supplements, removing or reducing those

that affect

> us negatively. In a notebook or a journal, we can keep track of

the foods we

> eat, the condiments we use, any prescription or non- prescription

medications

> and homeopathics. If we record the times and amounts or dosages,

our bodily

> responses will help us identify the villains and give them the

heave-ho.

> These notes are valuable tools for our doctors so should be

included in our

> medical records.

> Because sunlight, halogen and fluorescent lighting magnify Lupus

symptoms

> and speed disease progression, we must be extremely cautious

concerning

> exposure. We can slather on hypoallergenic 30 plus sunscreen, do

head wraps with

> exotic scarves, toss on floppy brimmed hats, don Ray style

shades and

> slink out like Garbo, in an aura of mystery.

> We can also reinforce our diets with extra calcium and vitamin D,

vital sun

> supplied nutrients we're likely to be low because of the

precautions taken

> for our hyperphotosensitivity. In addition, Lupus itself and our

steroid

> medications plunder our bones and bodies of calcium, other

minerals and vitamins,

> making us vulnerable to early osteoporosis. Calcium supplements

with vitamin D

> and magnesium added can enable our bones to absorb the calcium we

ingest

> more effectively. the magnesium aids calcium to clear our kidneys

with less

> residual effect. To protect our kidneys even more, we need to

drink at least 8

> glasses of water everyday and urinate every 3 or 4 hours. Emptying

and

> refueling in this way helps us to wash out bacteria and toxins,

easing the strain on

> our system. Magnesium has the added benefit of dissolving painful

calcium

> deposits in joints and minimizing the risk of gallstones.

> Steroids, besides stripping us of nutrients, contribute to Lupus

swelling

> and can generate ravenous hunger ~ a triple whammy making a

balanced diet more

> difficult to achieve. We may wrestle with guilt and adopt fad

diets, doing

> ourselves more harm than good as the American Institute for Cancer

Research

> shows at http://www.aicr.org/faddiets.htm

> Perversely, our Lupus doesn't always allow us to eat well or

sometimes at

> all so we may need to stimulate our appetites. Taking a B complex

supplement in

> the mornings, perhaps with crackers and juice, will usually

initiate

> production of gastric juices. Experimenting with spices in our

favorite foods while

> the rich aroma wafts through the air may arouse sluggish digestion

and

> reinvigorate appetite. Pressure cookers or crockpots slowly stew

foods in their

> natural juices, breaking down plant or meat fibers, fully

releasing lush flavors

> and the nutritive enzymes which aid us in assimilating food.

> To minimize that steroid " cushinoid " look we all love to hate, we

can try

> taking the daily dose before 8 a.m. or with split dosage, the

first dose before

> 8a.m. and the second dose before 4 p.m. While we are taking

steroids, 1500

> to 2000 milligrams of calcium and 800 international units of

vitamin D daily

> are advisable for nutrient replacement.

> Research studies show that women who drink cranberry juice

regularly have a

> marked reduction in bladder and kidney infections. That dramatic

decline in

> bacterial levels also seems to reduce fungal/yeast infections For

best effect

> and aid in digestion, we can drink a few ounces of cranberry juice

with each

> meal. Male or female, our internal plumbing is equally inviting to

bacteria

> so the benefits of cranberry juice apply to men too. For the

research, visit

> http://www.jr2..ox.ac.uk/bandolier/band6/b6-3.html

> Vitamin C is an essential systemic building block and critical for

anyone

> with autoimmune dysfunction. For some reason, humans and guinea

pigs alone

> among animals do not naturally produce Vitamin C. Investigate the

benefits at

> http://hepatitis- central.com/hcv/herbs/vitaminc.html

> Overall, we who live with Lupus and/or FM or other related

syndromes,

> benefit most from a high fiber diet, with fats reduced to 30% of

our daily

> calories. This can be partly achieved by slashing our intake of

saturated and omega-6

> polyunsaturated fatty acids. Eliminating or drastically slashing

the amount

> of dairy products and red or game meat in our diets while

increasing our

> intake of immune supportive fruits and vegetables has proven to be

a healthy

> choice for many of us. The primary cow's milk protein, Casein,

activates the

> immune system, while dairy products and beef are indicated as

triggers for SLE

> onset and flare. Acidophilus is a healthy substitute for dairy

milk, especially

> for those with autoimmune diseases, while sherbets and ices are as

tasty as

> ice cream

> A recent study among Japanese women demonstrated that those whose

diets were

> dependent on fatty meat such as pork and beef were more

susceptible to SLE

> than those who followed a lean diet. A diet much more fruit and

vegetable than

> meat and dairy based, with only lean meats such as turkey, chicken

or fish

> is preferable for those with autoimmune illnesses. Free range is

healthiest,

> since factory bred fowl, like cattle, are fed hormones and

antibiotics which

> might affect us adversely. Cured meats such as " hot dogs " are

considered to

> instigate flare. Meat fats are larded with concentrations of

prostaglandins

> which increase inflammation and blood clotting.

> Fish oils that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as tuna,

whitefish,

> herring, anchovies, salmon and mackerel have strong anti-

inflammatory

> properties and may well reduce our symptoms. The omega-3 fatty

acid called DHA is

> found in breast milk and throughout the brain. It's essential to

membrane

> production and the myelin which covers neural fibers. As DHA

expedites cellular

> communication and works to help regulate mood and memory, it may

lessen our

> brainfog and sharpen our wits. DHA is even reported to reverse

Cystic Fibrosis

> symptoms in animals. A visit to

http://www.altnewtimes.com/e03cho.html should

> spark a few neurons in itself.

> Still, it's vital to remember that not all that goes swimingly for

fish is

> good for us. For example, zinc, which enriches meat and shellfish,

especially

> oysters, enhances immune response and could stimulate increased

Lupus

> activity. Zinc is another essential nutrient, fortunately found in

reasonable

> amounts in many other foods

> Eating fish 3 or 4 times a week supplies sufficient omega-3 fatty

acids for

> most people but those of us with immunity impairment need as much

as 6 or 7

> servings weekly to meet our nutritional needs. If fish isn't a

part of your

> diet, you can try taking fish oil capsules, sometimes called

EPA/DHA after the

> names of the fatty acids. A lowfat diet without fish would be

properly

> supplemented in the average person by taking 8 to 10 capsules a

day. Without making

> dietary alterations and still not eating fish, it would require

> approximately 12 to 18 capsules daily to supply those essential

nutrients.

> Olive oil, flaxseed oil, canola oil and to some extent, evening

primrose

> oil, have plentiful omaga-3 fatty acids. Flaxseeds also contain

antioxidants.

> Primrose oil, though, and corn, sunflower, safflower and poppy

seed oils have

> omega-6 fatty acids which, in excess, can be troublesome to the

immune system

> and intensify our symptoms.

> In one study, nine people with SLE caused kidney impairment were

fed

> increasing amounts of flaxseed over twelve weeks. At the end of

that trial, the

> researchers determined that to best improve kidney function,

decrease

> inflammation and reduce hardening of the arteries, as much as 30

grams of flaxseed per

> day was advisable.

> Other than a full flaxseed diet, naturally grown, chemically free

fruits and

> vegetables are very healthy but " Organically Grown " needn't mean

buggy; our

> peas shouldn't be crawling off the plate. If you prefer or can

only find

> produce from chemically controlled farms or orchards, you might

dip it in a weak

> solution of two drops of dish soap to a gallon of water, rinsing

in an equal

> amount of water with 1/4 cup of plain white vinegar, then a last

rinse in

> plain water. This should remove or at least weaken pesticides. You

might not be

> able to see your gleaming refection in an apple anymore but your

digestive

> tract will be very grateful.

> According to the October 2000 issue of the Journal of Renal

Nutrition

> alfalfa may exacerbate Lupus. Alfalfa sprouts, tea, supplements

and seeds contain a

> compound called L-canavanine which triggers a Lupuslike illness in

monkeys.

> L-canavanine and arginine, both in alfalfa, overstimulate the

immune system,

> triggering flares.

> Beans and mushrooms contain amine compounds and hydrazines that

might

> intensify our symptoms. Replacing or reducing tobacco, meat,

dairy, salt, white

> sugar, white flour, alcohol, soft drinks can do a great deal to

enable our

> bodies to better absorb and utilize the nutrients we take in.

Spore produced or

> yeast forming foods such as loaf bread, corn and mushrooms also

tend to

> " colonize " our intestinal flora. Versatile flatbreads such as

tortillas, pitas,

> manna or matzos, giros, rice-flour wraps, crepes and more are

healthier and

> delicious.

> Nightshade plants contain solanine, which increases joint pains

and may

> spark flares. Eggplant, white potato, tomato, tobacco, and all

peppers, except

> for black pepper, are genus nightshade. Black pepper is unwise for

anyone with

> kidney problems but Capsacin, which is made from cayenne peppers

is a topical

> pain reliever used by some with Lupus. You can check it out at

> http://adultpain.nursing.uiowa.edu/Topicals/CAPSAIte.htm and visit

> http://webmd.lycos.com/question_and_answer/article/1668.50111 for

information on Capsacin for pain

> relief and more.

> Kale, cantaloupes, carrots, bananas, broccoli, cranberries,

asparagus,

> papaya, artichokes, honeydew melon, brown rice, apricots,

strawberries,

> blueberries, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, cucumbers, and so many

more delicious

> choices are available to us. With a little creative cookery, we

can balance our

> ratio of proteins to carbohydrates and cooked to raw foods with

tasty and

> healthy results. VegSource.com, one of the web's most popular and

comprehensive

> vegetarian sites, has over 1000 recipes at

> http://www.vegsource.com/klaper/diet.htm

> Lemons and Limes neutralize intestinal acids, balancing systemic

PH, while

> pineapple, oranges, grapes, tomatos and grapefruit contribute to

intestinal

> acids. Asparagus neutralizes these acids with it's natural

ammonia, helping to

> detoxify the internal system. As a naturally gentle diuretic, it's

protective

> of our bodies' plumbing. For more information on balancing

alkaline and

> acidic foods, visit http://wellnessguru.com/wellness_candida-

3.htm

> Soy, uniquely among plant foods, contains all the amino acids

needed by the

> human body and is a great source of protein. Soy also has high

levels of the

> natural plant hormones, isoflavones, which act to mimic estrogen

or

> counteract it. If the soy isoflavanones enter breast cells of pre-

menopausal women,

> they can block estrogen and may lower the risk of breast cancer.

However, in

> post-menopausal women, they may actually stimulate tumor growth.

If you're

> under treatment for a thyroid condition, soy isoflavanones may

interfere with

> absorbtion of your medication. Because soy heightens immune

response it may

> provoke flaring symptoms. Your doctor should know if and how much

soy you consume

> so that your medication can be adjusted if necessary. For data on

the

> effects of soy and more, just visit

>

http://thyroid.about.com/c/ht/00/07/How_Prevent_Thyroid_Disease0962932

956.htm at About.com

> Those with Lupus and/or FM, Colitis, Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis,

wheat or

> gluten intolerance or any chronic digestive disturbance have added

and

> specific dietary needs. Grey, a freelance writer whose

husband has Crohn's

> Disease, addresses these gentler dietary requirements at

> http://www.healingwell.com/library/ibd/gray1.htm The Gluten-free

Pantry at

> http://www.glutenfree.com/celiac.htm is a great site for those

with wheat allergies or

> sensitivities.

> Peppermint leaves, whether in salad or steeped for tea, are anti-

bacterial,

> easing nausea and stirring bile production to enhance appetite.

Peppermint

> is very helpful with IBS, colitis and related disorders. One or

two digestive

> enzyme tablets, made of the bromelain and papain found in

pineapple and

> papaya, chewed with or at the end of each meal, will expedite

digestion and

> facilitate sugar, starch and protein absorbtion. This will make

meals and the hours

> after more comfy plus give us greater benefit from the food we

eat. For

> additional information, please read the excerpted article at

>

http://www.findarticles.com/cf_dls/g2603/0003/2603000328/p1/article.jh

tml and ask your library

> for a copy of the Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine 2001.

> Aspartame, a common ingredient in many popular food products, is

reported to

> mimic or accelerate symptoms of Lupus, Fibromyalgia, Arthritis,

Diabetes,

> Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Alzheimer's', Multiple Sclerosis, Panic

Disorder,

> Depression, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity and a host of other

illnesses. Check

> out http://www.holisticmed.com/neotame/ for a generic list of

products

> containing aspartame and more. Then, you might visit

http://www.dorway.com/test.txt

> and try the 60-day no aspartame test.

> In recent lab tests of Echinacea products, only 14 out of 25 were

found

> acceptable for consumption. The others had inaccurate or

misleading labels, were

> below claimed dosage or were unsafe due to contaminants.

ConsumerLab.com

> posts independent test results and related data to help consumers

and healthcare

> professionals evaluate health, wellness, and nutrition

products.Visit

> http://www.consumerlab.com/results/echinacea.asp for a list of the

safest brands.

> Echinacea enchances immune function as does it's more powerful

cousin, Golden

> Seal. Both may induce a feeling of wellbeing at first but both,

and

> especially the Golden Seal, can stimulate Lupus into increased

activity. We might be

> able to get away with using Echinacea for less than a week at a

time, to fight

> off a cold or flu but longer or regular use may be dangerous.

> In the USA, October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month but

we all

> know that illness is cetainly no respecter of borders Please,

schedule a

> mammogram for yourself, encourage the women in your life to do so

and remind your

> friends. You may just save a very valuable life, maybe even your

own.

> Written and copyrighted by Shar Phoenix

> _shar_phoenix@..._ (mailto:shar_phoenix@...)

> _http://www.uklupus.co.uk/bnews.html_

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[Guest guest]

Dede,

Thanks for this great article. I had been to this site before and

really liked it but only looked at it briefly.

This kind of info really helps.

>

> _http://www.uklupus.co.uk/bn11.html_

(http://www.uklupus.co.uk/bn11.html)

>

>

> Lupus and Healthy Living

> Those of us with Lupus and it's related syndromes are in a quandary

when it

> comes to defining and fulfilling our dietary needs. Although there

are reams

> of research, much of it tends to be basic, repetitive and outdated.

The

> suggestions in this article are derived by cross- referencing the

most current

> research regarding Lupus chemical and dietary sensitivities and

needs, combined

> with the practical experience of those who are living long and well

with

> Lupus. Please share this article with your doctor so that you can

work together

> for your best wellbeing.

> Allergies and increased sensitivity to chemically enhanced foods or

products

> is typical in Lupus but since the symptoms are often similar,

doctors can't

> always easily differentiate between them. Lupus may also carry

increased risk

> of early and severe heart disease. With our individually unique immune

> responses, it's very important that we pay close attention to our

bodies' specific

> reactions to foods and supplements, removing or reducing those that

affect

> us negatively. In a notebook or a journal, we can keep track of the

foods we

> eat, the condiments we use, any prescription or non- prescription

medications

> and homeopathics. If we record the times and amounts or dosages,

our bodily

> responses will help us identify the villains and give them the

heave-ho.

> These notes are valuable tools for our doctors so should be included

in our

> medical records.

> Because sunlight, halogen and fluorescent lighting magnify Lupus

symptoms

> and speed disease progression, we must be extremely cautious

concerning

> exposure. We can slather on hypoallergenic 30 plus sunscreen, do

head wraps with

> exotic scarves, toss on floppy brimmed hats, don Ray style

shades and

> slink out like Garbo, in an aura of mystery.

> We can also reinforce our diets with extra calcium and vitamin D,

vital sun

> supplied nutrients we're likely to be low because of the

precautions taken

> for our hyperphotosensitivity. In addition, Lupus itself and our

steroid

> medications plunder our bones and bodies of calcium, other minerals

and vitamins,

> making us vulnerable to early osteoporosis. Calcium supplements

with vitamin D

> and magnesium added can enable our bones to absorb the calcium we

ingest

> more effectively. the magnesium aids calcium to clear our kidneys

with less

> residual effect. To protect our kidneys even more, we need to drink

at least 8

> glasses of water everyday and urinate every 3 or 4 hours. Emptying and

> refueling in this way helps us to wash out bacteria and toxins,

easing the strain on

> our system. Magnesium has the added benefit of dissolving painful

calcium

> deposits in joints and minimizing the risk of gallstones.

> Steroids, besides stripping us of nutrients, contribute to Lupus

swelling

> and can generate ravenous hunger ~ a triple whammy making a

balanced diet more

> difficult to achieve. We may wrestle with guilt and adopt fad

diets, doing

> ourselves more harm than good as the American Institute for Cancer

Research

> shows at http://www.aicr.org/faddiets.htm

> Perversely, our Lupus doesn't always allow us to eat well or

sometimes at

> all so we may need to stimulate our appetites. Taking a B complex

supplement in

> the mornings, perhaps with crackers and juice, will usually initiate

> production of gastric juices. Experimenting with spices in our

favorite foods while

> the rich aroma wafts through the air may arouse sluggish digestion and

> reinvigorate appetite. Pressure cookers or crockpots slowly stew

foods in their

> natural juices, breaking down plant or meat fibers, fully releasing

lush flavors

> and the nutritive enzymes which aid us in assimilating food.

> To minimize that steroid " cushinoid " look we all love to hate, we

can try

> taking the daily dose before 8 a.m. or with split dosage, the first

dose before

> 8a.m. and the second dose before 4 p.m. While we are taking

steroids, 1500

> to 2000 milligrams of calcium and 800 international units of

vitamin D daily

> are advisable for nutrient replacement.

> Research studies show that women who drink cranberry juice

regularly have a

> marked reduction in bladder and kidney infections. That dramatic

decline in

> bacterial levels also seems to reduce fungal/yeast infections For

best effect

> and aid in digestion, we can drink a few ounces of cranberry juice

with each

> meal. Male or female, our internal plumbing is equally inviting to

bacteria

> so the benefits of cranberry juice apply to men too. For the

research, visit

> http://www.jr2..ox.ac.uk/bandolier/band6/b6-3.html

> Vitamin C is an essential systemic building block and critical for

anyone

> with autoimmune dysfunction. For some reason, humans and guinea

pigs alone

> among animals do not naturally produce Vitamin C. Investigate the

benefits at

> http://hepatitis- central.com/hcv/herbs/vitaminc.html

> Overall, we who live with Lupus and/or FM or other related syndromes,

> benefit most from a high fiber diet, with fats reduced to 30% of

our daily

> calories. This can be partly achieved by slashing our intake of

saturated and omega-6

> polyunsaturated fatty acids. Eliminating or drastically slashing

the amount

> of dairy products and red or game meat in our diets while

increasing our

> intake of immune supportive fruits and vegetables has proven to be

a healthy

> choice for many of us. The primary cow's milk protein, Casein,

activates the

> immune system, while dairy products and beef are indicated as

triggers for SLE

> onset and flare. Acidophilus is a healthy substitute for dairy

milk, especially

> for those with autoimmune diseases, while sherbets and ices are as

tasty as

> ice cream

> A recent study among Japanese women demonstrated that those whose

diets were

> dependent on fatty meat such as pork and beef were more susceptible

to SLE

> than those who followed a lean diet. A diet much more fruit and

vegetable than

> meat and dairy based, with only lean meats such as turkey, chicken

or fish

> is preferable for those with autoimmune illnesses. Free range is

healthiest,

> since factory bred fowl, like cattle, are fed hormones and

antibiotics which

> might affect us adversely. Cured meats such as " hot dogs " are

considered to

> instigate flare. Meat fats are larded with concentrations of

prostaglandins

> which increase inflammation and blood clotting.

> Fish oils that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as tuna,

whitefish,

> herring, anchovies, salmon and mackerel have strong anti- inflammatory

> properties and may well reduce our symptoms. The omega-3 fatty acid

called DHA is

> found in breast milk and throughout the brain. It's essential to

membrane

> production and the myelin which covers neural fibers. As DHA

expedites cellular

> communication and works to help regulate mood and memory, it may

lessen our

> brainfog and sharpen our wits. DHA is even reported to reverse

Cystic Fibrosis

> symptoms in animals. A visit to

http://www.altnewtimes.com/e03cho.html should

> spark a few neurons in itself.

> Still, it's vital to remember that not all that goes swimingly for

fish is

> good for us. For example, zinc, which enriches meat and shellfish,

especially

> oysters, enhances immune response and could stimulate increased Lupus

> activity. Zinc is another essential nutrient, fortunately found in

reasonable

> amounts in many other foods

> Eating fish 3 or 4 times a week supplies sufficient omega-3 fatty

acids for

> most people but those of us with immunity impairment need as much

as 6 or 7

> servings weekly to meet our nutritional needs. If fish isn't a part

of your

> diet, you can try taking fish oil capsules, sometimes called

EPA/DHA after the

> names of the fatty acids. A lowfat diet without fish would be properly

> supplemented in the average person by taking 8 to 10 capsules a

day. Without making

> dietary alterations and still not eating fish, it would require

> approximately 12 to 18 capsules daily to supply those essential

nutrients.

> Olive oil, flaxseed oil, canola oil and to some extent, evening

primrose

> oil, have plentiful omaga-3 fatty acids. Flaxseeds also contain

antioxidants.

> Primrose oil, though, and corn, sunflower, safflower and poppy seed

oils have

> omega-6 fatty acids which, in excess, can be troublesome to the

immune system

> and intensify our symptoms.

> In one study, nine people with SLE caused kidney impairment were fed

> increasing amounts of flaxseed over twelve weeks. At the end of

that trial, the

> researchers determined that to best improve kidney function, decrease

> inflammation and reduce hardening of the arteries, as much as 30

grams of flaxseed per

> day was advisable.

> Other than a full flaxseed diet, naturally grown, chemically free

fruits and

> vegetables are very healthy but " Organically Grown " needn't mean

buggy; our

> peas shouldn't be crawling off the plate. If you prefer or can only

find

> produce from chemically controlled farms or orchards, you might dip

it in a weak

> solution of two drops of dish soap to a gallon of water, rinsing in

an equal

> amount of water with 1/4 cup of plain white vinegar, then a last

rinse in

> plain water. This should remove or at least weaken pesticides. You

might not be

> able to see your gleaming refection in an apple anymore but your

digestive

> tract will be very grateful.

> According to the October 2000 issue of the Journal of Renal Nutrition

> alfalfa may exacerbate Lupus. Alfalfa sprouts, tea, supplements and

seeds contain a

> compound called L-canavanine which triggers a Lupuslike illness in

monkeys.

> L-canavanine and arginine, both in alfalfa, overstimulate the

immune system,

> triggering flares.

> Beans and mushrooms contain amine compounds and hydrazines that might

> intensify our symptoms. Replacing or reducing tobacco, meat, dairy,

salt, white

> sugar, white flour, alcohol, soft drinks can do a great deal to

enable our

> bodies to better absorb and utilize the nutrients we take in. Spore

produced or

> yeast forming foods such as loaf bread, corn and mushrooms also

tend to

> " colonize " our intestinal flora. Versatile flatbreads such as

tortillas, pitas,

> manna or matzos, giros, rice-flour wraps, crepes and more are

healthier and

> delicious.

> Nightshade plants contain solanine, which increases joint pains and

may

> spark flares. Eggplant, white potato, tomato, tobacco, and all

peppers, except

> for black pepper, are genus nightshade. Black pepper is unwise for

anyone with

> kidney problems but Capsacin, which is made from cayenne peppers is

a topical

> pain reliever used by some with Lupus. You can check it out at

> http://adultpain.nursing.uiowa.edu/Topicals/CAPSAIte.htm and visit

> http://webmd.lycos.com/question_and_answer/article/1668.50111 for

information on Capsacin for pain

> relief and more.

> Kale, cantaloupes, carrots, bananas, broccoli, cranberries, asparagus,

> papaya, artichokes, honeydew melon, brown rice, apricots,

strawberries,

> blueberries, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, cucumbers, and so many

more delicious

> choices are available to us. With a little creative cookery, we can

balance our

> ratio of proteins to carbohydrates and cooked to raw foods with

tasty and

> healthy results. VegSource.com, one of the web's most popular and

comprehensive

> vegetarian sites, has over 1000 recipes at

> http://www.vegsource.com/klaper/diet.htm

> Lemons and Limes neutralize intestinal acids, balancing systemic

PH, while

> pineapple, oranges, grapes, tomatos and grapefruit contribute to

intestinal

> acids. Asparagus neutralizes these acids with it's natural ammonia,

helping to

> detoxify the internal system. As a naturally gentle diuretic, it's

protective

> of our bodies' plumbing. For more information on balancing alkaline

and

> acidic foods, visit http://wellnessguru.com/wellness_candida-3.htm

> Soy, uniquely among plant foods, contains all the amino acids

needed by the

> human body and is a great source of protein. Soy also has high

levels of the

> natural plant hormones, isoflavones, which act to mimic estrogen or

> counteract it. If the soy isoflavanones enter breast cells of

pre-menopausal women,

> they can block estrogen and may lower the risk of breast cancer.

However, in

> post-menopausal women, they may actually stimulate tumor growth. If

you're

> under treatment for a thyroid condition, soy isoflavanones may

interfere with

> absorbtion of your medication. Because soy heightens immune

response it may

> provoke flaring symptoms. Your doctor should know if and how much

soy you consume

> so that your medication can be adjusted if necessary. For data on the

> effects of soy and more, just visit

>

http://thyroid.about.com/c/ht/00/07/How_Prevent_Thyroid_Disease0962932

956.htm at About.com

> Those with Lupus and/or FM, Colitis, Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis,

wheat or

> gluten intolerance or any chronic digestive disturbance have added and

> specific dietary needs. Grey, a freelance writer whose

husband has Crohn's

> Disease, addresses these gentler dietary requirements at

> http://www.healingwell.com/library/ibd/gray1.htm The Gluten-free

Pantry at

> http://www.glutenfree.com/celiac.htm is a great site for those with

wheat allergies or

> sensitivities.

> Peppermint leaves, whether in salad or steeped for tea, are anti-

bacterial,

> easing nausea and stirring bile production to enhance appetite.

Peppermint

> is very helpful with IBS, colitis and related disorders. One or two

digestive

> enzyme tablets, made of the bromelain and papain found in pineapple

and

> papaya, chewed with or at the end of each meal, will expedite

digestion and

> facilitate sugar, starch and protein absorbtion. This will make

meals and the hours

> after more comfy plus give us greater benefit from the food we eat.

For

> additional information, please read the excerpted article at

>

http://www.findarticles.com/cf_dls/g2603/0003/2603000328/p1/article.jh

tml and ask your library

> for a copy of the Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine 2001.

> Aspartame, a common ingredient in many popular food products, is

reported to

> mimic or accelerate symptoms of Lupus, Fibromyalgia, Arthritis,

Diabetes,

> Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Alzheimer's', Multiple Sclerosis, Panic

Disorder,

> Depression, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity and a host of other

illnesses. Check

> out http://www.holisticmed.com/neotame/ for a generic list of

products

> containing aspartame and more. Then, you might visit

http://www.dorway.com/test.txt

> and try the 60-day no aspartame test.

> In recent lab tests of Echinacea products, only 14 out of 25 were

found

> acceptable for consumption. The others had inaccurate or misleading

labels, were

> below claimed dosage or were unsafe due to contaminants.

ConsumerLab.com

> posts independent test results and related data to help consumers

and healthcare

> professionals evaluate health, wellness, and nutrition products.Visit

> http://www.consumerlab.com/results/echinacea.asp for a list of the

safest brands.

> Echinacea enchances immune function as does it's more powerful

cousin, Golden

> Seal. Both may induce a feeling of wellbeing at first but both, and

> especially the Golden Seal, can stimulate Lupus into increased

activity. We might be

> able to get away with using Echinacea for less than a week at a

time, to fight

> off a cold or flu but longer or regular use may be dangerous.

> In the USA, October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month but

we all

> know that illness is cetainly no respecter of borders Please,

schedule a

> mammogram for yourself, encourage the women in your life to do so

and remind your

> friends. You may just save a very valuable life, maybe even your own.

> Written and copyrighted by Shar Phoenix

> _shar_phoenix@..._ (mailto:shar_phoenix@...)

> _http://www.uklupus.co.uk/bnews.html_

(http://www.uklupus.co.uk/bnews.html)

> TBN Archives

> _http://hometown.aol.com/pubpanda/index.html_

> (http://hometown.aol.com/pubpanda/index.html)

> _http://www.everydaywarriors.com/index.html _

> (http://www.everydaywarriors.com/index.html)

> ____________________________________

>

> Butterfly News, copyright 2001 The Lupus Site www.uklupus.co.uk

> ____________________________________

>

> _Recommend this site_

(http://www.uklupus.co.uk/cgi-bin/birdcast.cgi) to

> your friends

> Visit our_ Message Boards_ (http://www.thelupussite.com/forum/)

>

>

>

> ************************************** See what's new at

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>

[Guest guest]

You are welcome ~

I thought it had many helpful hints

I didnt ever think about fluoresent lighting

triggering my lupus....but come to think about it

I had tons of them around my desk for 14 years

and was sick all the time......lots of rashes too.....

hum......

Hugs DedeSee what's new at AOL.com and Make AOL Your Homepage.