Lupus and Food Supplements

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Lupus

and Food Supplements

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 your 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.

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.

DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone),

a natural hormone produced by the adrenal glands has been used to treat lupus

with favorable 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. Tryptophan 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.

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.

ASTRAGALUS

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.

Hugs,

Deanna