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 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.