Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

March 28, 2007

HI Bazhena

Thank you for your post. Here is one of my articles from our archives:

by Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac.

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic, often life-long,

autoimmune disease that ranges from mild to severe and afflicts

mostly women. The primary characteristics of the disease are fatigue,

joint pain, and recurrent injuries in the vessels that course through

the body. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) may affect widespread

sites, but it often manifests in the skin, joints, blood, and

kidneys. SLE was first described in 1828. Its name includes " lupus, "

from the Latin term for wolf, because the disease often produces a

rash that extends across the bridge of the nose and upper cheekbones

and was thought to resemble a wolf bite. The term erythematosus (from

the Greek word for red) refers to the color of the rash, and the term

systemic is used because the disease can affect organs and tissue

throughout the body.

Lupus is a chronic, often life-long, autoimmune disease that ranges

from mild to severe and afflicts mostly women. The primary

characteristics of the disease are fatigue, joint pain, and recurrent

injuries in the vessels that course through the body. Systemic lupus

erythematosus (SLE) may affect widespread sites, but it often

manifests in the skin, joints, blood, and kidneys. SLE was first

described in 1828. Its name includes " lupus, " from the Latin term for

wolf, because the disease often produces a rash that extends across

the bridge of the nose and upper cheekbones and was thought to

resemble a wolf bite.

The term erythematosus (from the Greek word for red) refers to the

color of the rash, and the term systemic is used because the disease

can affect organs and tissue throughout the body.

Treatment of SLE varies depending on the extent and severity of the

disease. Many therapies can suppress symptoms and relieve

discomfort. Milder treatments are usually effective for symptoms

such as fever, arthritis, pleurisy, mild kidney involvement,

inflammation of the tissue surrounding the heart, headaches, and

rash. More aggressive treatment is needed if there is serious disease

progression, evidenced by the following: hemolytic anemia, low

platelet count with an accompanying rash (thrombocytopenic purpura),

major involvement in the lungs or heart, significant kidney damage,

acute inflammation of the small blood vessels in the extremities or

gastrointestinal tract, or severe central nervous system symptoms.

Consider this:

Patients have reported benefits from certain herbs, such as Essiac

Tea (used in tea and other preparations).

White Willow Bark is a good anti-inflammatory that works like aspirin

(it is an ingredient in aspirin) with out side effects to the stomach

or gastrointestinal tract.

Cultivating a healthy diet low in saturated fats and high in whole

grains and fresh vegetables and fruits is essential. Obtaining most

proteins from vegetables, particularly soy, and avoiding dairy and

meat products may help protect the kidneys.

Patients should take extra calcium (1500 mg in divided doses,

a.m./p.m. and vitamin D, particularly if they are on corticosteroids.

Supplements of vitamins B12, B6, and folate may be necessary,

especially in people whose blood tests show high levels of

homocysteine. According to some studies, a diet rich in fruits and

vegetables can lower homocysteine levels. Homocysteines are a by

product of protein digestion. A normal level of homocysteine is

9mg/dl or less. 800 micrograms a day lowers homocysteine to normal

levels.

Exercise is safe. Take it slow and at your own pace.

Certain Chinese herbal formulas and acupuncture have been very

effective in treating symptoms and regulating the immune system. Seek

out a qualified herbalist/acupuncturist in your area. Please not, not

all acupuncturist are qualified herbalist. They should be board

certified in Chinese herbology.

Studies on foods containing omega-3 fatty acids, including fish oil

and flax seed, have been showing benefits for SLE patients. Take

1,000 mg of flaxseed or fish oil 2 times a day.

Researchers are also investigating compounds called indoles, also

known as mustard oil, which are found in broccoli, cabbage, Brussels

sprouts, cauliflower, kale, kohlrabi, collard and mustard greens,

rutabaga, turnips, and bok choy. Indoles stimulate enzymes that

convert estrogen to a more benign type. Eating vegetables certainly

will not cure SLE, but they offer many health benefits in general.

Patients should minimize their exposure to crowds or people with

contagious illnesses. Immunizations against influenza and

pneumococcal pneumonia are usually recommended, although flu shots

can cause flares. Careful dental hygiene is also important.

Simple preventative measures include avoiding overexposure to

ultraviolet rays and wearing protective clothing and sun blocks.

Allergy shots, which increase certain SLE antibodies, should be

avoided. In general, SLE patients should use only hypoallergenic

cosmetics or hair products.

Chronic stress has profound physical effects and influences the

progression of SLE. Patients should try to avoid undue emotional or

physical stress. Getting adequate rest of at least 8 hours and

possibly a nap during the day may be helpful. Maintaining social

relationships and healthy activities help prevent the depression and

anxiety associated with the disease.

Consider diffusing essential oils into the air such as Lavender,

Clary Sage or Chamomile when stressed.

Yoga breath exercises, deep breathing, makes a great difference in

any stressful situation.

March 28, 2007

Andrew,

Thank you so much for that answer. i will be talking to my sister in law this

weekend and seeing if this can help her in any way. hopefully it will.

Bazhena

" God has given me the greatest gift the gift of being noticed. "

yogiguruji

Tue, 27 Mar 2007 7:18 PM