Lupus

WHAT IS LUPUS?

Lupus Erythematosus is a serious autoimmune disease that affects the body’s connective tissues.  Lupus Erythematosus occurs when the body produces abnormal antibodies that attack normal body tissue as if it were a foreign invader and for this reason it is called an autoimmune disease because the body begins to attack itself and degrade connective tissues.  This process eventually causes an increased production of inflammatory cells which hinders the immune and lymphatic systems which are needed to help the system mop up the by products of inflammation.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF LUPUS

  • inflammation and swelling
  • pain
  • fever
  • muscle weakness and joint pain
  • fatigue
  • skin rashes on the face and cheeks (butterfly rash and scaly skin)
  • high blood pressure (compromised kidney function)
  • nervous anxiety and depression
  • anaemia
  • low platelet and white blood cell count (bleeding, blood clots, bruising)
  • generalised oedema
  • ulcers
  • lung inflammation (pleurisy).

CAUSES OF LUPUS

Lupus is often a very debilitating condition and is difficult to treat as the exact cause is unknown and is speculated to be linked to genetics, medications, hormones or viruses.

MEDICAL TREATMENT OF LUPUS

Lupus is often a very debilitating condition and is difficult to treat as the exact cause is unknown and is speculated to be linked to genetics, medications, hormones or viruses. Most orthodox treatment programs aim at relieving the pain using anti-inflammatory medications (non-steroidal anti-inflammatorys) and to suppress the hyper-functioning immune system (Corticosteroids).

LIFESTYLE FACTORS FOR LUPUS

  • Reduce stress by exercising, deep breathing, stress management practices, yoga and/ or meditation
  • Address underlying immune weakness
  • Try other forms of alternative medicine such as Acupuncture, Vibrational Medicine, Reiki and/ or Homoeopathy and please see a Naturopath who will provide you with the ongoing support and advice this condition requires. Often there are many systems in the body which have been impacted upon and they need appropriate management
  • Support Kidney function as any long term autoimmune condition affects the vitality of the Kidney meridian system and further depletes the health and vitality of the immune system

NATURAL REMEDIES FOR LUPUS

  • Fish Oils may be an effective as the Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) naturally contained in the oil reduces the production of prostaglandin E2 and thereby has a potent anti-inflammatory effect. Fish oil is also beneficial for skin irritations and rashes by providing the skin with moisturising oils
  • Antioxidants such as Zinc, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin A, Lipoic acid and Selenium are beneficial to support the immune system to scavenge free radicals that contribute to inflammation. Herbs which are rich in potent anti-oxidants are Japanese Knotweed, Grape Seed, Olive leaf, Oregon Grape root, Milk Thistle, Turmeric and Green Tea
  • Natural anti-inflammatory herbs may provide symptomatic relief from the associated pain and inflammation, herbs such as Reishi mushrooms, Licorice, Cordyceps, Boswellia, Cramp Bark and White Willow have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects
  • The family of B Vitamins including Inositol, Folic acid and Biotin may alleviate Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) lesions and support the nervous system
  • Use Colloidal Silver internally and topically on the skin due to its antibacterial, antiviral and immune supporting properties
  • Nervous system herbs may be of benefit to help reduce the effects of the stress hormones (Adrenalin and Cortisol) on the kidneys and nervous system as well as providing symptomatic relief of nervous anxiety. The following herbs may be used – Withania, Astragalus, Sacred Basil, Chamomile, Kava, Passionflower, Oats, Magnolia and Vervain