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.
Cat's claw, black walnut, omega-3 fatty acids and flaxseed oil are
helpful to lessen inflammation. Colloidal silver may be used as an
antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-arthritic remedy.
NOTE: many lupus patients are on several different Western
medications. Before starting any herbal regime, please consider
consulting an herbalist with experience in this disorder. Herbal
medicine can be taken safely when used two hours before or after
Western medicine to avoid side effects.
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 of the B vitamin, folate, 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.
In a 1997 meta-analysis of 17 studies on acupuncture and lupus
discovered that acupuncture seems to lessen and even relieve the
pain associated with inflammatory diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid
arthritis, and local and progressive systemic scleroderma.
Seek out a qualified herbalist/acupunctu rist in your area.
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.
Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac
Therapies for healing
mind, body, spirit
No comments:
Post a Comment