5 Adjunct Home Treatment For Lupus

Do consult your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment of this condition. Use home remedies just as an adjunct treatment.Lupus is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the body’s tissues as it cannot distinguish its own tissues from foreign invaders. This disease occurs more commonly in women than men.The most common type of lupus is systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The exact cause of this disease is not known, but experts believe it is usually a combination of genetics and environmental factors. Plus, chronic infections, stress, certain medications and even sunlight can trigger lupus.

Lupus is an illness with many faces as it can involve all the body’s organs including the heart, lungs, kidneys, blood vessels, brain, joints and skin.Thus, it can cause a variety of symptoms like fatigue, joint pain, swelling, muscle pain, low-grade fever, enlarged lymph nodes, chest pain, shortness of breath, fluid retention, headaches, photosensitivity and a butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and nose.The symptoms tend to come and go. They can vary from person to person and may even change over time. Lupus can also cause life-threatening complications like cardiovascular disease and kidney problems in some people.

* Turmeric

The active ingredient curcumin in turmeric has been found to be effective in the prevention as well as treatment of inflammatory autoimmune diseases including lupus.

- Use turmeric in your daily diet. Drinking turmeric milk is a great option. To prepare it, add 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder to 1 cup of milk and boil it. Sweeten it with a little raw honey and drink it once or twice daily.

- Another option is to take this herb in supplement form after consulting your doctor. The general recommendation is 400 to 600 mg, 3 times a day.

* Ginger

Ginger is another wonder spice useful in treating lupus with arthritic symptoms. It has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help relieve joint pain and swelling.

- Include ginger in your diet by using it in your cooking. You can also juice a 1-inch piece of fresh ginger root and add it to fresh fruit and vegetable juices.
- Another option is to take ginger supplements. For proper dosage and suitability, consult your doctor.

* Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Some small studies have found that the eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in omega-3 fatty acids can help improve lupus symptoms, thanks to their anti-inflammatory effects.

- Include foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids in your diet. Some such foods are cold-water fish like salmon, sardines, mackerel, tuna and herring; ground flaxseeds; chia seeds; and walnuts.
- You can also take fish oil supplements after consulting your doctor.

* Probiotics

Probiotics are beneficial gut bacteria that play an important role in the immune system development. They help extend the length of lupus remission and reduce flare-up frequency.

- Eat cultured and fermented foods like yogurt with live cultures, acidophilus milk, kefir, miso, tempeh and sauerkraut as they are rich in probiotics.
- You can also take probiotic supplements after consulting your doctor.

* Exercise

Exercise plays an important role in improving health, especially for lupus patients. Regular moderate exercise helps prevent fatigue and joint stiffness.A small pilot study published in 2000 in the journal Arthritis Care and Research found that aerobics and gentle range-of-motion exercises help improve fatigue, muscle strength and cardiovascular health in people suffering from lupus without worsening their condition.

- Do low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, cycling, gentle range-of-motion exercises, stretching, low-impact aerobics or water aerobics daily. They are not likely to put pressure on your joints.
- You can also try tai chi.