Lupus treatment: Every victim should try these natural remedies

Lupus is a complex and poorly understood condition that affects many parts of the body. It develops when body’s immune system attacks own healthy tissue and organs,  for reasons not well understood. The symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening.

Using natural remedies to treat lupus involves multi-pronged strategy; ranging from wise food selection to healthy lifestyle. Natural remedies help lupus patients relieve and reduce the severity of the condition without creating any side-effect complications. This treatment protocol involves following;

Anti-inflammatory diet

Healthy and unprocessed food is vital for managing lupus naturally, because such food helps reducing inflammation that may stem from poor gut health. Other important benefits come with this food are reduction in complications like heart disease, builds energy and strength, and most importantly it is free of side effects that accompanies medication.

The best food options for lupus include;

Organic and unprocessed foods: they help reduce exposure to synthetic additives, toxins and pesticides that usually are found in non-organic foods.

Raw vegetables: plays an critical role in digestion improvement and inflammation reduction.

Wild caught fish: they are rich source of omega-3 fats that enhance body’s resistance to fight against inflammation, prevent heart disease and relieve pain.

Sources include salmon, sardines, herring, mackerel, tuna and halibut.

High anti-oxidant foods: they include leafy greens, garlic, onions, asparagus, avocado and berries. These foods are high in fiber, vitamin C, selenium, magnesium and potassium that help prevent free radical damage, repair possible damage to the joints and lower fatigue.

Bone broth: it can help to reduce autoimmune and inflammatory symptoms that are associated with lupus. A daily usage of eight to 16 ounces of bone broth as a beverage or as part of a soup can prove very effective in easing lupus misery.

Foods with moisturizing content

Skin irritation and dryness are very commonly associated with lupus, certain foods can help relieve these problems. Foods to help moisturize skin from inside out include;

·         avocado

·      nuts and seeds like chia, flax, walnuts and almonds (also great sources of fiber and omega-3s)

·         coconut oil and olive oil

·         wild-caught fish

·         raw milk

·         cucumbers and melon

·         drinking plenty of water and herbal tea and green tea

Exercise

A research that is published in the Journal of the Arthritis Health Professionals Association recommends exercise for treating lupus for many reasons. Exercise lowers stress, helps with sleep quality, makes your heart and lungs stronger, strengthens bones, lowers joint pain, improves flexibility and range of motion, and lowers risk for complications.

Another research by the National Institute of Physical Activity and Sport Science in Spain has found that “physical exercise is a useful tool for improving cardiovascular fitness, reducing metabolic abnormalities and fatigue, and improving quality of life in people with lupus.”

Lupus can cause chronic fatigue, electrolyte imbalances and anemia; therefore an exercise should be started slowly, remember any overexertion may end you with more problems rather than bringing health benefits.  After every work out, give your body an appropriate rest to recover and eat within a short window after exercising. People with lupus can greatly benefit from following 20 – 30 minutes exercises at once: brisk walking, swimming, water aerobics, tai chi, yoga, cycling, Pilates or using an elliptical machine.

Stress reduction

Research shows that psychological and emotional stress may lead to lupus or bring about a lupus flare-up by increasing inflammatory responses. Systematic lupus erythematosus can affect central nervous system causing severe psychological distress and anxiety.

Different things may be useful to relieve stress in different people; it means you need to do some experimenting to figuring out what works for you. Many people find meditation, yoga and acupuncture as treatments worth considering since they bring numerous benefits to body and mind. Other ways to help manage stress include spending time in nature, breathing techniques, exercising, praying, reading, joining a support group, and seeing a therapist.

Getting enough sleep and rest

Fatigue has been identified by 53 to 80 percent of lupus patients as one of their primary symptoms, according to a research published in the International Journal for Clinical Rheumatology. Fatigue is a big hurdle for most people with lupus, therefore it is very critical for them to have enough quality sleep every night and rest during the day time.

In order to keep their energy level up, most people with lupus need 8 to 9 hours 

sleep every night, even some may also need to take a short nap during the day time. Insomnia may result as a side effect of lupus due to increased anxiety levels or due to oversleeping during the day time.

Tips for reducing and dealing with fatigue caused by lupus include:

·         Try going to bed before 10 p.m. every night.

·   Stick to a regular sleep/wake schedule in order to regulate your circadian  rhythm and fall asleep more easily.

·       Sleep a cool, very dark room, and avoid artificial lights from electronics at least    one to two hours before bed.

·         Give yourself 10–15 minutes in the morning to breath and be still in order to wake  up calmly.

·         Always eat a substantial breakfast to give you energy in the morning.

·         Cut back or eliminate caffeinated drinks.

·         Try doing something active in the morning to get your heart rate up.

·         Make a schedule for the day to stay organized and calm, leaving yourself time for  short breaks.

Protecting and healing sensitive skin

Cutaneous lupus erythematosus is the type of lupus that have a wide range of dermatological symptoms. Studies show that up to 90 percent of people with lupus develop skin rashes and legions, including a “butter-fly shaped” rash that covers the cheeks and nose.

It is possible patient may develop other symptoms that appear in the form of skin lesions, red skin, itchiness, peeling and a very high level of sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity).

In the case of skin lesions, patients might find that as one lesion/patch goes away another one starts to appear and form a scale, usually at the same time that symptoms like fatigue and joint pain increase.

Underlying inflammatory response is believed to be associated with skin rashes in lupus patients. Therefore it’s critically important to protect sensitive skin from irritants and also the sun if skin starts to show signs of a rash, hives or redness. Skin inflammation worsens by the use of certain chemicals in household or beauty products (like lotions, detergents, washes and makeup) that in turn makes dryness and itchiness worse. Tips for helping to heal and protect sensitive skin caused by lupus include:

·         Avoid direct sunlight during peak hours of the day, especially from 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

·         Wear non-toxic sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or higher.

·         Wear sunglasses and a hat.

·         Use a humidifier in your bedroom to help keep skin moist.

·     Switch from conventional beauty and household products to those that are organic and made with natural ingredients like coconut oil, jojoba oil, shea butter and essential oils.

·         Avoid very hot showers, and instead make the water lukewarm.

·     Take baths with colloidal oatmeal powder for extra moisture and then lubricate skin right away afterward.

·         Spritz dry skin throughout the day with mineral water.

·         Consume plenty of vitamin E or take a supplement.

·        Avoid wearing antiperspirants, perfumes, scented lotions and chemical-containing makeup.

Supplements

The supplements that come from natural sources help reduce nutrient deficiency and lower inflammation without any side-effects.

Omega-3 fish oil (2,000 milligrams daily): EPA/DHA in fish oil are critical for reducing inflammation.

Green superfood supplement: ideally includes antioxidants and chlorella or spirulina. This works by alkalizing the body, providing electrolytes, boosting liver and kidney functions, and providing healing nutrients.

Turmeric: works similarly to steroid drugs used to combat inflammation and pain.