Early Warning Signs Of Lupus And Its Self-Management

Lupus, also known as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), is an inflammatory disorder where your immune system attacks your tissues. It affects multiple parts and organs of your body that include the joints, skin, and kidneys. This autoimmune condition is unpredictable, and it may affect anyone, at any age, and the severity of its symptoms varies from patient to patient.

Who Is at More Risk?

It can affect people of all age-groups, but women are more prone to lupus, particularly in the fertile age SLE. It is commonly observed between the ages of 15 and 44. During childbearing age, hormonal changes are very common hence women are more prone to develop such conditions.

Early prevention can help you prevent lupus from spreading to the organs, such as the heart, brain, lungs, kidney, and endocrine glands.

Types of Lupus

Here are some types of lupus that you should know.

1. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
2. Cutaneous
3. Neonatal
4. Drug-induced

The Main Effect of Lupus on Your Life Are

• A butterfly-shaped rash on the cheeks and chest.
• Extremely tired and fatigue.
• Headache
• Swelling and pain in the joints
• Fever
• Anemia
• Swelling of the limbs
• Hair loss
• Rash
• Raynaud’s disease (White or blue discoloration of the extremities due to cold exposure)
• Photosensitivity (particularly to the sunlight)
• Edema (water retention in the hands, feet, and face)
• Ulcers in the nose and mouth

The symptoms of lupus often mimic those of lung, bone, heart, or muscle disease as well as rheumatoid arthritis, Lyme disease, diabetes, blood disorders, fibromyalgia, and blood disorders. So, lupus is found associated with and autoimmune and hormonal disorders.

Diagnosis of Lupus: 

SLE can be diagnosed with the assessment of the symptoms and physical examination.

Tests that are recommended for confirmation are:

1. X-ray
2. Lab Blood test

5 Underlying Causes of Lupus

1. Leakage from the Gut

• Gut is semi-permeable that allows small molecules to pass through the intestine and absorb nutrients, but, in the condition of leakage, it affects the immunity adversely.
• It causes intolerance to food.

2. Gluten Intolerance

• Gluten intolerance causes digestive disturbance which results in behavioral issues, fatigue, and depression.

3. Toxins

• Heavy metal, such as mercury, are toxic to our bodies and affects the patient’s autoimmunity, thereby resulting in inflammation.

4. Infections

• Infections from bacteria, viruses, or other toxins are responsible for the development of conditions, such as lupus, and they are also responsible as a triggering factor for lupus.

5. Stress

• Emotional and physical stress triggers and increases the intensity of autoimmune disorders.
• It leads to chronic inflammation and illness.

Self-Care and Management of Lupus:

1. Sun protection.

Avoid direct exposure to the sunlight, and use SPF sunscreen before going outside.

2. Diet

A proper diet helps you rule out the intensity and frequency of many symptoms of lupus.

3. Lifestyle modification

A positive attitude and awareness with self-management will help you to deal with all negative responses of your immunity.

Best Homecare Tips and Foods You Should Add to Your Lupus Diets

You must consult your doctor once before you start following these homecare tips when suffering from lupus because the severity of symptoms differs from patient to patient.

1. Add Turmeric to Your Diet

Turmeric contains curcumin, which is very effective for autoimmune diseases. Turmeric milk with honey acts well in treating Lupus. But, it needs to be avoided if you are having gallbladder complications.

2. Eat Ginger

It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidants properties that help in reducing the pain and swelling of the body and joints.

3. Opt for Coconut oil

It balances negative responses of the immune system of your body.

4. Go for Epsom Salt Bath

Epsom salt bath reduces tiredness and fatigue and improves magnesium absorption in the body. It detoxifies your body and reduces the pain and inflammation of the body.

5. Use Basil Leaves

Tulsi or basil leaves is a herb rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, and it helps improve organ function.

6. Add Flaxseeds to Your Diet

Flaxseeds are very effective in treating lupus. They are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, reduce inflammation, and act well on renal failure.

7. Opt for Rich Sources of Iron Foods 

Eating iron-fortified cereals, green leafy vegetables, fish, and other foods that are abundant in iron reduces the risk of anemia.

8. Have Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Diet: Omega-3 fatty acids work well on the symptoms of lupus. Plenty of fish containing omega-3 fatty acids should be included in the diet.

9. Consume Foods Abundant in Antioxidants

Foods, such as sweet potatoes, apricots, and berries, are good sources of antioxidants and natural healers of lupus. So, increase your intake of foods rich in antioxidants.

10. Use Apple Cedar Vinegar

Including apple cedar vinegar in your diet is effective in treating lupus. It helps in the absorption of nutrients and acts as a detox of the body.

11. Have Vitamins:

Manage your lupus with supplements and vitamins

• Vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin E, Zinc, Vitamin A, and Vitamin B, are very beneficial in managing Lupus
• Have Vitamin C: It helps increase your ability to absorb other nutrients and Iron
• Vitamin D & Calcium are helpful to reduce the risk of osteoporosis in case of vitamin deficiency due to avoiding the sunlight

Here are some care tips that you should follow when you have lupus.

• Avoid excess intake of protein abundant foods, as it may be dangerous for your kidneys.
• Consult your dietician or doctor for consuming the proper quantity of proteins daily.
• Avoid soya products as they seem to make lupus symptoms worse
• Avoid Alfalfa sprouts, as they may trigger the symptoms of lupus to flare-up
• Avoid Caffeine, as it reduces the amount of iron in the body and may lead to anemia.

Conventional Treatment for Lupus:

• Doctors usually prescribe corticosteroids, such as prednisone, to treat lupus.

Homeopathic Treatment for Lupus:

Homeopathic treatment for SLE focuses on improving the quality of life by controlling the symptoms and minimizing the flare-ups. Homeopathy is not only effective in treating lupus but also does not cause any side-effects.

Bottom line:

• Self-awareness and lifestyle modifications are necessary as most of the patients live a happy and healthy life after making such changes when they have Lupus.
• Stop masking yourself with the short-lasting treatments and the harsh medication along with the steroids.
• Get to the root cause of the autoimmune disorder and treat yourself with a gentle treatment, such as homeopathic treatment for lupus, so that you can get back to life soon.
• With the above tips, reverse your condition naturally by using simple lifestyle modifications tips.