Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that causes widespread inflammation. Autoimmune diseases are caused by the body’s immune system incorrectly identifying safe, normal cells and substances as dangerous invaders. The immune system ends up attacking normal cells and causing widespread inflammation.
Inflammation can lead to a wide range of physical and neurological diseases including arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, irritable bowel syndrome, cancer, allergies, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and many more. If you have been diagnosed with lupus, then it is very important to control the inflammation that can lead to these devastating and potentially deadly diseases.
Lupus sufferers most often develop arthritis and/or inflammation of the heart. Lupus may start out by inflaming one organ or organ system and then spreading to involve other organs. If lupus antibodies are present in the cells of the kidneys, it can lead to lupus nephritis, which requires treatment by dialysis or kidney transplant. It is so important to manage the inflammation that can eventually reduce your quality of life, take away your ability to conceive, or cause premature death.
The first step in beating lupus is to change your diet and lifestyle. Avoiding pro-inflammatory foods, food additives, and environmental triggers is a great place to start. Daily exercise and getting enough rest are helpful in combating inflammation as well. Too much sleep and not enough exercise can make inflammation worse, so try to establish a healthy routine that works well for your body.
If you are planning to conceive, it is important to work closely with a doctor. Symptoms of lupus should be kept under control without medication for a few months before conception. The chances of having a successful and normal pregnancy are greatly increased if you conceive during this inactive phase of lupus. This is because pregnancy often calms the immune system. If the immune system of someone diagnosed with lupus is calm at the time of conception, then the chances of staying calm during pregnancy are greatly increased.
Many food additives such as artificial colors, monosodium glutamate (MSG), artificial sweeteners and preservatives can cause inflammation to worsen. People with lupus should look for foods that contain all natural ingredients or avoid prepackaged meals all together. Exposure to chemicals, such as household cleaners, candles, medications, cigarette smoke, fresh paint, new carpet, smog, and certain cosmetics are known to worsen the symptoms of lupus.
Eating foods and taking vitamins and supplements that combat inflammation can help you keep your lupus under control. Sugar, food additives, and saturated fats are pro-inflammatory. Anti-inflammatory choices include olive oil, omega-3 essential fatty acids (found in nuts, canola oil, and some fish), lean protein (not including red meats), soy protein, and antioxidant rich fruits and vegetables.
Taking a daily multi-vitamin can help reduce inflammation by giving your body the extra nutrients and support that is needed when you have inflammation. Inflammation quickly uses up certain vitamins, especially vitamin C, which is actually your best protection from lupus. Vitamin C clears out free radicals, chemicals, and other irritants that can cause lupus flare-ups. Vitamin C forms a protective barrier around healthy cells to protect them from your overactive immune system. Vitamin C also calms the immune response and reduces inflammation.
Using the best vitamin C, like a buffered vitamin C powder, can aid in absorption and help you to avoid stomach irritation. Lupus sufferers often have a much higher need for vitamin C because their bodies use it so quickly. Ask your doctor about the proper recommended daily dosage that is right for you and buy discount vitamins or wholesale vitamins online to save money.
About the Author: Phil Le Breton is the owner at Wholesale Nutrition. He has a strong interest in helping people achieve greater brain and body health with wholesale vitamins and supplements. Wholesale Nutrition has the best discount vitamins and wholesale supplements on the market (C-Salts). Visit http://www.nutri.com to buy discount supplements of the highest quality.
