DR. WALKER

What is Lupus?

Systemic Lupus Erythematous also known as “Lupus” is a chronic autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation in any part of the body. It is often very difficult to make the initial diagnosis, despite there being more than 16,000 new cases annually. It is thought that lupus may be triggered by an infection for which antibodies are produced. These antibodies however may begin to attack healthy tissues resulting in chronic inflammation and other tissue damage. Lupus, like other autoimmune diseases, can run in families and affects more women than men. Other contributing factor of lupus may also include hormonal, genetics, and possibly environmental factors.

What are typical presentations of lupus?

• Extreme fatigue: More than 80% of the people who suffer from lupus list fatigue as a common symptom. One main part of the problem is that patients with lupus have joint/muscle pain which is inflamed and may be the cause of the fatigue. Additionally, patients often report poor sleep hygiene, stress, and substance abuse which may also lead to fatigue.

• Joint pain: Of the people who suffer from lupus, more than 95% of them suffer from pain and swelling in the joints, and often, it is the musculoskeletal disorders that start to result from chronic fatigue.

• Kidney problems: One out of two people living with lupus may develop a condition known as lupus nephritis. This is a serious condition in which the kidneys become inflamed, and for many, this is the first noticeable symptom as their ankles and feet begin to swell.

• Skin rashes: The rash of lupus is termed “butterfly rash” which may extend across the bridge of the nose onto the cheeks. Rashes could likewise involve other parts of the body.

• Abdominal disorders: Gastrointestinal reflux disease is a common symptom in many people with lupus. Lupus causes inflammation of the esophagus, which then leads to difficulty swallowing, also known as dysphasia. This causes stomach acid to reflux back into the esophagus, causing heartburn. Remember also other parts of the gastrointestinal system including the pancreas, liver, gallbladder, and bile duct may be involved.

• Brain and nervous system: When the brain is involved, it often presents with a headache or visual problems and may include strokes or seizures.

What are some complications of lupus?

The organ systems that may be affected due to complications of lupus include the kidneys, lungs, thyroid, heart, and gastrointestinal systems.

Self-Care Tips:

Multivitamins/supplements are important in managing inflammation associated with lupus, so be certain that your vitamin D levels are maximized at 80 to 100 ng/ml. Increase omega-3 fatty acids, specifically, eating more oily fish such as salmon and sardines. EPA/DHA is profoundly beneficial in managing inflammation.

Avoid oils such as:

•Canola oil:
•Corn oil
•Cottonseed oil
•Grapeseed oil
•Safflower oil
•Soy oil
•Sunflower oil.

Better options for oils include:

•Olive oil
•Coconut oil
•Macadamia oil
•MCT oil
•Avocado oil
•Perilla oil
•Walnut oil
•Red palm oil
•Sesame oil
•Flavored cod liver oil

Remove milk/milk products as best as you can from your diet. Gluten, added sugars, and foods high in sodium can also make symptoms worse. Try to increase foods that are a natural anti-inflammatory, such as turmeric/curcumin, green tea, and ginger.

Finally, remember that lupus is a multisystem disorder that may have periods where symptoms worsen. That being said, it is important to integrate different strategies, to include yoga, hypnosis and meditation to your treatment plan. Be certain to discuss with your provider as you integrate some of these methods into your care.