Information and facts on Lupus

 

Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects many organs in the body. 90% of the Lupus cases are women and Asian women have increased risk. Lupus usually starts in ages 15-35 but can occur at other  ages. The following symptoms may occur with lupus: abnormal urine, arthritis, rash on cheeks, sun  sensitivity, mouth sores, seizures or psychosis, low white blood cell count, specific antibody in blood that can be tested for which occurs in 50% of people with lupus. Many people with lupus also have Raynaud's syndrome.

Lupus is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease which means that it happens when the immune mechanism forms antibodies which attack the body's own tissues. Many experts believe that it is due to an unidentified virus. By this theory, the immune system develops antibodies in response to the virus that then turn on the body's own organs and tissues. This produces inflammation of the skin, blood vessels, joints, and other tissues. Heredity and sex hormones are other possible factors involved. This disease was named lupus, which means "wolf," because many people who have the disease develop a butterfly shaped rash over the cheeks and nose and they have a wolf like appearance. Over 90% of people who get lupus are women, and women of Asian background appear to be at much greater risk of developing lupus than other women. It normally develops between 15 and 35 years of age, but it may happen at any age There are two forms of lupus - SLE "systemic lupus erythematosus" and DLE "discoid lupus eryfhmatosus". As the name indicates, SLE is a systemic disease that affects many different areas of the human body. The severity can range from mild to life threatening. The first symptoms of many cases of SLE resemble those of arthritis, with swelling and pain in the fingers and other joints. The disease may also appear suddenly with acute fever The characteristic red rash may appear across the cheeks; there may also be red, scaling lesions anywhere on the body. Sores may form in the mouth. The lungs and kidneys are often involved. Approximately 50% of those with SLE develop nephritis or inflammation of the kidneys. In very serious cases, the brain, lungs, spleen, and/or heart may also be affected. SLE can cause anemia and inflammation of the surface membranes of the heart and lungs. It can also cause excessive bleeding and increased risk of infections. If the person's central nervous system is involved, seizures, amnesia, psychosis, and deep depression may occur. The discoid type of lupus is a less serious disease that primarily affects the skin. The characteristic butterfly rash forms over the nose and cheeks. There may also be lesions elsewhere, normally on the ears and scalp, and these lesions may occur over and over again sometimes for years. The lesions are small, soft yellowish lumps. When they disappear, they will often leave scars. If these scars form on the scalp, permanent bald patches may result. While DLE is not necessarily dangerous to overall health, it is a chronic and disfiguring skin disease. Some experts have related it to a reaction to infection with the tubercle bacillus. Both types of lupus follow a pattern of periodic flare ups alternating with periods of remission. Exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays can result in a flare up of DLE and may even trigger the first attack. Fatigue, pregnancy, childbirth, infection, some drugs, stress, unidentified viral infections, and chemicals may also cause a flare up. Drug induced cases usually clear up when the drug is discontinued. According to the ARA "American Rheumatism Association", 4 of the following 8 symptoms must occur, either serially or at the same time, before a diagnosis can be made:

1. Arthritis
2. Mouth sores
3. Butterfly type rash on the cheeks
4. Sun sensitivity
5. Seizures or psychosis
6. Abnormal cells in the urine
7. Low white blood cell count, low platelet count, or hemolytic anemia
8. The presence in the blood of a specific antibody that is found in 50% of people with lupus

A kidney biopsy may be needed to diagnose lupus related nephritis.

Other Changes To Make

• drink 6-8 glasses of steam distilled or filtered water a day

• eat 50% raw fruits and vegetables (organic is best)

• nuts, seeds, and whole grains are good

• juice is good (make your own with a juice machine)

• do not worry as much about calories as eating the right foods

• carrot and celery sticks are good to use as a snack

• a colon cleansing can be very helpful - (do several times each year)

• do not drink coffee, alcohol, soda pop, other junk food drinks

• do not eat processed foods white sugar, white flour, etc...

• use stress relief like going for walks in the park (or the 10/90 rule - see Stress)

• brown rice is good to eat

• avoid red meat and animal fats

• reduce dairy products cheese, milk, and others

• fast a few days a month

• get at least 8 hours of sleep 

• exercise light to moderate amounts

• avoid artificial sweeteners like Aspartame and NutraSweet

• do not smoke and avoid second hand smoke

• do not skip meals - just eat better and not as much at each meal

• do not chew gum - it can cause you to feel hungry

• do not watch too much TV try reading a book or something else

All information presented on these web pages is not meant to diagnose, prescribe, or to administer to any physical ailments.
In all matters related to your health please contact a qualified, licensed Medical Consultant or Doctor.