Let us face it, there is no complete cure for lupus. But that does not mean that the situation is hopeless for those with lupus. Millions of people across the United States suffer from this condition. While the causes for this condition are still not clear, this much is clear that dealing with it needs the patient to take active interest and responsibility. There are different approaches and strategies to minimize the debilitating impact of this autoimmune disease on one’s life. It would be best to use a mixture of these strategies. Consult your physician to get the best mix of strategies for your case. Here are 11 strategies that will help you battle lupus.
Anti-inflammatory medication
For people suffering from lupus, the first line of defense is from anti-inflammatory medicines. This is because inflammation is the major symptom of this autoimmune disease. NSAIDS or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin or ibuprofen are mostly prescribed by doctors to be taken as and when necessary by the patient. However, it must be warned that NSAIDS have some negative side effects of their own which include stomach aches, nausea and bleeding. The doctor will prescribe specific NSAIDS based on the consultation with the patient. This strategy is best used in harmony with other strategies.
Herbal medicine
The best thing about herbal medicine is that it is completely natural. So, it will not have as many side effects and negative effects as other medications. Lupus patients often suffer from arthritic symptoms and herbal remedies could prove effective in inhibiting this arthritic inflammation. For instance, white willow bark contains aspirin like compounds which lessen pain while boswellia has long been used to treat arthritis. Similarly, curcumin from turmeric is known to tame pain and ginger relieves congestion and colds. These herbs can be used without any fear of adverse reactions. What’s more, many herbs can be grown at home itself.
Using immunosupressive drugs
Systemic lupus is an auto-immune disease resulting in the inflammation of body tissues and organs. This happens because the antibodies created by the immune system attack their own tissues and organs. Therefore, immunosupressive drugs, also known as cytotoxic drugs, would be helpful in stemming the attack by the immune system. They work very well in reducing inflammations and swellings. Azathioprine and cyclophosphamide are examples of such drugs. However, they should be taken only in consultation with your doctor for the immune system also should not be over-suppressed else it could lead to bleeding and serious infections. Those who choose to use this strategy should have their blood carefully and regularly monitored.
Mind body therapies
Relaxing and resting completely definitely helps one against lupus. It is here that mind-body therapies prove useful. One could enlist the services of a hypnotherapist to create a state of deep relaxation, focused attention and heightened concentration which makes the patient more receptive to suggestions. Or one could make use of guided imagery to manage stress. These methods make use of the mind to overrule the body and help to avoid stress from lupus. They have today come to be accepted even in the so called ‘scientific’ circles because people have come to realize that the body is not just what we see. It has much more to it.
Administering corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are much more powerful as compared to NSAIDS in reducing inflammations and relieving the pain. They are also much more effective. Corticosteroids can be taken orally, via injection or intravenously depending on the speed and effectiveness of the relief needed. They are usually administered on a need basis and the options of administering make them effective against lupus. However, corticosteroids have some serious side effects. People taking them become susceptible to weight gain, infections and thinning of the bones. It is therefore recommended that, on a regular basis, patients take the lowest dose possible of such medications. A dose of vitamin D and calcium supplements help to keep bones strong while taking corticosteroids.
Omega 3 fatty acids
Nutrition has been discovered as a route to reduce the impact of lupus in one’s life. Since lupus results in degeneration and inflammation of tissues and organs, foods which are rich in anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory substances are highly recommended. These include greens, fish oil, berries, olive oil and certain meats. Among these, fish oil is rich in the long chain omega 3 fatty acids which are effective against lupus. These have anti-immune and anti-inflammatory properties. Vitamin and mineral supplements also help in strengthening the body in a general and overall sense. Lupus treatments by medication often involve suppressing the immune system. Therefore, it would be good for the body to avoid diets that produce toxins in the kidney and liver. These include foods with lots of additives, junk foods, fried foods, grilled food and soft drinks.
Resting the body
Taking different medications and drugs is beneficial of course. However, for the drugs to be effective, rest plays a vital role. Not exerting oneself and getting plenty of rest at home is another good strategy for battling lupus because it keeps one away from stress. Rest will not reduce the aches, pains and inflammations. Instead, it will help in faster recovery from bouts. It will help patients suffering from active lupus feel good faster. Resting the muscles and joints will help to stockpile energy for future use. Resting at home also minimizes exposures to any external or foreign triggers of a lupus outbreak. This strategy is best used along with good diets. In fact, a diet targeted against lupus works best when the body is given sufficient rest.
Body cleansing
Body cleansing could be a strategy to fight against many diseases. In lupus, especially, cleansing the insides of the body also become important. For instance, the liver can house intra-hepatic stones which block bile flow. Dental toxins and parasites too could wreak havoc in a patient suffering from lupus. A cleansing strategy involves a bowel cleanse along with parasite cleanse, a dental check and clean up, kidney cleanse and a liver cleanse. Taking in a lot of water helps in flushing the kidneys in cleaning the whole system. Dental clean up takes a few years and bowel cleansing can be done annually. Sweating is a neat way of cleaning the body of toxins. A sauna bath and hot tea on a warm day can increase your sweating.
Using anti-malarial medication along with other medicines
Malaria is an infection of the malarial parasite which is transmitted by the female anopheles mosquito. The signs and symptoms of malaria are very similar to those of lupus where the patient suffers from body pains, fevers, back ache, jaundice and convulsions. It has been found that the antimalarial drug, hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), helps patients suffering from severe SLE (Systemic lupus erythematosus). This is because this drug reduces the inflammation in the tissues, skin and in the joints too. Lupus patients often experience a lot of fatigue and taking this anti-malarial along with other medicines help to reduce tiredness. Another important benefit of plaquenil is that it prevents blood clots that occur frequently in lupus patients.
Taking DHEA supplements
Dehydroepiandrosterone or DHEA, as it is called in everyday parlance, is the precursor of the male and female sex hormones, androgen and estrogen, produced by the adrenal gland. The Journal of Rheumatology reports the results of clinical studies in 1998 where DHEA supplements reduced the amount of anti-inflammatory medication necessary for a patient. DHEA has been shown to have specific activity against lupus, reducing inflammation, pain and lupus flares too. It also has a strengthening effect on the bones. Thus, it would definitely be a good strategy to take DHEA supplements that are easily available along with the corticosteroid medications. Another way of taking in DHEA could be through the diet. Soy and wild yam in the vegetarian section and chicken, turkey and steak among the meats have good levels of DHEA in them.
Exercising and doing physical activities
While many people recommend resting at home as a relaxing and rejuvenating strategy, there are others who recommend light exercise and physical activity to do the same. Physical activities have the ability to reduce accumulated stress and bring relief. That apart, exercise also keeps the joints supple and muscles nimble, reducing aches and pains that occur in lupus. There is no set of exercises to be done and they vary from individual to individual. The key is not to overdo them and stop exercising the minute they get tiring and achy. A simple walk or jog in the lap of nature can also bring in positive mental effects. Dancing, light aerobics and swimming for a while everyday could also do wonders. Physical activities also increase sweating and thus cleanse the body of salts and toxins.