Five Natural Treatments for Lupus

Here’s a list of 5 natural treatment for lupus such as omega-3 fatty acids, turmeric and ginger, vitamin D and calcium, exercises and antioxidants.

Here are five natural treatments for lupus that are abundant but may require consultation first with your rheumatoid doctor .

Natural remedies for lupus are also known to reliably reduce the symptoms manifested by this life-threatening disease. Lupus makes your immune system turn against organs and tissues of your body. It is known to trigger major health problems such as kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis and neurological dysfunctions. The disease can also cause damage to the lungs, heart, brain, skin, blood vessels and other parts of the body.

Why do you need natural treatments for lupus?  Immune suppressing drugs for the treatment of lupus usually have side effects such as increasing the risk of blood cancer. Another drug called plaquenil causes lingering side effects such as hair loss.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

One natural treatment for an autoimmune disease such as systemic lupus erythematosus is omega-3 fatty acids that are known to restrict inflammation and reduce symptoms of lupus.

Oily fishes such as salmon, halibut and sardines packed with tomato sauce contain omega-3 and should be consumed in large amounts. You can also take daily omega 3 supplements as an alternative.

Anti-Inflammatory Herbs

Anti-inflammatory herbs such as turmeric and ginger are considered to be helpful to lupus patients especially those with arthritis. Turmeric root contains curcumin which benefits  people with lupus nephritis.

Vitamin and Mineral Supplements

Daily vitamin D and calcium supplements can strengthen the bones of lupus sufferers who are taking inflammation fighting drugs such as corticosteriods.

Vitamin D is also very helpful for lupus patients with less chances for sun exposure. Ultraviolet rays tend to affect lupus patients as well.

Relaxation Exercises

The stress created by lupus may be reliably dealt with through hypnotherapy and guided imagery which are considered to be mind-body therapies. Lupus stress can also be alleviated through lots of sleep and regular exercise which are also considered effective natural remedies for lupus. However, the right amount of exercise should be advised by a medical expert. It is very important that lupus patients will not over exercise since this may also affect their present condition

Subjecting lupus patients to aerobic exercises as well as a range of motion/muscle strengthening exercises will show improvement in functional status, fatigue, cardiovascular fitness as well as muscle fitness. Patients who regularly exercise also manifested increased bone turnover while bone mineral density was unchanged.

Antioxidants

Other natural remedies for lupus are antioxidants. You can find them in daily intake of one glass of green tea with EGCG everyday in the morning as well as in cordyceps mushroom extract. Limited intake of lipoic acid, another antioxidant, is also suggested for lupus patients.