Treatments for Lupus

Lupus is an autoimmune disorder for which there is no cure. For some, lupus causes minor inconveniences, but for others, the disease can be life-threatening. The only option for those who have lupus is to manage the symptoms. A doctor might prescribe medications to increase your comfort. You may, however, be able to manage the symptoms of lupus with natural remedies. Talk to your doctor to find out which treatments for lupus might work best for your symptoms. The following remedies can have a major impact on the symptoms associated with lupus.

Diet

The food you eat can have a significant impact on your lupus symptoms. Most people consume processed foods comprised primarily of fat, carbohydrates and other harmful substances. Once the doctor diagnoses a person with lupus, it is a good idea to undertake diet changes. Focus on organic foods and stay away from processed junk food. Food choices, such as organic plant-based foods, grass-fed meats, as well as healthy oils, can dramatically improve the symptoms you experience with lupus.

Exercise

We all know that exercise does a body good. This is especially true if you have lupus. Light to moderate exercise has been shown to decrease lupus symptoms dramatically. You should speak with your doctor before beginning any kind of exercise regime to ensure there are no complications. Most people will feel better with regular light exercise such as walking each day.

Stay Away From Fluoride

It is possible that fluoride can exacerbate the symptoms associated with lupus. Therefore, it is best to avoid it wherever possible. If your jurisdiction fluoridates your drinking water, it may be necessary to install a water purification system to remove the fluoride. You should also try to stick with organic foods since many non-organic fruits and vegetables are treated with pesticides which almost always contain fluoride.

Essential Oils

Essential oils have been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments. There are many different essential oils used to treat different symptoms. You should experiment with several different oils to determine which ones work best for the symptoms with which your dealing. The benefit of essential oils is that you can treat a variety of symptoms with no side effects.

Proper Rest

If you want to have sufficient energy and not let lupus get you down, you have to get a sufficient amount of rest. If you try to do too much at one time and wear yourself out, your immune system is going to work harder. This is something you want to avoid. You should aim to get at least eight hours of sleep every day. If you’re feeling tired, then you should also try to work in a nap. This will help keep your energy up which is vital if you have lupus.

Dietary Supplements

Certain dietary supplements can improve the symptoms of lupus. Flaxseed can lower inflammation within the body. Vitamin B6 can block some of the toxins caused by medications. Vitamin E can help protect the heart and lessen inflammation of the lungs. Fish oil is believed to lessen many of the symptoms associated with lupus. There are many other supplements you can use to treat your symptoms. It is a good idea to talk with your doctor to ensure it is safe for you to take certain supplements.

Therapeutic Massage

Many people who have lupus experience muscle and joint pain. Massage can be very beneficial for relieving the discomfort of this symptom. If lupus mainly affects your skin, you may want to avoid a deep massage to ensure there is no unnecessary bruising or bleeding. Use a licensed massage therapist who is familiar with lupus.

Herbal Treatments

Certain herbs help to improve lupus symptoms. Herbal treatments have been around for centuries and have been used to treat every condition imaginable. Herbal treatments that have been most successful in treating lupus symptoms include Feverfew, Pau d’Arco and Goldenseal. Before adding any kind of herbal treatment to your lupus symptom management regime, you should talk with your doctor.

Visit a Chiropractor

Many people with lupus have seen much improvement by visiting a chiropractor. Regular visits to a chiropractor can keep joints mobile and connective tissue limber. This can go a long way in providing much-needed relief from the symptoms of lupus. Chiropractic care for lupus is controversial, but a majority of those with lupus claim it helps immensely.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an age-old remedy to treat a myriad of conditions. There are not many studies to show the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating lupus. But, the studies that are available show that acupuncture is effective in treating many of the symptoms associated with lupus.