Home Remedies to Treat Lupus: Foods for Natural Treatment

A butterfly shaped rash on the face is usually the key sign of an auto immune disease called lupus. The progress and course of the disorder is unpredictable, however, several diet prescriptions and simple home remedies can help ease the symptoms and delay the progression of the disease.

 

Butterfly Skin Rash
and Lupus

What is Lupus?

Lupus is an auto immune disease, wherein, the cells of the immune system erroneously attack the healthy cells of the body. It is a chronic condition which is characterized by flare-ups and remissions. It causes a wide array of manifestations in various parts of the body. By and large, women are more prone to develop this condition than men. The condition is rather rare, and many sufferers don’t even know that they have; though it is a serious disease.

Common manifestations of the disease are:

• Skin rashes
• Pain, inflammation and swelling of the joints which mimics symptoms of arthritis
• Fever
• Fatigue and exhaustion
• Hair loss
• Blurring of the vision
• Swollen glands

The most preliminary symptom of the disease is a butterfly shaped rash on the face; it appears typically over the cheeks and bridge of the nose. Those suffering from lupus have a very strong tendency to sunburn.

What Causes Lupus?

The functioning of the immune system goes wrong and it produces abnormal cells that travel through the body, attacking healthy cells. The exact and precise cause of the condition is not yet known. Certain infections, sunlight, childbirth, stress, sex hormones and heredity have been implicated in its development.

Home Remedies to Treat Lupus

Here are some simple home remedies that can be beneficial in the management of this skin disorder,

• Flax seed oil: flax seeds are a very rich source of essential fatty acids. Essential fatty acids (EFAs help reduce swelling and inflammations successfully. Flax seeds help diminish inflammatory processes in the kidneys, skin and joints. Consume about 5 spoons of roasted flax seeds daily or have 2 to 3 spoons of flaxseed oil.
• Evening primrose oil: evening primrose oil is also a rich source of EFAs. GLA or gamma linoleic acid is a fatty acid found in evening primrose oil which our body converts to prostaglandins that regulate bodily functions. It has the potential to ease joint pains appreciably, reduces muscle strains and is also known to treat skin rashes and allergies. Doctors recommend 1000mg, thrice daily.
• Selenium: selenium supplementation of 200 mcg daily is advocated by experts. This mineral has proved to be decidedly beneficial in the management of the symptoms of lupus. It exerts strong anti inflammatory benefits and also has powerful immune enhancing effects.

Foods for Natural Treatment of Lupus

Here are some dietary recommendations for the treatment and management of this condition,

• Foods rich in vitamin B: vitamin complex is very essential to maintain the health of the skin, blood vessels, nerves and joints. The vitamin helps speed up healing of areas of the body that are damaged by the inflammatory process. Incorporate plenty of whole grains, legumes, milk and nuts in your daily diet.



Oranges and Vitamin C
Rich foods help in Lupus
Treatment

• Foods rich in vitamin C: vitamin C is a powerful immune system booster and fortifier; it enhances immunity. It strengthens the immune and defense mechanisms of the body and minimizes the duration of any illness. It also acts as a potent anti oxidant, scavenging and destroying free radicals. Rich sources are: limes, lemons, berries, bell peppers, oranges, cherries, kiwi, mangoes and papayas.
• Foods rich in vitamin E: vitamin E is essential for skin health. It too is a strong anti oxidant, and prevents oxidative damage to the body. This vitamin proffers the body with a multitude of preventive benefits and augments the working of the immune mechanism. Wheat germ, almonds, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds, safflower seeds and whole grains are good sources.