Lupus – Signs, home remedies, and management
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and swelling in the joints. This can not only affect one’s joints but also their kidneys, skin, lungs, blood cells, heart and brain. Moreover, at least 1.50 million people in the country have a type of lupus. Although a chronic disease, it can be easily managed with treatment options and lifestyle changes such as adding certain foods to one’s daily meals.
Signs and symptoms
People with lupus can exhibit ordinary symptoms like fatigue, fever, joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. However, as the disease progresses, butterfly-shaped rashes on the face may start to appear and skin lesions worsen with sun exposure. Some patients have complained of their finger and toes turning white or blue when exposed to cold temperatures.
Home remedies
Turmeric
Turmeric is a tropical spice that has been used for managing several health conditions. This is because turmeric is rich in curcumin and its anti-inflammatory properties can provide relief from lupus nephritis and its associated symptoms. It also soothes the negative immune response caused by the disease. So, one can add turmeric to their daily meals or have a turmeric latte to effectively manage the disease.
Apple cider vinegar
People diagnosed with lupus can experience digestive issues due to the lower production of hydrochloric acid in the body. Apple cider vinegar can not only balance this deficiency but also detoxify the body, thus helping better manage lupus symptoms. Although apple cider vinegar is a potent remedy, it is important to be aware of its quantity, as excess consumption can aggravate symptoms.
Flaxseeds
It is considered as a super food by many nutritionists. The alpha-linolenic acid present in these seeds has atherogenic properties that can reduce inflammation associated with lupus. Flaxseeds contain lignans that act as platelet activating factor (PAF) and are beneficial in treating the disease.
Ginger
Ginger has been in use for its healing properties for a long time. People with lupus usually develop symptoms like join pain and swelling. Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory properties that can provide relief from these symptoms. Moreover, its antioxidative properties can inhibit disease progression.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil can prevent negative immune reactions caused by the disease. It also helps improve digestion and lower cholesterol in addition to making one’s skin and hair healthy.
Managing with treatment options
While it is important to be aware of the signs and natural remedies for better management of lupus, treatment options like SAPHNELO™ (anifrolumab-fnia), Rheumatrex (Methotrexate), and Imuran (Azathioprine) can help relieve severe symptoms. SAPHNELO™ is an infusion-based treatment used for moderate to severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The FDA-approved option prevents disease flare up and lowers dependency on the use of other treatments for symptom management. Moreover, Rheumatrex and Imuran are a type of immunosuppressants that provide relief from swelling associated with the disease.