Anti Estrogen 7 Day Diet Plan Lupus - Medical and Alternative Treatment.
Lupus, frequently referred to as SLE for systemic lupus erythematosus, is a chronic rheumatic disease in which connective tissue throughout the body becomes inflamed. It is an autoimmune disorder in which inflammation is caused by antibodies that attack normal body tissue as if it were an outside invader. The precise cause is unknown, but researchers believe that certain people inherit a genetic predisposition to the disorder, which is then triggered by a virus or some other unidentified environmental factor. The disease strikes women about 10 times as often as men. It can develop at any age, but is most common in young adults. Symptoms range from so mild that SLE goes undetected for long periods to disabling, even life threatening.
Lupus is often described as the great pretender among diseases because it causes such a wide range of symptoms, the most common of which are fatigue and joint pain. But other manifestations may include a chronic low-grade fever, hair loss, weakness, weight loss, dry eyes and mouth, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, loss of appetite, nausea, and mouth ulcers. About half of all patients develop a butterfly-shaped rash over the nose and cheeks. Depending upon the organs affected, SLE may also cause severe headaches, anemia, inflammation in the lining of the heart or lungs, kidney failure, and mental disorders. A variation discoid lupus erythematosus affects mainly the skin. A rash may appear not only on the face but also on the neck, scalp, and other areas. It ranges from a mild scaliness to a widespread blistery eruption. As in many other rheumatic disorders, symptoms come and go unpredictably. Sun exposure or stress often produces a flare-up. During pregnancy, symptoms can worsen and cause miscarriage.
Diagnostic Studies And Procedures
Any unexplained joint pain and stiffness accompanied by other vague signs warrant seeing a rheumatologist for lupus testing. The workup should include blood tests to determine if the body is producing substances called antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and, more specifically, antibodies against your own DNA. If lupus seems likely, further tests will be done to evaluate the kidneys, lungs, and other organs that are frequent targets of the disease.
Medical Treatments
You and your doctor may have to experiment with various drug regimens over a period of months to find the right one for you. Possibilities include: Aspirin and other nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Motrin and others), naproxen (Naprosyn and Anaprox), indomethacin, sulindac , tolmetin (Tolectin), and piroxicam They are the first line of treatment and may be all that is necessary to control relatively mild forms. NSAIDs ease pain by interfering with the body's production of prostaglandins, chemicals involved in the inflammatory process. However, they can cause stomach irritation and ulcers, and should always be taken with food and perhaps antacids. Even if you do not take any of these drugs for pain, your doctor may recommend taking one baby aspirin daily to reduce your risk of blood clots because lupus can also increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. Antimalarials, such as hydroxychloroquine . These help control lupus by suppressing the immune system. They are particularly useful in preventing rashes and joint pain. However, it may take two to six months before benefits are noted, especially disappearance of a nightly low grade fever. Because these drugs cause eye damage in a small percentage of patients, anyone using them on a long term basis must have an eye examination every three to six months. Oral corticosteriods, such as prednisone and methylprednisolone, synthetic versions of cortisone (one of the body's own steroid hormones).
They reduce inflammation by suppressing the immune system. Steroids are often a mainstay of treatment for people with lupus-related kidney, blood, and neurologic disorders, but they cause unwanted side effects, including weight gain and lowered resistance to infections. Therefore, they should be taken only for limited periods, at the lowest possible dosage and, preferably, on alternate days. Because steroids taken long term increase the risk of osteoporosis, daily calcium supplements are recommended. When steroids are to be discontinued, the dosage should be reduced slowly over a period of several weeks to months, because sudden cessation can cause a lupus flare-up or life threatening adrenal gland failure. Topical steroids, such as hydrocortisone creams and ointments, carry fewer side effects than oral steroids and may be useful in the treatment of lupus rashes. Continuous use should be limited to no more than two weeks. Cytotoxic drugs, such as azathioprine (Iand cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan or NEOSAR), were developed to suppress the immune system in patients undergoing organ transplants. Subsequently, doctors discovered that they are also useful for treating severe lupus. They may be prescribed instead of, or in addition to, steroids. However, because of their potentially severe side effects, including possible liver damage and a slightly increased risk of cancer, frequent blood and urine tests are necessary to detect such problems early.
Alternative Therapies
Herbal Medicine
Feverfew, which is available in capsule form and as a tea, has been shown to have an anti inflammatory effect and some studies have reported benefits in the treatment of autoimmune joint pain.
Hydrotherapy
Contrast baths can alleviate severe generalized pain. Sit in a bath that is as hot as you can stand for 5 to 10 minutes, then take a cold shower for 2 to 5 minutes. If pain is in only one or two joints, an ice pack may be sufficient; or use a plastic bag filled with frozen peas or corn that can be molded around the joint. Wrap the pack in cloth before placing it on the skin.
Meditation and Self hypnosis
These and other relaxation techniques are helpful in controlling stress, which can aggravate lupus.
Nutrition Therapy
Nutritionists recommend a diet low in protein, and high in starches , fresh fruits, and vegetables. Alfalfa sprouts and seeds, which may trigger a flare-up, should be avoided. Some people find that milk, beef, and certain vegetables can also intensify symptoms. It may be wise to keep a food diary and eliminate from your diet any food that causes problems. Antioxidant vitamins, especially beta carotene (a precursor to vitamin A) and vitamins C and E, have been reported to help alleviate lupus. Vitamin E applied directly to the skin may help mitigate a lupus rash. Studies suggest that gamma linoleic acid (GLA) and other omega 3 fatty acids may decrease the inflammatory response. Good sources of and recommended dosages include capsules of evening primrose oil (1000 milligrams twice a day) or black currant oil (500 milligrams twice a day). Other good sources of omega-3 fatty acids are flaxseed oil and cold-water fish such as salmon and sardines. In general, lupus patients should avoid such polyunsaturated oils as corn, safflower, sunflower, and soybean, which are high in arachidonic acid, a fatty acid that may contribute to inflammation. Better are annotative, and other monounsaturated oils.
Self Treatment
As a starting point, try to identify any factors that worsen the condition. Keep a daily diary of symptoms and your evening temperature (when elevated, it can be an early sign of an impending flareup. At the first indication of an increase in symptoms, see your aggressive treatment with more medications may head them, To lessen fatigue, get at least nine hours of sleep at night, and during day, take half-hour rest breaks between periods of activity. Reorganize your home and work space to decrease unnecessary energy expenditure. energy levels permit, exercise but avoid jarring movements joints. Walking, swimming, and stretching movements seem to be When the disease is active, arrange a less demanding schedule and to make plans that cannot be canceled, because you never know you will feel from one day to the next. If you are planning a vacation, purchase trip cancellation insurance. If your symptoms are worsened by the sun, try to avoid exposure between 10 A.M. and 4 P.M. and always use a sunscreen and wear protective Because estrogen may be in the development of lupus, women with the disease are often advised not to use birth control pills. After menopause, estrogen replacement therapy may not be advisable for such women.
Certain drugs, including antibiotics and sulfa drugs, can provoke a lupus flare-up. In general, do not take any medication without checking first with your rheumatologist. If your medication regimen includes NSAIDs andJor steroids, after meals take two antacids that contain calcium to lessen stomach irritation and the of osteoporosis. If you have dry mouth, sip water or sugarless soda throughout the day. Try sugarless gum to stimulate production of saliva. Or use a nonprescription saliva substitute. Remember, too, that dry mouth increases the risk of cavities and gum disease. Brush and floss regularly, see a dentist at least every six months, and ask about fluoride treatments and antibacterial dental products. Find out about lupus support groups in your area. Meeting with others who have the disease can alleviate a sense of isolation and provide you with information for enhancing your life.
Other Causes of Lupus like Symptoms
Chronic fatigue syndrome and Lyme disease and other rheumatic disorders can cause symptoms like those of lupus.
Anti Estrogen 7 Day Diet Plan.
