Definition:
Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease that can effect any of the body=s organs.
It is believed to be an auto-immune disease. But many researchers
believe that the immune system is only responding to some hidden
virus. Areas that are mostly likely to be infected are skin, joints,
connective tissue, and blood vessels. This condition affects mostly
young women. The severity of Lupus can range from mild to life threatening.
Symptoms:
The first symptoms resemble those of arthritis, with swollen fingers and other
joints. The disease may appear following a high fever. Then followed
by a rash, usually across the cheeks. Cracked skin is another frequent
symptom. These symptoms will appear and disappear many times without
any apparent reason. Fatigue, pregnancy, childbirth, infection,
an unidentified viral infection, and possibly chemical toxicity
may trigger a flare-up.
Holistic Treatment Plan:
Conventional medical treatment is mostly unsuccessful. Intense
nutritional support can alleviate mild symptoms, while severe cases
can be made more livable. A diet consisting of mostly raw foods
appears to be very helpful. Testing for food allergies can be very
useful. Building up the immune system is important and well as using
antioxidants to reduce free-radical build-up.
References:
Packer, L. et al, Alpha-lipoic acid as a biological antioxidant, Free Radical
Biology of Medicine, 1995, 19:327-30; Werbach, M., M.D., Nutritional Influences on
illness: A sourcebook of clinical research, 2nd. Ed. Tarzana CA: Third Line Press,
1993; Tinoc, J., Babcock, R., Hincenberg, I., et al, Lipids 14:166, 1979;
Mindell, E., The MSM Miracle-Enhance your health with organic sulfur, Keats Good
Health Guide, New Canaan, CT: Keats Publishing, Inc., 1997.
Disclaimer:
All information given here is for educational purposes only. For a proper diagnosis and
treatment plan you must consult your health care practitioner.
