The Syncretic Character of Lupus Treatments

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a common autoimmune chronic disease. The disease causes the immune system to attack the healthy blood cells and tissues instead of malign external infectious organisms. People with systemic lupus erythematosus suffer from many disorders associated with the abnormal activity of the immune system. Patients with severe forms of lupus can also suffer from diseases of the internal organs (heart, lungs, kidneys, liver), musculoskeletal disorders (arthritis, osteoporosis), skin disorders (lupus rash) and diseases of the nervous system. People with lupus may have different symptoms and they can experience them at various intensities.

Considering the fact that systemic lupus erythematosus generates various uncharacteristic symptoms, it is very difficult to diagnose the disease relying only on physical examinations and patients' reports of their symptoms. Many symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus can be actually misleading in the process of diagnosing the disease. Lupus can be correctly diagnosed only through the means of blood analyses and laboratory tests. If some of the patients' experienced symptoms are linked to systemic lupus erythematosus, the medical treatment will be established according to the affected persons' overall health condition.

If the disorder is in its initial stage and the patients' symptoms are not very intense, the lupus treatment will be focused on preventing the occurrence of other diseases associated with systemic lupus erythematosus. However, if the patients' symptoms are intense and the autoimmune disease is severe, the lupus treatment will be aimed at suppressing the malign action of the immune system on the body.

Systemic lupus erythematosus has an unpredictable evolution. People with the disease can experience short periods of symptomatic remission between episodes of symptomatic intensification. Most lupus treatments are focused upon extending the periods of remission and on ameliorating the symptoms of the disease. Although there is no effective cure for lupus, most medical treatments can keep the disease under control. However, due to the pronounced chronic character of the disease, patients require ongoing lupus treatment.

The most common medications prescribed in lupus treatments are: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, antimalarials and cytotoxic medications. Biologic medications can also be prescribed in lupus treatments in order to stop the production of certain antibodies that have a malign action on the organism. In severe forms of the disease (after prolonged medical treatments with immunosuppressive drugs), some lupus treatments can also include strong antibiotics. Lupus treatments often include analgesics and mild sedatives.

Corticosteroids are commonly prescribed in lupus treatments. These are powerful drugs that control the activity of the dysfunctional immune system.

Antimalarials are aimed at reducing the skin lesions and inflammation characteristic to lupus. These drugs are often used in both discoid and systemic lupus treatments.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are often prescribed in lupus treatments for reducing muscle pain and swelling or inflammation and rigidity of the joints.

Cytotoxic medications are very powerful and they are prescribed only to patients with severe forms of lupus. Cytotoxic medications and corticosteroids are usually prescribed together in lupus treatments and their aim is to suppress the production of antibodies that are harmful to the organism.

So if you want to find more about Lupus or more details about lupus treatment please follow this link http://www.lupus-guide.com

Can Vitamins Help With Lupus

Copyright 2006 PillFreeVitamins.com

Lupus is an autoimmune disease where the immune system of the body produces antibodies which start attacking itself, producing inflammation of the skin, joints, blood vessels and other areas. Some of the first symptoms are similar to those common with arthritis, Lyme disease, and fibromyalgia such as swelling and pain of the joints, sometimes with a fever. Many cases also have a characteristic rash that appears across the nose and cheeks, which consists of pinkish to red coloration of the skin and raised red bumps.

The following vitamins and minerals have been shown to be beneficial in the management of Lupus and its many symptoms.

Vitamin A helps prevent eye disorders, skin disorders like acne, cancer, colds, influenza and other infections. It enhances immunity and acts as an antioxidant. Vitamin A is needed for skin and mucous membrane health, bone and teeth formation, and protein utilization. It helps slow the aging process.

The B vitamins promote healthy nerves, skin, eyes, hair, liver, gastrointestinal tract, and brain function. The B vitamins are also coenzymes involved in energy production. B complex is important for elderly people and a deficiency can mimic Alzheimer's disease.

Vitamin C performs hundreds of functions in the body. It is crucial for the production of antibodies, strengthens connective tissues, helps reduce the duration and severity of a cold, assists with wound healing, and protects other vitamins from oxidation.

Vitamin E, or tocopherol, is an anti-oxidant that prevents the fats and fat-soluble Vitamin A stored in the body from breaking down and combining with other substances that may be harmful to the body. It also protects red blood cells from rupturing.

Zinc is required for the production of both RNA and DNA, the basic building blocks of the body. It assists the body in making the 200+ enzymes and is essential in the development and continuous normal functioning of the central nervous system. Zinc also plays a role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and fats.

Magnesium is essential for every major biological process. It is necessary for 300+ enzymatic reactions and is vital for calcium metabolism. Magnesium is not a trace mineral, but a major entity in our bodies.

Calcium performs numerous vital functions in the body. It combines with phosphorus to strengthen bones and is crucial for nerve conduction, muscle contraction and heartbeat. Calcium also helps prevent cramps brought on by exercise by avoiding lactic acid buildup.

Iodine is crucial for the health of the thyroid gland and is essential for the production of two key hormones that help regulate a host of body processes including resting metabolic rate, heart rate, heat production and energy levels.

Manganese is involved in protein, fat and energy metabolism. Its primary function, though, is as an antioxidant. Manganese is an essential part of biochemical reactions that affect bone, cartilage and brain function.

Copper is heavily involved in the production of hemoglobin. It is also involved in the production of collagen, the protein responsible for the integrity of bone, cartilage, skin and tendon, and elastin, a major component of large blood vessels.

Selenium is an essential trace mineral required by the body in small quantities. It is also a potent antioxidant. Selenium is necessary for proper calcium and vitamin C metabolism, helps convert blood sugar into energy, decreases platelet aggregation and helps promote cardiovascular health.

You should work closely with your physician in the management of Lupus, which includes discussing the vitamins and minerals listed above before beginning to take any of them. Some vitamins and minerals may have adverse reactions when taken in combination with certain over-the-counter and prescription medications.

Steven Godlewski is a self-made millionaire and is currently working with the staff at PillFreeVitamins.com He has an extensive background in nutrition as well as other health related fields. For more health-related articles see their website at: http://www.pillfreevitamins.com

The Syncretic Character of Lupus Treatments

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a common autoimmune chronic disease. The disease causes the immune system to attack the healthy blood cells and tissues instead of malign external infectious organisms. People with systemic lupus erythematosus suffer from many disorders associated with the abnormal activity of the immune system. Patients with severe forms of lupus can also suffer from diseases of the internal organs (heart, lungs, kidneys, liver), musculoskeletal disorders (arthritis, osteoporosis), skin disorders (lupus rash) and diseases of the nervous system. People with lupus may have different symptoms and they can experience them at various intensities.

Considering the fact that systemic lupus erythematosus generates various uncharacteristic symptoms, it is very difficult to diagnose the disease relying only on physical examinations and patients' reports of their symptoms. Many symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus can be actually misleading in the process of diagnosing the disease. Lupus can be correctly diagnosed only through the means of blood analyses and laboratory tests. If some of the patients' experienced symptoms are linked to systemic lupus erythematosus, the medical treatment will be established according to the affected persons' overall health condition.

If the disorder is in its initial stage and the patients' symptoms are not very intense, the lupus treatment will be focused on preventing the occurrence of other diseases associated with systemic lupus erythematosus. However, if the patients' symptoms are intense and the autoimmune disease is severe, the lupus treatment will be aimed at suppressing the malign action of the immune system on the body.

Systemic lupus erythematosus has an unpredictable evolution. People with the disease can experience short periods of symptomatic remission between episodes of symptomatic intensification. Most lupus treatments are focused upon extending the periods of remission and on ameliorating the symptoms of the disease. Although there is no effective cure for lupus, most medical treatments can keep the disease under control. However, due to the pronounced chronic character of the disease, patients require ongoing lupus treatment.

The most common medications prescribed in lupus treatments are: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, antimalarials and cytotoxic medications. Biologic medications can also be prescribed in lupus treatments in order to stop the production of certain antibodies that have a malign action on the organism. In severe forms of the disease (after prolonged medical treatments with immunosuppressive drugs), some lupus treatments can also include strong antibiotics. Lupus treatments often include analgesics and mild sedatives.

Corticosteroids are commonly prescribed in lupus treatments. These are powerful drugs that control the activity of the dysfunctional immune system.

Antimalarials are aimed at reducing the skin lesions and inflammation characteristic to lupus. These drugs are often used in both discoid and systemic lupus treatments.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are often prescribed in lupus treatments for reducing muscle pain and swelling or inflammation and rigidity of the joints.

Cytotoxic medications are very powerful and they are prescribed only to patients with severe forms of lupus. Cytotoxic medications and corticosteroids are usually prescribed together in lupus treatments and their aim is to suppress the production of antibodies that are harmful to the organism.

So if you want to find more about Lupus or more details about lupus treatment please follow this link http://www.lupus-guide.com

Can Vitamins Help With Lupus

Copyright 2006 PillFreeVitamins.com

Lupus is an autoimmune disease where the immune system of the body produces antibodies which start attacking itself, producing inflammation of the skin, joints, blood vessels and other areas. Some of the first symptoms are similar to those common with arthritis, Lyme disease, and fibromyalgia such as swelling and pain of the joints, sometimes with a fever. Many cases also have a characteristic rash that appears across the nose and cheeks, which consists of pinkish to red coloration of the skin and raised red bumps.

The following vitamins and minerals have been shown to be beneficial in the management of Lupus and its many symptoms.

Vitamin A helps prevent eye disorders, skin disorders like acne, cancer, colds, influenza and other infections. It enhances immunity and acts as an antioxidant. Vitamin A is needed for skin and mucous membrane health, bone and teeth formation, and protein utilization. It helps slow the aging process.

The B vitamins promote healthy nerves, skin, eyes, hair, liver, gastrointestinal tract, and brain function. The B vitamins are also coenzymes involved in energy production. B complex is important for elderly people and a deficiency can mimic Alzheimer's disease.

Vitamin C performs hundreds of functions in the body. It is crucial for the production of antibodies, strengthens connective tissues, helps reduce the duration and severity of a cold, assists with wound healing, and protects other vitamins from oxidation.

Vitamin E, or tocopherol, is an anti-oxidant that prevents the fats and fat-soluble Vitamin A stored in the body from breaking down and combining with other substances that may be harmful to the body. It also protects red blood cells from rupturing.

Zinc is required for the production of both RNA and DNA, the basic building blocks of the body. It assists the body in making the 200+ enzymes and is essential in the development and continuous normal functioning of the central nervous system. Zinc also plays a role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and fats.

Magnesium is essential for every major biological process. It is necessary for 300+ enzymatic reactions and is vital for calcium metabolism. Magnesium is not a trace mineral, but a major entity in our bodies.

Calcium performs numerous vital functions in the body. It combines with phosphorus to strengthen bones and is crucial for nerve conduction, muscle contraction and heartbeat. Calcium also helps prevent cramps brought on by exercise by avoiding lactic acid buildup.

Iodine is crucial for the health of the thyroid gland and is essential for the production of two key hormones that help regulate a host of body processes including resting metabolic rate, heart rate, heat production and energy levels.

Manganese is involved in protein, fat and energy metabolism. Its primary function, though, is as an antioxidant. Manganese is an essential part of biochemical reactions that affect bone, cartilage and brain function.

Copper is heavily involved in the production of hemoglobin. It is also involved in the production of collagen, the protein responsible for the integrity of bone, cartilage, skin and tendon, and elastin, a major component of large blood vessels.

Selenium is an essential trace mineral required by the body in small quantities. It is also a potent antioxidant. Selenium is necessary for proper calcium and vitamin C metabolism, helps convert blood sugar into energy, decreases platelet aggregation and helps promote cardiovascular health.

You should work closely with your physician in the management of Lupus, which includes discussing the vitamins and minerals listed above before beginning to take any of them. Some vitamins and minerals may have adverse reactions when taken in combination with certain over-the-counter and prescription medications.

Steven Godlewski is a self-made millionaire and is currently working with the staff at PillFreeVitamins.com He has an extensive background in nutrition as well as other health related fields. For more health-related articles see their website at: http://www.pillfreevitamins.com

Natural Health for Pets: Advice: Dogs: Lupus or Lyme Disease?

This question is from Skye:

"I have an American pit bull, female, who is about 13 yrs old. She has recently been diagnosed with an immune disease, along with Lupus and Lyme disease. She is up to date with all shots, on heartworm meds and has been healthy all her life, or since we got her 12 yrs ago. She is very good natured, non-violent, and very lovable, but recently I have noticed that she isn't moving the way she used to and has a difficult time climbing stairs and even walking. She does walk, but it is slow and you can tell she hurts. She also has severe allergies to common foods, such as corn, flax, chicken, turkey etc, etc, and I use a special dog food Solid gold Holistic for her, as well as Green cow tripe wet dog food at times. I also give her roast beef ends from luncheon meat or the deli cut up. It seems to be working, but she is breaking out around her mouth area, it gets cracked and bloody and it itches her as she rubs it on the rug. Her paws also get red and cracked and bloody, as well as she gets open sores above her eyes. The Dr prescribes her prednisone, but it only works if she continuously takes it, and it has to be a lot of them. I know prednisone is bad for humans, never mind animals, so I was looking for a way to help her naturally as well as make her comfortable. She is not sick enough to be put down, nor is she in serious pain. Help!!!!"

This case is a bit of a puzzle. First of all, let's have a look the most common symptoms of Lupus and Lyme disease. Lupus is an autoimmune disease of unknown causation, while Lyme disease is a bacterial infection spread by a tick most commonly carried by deer and small rodents.

Lupus: ? Red rash, most often on face ? Painful and swollen joints ? Chest pain when taking a deep breath ? Fatigue ? Sensitivity to the sun ? Hair loss ? Allergies ? Unexplained fevers ? Pale or purple fingers and toes ? Swollen glands ? Swelling in legs and around eyes

Lyme disease ? Red rash, tingling of nose, tongue, cheeks ? Painful and swollen joints ? Shortness of breath ? Fatigue ? Sensitivity to light ? Hair loss ? Allergies ? Unexplained fevers ? Tingling or numbness in extremities ? Swollen glands ? Swollen knees and facial paralysis

You can see above that all of your dog's symptoms can be explained by either Lupus or Lyme disease. Now the question is: does she really need two diagnoses to describe the same set of symptoms? Treatment for the two conditions is quite different: Lyme disease is treated with antibiotics, whereas Lupus is a more serious condition (and the reason for your dog being on prednisone).

Now, let's take a look at the side-effects of prednisone. Among others, these can include: ? headache ? thin, fragile skin ? slowed healing of cuts and bruises ? extreme tiredness ? weak muscles ? sore throat, fever, chills, cough, or other signs of infection ? numbness, burning, or tingling in the face, arms, legs, feet, or hands ? shortness of breath, especially during the night ? difficulty breathing or swallowing ? rash ? hives ? itching

Sound familiar? So should the real question be: are the dog's symptoms a result of the medication? When did she get the diagnoses? When did each of the symptoms start? Was it prior to or after taking the medication? If the dog has this set of symptoms due to Lyme disease, and is given medication that causes the same set of symptoms, the result will be... exacerbated symptoms! Am I saying forget the vet and take the dog off the drug? Not necessarily. It can be dangerous to just stop any medication without professional guidance and supervision. I think you need to go back to the vet and get him to try to determine which of the two diseases are causing the problems.

To differentiate between the Lupus and Lyme disease, all your vet needs to do is a blood test for antibodies against the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which is the cause of Lyme disease (recall that we don't know what causes Lupus). Once you have test results that show either presence or absence of B. burgdorferi, you will know whether to treat the dog for Lyme disease or for Lupus.

Finally, now that we understand the conundrum, let's see what natural remedies can be used to help relieve and hopefully eliminate some (hopefully all) of these symptoms? First, we need to address the diet. While Solid Gold is certainly a much better product than most on the market, if at all possible, feeding fresh foods is always better, so if you can start cooking for your dog the diet described on my website (see "About the Author" section), you'll be giving her a head start toward recovery. Do not feed cooked meats! Especially processed meats like sausages or salamis. Give her raw meat only.

Make sure you are adding Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil and/or flaxseed oil) to every meal to help with inflammation. Find a good colloidal mineral supplement and add that also. Aged garlic extract is a fantastic remedy that will help immensely with almost everything. Colloidal silver has antibacterial, antifungal and antiarthritic properties, so I would definitely be adding it to the water bowl and spraying directly onto the affected skin of the mouth and paws where it is cracking.

Try this for a few months and see how she goes. A proper diagnosis would help with more directed treatment, so try to get a blood test done for her as well. And if at all possible, get her off prednisone! You are right about it not being very good for you, but you need to make sure you withdraw it safely.

Anna Fox is a natural therapist who uses nutrition, herbs, homeopathy, bioresonance, and a number of other natural therapies to help pets (and their human companions!) get over their illness and stay healthy for life. More information is available on the website at www.9livespetclinic.com or by emailing anna@9livespetclinic.com.

How Amy Copes with Lupus

How Amy Copes with her Lupus

How Amy is successfully dealing with her Systemic Lupus Condition through her faith and her Significant Other Support

How Amy Copes with Lupus.
In summary, Amy is coping with her Lupus. It isn't easy. She's finding out daily it's far from impossible to survive with Lupus.Note: This is one woman's coping. It's not meant to be a general statement on every person's way of dealing with this disability.">

Preliminary note: Amy is
an alias privacy reasons. She is a real woman.
She and I have been long time dear friends

First a little primer on
Lupus. Lupus is a chronic anti-inflammatory, auto-immune disease. There
are basically two forms, discoid and systemic. The former is characterized
by a rash across the cheeks and nose. It is butterfly shaped and makes
the person look somewhat wolf like. Lupus wolf in Latin.

Amy has the second much
more serious type. This version attacks mostly women of child bearing
age. It can adversely affect all systems of the body> Mostly like joints,
liver, kidneys and nervouse system. She was in her mid thirties when she
was diagnosed. I remember her reaction. She was greatly distressed, in
tears, deeply worried about her future. Her lover, Joanna of over two decades
was there to comfort her. She still is there to be of help and care.

Amy takes medication to
cope with her her joint inflammation and
pain. Her prescription drugs are prescribed by her rheumatologist. Amy
felt her specialist not only was quite knowledgeable about her condition
but of equal importance he was a genuinely caring of her Unfortunately
he is retiring soon. She hopes and prays that she finds a doctor that is
as knowing and caring as him.

"My faith gives me hope
and strength." she truly believes. Primarily faith helps me with my condition."

Without faith I would have not made it this far. With the lupus you
also have depression." You do have mood swings. This can also be a side
affect of the medication.

Her current symptoms are
lots of joint pain, trouble walking. Sometimes she is able to get around
and sometimes not. She can get very fatigued. Joanna helps her spirtually,
lovingly and emotionally.

I look for the rest of my
future as being bright because I came to the realization that I must cope
with my condition for the rest of my life. I was in denial in the beginning. Now I realize Lupus is a life long condition.

She tries her best to avoid
rain and snow since dampness can worsen her condition. She also makes wholehearted
attempts not to get to get too stressed out. Amy copes
with her Lupus with a strong faith and equally with help and love from
Joanna.

Disabled disability activist.