People with lupus need regular physical therapy to relieve stress, improve joint function and counter the calcium-depleting side-effects of steroid drugs. Most experts recommend they stick to gentler forms of exercise, such as walking and swimming, and movement therapies like yoga and Tai Chi.

Rest is just as important, since people with lupus can become easily fatigued. The Lupus Foundation of America recommends they revise their daily schedules to include naps and eliminate tasks that demand too much energy.

Having lupus wreaks havoc with a healthy appetite. The inflammation of stomach muscles will inhibit hunger, while steroid medications will cause it to increase. As a result, people with lupus often find their weight fluctuating wildly.

A diet low in fats and calories, with plenty of water, fish and fresh, enzyme-rich vegetables, will help stabilize their weight and strengthen their constitution. Some experts advise eating cruciferous vegetables such as brussels sprouts, kale and cabbage, since they contain indole-3-carbinol (I3C), a substance that balances the metabolism of estrogen.

At the same time, people with lupus should keep hard-to-digest dairy (such as homogenized milk and processed cheese) and animal products to a minimum, and avoid caffeine, sugar and vegetables in the nightshade family (potatoes, eggplant, peppers and tomatoes). One particular dietary no-no is alfalfa sprouts, which have been known to set off flares.

Phillips suggests trying the herbs black currant oil, ginger, feverfew and turmeric to ease inflammation and reduce pain. On the other hand, he cautions against herbs that boost the function of the immune system–although echinacea has been known to successfully relieve pain in people with lupus.

Aids for the Spirit

As hard a toll as lupus takes on the body, it often takes an even harder toll on the spirit. "Common emotional reactions to having lupus include depression, fear, guilt and anger," notes Phillips. To help process their tangle of emotions, many people with lupus join self-help groups or use relaxation techniques such as visualization and self-hypnosis.

The deeply spiritual Shaidle found prayer a great aid in her struggle with the disease. She also used humour as a therapeutic tool, dissecting her condition with razor-sharp wit in a series of popular newspaper columns.

"One nice thing about lupus is the photosensitivity," she wrote, "which means I get to wear sunglasses whenever I want. Totally cool."

Shades on, she has continued to look on the bright side 12 years after her initial diagnosis. "I am still sorting out all the lessons I have learned," she remarks. Even as she enjoys the respite of remission, she still believes "the illness made me a better person." And, she adds pointedly, she did indeed get a book out of it–it’s called God Rides a Yamaha and was published in 1998 by Northstone Books out of Winfield, BC.

Supplements to Combat Lupus

The following supplements available from health food stores should be used in conjunction with prescribed medication. As lupus is very serious autoimmune condition, please confer with your health-care provider.

Sterols and Sterolins

Take two capsules three times a day for one week,
then one capsule three times daily thereafter. Controls antinuclear antibody production, regulates cortisol, serves as an anti-inflammatory and naturally enhances DHEA (a naturally occurring hormone important for the immune system).

Quality antioxidant containing vitamins A, B6, C and E, magnesium, zinc, lipoic acid, selenium, coenzyme Q₁₀ and reduced L-glutathione

Take three capsules daily with food. Supports healthy immune function, detoxifies the liver, serves as an anti-inflammatory and protects against nutrient deficiencies.

High-potency B complex containing folic acid

Take two capsules daily. Reduces stress, helps the body’s metabolism and lowers homocysteine levels, thereby reducing the onset of atherosclerosis.

DHEA

Take 200 milligrams daily, under a physician’s guidance (DHEA is available through prescription only). Can help alleviate symptoms and reduce the need for the
steroid prednisone.

Lactobacillus acidophilus

Take one teaspoon daily. Improves intestinal flora to
aid digestion.

Omega-3 fatty acid

Take one tablespoon of flax seed oil twice daily, 1,000 mg of evening primrose oil three times daily or 500 mg of fish oil three times daily. Reduces or prevents inflammation and slows the onset of autoimmunity.

Proteolytic enzymes

Take two or three capsules daily. Serves as a potent anti-inflammatory.

Source: Healthy Immunity, Scientifically Proven Natural Treatments for Conditions from A-Z by Lorna Vanderhaeghe (John Wiley & Sons Canada, 2001)

Sabitri Ghosh is a researcher and award-winning freelance writer whose work appears in publications such as The Globe and Mail and World Vision’s Childview Magazine.
Dr. Rona is a practising physician in Toronto with a master’s degree in biochemistry and clinical nutrition. He has written several Canadian best-sellers including Return to the Joy of Health (1995) and Childhood Illness and the Allergy Connection (1997). Visit his Web site at drzoltanrona.com.

Source: alive #244, February 2003