Lupus is an autoimmune disorder which can cause a range of complications. Here we take a brief look at the disorder, what it means for nutrition, and discuss four supplements which can benefit those with lupus (and two supplements to avoid).
An Overview of Lupus
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disorder which can cause inflammation and tissue damage in different parts of the body. The organs most commonly affected by lupus include joints, skin, kidneys, blood vessels, lungs, and brain. There are a handful of different types of this disease, but the predominant type is called systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Like other autoimmune conditions, SLE causes immune cells to attack parts of the bodyinstead of protecting it.
So what does SLE look and feel like? Well, symptoms vary somewhat from person to personwho has lupus. They can come and go quickly or slowly, but most will experience periodic, moderate flares of symptoms. The specific symptoms depend on what parts of the body are most inflamed and affected by lupus. Depending on which organs are subject to lupus inflammation, the characteristic symptoms can include fever, fatigue, joint pain, skin lesions, a butterfly-shaped rash across the face, headaches, and other conditions.
SLE usually calls for the use of techniques to both treat and manage it. Different types of medication might be prescribed by a healthcare provider, including corticosteroids, NSAIDs, immunosuppressants, and antimalarial drugs. Behavioral patterns to manage and mitigate lupus include regular doctor visits, reducing UV light exposure(because it’s a frequent trigger for symptoms), eating a varied and natural diet, and the use of particular supplements.
Supplements Which Support Those with Lupus
Specific vitamins and nutrients have properties that support the bodily wellbeing of those with lupus by contributing to a varied, nutritious diet. Here are the most evidence-based and/or potentially useful supplements for individuals with lupus:
Vitamin D: There is a body of research that suggests that incidence of lupus symptoms is related to your body’s vitamin D status—does it have enough or is it deficient in D? Supplementing with vitamin D is useful because this vitamin is so crucial for a properly functioning immune system. A dearth of vitamin D can occur in those with lupus due to an avoidance of UV light, making the purposeful ingestion of vitamin D especially important.
Calcium supplementation can assist in the maintenance of healthy bones. This is important for someone with lupus because the disease can render someone prone to osteoporosis. Taking calcium alongside vitamin D can be very helpful because vitamin D supports calcium absorption.
Fish oil is of potential utility to anyone with any type of autoimmune disorder, as a result of its concentration of two important omega-3 fatty acids: DHA and EPA (for short). These support your heart and reduce inflammation, which could reduce lupus flares and improve quality of life.
Vitamin B12 is a super healthy vitamin. Supplementing with B12 can be very beneficial for picky eaters who experience lupus. This applies especially to those on a vegetarian or vegan diet.
A Word on Supplements to Avoid
It is known that while specific dietary supplements have real potential to benefit someone with lupus, others have properties that could increase lupus symptoms, or result in compounding disease in the long term. The primary reason for this is because these supplements have an immuno-stimulating effect. They include vitamin E, echinacea, zinc, and spirulina. Be sure to mention these otherwise beneficial supplements in any discussion you have with your healthcare provider about what’s best for you fending off lupus symptoms and what should be avoided. Get all the facts.
For those with lupus, nutrition is an important aspect of managing one’s health and avoiding symptoms. If you or someone you know has lupus, then talk to your healthcare provider about the roles that the four supplements recommended above could have in supporting bodily health in the face of lupus.