Lupus: The Enemy Within

Lupus is a complicated disease that does not have a clear and consistent set of signs and symptoms that can be seen and treated. Because of this, diagnosis is difficult and the disease is usually discovered very late, making treatment so much more difficult. However, lupus is a disease, and where there is a disease there is a treatment available: if not to cure the disease, then at least to treat the signs and symptoms of lupus.

A Closer Look at Lupus

So what lupus treatment is available? The answer to that question begins with looking more closely with what we are up against. The most dangerous and common type of lupus disease is Lupus-Erythematosus.html" class="disease" target=_blank>Systemic lupus Erythematosus (SLE), which can affect and damage any of the body's organs such as skin, liver, kidney, joints, blood vessels, brain, blood, and nervous system. The second most common type of lupus disease is Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE), which only affects skin. The signs and symptoms of this type of lupus are skin rash and scaly sores appearing on the face, neck, and chest. The signs and symptoms of SLE will be specific to the part of the body affected, although usually the rash is also present, and can often be misdiagnosed as a different disease.

The other major sign and symptoms of lupus, common to both SLE and DLE, include chronic inflammation in various parts of the body. This causes free radicals to be released, reactive molecules with unpaired electrons that reek havoc amongst healthy cells in the body. Free-radicals are extremely destructive and so increase the severity of lupus symptoms, causing more discomfort to sufferers. Now we know the cause of lupus, we are one step closer to finding the way to treat the signs and symptoms.

Lupus Treatment with Antioxidants

The best way to combat free-radicals within the body is with antioxidants, naturally occurring vitamins and minerals that "mop-up" the free-radicals and prevent tissue damage.

Folic acid and Vitamin D are both antioxidants that have been shown to help reduce the symptoms of lupus, and ease discomfort. The Medical University of South Carolina has collaborated with the American College of Rheumatology-Research and Education Foundation, to study the effects caused by Vitamin D therapy with the treatment of lupus in SLE patients. The Lupus Foundation of America is involved with a lot of research into the causes, prevention, symptoms and treatment of lupus. In addition, Calcium, another mineral, helps strengthen bones and prevent inflammation.

Along with supplementation, adequate rest is also beneficial in the treatment of lupus. Regular exercise can be a part of anyone's lupus treatment as it helps reduce stress levels, which mitigate flare-ups.

Scientists may still not know perfectly what lupus is, and no 100% cure is yet available, but the evidence is there to support the use of vitamin supplements in treating the signs and symptoms of lupus.