Supplements For Lupus and Your Experience

There are many vitamins and supplements that claim to treat or help with the symptoms of lupus. While many lupus patients show vitamin deficiency, it is not certain whether this deficiency is the cause or a symptom of the disease.

Lupus patients should be careful when purchasing vitamins and supplements off the shelves without first discussing with their doctor as some vitamins and supplements may contain additives and ingredients that may be harmful or increase the symptoms of lupus.

Below are common supplements Lupus patients take:

+ Omega 3 Fatty Acids/Fish Oil. The leading cause of mortality among lupus patients is cardiovascular disease. Supplementing patient’s diets with fish oil increases cardiovascular protection.

+ Turmeric. In one study in Iran, turmeric has been shown to help patients with lupus nephritis. Turmeric contains curcumin which inhibits tumor growth and has anti-inflammatory properties. The sample size is too small though and still needs to be further studied.

+ Vitamin D supplements. Patients who suffer from SLE often lack Vitamin D. This is because one trigger for flares is sunlight. Patients usually stay indoors, use sunscreen, or sun protective clothing to avoid flares. Without natural and artificial light, vitamin D needs to be supplemented. Lack of vitamin D often leads to bone deterioration, cardiovascular complications, and fatigue. Researchers have tried to study the effect of vitamin D, but no conclusive evidence has been found yet.

+ DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) or Androstenolone. DHEA is commonly used in bodybuilding and exercise, but studies have shown that it helps regulate autoimmune activity. Lupus also decreases DHEA levels so supplementing the body with DHEA strengthens the immune system.

+ Primrose Oil. Evening primrose oil has anti-inflammatory properties and reduces tissue damage caused by lupus.

+ Green Superfood Supplements. Supplements that contain chlorella and spirulina help the body detoxify and are helpful especially against lupus nephritis.

+ MSM. Methylsulfonylmethane is anti-inflammatory and a potent detoxifying agent.

Have you taken any of these common supplements? If so, what was your results: any benefits noticed or side effects? What was your dosage?

References:

https://resources.lupus.org/entry/herbal-supplements

https://www.webmd.com/lupus/news/20071107/fish-oil-supplements-may-ease-lupus#1

https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/332244-treatment

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4199565/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2701249/

http://www.nationalnutrition.ca/HEALTHCONCERNS_LUPUS.aspx