Lupus is an autoimmune disease in which your body attacks its own organs and tissues. Inflammation from lupus can affect your joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart and lungs, according to the Mayo Clinic. Lupus is two to three times more prevalent among Black, Hispanic/Latina, Asian American, Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander women than among white women. Black lupus patients are also more likely to have organ system involvement, more active disease, and lower levels of social support compared with white lupus patients.
Unfortunately, there's no cure for lupus, but the right combination of medications may control your immune system.
If you pay attention to your body's signals, you can learn to recognize the signs of an approaching flare-up. Here are a few simple ways to gain more control over your condition:
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1. Eat well.
Regular, balanced meals keep your energy up. Doctors often recommend cutting back on salt, eating calcium-rich foods, and having fish regularly. The fatty acids in fish may decrease inflammation. Experiment and see what works for you. Whatever you do, avoid alfalfa sprouts -- they contain canavanine, a natural toxin that harms the immune system and leads to flare-ups.
2. Don't smoke.
Smoking can worsen the effects of lupus on your heart and blood vessels. If you smoke, quit.
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3. Get lots of sleep, and take steps to reduce the stress in your life.
When you're stressed out, your immune system suffers. Mind-body healing methods help some people feel more relaxed, positive, and in control of their lives.
4. Stay active.
Even if you feel tired or achy, try to take a walk or bike ride every day. Also, doing some strength-building exercises can keep your muscles and bones from weakening.
5. Stay out of the sun.
Ultraviolet rays can trigger an immune response in people with lupus. Every time you go out, you should not only wear sunscreen but cover up your skin with long sleeves and a hat.
Alternative therapies
There are no proven alternative ways to treat lupus, although many complementary therapies can give your immunity a boost and lower your stress level.
Mind-body techniques such as yoga, meditation, hypnotherapy, and guided imagery may help you relax and feel more positive.
Acupuncture helps some people cope with joint and muscle pain.
Fish oil may have anti-inflammatory properties, and some doctors recommend eating fish several times a week. If your lupus is mild, it may be worth looking into natural anti-inflammatory supplements such as fish oil capsules, black currant oil or grapeseed oil, ginger, feverfew, and turmeric. (These are not proven remedies, however.) It's important to consult with your doctor before trying any of these supplements because they might interact with your medications.
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With the right lifestyle and medication, most people can get their condition under control and live normal, active lives.
If your lupus is relatively mild, you'll live about as long as someone without lupus. Even if you have an active, organ-threatening case, you're likely to live a long time once you make it past the critical first two to three years.
Unfortunately, taking high doses of steroids for 10 to 15 years can take a toll on your body and cause complications such as osteoporosis and fractures, thick skin, cataracts, easy bruising, and diabetes. That's why medical researchers are striving to develop more targeted, less toxic drugs for lupus.
