Auto-immune disease represents a class of disease where the body's immune system has become dysfunctional. The body's immune system attacks itself, causing many illnesses. Some common auto-immune disease disorders include rheumatoid arthritis (not osteoarthritis) and  lupus erythematosus.

Lupus erythematosus - Model of Auto-immune Disease

Lupus erythematosus is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the connective tissue. 90 percent of those afflicted are women, and mostly occur in young adults. It is an autoimmune disease.

The prognosis for people with Lupus depends on the severity of the condition and whether any dangerous complications develop. Mild cases of lupus respond very well to natural medicine. Those with more serious illness can expect to achieve some relief of symptoms with natural approaches.

Dietary Guideline:

Follow a well-balanced high fiber diet, with plenty of green leafy vegetables. Maximize intake of raw and steamed vegetables, including broccoli, kale, beet and collard green.

· Avoid any allergies or sensitivity to food that may trigger flare-ups. Many have found the avoidance of wheat, chocolate and milk to be helpful.

· Avoid alfalfa sprouts that interfere with protein metabolism. Large amounts of raw cabbage depress thyroid function and should also be avoided.

· Avoid distilled water. Drink 10 glasses of pure filtered and water that is slightly alkaline (pH 7.8 -8)

Nutritional Supplement Guideline:

· Beta-carotene is required by the immune system and adrenal gland function. Take at least 10,000 IU a day

· Full-spectrum digestive enzymes providing at least 5,000 I.U. of lipase, 2,500 I.U. of amylase, and 300 I.U. of protease three times a day as many lupus patients have digestive problems

· Many patients with lupus have difficulty absorbing sufficient protein. Take a good amino-acid complex that supplies all the essential amino acids, plus cysteine (the precursor to glutathione), GABA (relaxing the nervous system and improving nerve transmission), and carnitine (important for energy).

Month 1 - free form amino acid plus 500 mg l-cysteine twice a day
Month 2 - add 500 mg of NAC twice a day
Month 3 - add 500 mg of GABA
Month 4 - add 500 mg of L-carnitine daily
Month 5 - add 500 mg of L -carnitine daily

· Lupus patients normally have fragile bone function, especially if steroid usage has been chronic. Calcium 800 mg and Magnesium 800 should be taken daily. Those with compromised renal function will require less

· Essential fatty acids such as those found in black current seed oil, borage oil, evening primrose oil, and flaxseed oil have anti-inflammatory effect and are beneficial for the skin.

· Glucosamine,  chrodoitin sulfate,  MSM and bromelain support join function

· Green-foods supplement contain important trace minerals missing in ordinary diet. It also acts to alkalize the biological terrain. Chlorella and spirulina are particularly good.

· Probiotics such as acidophilus (5 billion or more) strengthens and stabilize the gastrointestinal system.

· Vitamin C (1000 mg) has strong anti-inflammatory properties and strengthens the collagen and connective tissue matrix. Take together with L-lysine (500 mg), L-proline (250 mg). Also include ascobyl palmitate 150-200 mg for its fat-soluble properties.

· Vitamin E promotes healing and is a strong anti-oxidant. 400 I.U to 800 I.U a day. Those on coumadin should refrain from excessive vitamin E that has blood-thinning effect.

· Zinc supplementation beyond 30 mg should be refrained.

· DHEA is a hormone that stimulates the adrenal gland. Adrenal gland function is often compromised in people with lupus. 15-25 mg a day

· Plant sterols should be considered as these acts as weak natural steroids to reduce the inflammatory response.

· Medical tonifying mushroom.  Those with symptoms should take astragalus and Cordyceps or Siberian ginseng to increase energy

· Avoid herbs that stimulate the immune system such as Echinacea, Zinc,  Cat's claw, and olive leaf. 

· Reishi, Maitake, and Shitake mushroom enhance immune function. They also may improve parasympathetic nervous system and heart function.  Take moderate dose of  concentrated extract equivalent to 1000 to 3000 mg a day in divided dosage.

· Grape-seed and pine-bark extract are strong anti-oxidants. 500 mg twice a day.

· Tumeric is an excellent anti-inflammatory and effective against arthritic type pain. Take 300 to 500 two to three times a day

Attention Because of tremendous individual variation, the use of nutritionals should therefore be personalized for your body. One person’s nutrient can be another person’s toxin. If you have a specific health concern and wish my personalized nutritional recommendation, write to me by clicking here.

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About The Author

Michael Lam, M.D., M.P.H., A.B.A.A.M. is a specialist in Preventive and Anti-Aging Medicine. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Oregon State University, and his Doctor of Medicine degree from Loma Linda University School of Medicine, California. He also holds a Masters of Public Health degree and is Board Certification in Anti-aging Medicine by the American Board of Anti-Aging Medicine. He has authored numerous articles and the following books: The Five Proven Secrets to Longevity, How to Stay Young and Live Longer, Estrogen Dominance - Hormonal Imbalance of the 21st Century, and Beating Cancer with Natural Medicine.

For More Information

For the latest anti-aging related health issues, visit Dr. Lam at www.DrLam.com. Feel free to email Dr. Lam by clicking here if you have any questions.

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