Natural Ingredients to Manage Lupus
There are several herbs and nutrients that can relieve the symptoms of lupus including skin rash, joint pain, and breathing difficulties, and restore the normal functions of the vital organs.
Patients with lupus are usually treated with steroidal medications and drugs that suppress the immune responses. The immunosuppressant drugs work by inhibiting the activities of the immune cells. However, this effect of immunosuppressant drugs can make the immune system weaker and less effective at fighting infectious pathogens.
Similarly, steroidal drugs can cause serious side effects when used for a longer duration. The regular use of steroidal drugs can make patients vulnerable to developing obesity, immunological dysfunctions, impairment of renal functions, and so on. [8]
This marks the need to adopt natural ways to treat lupus.
Herbal compounds are safe and not known to cause serious side effects. These compounds are also completely non-habit-forming, and unlike steroids, do not trigger an intense reaction when you stop using them.
The herbs and nutrients mentioned below have been carefully chosen based on the results of scientific studies. Several studies have proven their medicinal potential to inhibit the abnormal activities of the immune cells without suppressing their defense functions.
These herbs would address the symptoms of lupus in a safe and effective manner and improve the prognosis, when used on a regular basis.
Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol)
Vitamin D3 would help to relieve the symptoms of lupus by regulating the functions of the immune cells. Vitamin D3 has the ability to inhibit the abnormal immune response without suppressing the activities of the immune cells against disease-causing agents like bacteria and viruses. [9] [10]
Minerals
Patients with lupus are advised to increase their intake of essential minerals like magnesium and zinc. These minerals play a key role in promoting a healthy immune response and inhibiting chronic inflammation thus providing lasting relief from the symptoms of lupus. [11]
Turmeric
Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin that has the ability to inhibit inflammation and oxidative stress in healthy tissues.
Turmeric along with Ashwagandha can help to protect the vital organs against damage caused by pro-inflammatory substances released by the immune cells like cytokines. These herbs would also promote the regeneration of new cells thus restoring the optimum functioning of the affected organs. [12] [13]
Flax and Ginger
Flax is loaded with omega 3 fatty acids that can prevent inflammation while Ginger has the ability to produce an immunoregulatory effect. These herbs would modify the activities of the immune cells and present inflammation in the healthy tissues thus relieving the symptoms of lupus. [14]
Black Pepper and Cherry
Black Pepper is revered for its ability to reduce pain and inflammation while cherry is known to improve immune system functions, thanks to its rich vitamin C content.
These herbs would strengthen the body's normal immune responses and provide relief from pain and other symptoms caused due to inflammation. [15]
Reishi Mushroom and Tripterygium wilfordii
Reishi Mushroom and Tripterygium wilfordii would act as natural anti-inflammatory agents and reduce the damage to the organs while restoring their optimum functions.
These natural remedies would also strengthen the immunity and protect the patients who are vulnerable to develop recurrent infections due to the prolonged use of steroids. [16]
Natural Supplements vs Modern Drugs
Herbal remedies can improve your overall wellness in a holistic manner, by promoting the body's physiological processes and restoring the normal functions of the immune system. This is why; herbal supplements are considered superior to steroids, immunosuppressant drugs, and other treatments commonly recommended for the management of lupus.
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