Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease which can affect numerous parts of the body including the joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, heart and lungs. Lupus mostly affects women and develops when the immune system attacks the body's own tissues and organs for a reason unknown.

There are three main types of lupus:

- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

- Discoid Lupus Erythematosus

- Drug-Induced Lupus

SLE is the most common form of the disease. It is also the most serious, frequently causing swollen, painful joints, skin rash, extreme fatigue and kidney damage. Mothers who show no signs of lupus themselves, can also pass antibodies to their babies during childbirth. This is known as neonatal lupus erythematosus and is very rare.

No two cases of lupus are exactly the same. Signs and symptoms may differ extremely from one case to another. They may surface suddenly or develop slowly. They can be mild or severe, and may be temporary or permanent. Lupus is sometimes characterized by a distinctive rash that gives the disease its name. "Lupus" is actually the Latin word for "wolf". Doctors once thought the rash resembled a wolf bite. But even the rash doesn't occur in every case.

Most people with lupus do share one characteristic. The disease has the tendency to worsen in episodes known as flares and then to improve or even disappear completely for a time.

The most common signs and symptoms of lupus, which usually develop at intervals, rather than all at once, include the following:

- Rash

- Arthritis

- Kidney problems

- Sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity)

- Brain or central nervous system problems

- Heart problems

- Lung problems

- Mucosal ulcers

- Blood vessel disorders

Other signs and symptoms which are not specific to lupus include:

- Fatigue

- Fever

- Raynaud's phenomenon

- Swelling

- Digestive problems

- Hair loss

- Depression

Lupus is an autoimmune disease meaning that rather than attacking just foreign substances, such as bacteria and viruses, the immune system attacks healthy tissue as well. This results in various parts of the body, including the joints, skin, kidneys, heart, lungs, blood vessels and brain becoming inflamed and damaged.

Experts are still unsure of why autoimmune diseases occur. However, several theories exist regarding key contributors to many diseases such as lupus including heredity, environment and hormones. While lupus isn't directly inherited, research indicates that inheriting certain genes heightens your risk to the disease, which then may be triggered by certain factors, such as:

Infections

Sunlight

Hormones

And last but certainly not least, certain prescription medications such as high blood pressure medications like hydralazine, the tuberculosis drug isoniazid, the heart medication procainamide and certain antibiotics such as minocycline.

The regimen outlined below includes some safe, natural steps one can take to prevent & treat lupus:

The diet should include foods high in sulfur such as garlic and onions, which support soft tissue repair and assist in calcium absorption.

Plenty of raw vegetables for fiber and non-citrus fruits, including raw pineapple, which includes enzymes important for reducing inflammation in joints, should also be included in the diet.

Foods like eggplant, peppers, tomatoes, white potatoes and alfalfa sprouts contain solanine or canavain, which may increase inflammation so these should be avoided.

Avoid dairy products, red meat, caffeine, citrus fruits, paprika, salt, tobacco and sugar.

Avoid excessive sunlight and fluorescent lighting, which may aggravate symptoms.

Avoid birth control pills as they may also increase the chances of flare-up.

The supplements listed below may also be beneficial:

Calcium (1,500 - 3,000 mg daily), Magnesium (750 mg twice daily) and Zinc (50-100 mg daily) - Balance PH levels, support bones and normalize immune function.

L-Cysteine, L-Methionine and L-Lysine (500 - 1,000 mg each daily on an empty stomach. Take with water or juice, never with milk) - Important amino acids for cell protection, skin formation, white blood cell production and immune support.

Proteolytic Enzymes and Bromelain (take as directed on label) - Anti-inflammatory agents that may help reduce pain.

Flax Seed Oil and Primrose Oil (take as directed on label) - Essential fatty acids that help prevent arthritis and protect the cells.

Glucosamine (take as directed on label) - Important for connective tissue, bones and skin.

MSM (take as directed on label) - Provides sulfur, which may reduce inflammation and pain and support skin and bones.

Pau d'Arco, Fever Few and Red Clover (take as directed on label) - May alleviate some lupus symptoms.

Multivitamin and Mineral Supplement (take as directed on label) - Important for providing commonly deficient nutrients. Be sure to use a high-quality, high-potency formula.

Acidophilus (take as directed on label) - Shields against intestinal bacterial imbalances.

Kelp (1,000 - 1,500 mg daily) - Supplies minerals that people with lupus are usually deficient in.

* Important note: The recommended doses are for those over age 18. Always check herb and vitamin use with your child’s health care practitioner prior to administering them.