Fight high lupus deaths with healthy lifestyle – expert
A new study has found that the chronic auto-immune condition, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), commonly known as lupus, is a leading cause of mortality in females which until now has gone largely unrecognised.
And, although there is no known cure, a leading SA health expert says pursuing a healthy lifestyle, including a diet and supplements that counter inflammation, may help.
The study, published in the journal Arthritis & Rheumatology, found that 28 411 female deaths from lupus in the US from 2000 to 2015 were excluded from official statistics because the condition is under reported.
“Patients with [lupus] die prematurely of complications such as cardiovascular events, infections, renal failure, and respiratory diseases [and] these proximate causes of death may be perceived to be unrelated to [lupus], when in fact the disease or the medications used for it predispose to them,” researchers noted.
The study found that among women aged 15-24 years, lupus was the leading chronic inflammatory disease, ranking higher than diabetes, [HIV], chronic lower respiratory disease, nephritis, pneumonitis, and liver diseases.
Lupus is characterised by the body’s immune system attacking its own healthy tissue, triggering inflammation, pain and damage to skin, joints, organs or blood vessels. Symptoms are wide ranging and include fatigue, skin rash, fever arthritis, heart, kidney and lung problems, seizures, and blood cell and immunological abnormalities. The cause is unknown but may be linked to environmental, genetic, and hormonal factors. There is no known cure but medical treatment and lifestyle changes may help manage it.
Nutritional expert, Vanessa Ascencao says a healthy, balanced diet, exercise, high quality supplements and medical support may help combat the deadly symptoms of lupus. Additionally, to help counter inflammation – a major characteristic of lupus — Ascencao suggests powerful Bio-Curcumin with BCM-95, a highly bioavailable turmeric extract, also shown to support brain health. Ascencao suggests these tips for good health:
- Avoid fried, oily and processed foods and eat less red meat, dairy and sugar.
- Choose fresh, organic and unprocessed foods and eat more vegetables, especially dark leafy greens.
- Increase intake of fresh fruit, including berries and pomegranates which are high in antioxidants.
- Eat foods rich in omega 3 such as wild caught salmon or tuna and choose a potent supplement such as Purest Omega 3. Eat lots of healthy fats such as avo, seeds, nuts and olive oil.
- Try probiotic foods such as kefir, kombucha or sauerkraut and use bone broth in soups.
- Use herbs, spices and herbal teas or choose a potent green tea extract Origine 8.
- Choose quality iron and vitamin B and D supplements to boost immunity, energy and concentration.
Exercise to help reduce stress and improve joint health and sleep at least eight hours a night.