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According to The Lupus Foundation of America, around 1.5 million Americans, and at least 5 million people worldwide, are suffering from some form of lupus. Lupus is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease caused by an anomaly in the immune system. Each case of lupus is unique, because the condition can affect different organs and different parts of the body. The condition can be difficult to diagnose, as symptoms often overlap with those caused by other illnesses. The four types of lupus are:
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
SLE is the most commonly reported form of lupus, affecting different organs around the body. This type may not produce rashes, since it affects the internal organs and parts of your body, such as your veins, lungs or digestive system. SLE can also cause "lupus nephritis," which leads to kidney damage. You may see blood in your urine, along with high blood pressure, if you have this condition. SLE is also characterized by multiple symptoms, such as fatigue, sensitivity to sunlight, pulmonary hypertension, joint pain and rashes.
- Drug-Induced Lupus
This type of lupus is caused by chronic drug use to treat a disease. Its symptoms are similar to SLE, but have milder organ damage. Kidneys and the central nervous system aren’t typically affected. Drug-induced lupus is only temporary, and symptoms disperse after six months.
- Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (CLE)
CLE only affects the skin and is broken down into several types depending on the rashes it creates. Chronic cutaneous lupus (CCLE) creates disc-like rashes and acute cutaneous lupus (ACLE)-created sunburn-like rashes on the cheeks, as well as large, flat red patches on the arms, legs and torso. SCLE creates two forms of rashes — papulosquamous and annular lesions.
- Neonatal Lupus Erythematosus
This rare condition affects developing babies, even if the mother does not have lupus herself. It’s present in 1 out of 1,000 women, and affects the infant’s skin. Symptoms disappear several months after birth.
Since lupus can strike without warning, it’s difficult to determine if you can fully prevent it. The best option to lower your chances of getting lupus is to focus on maintaining a healthy body through nutrition-focused physical and dietary practices. A lupus diagnosis requires several laboratory tests, such as a blood count, a kidney and liver assessment, and an antinuclear antibody test.
After a lupus diagnosis, eating the right food is vital, as it can help lessen symptoms. Beneficial foods for lupus include plenty of fresh vegetables and moderate amounts of fruit, calcium-rich foods, coconut oil and bone broth. Food and drinks to avoid include alcohol, alfalfa sprouts and unhealthy fats such as fried foods, processed meats, trans fats and refined vegetable cooking oils. Lifestyle practices that may also help reduce symptoms include getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, acupuncture and stress reduction techniques.