Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), more commonly known as just lupus, is an autoimmune disease that can cause adrenal fatigue. It is commonly found in women in their late 30s to early 50s. This condition can affect multiple organs, including the heart, kidneys, joints, and lungs.
The cause of SLE isn't known; however, because it's an autoimmune disease, it involves the formation of auto-antibodies — antibodies that attack the person. That's why you may hear that in SLE, the body is literally attacking itself.
If you have lupus, you may have experienced one or more of the following symptoms:
A butterfly rash on your face
Photosensitivity (the sun really, really bothers you when you go outside)
Ulcers in your mouth
Heart problems: Lupus can affect the valves and cause endocarditis (inflammation of the heart valves) in a minority of patients; lupus can also cause inflammation of the pericardium, which is the outer aspect of the heart
Kidneys problems and blood in the urine, protein in the urine, and/or acute kidney failure
Positive blood (antibody) tests including a positive anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) and anti-double stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA)
The treatment of lupus may include prednisone, hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), methotrexate, and even stronger medication to suppress the immune system. Alternative treatment options for lupus include many options that can also be used to treat rheumatoid arthritis.
Before you begin using any alternative complementary treatments for lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, it's important that you speak with your healthcare practitioner. Lupus and RA are very potent inflammatory syndromes that require a personalized approach when considering the use of both traditional and alternative treatments.
