Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus or SLE is an autoimmune disease in which healthy tissue is damaged due to a mistaken attack by the body’s immunity. This causes chronic inflammation in the joints, skin, muscles, kidney, brain and other organs. SLE often overlaps with other connective tissue diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.

There are no exact causes of SLE but several genetic and environmental factors are suspected. People with lupus often may have family members with autoimmune diseases. Also, hormonal changes in women, drugs and other environmental factors may trigger SLE.

In Ayurveda this is considered a chronic disease that affects the joints and muscles and reduces body immunity, causing degeneration of the tissues. When body tissues deteriorate and body immunity and strength reduces below a certain point, the body cannot fight the disease and an autoimmune disorder can occur, which can then spread to different systems in the body. One by one all dhatus (tissues) in body get intoxicated and removing toxins from the body becomes challenging.

The primary aim of Ayurveda, when treating this kind of disorder is to restore body immunity so that the body can fight the disease itself. Ayurvedic treatment focuses on the person and tries to restore strength and vitality to the immune system and the body before attacking the disease causing factors.

• SLE is a very complex patholgy that affects multiple systems. So it is extremely important to follow proper life style and food regimen.
• Activities that can produce toxins in body should be avoided e.g. irregular food timings, keeping awake at night, day sleep, eating stale food etc.
• Exercises or hectic activities immediately after taking meals should be avoided.
• Heavy foods that remain in stomach for longer time should be avoided e.g. Non-veg items.
• Vegetarian food rich with fresh salads, vegetables and fruits should be taken.