Best Vitamins for Lupus

Lupus is a disease that develops when the body accidentally attacks its own tissues and stops protecting it from outside invaders. Tissue damage occurs in the joints, nervous system and other various parts of the body when auto antibodies attack and cause inflammation. Skin outbreaks and rashes known as malar rashes are also common symptoms of lupus 1. While doctors may prescribe prescription drugs to fight the effects of lupus, taking vitamins may help with symptoms as it will boost the body’s immune system.

Calcium

Calcium is great for bones and heart function. Since lupus can cause heart problems, such as irregular heart beats and tightening of arteries, people with lupus should consider taking 1,000 milligrams a day as a supplement.

Vitamin E

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Vitamin E, an antioxidant, neutralizes free radicals which can attack tissues and cause damage. Because lupus attacks the body’s tissues, vitamin E may be an important supplement to minimize the attack on and inflammation of tissues. Taking vitamin E daily, 1,000 international units is enough to enhance the immune system. However, taking too much vitamin E can lead to toxicity, so be sure not to exceed the daily recommended dosage.

Vitamin D

Taking 400 international units of vitamin D a day for suffers of lupus may help relieve some of the debilitating symptoms. Vitamin D helps with the absorption of calcium in the body. Vitamin D assists in autoimmune disorders by helping the body absorb the vitamins it needs to function. The stronger the immune system, the less chance you have of developing a disease such as lupus, which attacks the immune system 1. For those with lupus, vitamin D alleviates existing problems associated with lupus 1. Vitamin D naturally occurs in sunlight and many lupus suffers have an extra sensitivity to sunlight known as photosensitivity. Exposure to the sun can cause flu-like symptoms and an exaggerated malar rash. Vitamin D supplements benefit lupus suffers who can not be in the direct sunlight 1.

Selenium

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Inflammation is a symptom of lupus and enhancing your diet with selenium, which is known to reduce inflammation, may combat lupus symptoms. Fifty micrograms of selenium can increase the body’s production of glutathione, the master antioxidant in the body, helping to keep the body from attacking itself.

Zinc

Researchers have found that supplemental doses of zinc have the effect of revitalizing the functioning of the thymus gland, which is crucial to T-cell production and a strong immune system. In general, 15 mg of zinc a day is enough to supplement a healthy diet, which already contains zinc. The promotion of healthy skin is also a benefit of zinc and sufferers of lupus sometimes have skin rashes and raised bumps.