To strengthen the immune system and protect against colds and other ailments, echinacea is frequently taken as a dietary supplement. Echinacea does strengthen the immune system, thus those who have autoimmune disorders like lupus may experience flare-ups as a result. In fact, warning signs on echinacea supplements supplied in Europe advise against using it by those who have autoimmune illnesses. Therefore, those who have lupus and other autoimmune conditions ought to stay away from these supplements. In general, it’s crucial to see your doctor before beginning any new drugs or dietary supplements.
Echinacea and autoimmune diseases: is it safe?
Though typically harmless, echinacea is not suitable for everyone. If you have multiple sclerosis or an autoimmune ailment (like lupus), you should not use echinacea.
Echinacea and immune system overstimulation
It has been exaggerated how well echinacea works to treat and prevent viral illnesses. According to a review of random control studies, the majority of echinacea supplements offer minimal to no advantages over placebo. Echinacea is not advised for those with immune system disorders or autoimmune diseases since continuous use (more than 8 weeks) could cause your immune system to become overstimulated. Echinacea is generally considered to be safe, however you would be better off conserving your money.
Does echinacea weaken the immune system?
The daisy family includes nine species under the genus Echinacea. Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea pallida, and Echinacea purpurea are the three species that are commonly used in herbal remedies. This plant was regarded by Native Americans as a blood purifier. Echinacea is one of the most well-liked herbs in the United States today and is mostly used as an immune booster to prevent colds, the flu, and other diseases. Commercially accessible herb options include fresh herb, freeze-dried herb, and alcoholic extract of the herb. Echinacea tea can also be made using the plant’s fresh or dried roots and aerial parts. Arabinogalactan, one of the ingredients in echinacea, may be able to strengthen the immune system [41]. Clinical studies on the ability of echinacea to prevent colds, however, have produced conflicting results. 302 participants from a manufacturing facility and numerous military institutions participated in a study to assess the ability of an oral echinacea preparation to delay the start of an upper respiratory infection versus a placebo. Rigid statistical analysis failed to find any substantial effect of echinacea in postponing the start of upper respiratory tract illness, even though subjects felt noticeably better after taking it [42]. In a different study, the scientists analyzed data from three clinical investigations and came to the conclusion that patients who got a placebo were 55 percent more likely to experience clinical cold symptoms than those who received an echinacea supplement. According to the scientists’ findings, echinacea extract can stop cold symptoms from developing after being clinically exposed to cold viruses [43].
In whom should echinacea not be taken?
Consult your doctor before using echinacea if you regularly take other medications. Additionally, if you smoke, use illegal substances, drink alcohol or caffeine-containing beverages, you should disclose this to your doctor. These might impact how echinacea functions.
If you have an autoimmune ailment (like lupus), an infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, echinacea may not be beneficial to you (AIDS). Before beginning to use echinacea, you should discuss with your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing.
Echinacea allergy risk may be increased if you have a history of allergies to daisies, ragweed, marigolds, chrysanthemums, or other related plants.
What supplements with autoimmune disease should I stay away from?
For the pharmacist: I’ve taken Copaxone because I have MS. You advised me not to take supplements to boost my immune system last year. Can you tell me what sorts of supplements are safe and why? R.T., Decatur, Illinois
Hello R.T. Imagine staring at yourself in the mirror, only to discover that you are actually a robber. You then begin punching yourself, which is painful. Autoimmune illness occurs when your immune system mistakenly views your own tissue as an outside invader and starts to attack it.
Rheumatoid arthritis primarily affects the joints, while Hashimoto’s disease affects the thyroid, MS affects the brain and spinal cord neurons, and so forth.
Avoid large amounts of supplements including ginseng, cat’s claw, echinacea, beta carotene, and vitamin C. Why stoke the fire further? You could lose your remission and go into deeper despair if you do this.
Although there are a lot of different nutrients, I’ll provide a few suggestions in the space available.
For now, think about eating no gluten and getting any of these vitamins and minerals:
DHA. a kind of important fatty acid found in fish oils that supports the health of nerve cells and regulates inflammatory chemicals that are out of control.
Padma Simple. This historic recipe originated in Tibet and was transmitted there. In other countries, this medication is known as Padma 28, although it is not available there without a prescription. It contains 20 herbs and spices that are all-natural, which help to balance your immune system and reduce inflammation. The nerd in me researched this unique mixture of plants, which also includes heartleaf, valerian, clove flower, and resurrection lily. It benefits autoimmune patients because it “cools down” an overheated immune system. It is also excellent for the heart and blood circulation, and it has been used successfully in clinical trials to treat atherosclerosis, angina, and heart failure. All conditions characterized by inflammation have names that finish in “itis.” Any “itis,” such as hepatitis, arthritis, thyroiditis, pneumonia, and, get this, it can prevent a root canal (pulpitis), can be treated with Padma.
Is it safe to consume echinacea daily?
A Cochrane Library systematic review was released by researchers in 2006. A systematic review is when a team of professionals compiles all the information available on a specific topic. Then they examine it to determine whether there is any supporting evidence. 13 trials were examined in the review by the researchers. The studies investigated whether echinacea could be used to treat and prevent the common cold.
Some studies suggested that it might shorten the duration of colds and ease symptoms. Others, though, proved that it was ineffective.
According to the review, there is no proof that echinacea can shield you from the common cold. More study of how echinacea might combat infections was advised. to find out more about its side effects, as well.
In 2010, a study examined how successfully echinacea root treated persons who were already congested. It was discovered that ingesting echinacea had no effect on how long colds lasted.
Over 700 participants were the subject of a study in 2012 by researchers. They discovered that daily echinacea users for at least 4 months saw few adverse effects and fewer colds.
In 2014, researchers conducted a further Cochrane review. They discovered that the echinacea products sold on the market vary greatly.
Additionally, they discovered that 10 to 20 out of every 100 persons may be less likely to have a cold as a result of certain varieties (10 percent to 20 percent ).
The researchers believed that this was a little effect and that there was conflicting data to back it up. This is so because various echinacea preparations were employed in the experiments.
What occurs if echinacea is consumed in excess?
Echinacea is probably short-term safe for the majority of people when taken orally. It is safe to utilize different echinacea products for up to 10 days. Some products, like Echinaforce (A. Vogel Bioforce AG), offer a six-month safe usage period.
The most frequent adverse reactions are rash, diarrhea, heartburn, constipation, and stomach pain. Some people may experience adverse responses, particularly those who are allergic to ragweed, mums, marigolds, or daisies.
Echinacea may be safe for short-term use when applied topically. Echinacea-containing cream (Linola Plus Cream) has been used safely for up to 12 weeks. Echinacea topical application may result in skin redness, itching, or rashes.
Echinacea and lupus: is it safe to use?
The lack of diet and nutrition knowledge particular to lupus continues to be very frustrating. However, research has helped us understand which foods and lifestyle decisions can lessen the negative symptoms of lupus. There are specific foods that can influence how the body responds to inflammation, and as we all know, inflammation is a defining feature of autoimmune disorders like lupus. Here, we provide advice that is supported by science and will make living with lupus easier for you.
Is there a lupus diet?
No. There is no specific diet for persons with lupus, no list of what you should eat, drink, and avoid in order to alleviate the symptoms of lupus or, better yet, to make it go away, despite the countless claims made on the Internet and in various books. There is no specific organ system or portion of the body affected by systemic lupus. However, the same response holds true for cutaneous lupus: The most fundamental dietary recommendations apply if you have lupus.
Recommendation from us
Consume plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and a variety of lean meats and poultry in moderation as part of a balanced, nutritious diet. Try to consume fatty fish once or twice every week by baking or grilling it (see also Something’s Fishy). Limit your intake of foods that are hydrogenated, partially hydrogenated, or contain trans fats. If there is no fluid restriction, drink lots of water and minimize your intake of sweet foods and beverages.
Can I help my lupus by adding antioxidants to my diet?
Maybe. Antioxidants, like vitamin C and selenium, may guard against the potential cellular harm that free radicals can do. Free radicals are molecules that are created when food is broken down by the body or by exposure to radiation and tobacco smoke in the environment. Heart disease, cancer, and other illnesses could be caused by free radicals. Antioxidants have been demonstrated to be useful in preventing retinal illnesses including macular degeneration, but nothing is known about how they affect the activity and course of lupus.
It is recommended to gain antioxidants from a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains rather than through supplements, even if there are antioxidant supplements available. This is because the combination of elements in foods high in antioxidants may have the greatest impact. Prunes, raisins, blueberries, blackberries, beets, and red bell peppers are among examples. While both kale and spinach are high in antioxidants, they are also high in vitamin K, which is renowned for its anticoagulant properties. If you regularly consume large amounts of any of these plants, consult your doctor.
Is it true that aspartame can cause or trigger lupus?
Doubtful. Aspartame does not, in our opinion, cause the onset of lupus. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given its approval for the use of aspartame (NutraSweet, Equal), saccharin (Sweet’N Low), acesulfame potassium (Sunett), and sucralose (Splenda) in a wide range of foods and beverages. According to the National Cancer Institute (see “Resources list”), there is no solid evidence that any of these products cause cancer, and numerous other studies support the safety of artificial sweeteners for the general public. (There is one known exception: Aspartame must include a PKU warning on all items that contain it since it is unsafe for persons who have the uncommon hereditary condition phenylketonuria.)
However, there is some proof that regular intake of beverages with artificial sweeteners increases the risk of being overweight or obese.
Aspartame and other artificial sweeteners are acceptable for lupus patients to ingest, however for a well-balanced diet, all non-nutritive sugary foods and beverages should be consumed in moderation.
I’ve read that the body needs sunlight to make vitamin D, but I’m supposed to avoid the sun so my lupus won’t flare. What should I do?
The relationship between vitamin D, ultraviolet (UV) light, and your bones should come first. Calcium and vitamin D requirements must be met in order to maintain strong bones. Calcium is a necessary mineral that humans obtain through food or supplements, and vitamin D is necessary to improve calcium absorption from the small intestine. Vitamin D, on the other hand, can only be acquired through a trifecta of three sources: vitamin supplements, naturally containing or fortified foods containing vitamin D, and exposure to UV light (particularly UVB from the sun).
Vitamin D is now recognized by researchers as being crucial for immune system health in addition to bone health. Vitamin D may influence the onset and severity of various autoimmune illnesses, including lupus, in addition to appearing to affect the immune system’s activity. Low vitamin D levels have also been linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, a weakened immune system, and the onset of osteoporosis later in life.
Numerous studies have revealed that there are frighteningly many people in the United States and other nations who have low levels of vitamin D. Due to a combination of lupus disease activity, corticosteroid medication, and avoiding sunlight since UV radiation protection helps to reduce lupus flares, people with lupus frequently have low levels of vitamin D. The quantity of UV radiation and vitamin D you receive depends on your geographic latitude, the time of day, the weather, smog, darker skin, and whether or not you wear sunscreen. Other risk factors for vitamin D insufficiency include obesity and advanced age.
Consult your doctor about getting your blood levels of vitamin D evaluated if you have limited sun exposure due to lupus; vitamin D can be supplemented with pills or through food.
If echinacea boosts the immune system, is it helpful for lupus?
No. A plant known as echinacea is thought to have immune-stimulating effects. There is proof that long-term usage of this medication increases the risk of lupus nephritis flare-ups and lower white blood cell counts (leukopenia). Echinacea may potentially cause liver inflammation and interfere with the liver’s ability to break down some medications. Echinacea may interfere with immunosuppressant medications you may be using to treat your lupus, such as prednisone, azathioprine, mycophenolate, and cyclosporine, if it does really boost the immune system.
Are there special benefits for lupus from eating fish?
Probably. Fish is generally a healthy food option because it is low in saturated fat (the “bad”), can be frozen, is frequently available in a range of species, and can be prepared in a variety of ways.
The fact that certain fish species are high in advantageous omega-3 fatty acids is significant for patients with lupus (see also Awesome Omega-3s). Salmon (wild is safer than farm-raised due to toxins in commercial fish “chow”), trout, mackerel, sardines, and uncanned tuna are some fish high in omega-3 fatty acids.
Young children and women who are pregnant, nursing, or considering a pregnancy should take extra measures since mercury levels can be dangerous. Good options include salmon and sardines because they normally contain little mercury. (For further information, visit the Environmental Protection Agency website listed under “Resources.”)
Eat fish that has been baked or broiled several times per week, make an effort to choose varieties that are low in mercury and high in omega-3s, and keep your intake of farmed fish to no more than once or twice per week. (Also, don’t pay more just because “organic” is written on the package; the U.S. Department of Agriculture does not have established standards for “organic fish.)
Is it true that women with lupus are at especially high risk for heart disease?
Yes. Women with lupus are five to ten times more likely than the general population to develop heart disease. You could have higher risk factors than average, which could include:
- renal disease or corticosteroid use-related hypertension
- increased risk of type 2 diabetes and elevated cholesterol due to corticosteroid use
- a sedentary, inactive lifestyle brought on by weariness, joint discomfort, and/or muscular pain
But even after accounting for these risk variables, atherosclerosis is more likely to occur in lupus sufferers.
If you have lupus, you should be aware that you are at risk for cardiovascular disease. There are numerous ways to lower your risk of heart attacks and other problems from coronary artery disease: Control any known risk factors, manage the symptoms of lupus, and consult your doctor about reducing or quitting your corticosteroid use.
Can noni juice help my lupus?
We are dubious. Noni juice has received a lot of attention in recent years for its immune-boosting and anti-cancer properties. However, there is no conclusive proof that noni juice is advantageous for preventing or treating any particular disease. As an immune system stimulant, noni juice may even have negative consequences if you have lupus because your immune system is already overactive. Additionally, depending on the brand, the nutritional value of noni juice might vary, and the potassium concentration can occasionally be rather high. If your lupus affects your kidneys, this can be problematic because failing kidneys may not be able to control potassium levels. Too much potassium in your body might result in a heart attack or an irregular pulse.
Is it true that smoking cigarettes make lupus worse?
Yes! According to studies, those with lupus who smoke had a more active form of the disease as well as higher discoid lupus involvement, including scarring. Additionally, complement regulating proteins, which are used by the immune system to fend against foreign invaders like bacteria and viruses, are found in reduced concentrations in smokers. Additionally, the effectiveness of hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) in treating lupus symptoms is constrained by the compounds in cigarette products.
Can soy isoflavones improve symptoms of lupus?
Most likely not. A staple food in Asian nations for at least 5,000 years, soy is a plant that belongs to the pea family. Protein, isoflavones, and fiber can all be found in soy. It is thought that isoflavones exert estrogen-like effects on the body. Researchers have looked into soy protein’s potential health advantages in relation to menopause symptoms, arthritis, weight loss, cardiovascular disease risk factors, brain function, and improved exercise performance. There is, however, little proof to back up the use of isoflavones to treat any diseases.
Lupus is unlikely to be helped by soy, but if you wish to increase the amount of protein in your diet, soy products like tofu provide all the necessary amino acids.
Can alfalfa sprouts cause lupus?
Not quite. A legume, alfalfa is a member of the same plant family as snow peas, peanuts, green beans, and peanut butter. Tablets containing alfalfa have been linked to reports of lupus flares or syndromes with symptoms include blood antinuclear antibodies, exhaustion, aberrant immune system activity, and abnormal kidney function. Alfalfa seeds and sprouts contain the amino acid L-canavanine, which is thought to be responsible for these effects (but not in the leaves).
Are there any vitamins that can worsen lupus?
Yes, it’s possible that taking too much of some vitamins could be dangerous. Vitamin E should be avoided because it has been linked to heart disease. Additionally, beta-carotene supplements and vitamin A, which can be converted from beta-carotene to an active form, should be taken with caution, especially by smokers, due to their potential role in reducing HDL (“good”) cholesterol levels.
Follow your doctor’s advice and only take supplements for things you can’t get from eating.