Im still not sure whats what

General
1

Ok so ive been feeling ok and the bam. Im feeling weak and vomiting. then the heart palpitations skin rashes, especially my face. and lets not forget the diarea. My legs and hands have been shakie again and my glands are hard and sore! has anyone else experienced this with there lupus?

2

BTW, Ive been doing some research and ive been allergic to garlic since i was at least nine so i thought. I found this information on the John Hopkins website on things to avoid.... wasnt sure

Johns Hopkins Scleroderma Center

Johns Hopkins Medicine

You are here: Home » Lupus Primer » Lifestyle and Additional Information » Things to Avoid

Things to Avoid

If you have lupus or a condition that predisposes you to lupus, such as undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD), there are certain foods and medications that you should avoid. The substances listed below have shown to induce lupus signs and flares and should be avoided by people with lupus or autoimmune diseases suggesting “pre-lupus.”

(1) Sunlight

People with lupus should avoid the sun, since sunlight can cause rashes and flares. Some people are more sensitive to sunlight than others, but all people with lupus are advised to be cautious when they are outside. Of course, it would be impractical to completely avoid going outdoors, but try to be prepared. Carry a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 70 and be sure that your sunscreen contains Helioplex, an ingredient that blocks UV-A and UV-B rays, both of which are harmful to people with lupus. Apply sunscreen to all areas of the body, even those covered by your clothes, since most normal clothing items only protect your skin to the level of SPF 5. In addition, carry a hat with you when you know you will be outside. Certain sportswear manufacturers now make hats with SPF built into the material, which may be helpful for people with greater photosensitivity.

(2) Bactrim and Septra (sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim)

Bactrim and Septra are antibiotics that contain sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim. They are grouped as “sulfa” antibiotics because they contain a substance called sulfonamide. Bactrim and Septra are often prescribed for bacterial infections, especially urinary tract infections. They are also sometimes given prophylactically (i.e., to prevent infection), especially in people taking immunosuppressive medications. However, it is very important that you avoid Bactrim and Septra, because these antibiotics are known to cause an increase in sun sensitivity and lower blood counts in people with lupus, resulting in lupus flares. Several medications can be used instead of Bactim or Septra for the prevention and treatment of infection; perhaps the most frequently used substitute is Dapsone (diaminodiphenyl sulfone) to prevent Pneumocystis pneumonia.

(3) Garlic

Scientists believe that three substancs in garlic—allicin, ajoene, and thiosulfinates—rev-up your immune system by enhancing the activity of white blood cells, particularly macrophages and lymphocytes. Scientists also believe that the sulfur components of garlic help to prevent and suppress cancer in the body. For this reason, garlic is often used as a supplement to combat colds and infections. Unfortunately, the enhancement of immune response is counterproductive in people with autoimmune disease such as lupus, because their immune system is already overactive. As a result, people with lupus and lupus-like signs should avoid cooking with garlic and adding it to food. Of course, a tiny amount of the herb will not harm you, but try to consciously avoid purchasing and preparing foods with garlic.

(4) Alfalfa Sprouts

Alfalfa sprouts contain an amino acid called L-canavanine that can increase inflammation in people with lupus by stimulating the immune system. As a result, people with lupus and similar autoimmune conditions should avoid alfalfa sprouts completely.

(5) Melatonin and Rozerem (ramelteon)

Melatonin is a hormone secreted by the pineal gland in your brain that regulates other hormones in the body that control how your body reacts to daily patterns of light and dark. Melatonin release is suppressed during the light hours of the day and stimulated by dark, helping you stick to patterns of nighttime sleep and daytime wakefulness. As a result, melatonin is often used as a sleep aid over other medications. Melatonin and melatonin-containing supplements should be avoided in people with lupus and other autoimmune disorders because they may stimulate the immune system. In addition, people with these conditions should also avoid the prescription sleep aid Rozerem (ramelteon), because it mimics melatonin in the body. It is important that you understand the necessity of avoiding both melatonin and Rozerem, since sleep aids are often used to help people with fibromylagia and other conditions to attain normal sleep patterns. In general, be sure that you speak with your physician before taking any new medications or supplements.

(6) Echinacea

Echinacea is often used as a dietary supplement to boost the immune system against colds and other illnesses. However, because Echinacea boosts your immune system, it may cause flares in people with autoimmune diseases such as lupus. In fact, Echinacea supplements sold in Europe bear warning labels that advise against use by people with autoimmune diseases. As a result, people with lupus and other autoimmune diseases should avoid these supplements. In general, it is important that you speak with your physician before taking any new medications or supplements.

© 2012 Johns Hopkins Lupus Center | Contact Us

Best matches for can lupus patients take melatonin
People with lupus should avoid the sun, since sunlight can cause rashes and flares. Jump to text »
Melatonin is a hormone secreted by the pineal gland in your brain that regulates ... Jump to text »
warning labels that advise against use by people with autoimmune diseases. Jump to text »
More matches »
« Fewer matches

if this could help anyone.

3

wow great atricle on lupus...i will read it ---print and save it.

I am so sorry though that you're having such a flare...are you under any extras stress?

I have been and two weeks ago I ran short on money bc the price of gas went up while my dl had been revoked for medical reasons---so I get my car back and I am just driving around in la la land without realizing how expansiveness is was...anyway, I had to ask my daughter for money for food and meds to hole me o=ver till pay day---which she was very glad to do and gave me way more than I asked for, but still...i was so ashamed...so guilt and worry and waiting till the last minute (or three days too late) for meds caused me to flare. stress not only factor, but it was a big one this time

4

I’ve deffinately been under much stress. My mom was in the hospital for depression and although we have a big family I’ve really been the only one doing all the leg work and now she’s staying with me. I also have surgery coming up next week and with my mom being sick itS been a bit of a challange trying to find someone to look after her and the kids just so I can have my surgery done and I have a very large family, there’s just always an excuse! On top of all this I was denied my SSI which I only lost in the first plaCe cause my husband made. Couple dollars too much. Now with him barely working I can’t get it back. They say I’m not disabled enoungh! Huh wish they could walk in my shoes for a day!!! The PTSD is more then enough to try and cope with nevermind the lupus, sieures, fibro, migranes and well you know how the list gose on…




janice said:

wow great atricle on lupus…i will read it —print and save it.

I am so sorry though that you’re having such a flare…are you under any extras stress?

I have been and two weeks ago I ran short on money bc the price of gas went up while my dl had been revoked for medical reasons—so I get my car back and I am just driving around in la la land without realizing how expansiveness is was…anyway, I had to ask my daughter for money for food and meds to hole me o=ver till pay day—which she was very glad to do and gave me way more than I asked for, but still…i was so ashamed…so guilt and worry and waiting till the last minute (or three days too late) for meds caused me to flare. stress not only factor, but it was a big one this time

5

Is that really true about garlic? I put it in alot of my foods. but if it should be avoided then avoid it is