Lupus

Why it works: UV light (both UVA and UVB) can trigger and worsen lupus activity. Photosensitivity is a hallmark of cutaneous lupus and can precipitate systemic flares; this is reflected in major...

Instructions: 1) Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen (UVA + UVB). • Choose broad-spectrum SPF 50+ where possible; at minimum SPF 30. Reapply every 2 hours and after swimming/sweating. (Patient guidan...

Warnings: Vitamin D: Routine sunscreen use alone rarely causes deficiency, but strict photoprotection (clothin...

Studies: Randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled trial (JAAD, 20...

Why it works: Fatigue, fitness & mood: Randomised trials show graded or supervised aerobic programs reduce fatigue and improve perceived global change, compared with relaxation or usual care; th...

Instructions: These reflect the 2024 international SLE consensus recommendations, aligned with WHO physical-activity targets and rheumatology guidance. rmdopen.bmj.com. Screening & setup. • Medi...

Warnings: Use the following to minimise risk—these are directly reflected in the 2024 SLE task-force recommend...

Studies: Cochrane Review 2023 (19 April 2023): Across structured exer...

Why it works: Redox & mitochondria: Lupus T-cells show mitochondrial hyperpolarization, excess ROS, and depleted glutathione (GSH), which drives over-activation of mTORC1 and abnormal T-cell dif...

Instructions: Typical oral dosing studied. • 600 mg three times daily (total 1,800 mg/day) for 3 months improved SLEDAI and BILAG versus control. BioMed Central. • Dose-finding RCT tested 1.2 g,...

Warnings: Who might consider it? Patients with active non-severe SLE symptoms despite standard therapy, after...

Studies: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (36 pts):...

Why it works: Anti-inflammatory lipid mediators. EPA/DHA partially replace arachidonic acid in cell membranes, shifting eicosanoid production and yielding pro-resolving mediators (resolvins, pro...

Instructions: Doses studied in SLE trials (examples):. • Fish-oil ethyl esters (Lovaza-type): ~3 g/day total oil (≈1.8 g EPA + 1.5 g DHA) for 12 weeks; assessed effects on endothelial function a...

Warnings: Not a substitute for SLE medications. ACR’s 2025 guideline emphasizes hydroxychloroquine for all and...

Studies: 2008 RCT (Ann Rheum Dis, n≈60): 3 g/day ω-3 for 24 weeks imp...

Why it works: Deficiency is common in SLE. Photosensitivity and sun avoidance increase risk; deficiency is repeatedly reported in SLE cohorts. Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Immunologi...

Instructions: Always coordinate with your rheumatology/primary team. Typical approach in SLE is identical to general deficiency treatment, tailored to baseline labs and comorbidities.. Measure b...

Warnings: Toxicity (hypercalcemia): Excess vitamin D can cause hypercalcemia/hypercalciuria, renal injury, arr...

Studies: Adults with stable SLE (n=57): 12-week, double-blind RCT of...

Why it works: Targets high-impact symptoms. Psychological interventions consistently help with lupus-related fatigue, pain, mood, and quality of life—domains that often remain troublesome even w...

Instructions: Mindfulness-Based Programs (MBSR/MBCT). • Format: Standard 8-week course; weekly 2–2.5-hour classes + one full-day practice around week 6–7; home practice ~30–45 min/day (guided me...

Warnings: Not a substitute for disease-modifying therapy. Do not stop or change steroids/immunosuppressants wi...

Studies: Mindfulness-based programs in SLEPilot RCT (n=26): MBSR adap...

Why it works: Immunomodulatory & anti-inflammatory actions. Key constituents (notably triptolide and celastrol) suppress inflammatory pathways relevant to SLE—e.g., down-regulating NF-κB–mediate...

Instructions: Preparations used in studies/clinical practice: Most human studies use Tripterygium glycosides tablets (TGT/TWP) or defined TwHF extracts (e.g., “T2” extract). Product potency vari...

Warnings: Toxicity is real and dose-limiting. Reported adverse effects include GI upset, liver injury, kidney...

Studies: Systematic review & meta-analysis (2023): Pooled randomi...

Why it works: Immunomodulation (less “auto-attack”): Curcumin down-regulates pathways that drive lupus inflammation (NF-κB, MAPK, JAK/STAT), reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines, and shifts T-cell...

Instructions: Below are the dosing patterns used in human trials (not prescriptions):. • Lupus nephritis (small RCT, 3 months): 1 capsule with each meal (3×/day), each capsule 500 mg turmeric po...

Warnings: Liver injury (rare but documented): National regulators and case series have linked high-dose or “en...

Studies: Human trialsKhajehdehi et al., 2012 (J Ren Nutr) — 24 patien...

Why it works: Symptom relief (pain, fatigue): A small randomized, controlled pilot trial in SLE found a 10-session course of acupuncture was feasible and appeared safe, with improvements in pain...

Instructions: Keep your rheumatology care as the foundation. Do not stop or reduce SLE medications based on acupuncture alone; this is consistent with ACR guidance. assets.contentstack.io. Choos...

Warnings: General safety profile: When performed by trained practitioners using sterile, single-use needles, a...

Studies: Pilot RCT in SLE (feasibility & safety, 24 participants)...

Why it works: Biology & rationale (short version): DHEA is an adrenal androgen with immunomodulatory effects. People with SLE tend to have lower DHEA/DHEA-S levels, and supplementation may modes...

Instructions: Always discuss with your rheumatologist; do not self-start OTC DHEA for lupus.. Typical dose studied:. • 200 mg orally once daily (women), most commonly for 6–12 months. prasterone...

Warnings: Common androgenic effects:. • Acne, hirsutism, oily skin, sweating—usually dose-related and reversib...

Studies: Petri et al., 2002 (Arthritis & Rheumatism) – RCT; 191 w...

Why it works: Immune-modulating polysaccharides (PSK & PSP): Turkey tail contains protein-bound polysaccharides (PSK, PSP) that change cytokine signalling and immune-cell activity. That’s why PS...

Instructions: Forms: Capsules, powders, teas, and standardized extracts; over-the-counter products are not standardized, and PSK (the Japanese drug) is different from most supplements. Memorial...

Warnings: Autoimmunity caution: Because turkey tail (PSK/PSP) stimulates immune responses, it may theoreticall...

Studies: Cancer adjuvant data: Large body of trials/meta-analyses whe...