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What is Systemic Lupus Erythematosus?

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is an autoimmune disease. The most commondescriptionof autoimmune disease is that it is a condition that occurs when the "bodyattacks itself".

The immune system, like most of the body, requires balance to function

properly. T- helper 1 (Th1) cells and T-helper 2 cells (Th2) help regulate the

body's response to foreign invaders.

Th1 uses white blood cells to go after viruses and cancer cells. Th2 immunecells useantibodies to go after bacteria.Normally, the body strikes a balance by switching back and forth betweenTh1 and Th2.In a person with an autoimmune disorder, one dominates and suppresses the

other.

Trans fats, mercury and other heavy metals, sugar and processed foods,

alcohol, lack of

sleep, lack of exercise, and stress are part of a modern lifestyle that can

disrupt the

Th1/Th2 balance.

Autoimmune Disease and Women

Th1 dominance in women is associated with autoimmunity and recurrent

miscarriage in the first trimester of pregnancy. Additionally, children in the

autism spectrum tend to be Th1 dominant.

Besides autoimmunity, Th2 dominance is characterized by a tendency towardallergies,frequent colds and viral infections, and cancer.Both Th1 and Th2 cells make a protein substance known as cytokines.Cytokines causeinflammation.

Cytokines are a necessary part of our immunity. Inflammation should be a

temporary response to injury or infection. It is the over-production (too many)

of certain small cytokine molecules that leads to the invasion a

inflammation of an organ or body system.

Changes in the BrainIn the brain, cytokines can cause behavioral changes. They can either promptor worsen

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depression, anxiety, or anorexia. They may cause a person to becomewithdrawn.Cytokines create fatigue and interfere with sleep patterns. They are one thingresponsiblefor what has been termed "brain fog.Autoimmune conditions are named or categorized according to where in the

bodycytokines are being overproduced and how the disease manifests itself.

Lupus can affect the skin, lungs,kidneys, heart,joints, and/or nervous system.

Systemic

Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) involves the internal organs. When only the skin

is effected,

the condition is called Discoid Lupus. Eventually, 5%-10% of individuals

diagnosed with

Discoid Lupus will also develop Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

Symptoms of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus vary and can be mild or severe.They canalso change from day to day.-Almost all people with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus have joint painand will eventually also develop arthritis.-About half of those with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus develop a

"butterfly" rash over the bridge of the nose and cheeks.

-Rash all over the body.

-Skin lesions

-pregnancy loss

-nephritis (kidney inflammation)

-kidney failure

-Up to 85% of those with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus develop some

type of blood disorder.

-blood clots

-strokes

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-pulmonary embolism

-Anemia

-Pericarditis

-Endocarditis

-Myocarditis

-Chest pain

-Arrhythmias

-Pleurisy (inflammation of the lining of the lung)

-Shortness of breath

-Up to 25% of those with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus develop

neurologic disorders.

-Seizures

-Psychosis

-Headaches