Fish may ease lupus symptoms
Q. Do you have any diet suggestions for someone with systemic lupus erythematosus? I am on a number of medications and take vitamins and supplements such as amino acids, but nothing seems to be working very well.
A.B., Portland, Ore.
A. Systemic lupus, often called systemic lupus erythrematosus, or SLE, doesn't get the attention it deserves, despite being more prevalent than leukemia, multiple sclerosis, cystic fibrosis and muscular dystrophy combined.
This condition is referred to as an autoimmune disease because the body's own immune system -- the very system that creates antibodies to defend us against invading micro-organisms -- is misdirected into developing antibodies against the body's own cells, tissues and organ systems. Some people with SLE have mild symptoms with occasional flare-ups, while in others the condition takes the form of a life-threatening disease that wreaks havoc on systems throughout the body.
Diet and exercise are important, but I regret that I cannot offer much more than generic advice. You mention that you are on medications and that you also take supplements. It is essential that you verify with your doctor that none of the supplements is interfering with your medications.
As for diet, one that is based on fresh, whole foods is always good advice. With an autoimmune disease such as lupus, however, environmental and food allergies may play a role. Maintain a food diary, charting the good and bad days together with what is eaten and any other salient event.
There is a definite inflammatory element to lupus. Studies in the December 2002 issue of the Journal of the American College of Nutrition and the March 2001 issue of the journal Lupus report how EPA and DHA, two of the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil, have been shown to help blunt inflammatory reactions in people suffering from autoimmune disorders. See whether a regular intake of fish and the omega-3 fatty acids they contain help relieve symptoms.
Exercise is important, but people with lupus tend to be fatigued easily, possibly because oxygen uptake in muscles tends to be lower in those with SLE. There are benefits, however, to being as active as one can. A study in the January issue of Lupus reports how exercise can help alleviate symptoms.
For more information, consult the National Institute of Health page on Lupus located at tinyurl.com/3d8xhf. If you haven't already, call the Lupus Foundation of America at (202) 349-1155. The Web site is at www.lupus.org.
In addition to having information and providing referrals to specialists, this organization provides information and an "Ask the Expert" feature.
Q. For Thanksgiving 2006, I bought a turkey and got one free. I've had that one turkey in the freezer since that time. Is it still OK to eat? I am a senior and hate to waste food.
H.R., via e-mail
A. The U.S. Department of Agriculture says it is best to eat a frozen turkey within the first year, but assuming that the package the turkey is in has no tears and your freezer is working well, the turkey is still safe. Check for signs of freezer burn or damage to the package.