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Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, potentially fatal autoimmune disease characterized by exacerbations and remissions with many clinical manifestations, and may mimic infectious mononucleosis, lymphoma or other systemic disease. SLE is a complex disorder resulting from the production of antibodies that attack the DNA and proteins within healthy cells and the generation of circulating immune complexes. The complications from this involve multiple organs and are potentially life-threatening. The hallmark of the disease is recurrent, widespread, and diverse vascular lesions.
There is clinical involvement of the joints, skin, kidney, brain, and membranes of the lung, heart and gastrointestinal tract.
Incidence; Causes & Development
Women and non-Caucasians are disproportionately affected and SLE is most common in women of child-bearing age although it has been reported in all ages. The incidence is about 1 in 200 people in America.
Among children, SLE occurs three times more commonly in females than in males. In the 60% of SLE patients who experience onset between puberty and the fourth decade of life, the female to male ratio is 9:1. The disorder is three times more common in African American blacks than American Caucasians. SLE is also more common in Asians.
The cause of SLE remains unknown. A genetic predisposition, sex hormones, and environmental trigger(s) are strongly implicated in this disordered immune response. One of many suspected factors is a genetic mutation that disrupts the body's waste disposal mechanism in cells. The health status of a patient with SLE is related not only to disease activity, but also to the damage that results from recurrent episodes of disease flareups.
Signs & Symptoms
The symptoms are often vague, can be mild or severe and are often unrelated to lab tests. A patient can have many lupus symptoms in a lifetime.
Diagnosis & Tests
A tentative diagnosis can be made through examining a patient's medical history and performing a physical exam and screening tests (positive ANA). Once SLE is suspected, additional tests are valuable to confirm or rule it out. These include anti-double stranded DNA, anti-RNP, anti-Sm, anti-Ro, anti-La, C3, and C4. Some 30 to 70% of patients with SLE will be anti-DNA positive and 30% of patients with SLE will be anti-Sm positive. The presence of anti-double stranded DNA antibodies and low complement levels strongly suggests the diagnosis of lupus and identifies the patient at increase risk of kidney damage.
Physicians have to gather information from a variety of sources; past medical history, lab tests and current symptoms. They use a list of 11 criteria to help diagnose SLE. A person needs to satisfy at least 4 out of the 11 criteria before the diagnosis can be pin-pointed. Some criteria, such as a biopsy diagnosis of kidney lupus, can carry more weight.
Of the 11 criteria, 7 relate to symptoms, and 4 have to do with lab tests. The ANA test is used as a screening test for systemic lupus. We know that 95 % of people with SLE have a positive ANA. Therefore, if a person has many symptoms of systemic lupus and their ANA test is negative, that's generally regarded as pretty good evidence against lupus being the explanation for the symptoms they are having.
If on the other hand, the ANA comes back positive, that IS NOT proof of lupus. The positive ANA is only an indicator, it is not diagnostic: many women have positive ANA and not Lupus).
To assist the physician in the diagnosis of lupus, the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) in 1982 issued a list of 11 symptoms or signs that help distinguish lupus from other diseases. This has recently been revised. A person should have four or more of these symptoms to suspect lupus. The symptoms do not all have to occur at the same time.
THE ELEVEN CRITERIA USED FOR THE DIAGNOSIS OF LUPUS- Malar Rash - Rash on cheeks
- Discoid Rash - Red, scaly patches on skin which cause scarring
- Photosensitivity - Reaction to UV/sunlight, resulting in the development of or increase in skin rash
- Oral Ulcers - Ulcers in the nose or mouth, usually painless
- Arthritis - Nonerosive arthritis involving two or more peripheral joints (arthritis in which the bones around the joints do not become destroyed)
- Serositis - Pleuritis or pericarditis (inflammation of the lining of the lung or heart)
- Renal Disorder - Excessive protein in the urine (greater than 0.5 gm/day or 3+ on test sticks) and/or cellular casts (abnormal elements the urine, derived from red and/or white cells and/or kidney tubule cells)
- Neurologic Disorder - Seizures (convulsions) and/or psychosis in the absence of drugs or metabolic disturbances which are known to cause such effects
- Hematologic disorder - Hemolytic anemia (low red blood cell count) or leukopenia (white blood cell count <4,000/uL), lymphopenia (<1,500/uL) or thrombocytopenia (<100,000/uL) in the absence of offending drug.
- Antinuclear Antibody - Positive test for antinuclear antibodies (ANA) in the absence of drugs known to induce it.
- Immunologic Disorder - Positive anti-double stranded anti-DNA test, positive anti-Sm test, positive antiphospholipid antibody such as anticardiolipin, or false positive syphilis test (VDRL).
[Adapted from: Tan, E.M., et. al. The 1982 Revised Criteria for the Classification of SLE. Arth Rheum 25: pp.1271-77]
Treatment & Prevention
The treatment of infections in lupus patients is basically the same as for other patients. To prevent possible infections, patients at high risk of infection often benefit from taking antibiotics before dental treatment or surgical procedures. In general, individuals with lupus should avoid exposure to people with colds or other infections.
Animal studies indicate MSM may be useful.
Prognosis
The idea that lupus is generally a fatal disease is one of the gravest misconceptions about this illness. In fact, the prognosis of lupus is much better today than ever before. It is true that medical science has not yet developed a method for curing lupus and some people do die from the disease. However, with current methods of therapy, deaths from lupus are uncommon, and 80-90% of people with lupus live more than 10 years after diagnosis.
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Signs, symptoms & indicators of Lupus, SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythromatosis): | | | | | Lab Values - Chemistries |  (Mildly/highly) elevated ANA levels
Counter-indicators:
 Normal ANA levels | Any value less than 40 is considered a normal ANA level and called a negative test result. Normal levels of ANA virtually rule out active SLE. [Med Clin North Am 81(1): pp.113-28, Jan. 1997] |
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Symptoms - Environment |
 Regular photosensitive rash| | Approximately 80% of patients with SLE have dermatological manifestations during the course of their illness. The acute skin eruption manifests itself as a photosensitive rash which often has a butterfly appearance and involves the bridge of the nose and cheeks. A feature of this rash is a sparing of the crease seen on the sides of the mouth when smiling. Photosensitivity is less common in patients of color but occurs in 50% of all patients with SLE. |
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Symptoms - General |
 Constant fatigue
Chronic fatigue for over 3 months| | Prolonged or extreme fatigue is reported by 81% of lupus patients. |
Fatigue induced by light exertion| | 90% of patients with SLE experience fatigue. |
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Symptoms - Head - Eyes/Ocular |
(High) sensitivity to bright light| | Sun or light sensitivity (photosensitivity) is experienced by 30% of sufferers. |
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Symptoms - Head - Mouth/Oral |
Aphthous ulcers| | Mouth or nose ulcers have been reported by between 12 and 30% of lupus patients, depending on the study. They most often occur in the mouth on the hard or soft palate but may also be found on the nasal septum. |
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Symptoms - Immune System |
History of infections| | Lupus patients have abnormalities in their immune systems that predispose them to develop infections. |
Postviral syndrome| | Infections in lupus patients tend to last longer and require a longer course of treatment with antibiotics than infections in people who do not have lupus. |
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Symptoms - Metabolic |
Frequent/occasional unexplained fevers| | A less common but more serious constitutional feature of SLE is persistent fever. |
Unexplained fevers that hit hard or unexplained high fevers| | Fever of more than 100F (38C) is reported by 90% of lupus patients. |
Moderate/very great/major unexplained weight loss |
Symptoms - Muscular |
Tender muscles| | Muscle pains are a common symptom of SLE. Less common is actual muscle inflammation which occurs occasionally during the course of SLE. |
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Symptoms - Respiratory |
Chest pain when breathing| | Pain in the chest on deep breathing (pleurisy) is experienced by some 45% of lupus patients. |
Occasional/frequent/regular sore throats| | Sore throat or pain on taking a deep breath may occur with a flare of lupus. |
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Symptoms - Skeletal |
Joint pain/swelling/stiffness| | Most patients with SLE have musculoskeletal symptoms. The typical clinical manifestations are arthralgia, reported by 95% of patients, and arthritis (swollen joints) by 90%. The joints most commonly involved are the index finger, wrist and knees. Lupus is rarely accompanied by actual joint erosion. |
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Symptoms - Skin - Conditions |
Occasional/frequent/regular rashes| | Skin rashes are reported by 74% of lupus sufferers. |
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Conditions that suggest Lupus, SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythromatosis): | | | | | Autoimmune | Chronic Thyroiditis
Gluten Sensitivity / Celiac Disease |
Circulation |
Hemolytic Anemia| | Anemia as a result of chronic inflammation is a characteristic but not especially common feature of active SLE. |
Vasculitis| | In the vasculitis caused by lupus, the antigens causing the immune complexes are often not known. In some cases, the complexes contain DNA and anti-DNA antigens, or Ro (also called SS-A) and anti-Ro antigens. Another antibody, ANCA (anti-neutrophil cytoplasm antibody), can cause vasculitis in some individuals. |
Raynaud's Phenomenon| | Raynaud’s phenomenon has been observed in 17-30% of patients with SLE, depending on the study. |
Bruising Susceptibility
Atherosclerosis| | There is an increased incidence of atherosclerotic heart disease amongst patients with SLE. |
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Infections |
Cystitis, Bacterial bladder Infection
Shingles (Herpes Zoster)| | Lupus patients are at an unusually high risk for contracting herpes zoster. |
Yeast / Candida Infection| | Lupus patients are at an unusually high risk for contracting candida (yeast) infections. |
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Lab Values |
A Low Platelet Count| | Lupus is suggested if thrombocytopenia (a low platelet count of under 100,000 platelets per cubic millimeter) is detected in the absence of drugs that are known to induce it. |
Low White Count| | Active lupus and an infection may share many symptoms. Further, infection can induce a lupus flare or be difficult to distinguish from a lupus flare. A low white blood cell count is suggestive of active lupus (although certain viruses can also give a low white count) while a high count suggests infection. |
High Levels Of Triglycerides |
Metabolic |
Migraine/Tension Headaches |
Nervous System |
Seizure Disorder| | Seizures have been found to complicate the course in between 15-25% of patients with lupus, depending on the study quoted. |
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Nutrients |
EFA (Essential Fatty Acid) Type 3 Requirement| | There is a possible defect in the metabolism of essential fatty acids (EFAs) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In order to verify this possibility, doctors in one study measured the plasma levels of various EFAs and their metabolites in SLE. These results showed that amongst SLE patients the concentrations of Omega-6 and Omega-3 oils or metabolites were low. Even small doses of fish oils (which contain EPA and DHA) have been shown to help. |
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Organ Health |
Kidney Disease| | Diverse kidney problems can arise from the deposition of circulating immune complexes in the kidneys. Lupus, being an auto-immune disease, causes the immune system to attack the body's own tissues. The commonly affected organs/tissues are skin, joints, nervous system and kidneys. |
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Respiratory |
Acute Bronchitis| | Infections of the respiratory tract are common in lupus patients. |
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Skin-Hair-Nails |
Female Hair Loss| | Alopecia occurs in 50% of patients. Typically manifested as reversible hair thinning during periods of disease activity, it is demonstrated by the ease with which hair can be plucked from the scalp and the development of "lupus hairs" (i.e. short strands at the scalp line). Following an acute attack of SLE, usually with fever, patients may experience much generalized hair loss. This results from a period of arrested hair growth during the acute episode. |
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Symptoms - Immune System |
Lupus (confirmed)
General fungal/yeast infections| | Lupus patients are at an unusually high risk for contracting candida (yeast) infections. |
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Uro-Genital |
Vaginitis/Vaginal Infection| | Lupus patients are at an unusually high risk for contracting candida (yeast) infections. |
Susceptibility To Miscarriages| | The miscarriage rate in SLE patients is much higher than that of the general population. Although most women who suffer recurrent miscarriages do not have clinical signs of SLE, many exhibit autoimmune phenomena which is similar to that seen in SLE patients. |
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Risk factors for Lupus, SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythromatosis): | | | | | Autoimmune | Autoimmune Tendency |
Hormones |
Low Adrenal Function / Adrenal Insufficiency| | Lupus is one of the auto-immune diseases, caused by a hyperactive ("hypervigilant") immune system that attacks a person's own protein as if it were foreign matter. One reason for this is poor adrenal function. Adrenal steroids modulate (slow down) the immune system: when there is not enough of these steroids the immune system goes berserk. |
Low DHEA Level| | Low blood levels of the hormone DHEA have been associated with more severe symptoms in people with SLE. Preliminary trials have suggested that 50 to 200mg per day DHEA improved symptoms in people with SLE. One double-blind trial of women with mild to moderate SLE found that 200mg of DHEA per day improved symptoms and allowed a greater decrease in prednisone use, but a similar trial in women with severe SLE found only insignificant benefits. |
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Symptoms - Head - Mouth/Oral |
History of aphthous ulcers| | Mouth or nose ulcers have been reported by between 12 and 30% of lupus patients, depending on the study. They most often occur in the mouth on the hard or soft palate but may also be found on the nasal septum. |
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Symptoms - Immune System |
History of lupus
Past general fungal/yeast infections| | Lupus patients are at an unusually high risk for contracting candida (yeast) infections. |
History of postviral syndrome| | Infections in lupus patients tend to last longer and require a longer course of treatment with antibiotics than infections in people who do not have lupus. |
History of shingles| | Lupus patients are at an unusually high risk for contracting herpes zoster. |
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Symptoms - Mind - General |
History of seizures| | Seizures have been found to complicate the course in between 15-25% of patients with lupus, depending on the study quoted. |
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Symptoms - Muscular |
History of tender muscles| | Muscle pains are a common symptom of SLE. Less common is actual muscle inflammation which occurs occasionally during the course of SLE. |
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Lupus, SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythromatosis) suggests the following may be present: | | | | | Autoimmune | Autoimmune Tendency |
Circulation |
Atherosclerosis| | There is an increased incidence of atherosclerotic heart disease amongst patients with SLE. |
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Hormones |
Low Adrenal Function / Adrenal Insufficiency| | Lupus is one of the auto-immune diseases, caused by a hyperactive ("hypervigilant") immune system that attacks a person's own protein as if it were foreign matter. One reason for this is poor adrenal function. Adrenal steroids modulate (slow down) the immune system: when there is not enough of these steroids the immune system goes berserk. |
Low DHEA Level| | Low blood levels of the hormone DHEA have been associated with more severe symptoms in people with SLE. Preliminary trials have suggested that 50 to 200mg per day DHEA improved symptoms in people with SLE. One double-blind trial of women with mild to moderate SLE found that 200mg of DHEA per day improved symptoms and allowed a greater decrease in prednisone use, but a similar trial in women with severe SLE found only insignificant benefits. |
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Lupus, SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythromatosis) can lead to: | | | | | Circulation | Hemolytic Anemia| | Anemia as a result of chronic inflammation is a characteristic but not especially common feature of active SLE. |
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Lab Values |
Low White Count| | Active lupus and an infection may share many symptoms. Further, infection can induce a lupus flare or be difficult to distinguish from a lupus flare. A low white blood cell count is suggestive of active lupus (although certain viruses can also give a low white count) while a high count suggests infection. |
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Metabolic |
Migraine/Tension Headaches |
Organ Health |
Kidney Disease| | Diverse kidney problems can arise from the deposition of circulating immune complexes in the kidneys. Lupus, being an auto-immune disease, causes the immune system to attack the body's own tissues. The commonly affected organs/tissues are skin, joints, nervous system and kidneys. |
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Lupus, SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythromatosis) could instead be: | | | | | Infections | Lyme Disease| | Lyme arthritis is often mistaken clinically for systemic lupus erythematosus. |
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Organ Health |
Retinitis Pigmentosa| | Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease sometimes misdiagnosed as retinitis pigmentosa. [Am J Ophthalmol, 1996 Dec, 122:6, pp.903-5 Abstract] |
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Recommendations and treatments for Lupus, SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythromatosis): | | | | | Animal-based |  Thymic Factors| | Through his clinical experiences with thymic supplementation, Dr. Burgstiner said he observed 12 cases of systemic lupus go into remission. Some of the patients were using as many as 22 different drugs and are now diagnosed as asymptomatic. |
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Botanical, Chinese |
 Lei Gong Teng| | Amongst patients with lupus nephritis who were unresponsive to prednisone and other immunosuppressive drugs, combined administration of prednisone and TP (polyglycoside extract of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F) resulted in reduction or even complete disappearance of protien in the urine in 40-50% of cases. Many side-effects, however, have been reported. [Chin Med J (Taipei) 1996; 57: S35] |
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Diet |
 Plant-Based Nutrition| | Animal-based proteins (beef and milk) seem to be the prime offenders in aggravating the symptoms of Lupus. However, certain plant-based proteins appear also to be. These include soy beans, corn, spinach and carrots. [Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology 1982;17: pp.417-24]
Alfalfa sprouts and legumes, to a lesser extent, should also be avoided as the constituent L-canavanine causes SLE-like diseases in primates. [Acta Medica Scandinavica 1984;216: pp. 67-274] Peas and lima beans are alright to eat in this regard.
Lupus flare-ups have also been reported after the ingestion of large amounts of foods containing psoralens (celery, celery salt, parsnips and figs). |
Therapeutic Fasting
Gluten-free Diet| | A one-month trial period of avoiding dairy products and foods containing gluten/gliadin should indicate whether there is going to be any change in symptoms or lab values in individual patients. If there are improvements then these foods will need to be avoided on a permanent basis. |
Dairy Products Avoidance |
Digestion |
Bromelain| | If there is kidney involvement, bromelain can be added as a cleansing agent. Flax oil or fish oil along with bromelain between meals is a good natural anti-inflammatory combination. |
Hydrochloric Acid (Trial) |
Drug |
LDN - Low Dose Naltrexone |
Environmental |
Chemical Avoidance| | Hair dyes contain high levels of hydrazines and other similar chemicals that are absorbed through the scalp, thus increasing the risk of contracting Lupus. [Am J Med 1983;75: pp.365-70] Hydrazines are also present in mushrooms, some food dyes, tobacco smoke and some cooked foods, especially meats. |
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Extract |
DIM (di-indolmethane)/I3C (Indole-3-Carbinol)| | There is an acceleration of the testosterone-to-estradiol conversion by an increase in aromatase activity in healthy SLE patients when compared to controls. According to [Lupus 1992;1(3): pp.191-5], "among SLE patients the aromatase activity varied inversely with the disease activity. Patients with SLE had decreased androgen and increased estrogen levels. Aromatase activity in SLE patients had significant direct correlation with estrogen levels. These data suggest that abnormal regulation of aromatase activity may partially explain the abnormalities of estrogen synthesis in SLE." These patients are relatively testosterone deficient. Aromatase blockers such as DIM and Chrysin should be considered in such cases. |
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Lab Tests/Rule-Outs |
Test for DHEA| | DHEA is almost always low in patients with autoimmune conditions such as SLE. |
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Mineral |
MSM (Methyl Sulfonyl Methane)| | "MSM has been shown to be clinically helpful in lupus and may be beneficial in other autoimmune disorders as well." [Stanley W. Jacob, M.D.] |
Calcium-2AEP
Colloidal Silver |
Nutrient |
TMG (Tri-methyl-glycine)
Essential Fatty Acids| | Flax seed oil and/or fish oil have been shown to reduce the severity of the disease in animal studies. One tablespoon flax seed oil bid is recommended. |
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Vitamins |
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)| | Vitamin B6 at a dosage of 500mg tid causes some patients to feel better. Side effects such as pain, numbness and weakness in the limbs are a possibility at this dose. If found to be beneficial, supplementation may need to be long term or permanent. |
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KEY | | Weak or unproven link | | | Strong or generally accepted link | | | Proven definite or direct link | | | Strongly counter-indicative | | | May do some good | | | Likely to help | | | Highly recommended |
GLOSSARY
Acute
An illness or symptom of sudden onset, which generally has a short duration.
Adrenal (Adrenal Gland, Adrenal Glands, Adrenals)
The adrenal glands sit on top of each kidney and consist of an outer cortex and an inner medulla. Of the 50 or so hormones the adrenals make, only cortisone and adrenaline are recognized by most people. Some of these hormones must be produced to preserve life, while others help resist stress. Other hormones from the adrenals control normal energy output (along with the thyroid) and govern the breakdown of stored energy into quick energy sources. The medulla produces epinephrine and norepinephrine, which are specifically designed to help the body deal with stressful situations. The adrenals control the body's potassium/sodium balance, which is vital for energy production. They also produce sex hormones in minute amounts, which is important for later years when the gonads drop or cease their production.
Alopecia
Loss of hair.
Antibody (Antibodies)
A type of serum protein (globulin) synthesized by white blood cells of the lymphoid type in response to an antigenic (foreign substance) stimulus. Antibodies are complex substances formed to neutralize or destroy these antigens in the blood. Antibody activity normally fights infection but can be damaging in allergies and a group of diseases that are called autoimmune diseases.
Antigen (Antigenic, Antigens)
A substance, usually protein or protein-sugar complex in nature, which, being foreign to the bloodstream or tissues of an animal, stimulates the formation of specific blood serum antibodies and white blood cell activity. Re-exposure to similar antigen will reactivate the white blood cells and antibody programmed against this specific antigen.
Anti-inflammatory (Antiinflammatory)
Reducing inflammation by acting on body mechanisms, without directly acting on the cause of inflammation, e.g., glucocorticoids, aspirin.
Arthralgia
Severe throbbing or stabbing pain along a nerve in one or more joints.
Arthritis (Arthritic)
Inflammation of a joint, usually accompanied by pain, swelling, and stiffness, and resulting from infection, trauma, degenerative changes, metabolic disturbances, or other causes. It occurs in various forms, such as bacterial arthritis, osteoarthritis, or rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis, the most common form, is characterized by a gradual loss of cartilage and often an overgrowth of bone at the joints.
Autoimmune Disease (Autoimmune, Autoimmunity)
One of a large group of diseases in which the immune system turns against the body's own cells, tissues and organs, leading to chronic and often deadly conditions. Examples include multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus, Bright's disease and diabetes.
BID
Twice per day.
Biopsy
Removal of a sample of tissue from a living being for diagnosis. A pathologist later uses a microscope to look for certain features, such as cancer cells, in the sample. A fine-needle aspiration biopsy involves inserting a thin needle to remove a small amount of tissue, sometimes using CT or ultrasound to guide the needle. A core biopsy involves obtaining a sample of tissue with a thick needle or by inserting a thin, lighted tube (laparoscope) into a small incision in the abdomen. Another biopsy method is to remove tissue during an operation.
Candidiasis (Candida)
Infection of the skin or mucous membrane with any species of candida, usually Candida albicans. The infection is usually localized to the skin, nails, mouth, vagina, bronchi, or lungs, but may invade the bloodstream. It is a common inhabitant of the GI tract, only becoming a problem when it multiplies excessively and invades local tissues. Growth is encouraged by a weakened immune system, as in AIDS, or with the prolonged administration of antibiotics. Vaginal symptoms include itching in the genital area, pain when urinating, and a thick odorless vaginal discharge. Candidiasis is also known as: Candida; Candida albicans; Candida Related Complex; Chronic Candida Syndrome; (Chronic) Systemic Candidiasis; Monilia; Candidiasis Hypersensitivity Syndrome; Candidosis; (Chronic) Mucocutaneous Candidosis; Thrush (oral or vaginal); Moniliasis; Polysystematic Candidiasis.
Chronic (Chronicity)
Usually referring to chronic illness: Illness extending over a long period of time.
Cytoplasm
The inner substance of a cell contained within the cell membrane other than the nucleus.
DHA
Docosahexanoic Acid. A metabolite of the omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid.
DHEA (DHEA-S)
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a steroid produced by the adrenal glands and is the most abundant one found in humans. DHEA may be transformed into testosterone, estrogen or other steroids. It is found in the body as DHEA or in the sulfated form known as DHEA-S. One form is converted into the other as needed.
DNA
Deoxyribonucleic acid, the large molecule that is the main carrier of genetic information in cells. DNA is found mainly in the chromosomes of cells.
EPA
Environmental Protection Agency. Also: Eicosapentanoic Acid. A metabolite of the omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid.
Essential Fatty Acid (EFA, EFAs, Essential Fatty Acids)
A substance that the human body cannot manufacture and therefore must be supplied in the diet.
Estrogen (Oestrogen)
One of the female sex hormones produced by the ovaries.
Flax (Flax Oil, Flax Seed)
Flax Seed or Flax Oil. Flax oil is nutty-flavored oil that is pressed out of flax seeds and is one of the richest sources of Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs), a vital element for good health. The oil making process removes many of the seed's phytoestrogens which offer several health-related benefits including reducing the risk of cancer and alleviating menopausal symptoms. Many choose to use the whole seed because of its fiber and lignan content. Flaxseed oil is light- and temperature-sensitive and must be stored in the refrigerator.
Gastrointestinal (GI, GI Tract)
Pertaining to the stomach, small and large intestines, colon, rectum, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.
Gram (gm, gms, Gramme, Grammes, Grams)
A metric unit of weight, there being approximately 28 grams in one ounce.
Hemolytic Anemia
Anemia caused by excessive destruction of red blood cells.
Hormones (Hormone)
Chemical substances secreted by a variety of body organs that are carried by the bloodstream and usually influence cells some distance from the source of production. Hormones signal certain enzymes to perform their functions and, in this way, regulate such body functions as blood sugar levels, insulin levels, the menstrual cycle, and growth. These can be prescription, over-the-counter, synthetic or natural agents. Examples include adrenal hormones such as corticosteroids and aldosterone; glucagon, growth hormone, insulin, testosterone, estrogens, progestins, progesterone, DHEA, melatonin, and thyroid hormones such as thyroxine and calcitonin.
Immune System (Immune Response, Immunity)
A complex that protects the body from disease organisms and other foreign bodies. The system includes the humoral immune response and the cell-mediated response. The immune system also protects the body from invasion by making local barriers and inflammation. The process may involve acquired immunity (the ability to learn and remember a specific infectious agent), or innate immunity (the genetically programmed system of responses that attack, digest, remove, and initiate inflammation and tissue healing).
Kidneys (Kidney, Renal)
Bean-shaped organs, each about the size of a fist. They are located near the middle of the back, just below the rib cage. The kidneys are sophisticated reprocessing machines, each day handling about 50 gallons of blood to sift out about half a gallon of waste products and extra water. The waste and extra water become urine, which flows to the bladder through tubes called ureters. The actual filtering occurs in tiny units inside the kidneys called nephrons. Every kidney has about a million nephrons. In a nephron, a glomerulus -- which is a tiny blood vessel, or capillary -- intertwines with a tiny urine-collecting tube called a tubule. A complicated chemical exchange takes place, as waste materials and water leave your blood and enter your urinary system. The kidneys recycle chemicals such as sodium, phosphorus, and potassium and thus regulate their levels. Renal: Pertaining to the kidneys.
Lesion (Lesions)
Any damage to tissue structure or function; an abnormal change in body tissue caused by disease or injury. A scar is a lesion, as is cancer, a stomach ulcer or a pimple.
Leukopenia
A condition in which the number of white blood cells circulating in the blood is abnormally low.
Lung (Lungs, Pulmonary)
Organ of the body, located in the chest cavity which is designed to bring oxygen from the air into the blood stream, while also expelling carbon dioxide and other waste gases out of the body. Pulmonary: Related to the lungs.
Metabolism (Metabolic, Metabolize, Metabolizes, Metabolizing)
The chemical processes of living cells in which energy is produced in order to replace and repair tissues and maintain a healthy body. Responsible for the production of energy, biosynthesis of important substances, and degradation of various compounds. Also defined as the sum total of changes in an organism in order to achieve a balance (homeostasis): Catabolic burns up, anabolic stores and builds up; the sum of their work is metabolism.
Migraine (Migraine Headache, Migraine Headaches, Migraines)
Not just a headache, but a disorder affecting the whole body, characterized by clearly defined attacks lasting from about 4 to 72 hours, separated by headache-free periods; progresses through five distinct phases. Prodrome: experienced by about 50% of migraineurs and starting up to 24 hours before the headache - changes in mood, sensory perception, food craving, excessive yawning, or speech or memory problems. Aura: experienced by about 15% and starting within an hour before the headache - disruption of vision (flashing lights, shimmering zigzag lines, blind spot) or sensation (numbness or 'pins and needles' around the lips or hand), or difficulty speaking. Headache: usually pulsating and occurring on one side of the head, it may occur on both sides of the head and alternate from side to side. Muscles in the neck and scalp may be tender; there may be nausea and the desire not to eat, move, see or hear. Resolution: the headache disappears and the body returns to normal. Resolution may occur over several hours during sleep or rest; an intense emotional experience or vomiting may also end the headache. Postdrome: After the headache stops, the sufferer feels drained, fatigued and tired. Muscles ache, emotions are volatile and thinking is slow.
Milligram (mg, Milligrams)
0.001 or a thousandth of a gram.
Miscarriage (Miscarriages, Spontaneous Abortion)
The expulsion of a fetus before it is able to survive outside of the womb.
Mononucleosis
Infectious Mononucleosis: An acute, infectious disease caused by the herpes virus or Epstein-Barr virus, with fever and inflamed swelling of the lymph nodes around the neck, under the arms, and in the groin. The general symptoms are fever,
sore throat, exhaustion, and abnormal white blood cells.
Nephritis
Kidney inflammation.
Nervous System
A system in the body that is comprised of the brain, spinal cord, nerves, ganglia and parts of the receptor organs that receive and interpret stimuli and transmit impulses to effector organs.
Platelets (Platelet)
Cells that help the blood to clot.
Pleurisy
An inflammation of the serous membranes that both surround the lungs and line the inside of the chest cavity; the two membranes supply fluid lubrication between the expanding and contracting lungs and the body. Most pleurisy (and usually the milder form) follows or accompanies bronchitis or late winter chest colds. It may be dry pleurisy (with few secretions and sharp sticking pain that prevents any but moderate inhalation), or acute or effusive pleurisy (with fever, coughing, and built up serous fluids -- usually dismissed as bronchitis). Some types are part of serious cardio-pulmonary disorders and/or chronic disease.
Prognosis
A prediction (estimate) of the future course and outcome of a disease and an indication of the likelihood of recovery from that disease.
Protein (Proteins)
Compounds composed of hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen present in the body and in foods that form complex combinations of amino acids. Protein is essential for life and is used for growth and repair. Foods that supply the body with protein include animal products, grains, legumes, and vegetables. Proteins from animal sources contain the essential amino acids. Proteins are changed to amino acids in the body.
Seizure (Seizures)
While there are over 40 types of seizure, most are classed as either partial seizures which occur when the excessive electrical activity in the brain is limited to one area or generalized seizures which occur when the excessive electrical activity in the brain encompasses the entire organ. Although there is a wide range of signs, they mainly include such things as falling to the ground; muscle stiffening; jerking and twitching; loss of consciousness; an empty stare; rapid chewing/blinking/breathing. Usually lasting from between a couple of seconds and several minutes, recovery may be immediate or take up to several days.
Septum
A membrane wall separating two or more cavities, such as the one between the nasal fossae and those separating the air sacs (alveoli) of the lungs.
Shingles (Herpes Zoster)
A severe infection caused by the Varicella-Zoster virus (VZV), affecting mainly adults. It causes painful skin blisters that follow the underlying route of brain or spinal nerves infected by the virus. Also know as herpes zoster.
Steroid (Steroids)
Any of a large number of hormonal substances with a similar basic chemical structure containing a 17-carbon 14-ring system and including the sterols and various hormones and glycosides.
Stomach
A hollow, muscular, J-shaped pouch located in the upper part of the abdomen to the left of the midline. The upper end (fundus) is large and dome-shaped; the area just below the fundus is called the body of the stomach. The fundus and the body are often referred to as the cardiac portion of the stomach. The lower (pyloric) portion curves downward and to the right and includes the antrum and the pylorus. The function of the stomach is to begin digestion by physically breaking down food received from the esophagus. The tissues of the stomach wall are composed of three types of muscle fibers: circular, longitudinal and oblique. These fibers create structural elasticity and contractibility, both of which are needed for digestion. The stomach mucosa contains cells which secrete hydrochloric acid and this in turn activates the other gastric enzymes pepsin and rennin. To protect itself from being destroyed by its own enzymes, the stomach’s mucous lining must constantly regenerate itself.
Syphilis
A sexually-transmitted disease, with symptoms in the early contagious stages being a sore on the genitalia, a rash, patches of flaking tissue, fever, a sore throat, and sores in the mouth or anus.
Tablespoon (Tablespoons, tbsp)
Equivalent to 15cc (15ml).
Testosterone
The principal male sex hormone that induces and maintains the changes that take place in males at puberty. In men, the testicles continue to produce testosterone throughout life, though there is some decline with age. A naturally occurring androgenic hormone.
Thrombocytopenia
Condition of abnormally small number of platelets circulating in the blood, characterized by inability to properly clot blood and easy bruising.
Thyroid (Thyroid Gland)
The thyroid gland is an organ with many veins, anchored around the front of the throat near the voice box. It is essential to normal body growth in infancy and childhood. It absorbs iodine from the diet and releases thyroid hormones - iodine-containing compounds that help govern the rate of the body's metabolism (its total life processes), affecting body temperature, and regulating protein, fat and carbohydrate catabolism in all cells. They keep up growth hormone release, skeletal maturation, and heart rate, force, and output. They promote central nervous system growth, stimulate the making of many enzymes, and are necessary for muscle tone and vigor. To a high degree, metabolism is regulated by the hormone thyroxine, which can be made by the thyroid if enough organic iodine is available. An enlarged thyroid gland that is not cancer is sometimes called goitre.
Ulcer (Ulceration, Ulcers)
Lesion on the skin or mucous membrane.
Urinary Tract (UT)
The kidneys and the lower urinary tract, which includes the ureters, bladder, and urethra.
Vascular
Relating to the blood vessels of the body. The blood vessels of the body, as a group, are referred to as the vascular system. They are composed of arteries, veins and capillaries - arteries that pass oxygen-rich blood to the tissues of the body; veins which return oxygen-depleted blood from the tissues to the lungs for oxygen; and the capillaries that are the tiniest vessels and are between the arteries and veins.
Vasculitis
Inflammation and necrosis of blood vessels, including arteries, veins and capillaries. The damage may be due to infectious agents, mechanical trauma, radiation or toxins; often no specific causative factor is identified. It involves immune mechanisms such as deposition of circulating immune complexes and direct attack by circulating antibodies
Virus (Viri, Viruses)
Any of a vast group of minute structures composed of a protein coat and a core of DNA and/or RNA that reproduces in the cells of the infected host. Capable of infecting all animals and plants, causing devastating disease in immunocompromised individuals. Viruses are not affected by antibiotics, and are completely dependent upon the cells of the infected host for the ability to reproduce.
Vitamin B6 (B6, B-6)
Influences many body functions including regulating blood glucose levels, manufacturing hemoglobin and aiding the utilization of protein, carbohydrates and fats. It also aids in the function of the nervous system.
White Blood Cell (WBC, White Blood Cells)
A blood cell that does not contain hemoglobin: a blood corpuscle responsible for maintaining the body's immune surveillance system against invasion by foreign substances such as viruses or bacteria. White cells become specifically programmed against foreign invaders and work to inactivate and rid the body of a foreign substance. White blood cells are composed primarily of neutrophils, monocytes and lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are either T-cells or B-cells. T-cells (CD3 cells) are divided into T-helper (CD4 cells) and T-suppressor/cytotoxic (CD8 cells) cells.
Yeast
A single-cell organism that may cause infection in the mouth, vagina, gastrointestinal tract, and any or all bodily parts. Common yeast infections include candidiasis and thrush.
Last updated: Nov 14, 2009
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