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Also known as systemic lupus eryrhematosus (or SLE), lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease. Although arthritic joint pain, skin rashes, debilitating fatigue, and dry mouth are the most common symptoms, it can also damage organs throughout the body, particularly the kidneys. Lupus strikes women about 10 times as often as men. While it is a mild disease for many, lupus can be serious and even life threatening for some people. Lupus is believed to be caused by a genetic predisposition,triggered by environmental factors, such as a virus; it may be worsened by other factors, such as sun exposure, infection, stress, and certain foods and drugs. But because lupus is such a variable disease, there is no one treatment regimen that helps everyone. The patient and physician may have to try different approaches to find one that seems to work. Therapy often requires taking a nonsteroidal anti- inflammatory drug (NSAID) to suppress inflammation, and hydroxychloroquine (a drug long used to fight malaria), which can increase resistance to sun exposure and help prevent lupus rashes and joint pain. For more severe problems, steroids or other immunosuppressive drugs may be prescribed.

HARMFUL FOODS
Alfalfa in any form. Even herbal supplements containing alfalfa worsen lupus symptoms; other legumes may have a similar effect. Mushrooms and some smoked foods. These may also cause problems for lupus sufferers. Foods containing psoralens. If you are one of the majority of lupus patients whose disease is worsened by exposure to the sun or unshielded fluorescent light, avoid foods containing psoralens, such as celery, parsnips, parsley, lemons, and limes, which heighten photosensitivity. Avoid high-protein, high-fat foods. Many lupus patients note and improvement after they decrease the consumption of fatty high-protein foods, especially animal products. Some experts recommend a vegetarian diet that allows eggs, skim milk, and other low-fat dairy products.