Lupus & Melaleuca Vitamins

Lupus & Melaleuca Vitamins
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Lupus is an autoimmune disease that affects 1.5 million Americans with over 16,000 new diagnoses made each year according to the Lupus Foundation of America. The disease can last for many months or many years and its cause is unknown. Treatment involves building up your immune system which can be done by taking Melaleuca vitamins. You should consult your doctor prior to beginning any vitamin regimen.

Immune System

Your immune system produces antibodies to fight off bacteria and germs that cause you to get sick. Lupus interferes with the functioning of your immune system by attacking your antibodies. You can build up your immune system by taking a certain vitamin produced by Melaleuca, called Activate Immune Complex Immunity Booster. The main ingredient in this vitamin supplement is echinacea, an herb that aids the production of white blood cells. White blood cells are the cells in your immune system that ward off infections and foreign substances that enter your body.

Joint Pain

A common symptom of lupus is joint pain that may or may not be accompanied by swelling. Joint pain typically indicates that the cartilage, tissue between bones, in your joints, such as your knees and elbows, has deteriorated. As a result, it becomes painful to walk or pick something up. Melaleuca's Replenex Extra Strength alleviates joint pain by stimulating the production of cartilage. Unlike other supplements for joint pain, Melaleuca contains a patent pending A.I.Blend consisting of natural ingredients to provide joint relief.

Types

There are four forms of lupus including systemic, cutaneous, drug-induced and neonatal. Systemic lupus is the most common form and involves inflammation of the brain, kidneys and nervous system as well as increased blood pressure. Cutaneous lupus affects only the skin and results in scaly rashes. Drug-induced lupus may occur as a side effect of certain medications and neonatal lupus may develop in babies whose mothers have the disease, though this is rare. According to MayoClinic.com, it may prove beneficial to take fish oil if you have any type of lupus. Since fish oil is not produced by your body, Melaleuca recommends its Vitality Coldwater Omega - 3, which helps cells, muscles, nerves and organs to function and indirectly help to regulate blood pressure.

Considerations

Lupus is a serious debilitating disease. Although many of the vitamins produced by Melaleuca may provide symptom relief, the company includes the following disclaimer on all of its products, "this product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." It is important to keep this in mind should you decide to try these products after obtaining the consent of your doctor.

Warning

Keep in mind that the vitamins produced by Melaleuca are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration. However, this is because vitamins and supplements are not regulated by the FDA; therefore, the FDA does not evaluate them. Negative side effects can always occur especially if you are on medication or taking any other vitamin or supplement. The interaction between the two may produce adverse effects. Always get your doctor's approval first and contact him immediately if you experience unpleasant side effects.

References

Article reviewed by Rachel Mattison Last updated on: Dec 10, 2010

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