Risk Factors Can Influence The Risk of Developing Systemic lupus erythematosus

Genetics are NOT the only risk factor for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is believed to be caused by a combination of environmental, genetic and lifestyle factors. Now that you have learnt about your genetic risk, you can determine how aggressively you need to make lifestyle changes to reduce your risk.
The earlier in your life that you commit to living a healthy lifestyle, the more you can reduce your risk for or delay the development of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

Suggested Lifestyle Changes

Dietary Recommendations:

1. A diet rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids like Omega-3 which includes fatty fish (e.g. salmon, tuna, sardine, mackerel), nuts and seeds (walnuts, flaxseed, chia seeds), and plant oils (e.g. flaxseed oil, soybean oil, canola oil) is recommended for patients with stable SLE.
2. Vitamin D is important to enhance immune system activities. The recommended daily intake is 2,000 IUorday. Examples of vitamin D-rich foods are cod liver oil, egg yolks, and mushrooms.
3. Ensure daily fibre intake as it plays a vital role in cardiovascular health and reducing inflammation. Foods high in fibre whole grains (e.g. cereals, wholemeal bread, wholewheat pasta, oats, barley, rye), fruits (e.g. berries, oranges, pears), vegetables (e.g. broccoli, carrots, sweetcorn), peas, and beans.
4. Vitamin B-rich foods like red meat, liver, salmon, chicken, nuts, eggs, banana, and avocado can help prevent infections.
5. Consume foods that contain selenium. For example, seafood, meats, ham, poultry, fish, dairy products, eggs, and grains.
6. Include vitamin C- and vitamin E-rich foods in your diet by consuming spinach, capsicums, almonds, sunflower seeds, and etc.

Supplement Recommendations:

1. Vitamin C (500 mg) and vitamin E (800 IU) to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress
2. Calcium >1500 mg daily, in addition to vitamin D
3. 800 IU vitamin D
4. Curcumin 500 mgorday, for 3 months
5. Royal jelly

Lifestyle Recommendations:

1. Avoid a sedentary lifestyle by keeping yourself physically active.
2. Quit smoking as tobacco is harmful for the body and may trigger SLE.
3. Be sure to apply sunscreen of at least SPF50 everyday as exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun may trigger SLE. This is because UV rays damage your skin cells, which could lead to your body? reaction to the damagedorsunburned skin cells.
4. Avoid exposure to toxins and chemicals (e.g. silica and mercury) as they could lead to SLE.
5. Ensure proper stress management to reduce the risk of SLE.
6. Certain medications can lead to SLE. Be sure to seek doctor? advice if you detect any possible signs like fever, flare ups, lesions, etc.

Exercise Recommendations:

1. Flexibility exercises such as stretching, yoga, tai chi, etc., can help to reduce stiffness.
2. Commit to strengthening activities (e.g. weight lifting or resistance training) to improve joint support.
3. Aerobic exercises like dancing, walking, bicycling and water exercises can improve heart and lung functions.
4. Exercising is an effective way to reduce and manage stressful thoughts, which also helps to reduce the frequency of flare-ups.

Result Explanation Recommendations:

1. Maintain healthy body weight to reduce stroke risk. Overweight and obese individuals are at a higher risk to develop strokes.
2. Quit smoking as studies have shown that stroke risk decreased significantly after stopping cigarette smoking. This is by improving vascular health and reducing plaque formation.
3. Reduce alcohol consumption as too much alcohol can cause blood vessel damage and oxidative stress which increases the risk of having a stroke.