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.

Risk Factors

Medications

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus can be the result of the body reacting to drugs such as isoniazid, hydralazine, procainamide, etanercept, minocycline, and etc. If you are taking the mentioned medications and observed in lupus-like symptoms, it is advised that you should visit your doctor before making any changes to your medications.

Environmental factors

Sunlight, toxins, cigarettes, stress, etc. can trigger inflammation in the body that could cause lupus.

Hormonal factors

An increase in oestrogen level activates the immunity-related mechanism that can possibly lead to lupus.

Family History

You have 5-13% risk of getting systemic lupus erythematosus if your relative has it. Children of the mother have a 5% risk of developing lupus if he/her mother has it.

Race/Ethnicity

Studies show that higher in chinese due to genetic variations

Age

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus are commonly diagnosed between 15 to 44 years old.

Gender

Women are more likely to be affected by lupus in the childbearing age due to high oestrogen levels

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 IU/day. 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

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 damaged/sunburned 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.