Kaleidoscope Blog

Artificial sweeteners have become a prevalent way to reduce sugar and its potentially harmful effects.  Yet, is there a downside to consuming artificial sweeteners for someone living with lupus?  Read on to find out. Introduction The Problem with Sugar … and Artificial Sweeteners to the Rescue! Artificial Sweeteners and Lupus In Conclusion: What is best…

Corticosteroids, like prednisone, can be life-changing – even life-saving – for those living with lupus.  Yet, they carry serious side-effects and can disrupt your quality of life.  So, how to balance the good with the bad?  Under physician supervision, carefully tapering your steroid dosages –even eliminating them – may be the answer.  Read on to…

Selenium may be the most important nutrient that you have never heard of.  Yet, it is vital for maintaining overall health and reducing the inflammation caused by autoimmune diseases like lupus. Read on to learn more about the relationship between selenium, inflammation and SLE. What is selenium and why is it important for your health?…

The pituitary is the most important endocrine gland in your body and autoimmune hypophysitis, though rare, is a condition that can dramatically affect your health and your life with lupus.  How?  Read on to find out! The 30-second Overview Your Pituitary – A Quick Overview Autoimmune Hypophysitis – A Quick Overview Autoimmune Hypophysitis and Lupus…

Your skin is amazing!  It is your first line of defense against foreign germs, yet simultaneously, an incredibly complex ecosystem of bacteria, fungi and more that make up your skin’s natural microbiome.  It is also where lupus can make its most obvious appearance – with rashes, sores, alopecia and even scaring.   So, how do…

Those living with lupus have a higher risk of developing diabetes.  Yet, there are many ways to reduce these risks and maintain good health!  What are the risks, what are the signs to look for, and what does it take to successfully manage both lupus and diabetes?  Read on to find out!   Introduction: The…

Blood disorders can be a common complication of living with lupus. One of the most common is called thrombocytopenia – a low platelet count. Thrombocytopenia affects between 20% and 40% of those with SLE and is a good indicator of how life-threating lupus can be. So, it is worth learning more about it! Introduction Thrombocytopenia…

Lupus can attack any part of the body, and that includes the brain – causing lupus fog, memory problems and even mood swings.  Neurotransmitters, are your brain’s chemical messengers and they are definitely part of the possible.  What are neurotransmitters and why does it matter to those living with lupus?  Read on to find out! …

The relationship between lupus and cancer is very complex.  There is a higher risk for some cancers, a lower risk for others, and even some lupus medications can increase the risks.  Read on to take a closer look at the links between living with lupus and the risk for cancer, and find out what you…

Lupus is a complex disease, and its history, which spans centuries, is just as complex – an amazing story of discovery from 400 BC to the present.  Read on for a brief outline of the history of lupus. Introduction The History of Lupus The Classical Period The Neoclassical Period The Modern Period In Conclusion Introduction…

Infections are a significant cause of concern for those with lupus, accounting for up to 30% of all lupus deaths!  So, what are the risks, and what can be done to lower them? Introduction to Lupus and Infections Who are at the greatest risk of infection? Which infections pose the greatest risks? Can infections cause…

Lupus is such a complex and poorly understood disease that it can be difficult for patients and healthcare providers to even talk about, much less treat.  So, researchers at the Duke Lupus Clinic have proposed a new approach that may hold the key to better conversations – and even better science – when it comes…

For some with lupus, monoclonal antibodies are life-changing medications that reduce the need for corticosteroids and immunosuppressants – and their side effects.  How do monoclonal antibodies work and are they an option for you?  Read on to find out! Introduction What are antibodies and what is so special about monoclonal antibodies? How do monoclonal antibodies…

Using kratom to treat many health conditions, including lupus and its overlap diseases, is highly controversial. What is kratom and is it worth the risk?   Introduction to Lupus and Kratom How can kratom treat lupus? What are the risks of kratom use? In Conclusion Introduction to Lupus and Kratom Kratom may sound like something…

The spice that gives the most flavorful curry dishes their distinctive taste and color also contains healing properties that may help treat and manage lupus! Introduction to Lupus and Turmeric How might turmeric help with lupus? What are the risks? In Conclusion Introduction to Lupus and Turmeric Turmeric is an Indian culinary spice that comes…

While many women with lupus successfully use in vitro fertilization to conceive, it can be risky for some. Read more about these risks and how to prepare for a safe pregnancy! Introduction to Lupus and In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) In Vitro Fertilization Risks for Lupus Planning, Patience, and Perseverance In Conclusion Introduction to Lupus and…

Stem cell therapy is the newest frontier in the quest for better treatments (and possibly a cure) for lupus.  What can this therapy mean for you – now or in the future?  Read on to find out! Introduction What are stem cells? Stem Cell Therapy and Lupus In Conclusion . Introduction Stem cell therapy, as…

Native Americans (American Indians and Alaska Natives) are 1.7 times more likely to have lupus than other ethnicities and have the worst outcomes and mortality rates.  Why?  The reasons are nuanced and incredibly important for all living with lupus. Introduction to Native Americans and Lupus Why is understanding how lupus affects the Native American population…

Never underestimate the value of a good pharmacist!  They are the lupus medication experts that keep track of your treatments and have a unique perspective that can make a real difference in managing your lupus. Introduction to the Role of the Pharmacist in Managing Lupus How can a pharmacist help manage lupus? In Conclusion ….

Both women and men with lupus dreaming of starting a family may struggle with infertility. However, with today’s medical technologies, infertility can be treatable and even preventable! Introduction to Lupus and Infertility Who is at greatest risk, and what are the risk factors for infertility in lupus? How can emotional health influence fertility? How is…