How Ginger Could Reduce Some Lupus Complications

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in various parts of the body. It can also dampen the immune system, increasing a sufferer’s risks of serious infections. Symptoms often vary between people, with a wide variety of illness that can range from mild to fatal. Treating lupus can be difficult, and many people with the condition find they have symptoms despite their medication regimens. Adding more ginger into the diet could help. Here’s how.

Inflammation and Lupus

People with SLE often experience several inflammatory symptoms with the joints, muscles and major organs all possible targets. When SLE affects the brain, it can also cause neuropsychiatric symptoms like depression, mood disorders and headaches. In the cardiovascular system, SLE inflammation can cause antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), which can result in blood clots and strokes.

Even with strict adherence to a well-rounded treatment plan, a person with SLE can sometimes experience symptoms well beyond the control of medications. The CDC recommends avoiding triggers, such as stress, infections or injuries, and being proactive about exercising and eating a healthy diet. Still, this illness can be unpredictable and hit even when we feel like we’re doing everything right.

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Benefits of Ginger

Adding ginger root to the diet could help some regimens become more effective. This superfood contains over 160 active compounds, many of which have properties that protect the stomach and fight against obesity and cancer. One group of chemicals, gingerols, appear to fight inflammation and related tissue damage. Research on their effects on SLE show these compounds inhibit the formation of immune cells responsible for many inflammatory lupus symptoms.

Gingerols may also reduce the risks of SLE-related blood clots. APS, which is the underlying cause of most clotting issues in lupus, may also result from inflammation. In this case, immune cells called neutrophils respond to problem areas by sending out structures called neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), which can gum up the blood. Gingerols, particularly 6-gingerol, seem to rein in the NET response, potentially improving blood composition and reducing the occurrences of clot-related complications. 

Anyway, it could be a good supplement to some routines. SLE inflammation can be chronic and persistent, and current treatments can only help some people so much. Ginger could help bridge that therapeutic gap. Everyone’s body works differently, and some medications may interact with ginger or any supplement, so always talk to a rheumatologist before adding or removing any treatment regimen.

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