My name is Emily and I am the wife of "Ubermensch". I am a registered nurse and I am an infusion nurse in a rheumatology practice. A good percentage of my patients come in diagnosed with SLE (lupus) and I know the effects taking the wrong supplements may have concerning health. One of the biggest aspects with SLE is taking extraordinary care of your kidneys. Any nephrotoxic medication can cause further damage of the kidneys, which throw off your electrolytes and can have detrimental effects on the blood pressure and can cause the signs and symptoms of SLE to worsen. Natural supplements are ok, in moderation depending on the stage of lupus you are in. Steroids and growth hormone I would be very cautious with as this can not only cause problems with the kidneys, but liver and pancreas as well. The key to controlling lupus is to prevent the "BLISS" cells from causing the inflammation to begin with, and when your vital organ systems or harmed or altered in a negative way the BLISS cells will become greater and cause more harm. So lots of research and self monitoring (BP, blood glucose, respirations) is always a plus. Having CRP, sed rate, C3 and C4, and a CBC at your physician's office is the most specific way to keep track of renal/liver functioning. I hope this helps.