– Health Tips, Lupus

Lupus: Unraveling the Complex Web of Symptoms and Effective Approaches to Treatment

Lupus, an autoimmune disease that weaves its intricate threads through various body systems, leaving a trail of symptoms that can be both bewildering and debilitating. Join me as we delve into the common manifestations of lupus, explore diagnostic methods, and uncover alternative approaches to support those battling this enigmatic condition.

Common Symptoms of Lupus

No two cases of lupus are identical, but certain signs recur across affected individuals. These include:

Fatigue: A persistent feeling of exhaustion that can impact daily life.
Joint Pain, Stiffness, and Swelling: Joints become inflamed, causing discomfort and limited mobility.
Butterfly-Shaped Rash: A distinctive rash resembling butterfly wings across the cheeks and bridge of the nose, often triggered by sunlight exposure.
Skin Lesions: These may worsen with sun exposure, leading to skin sensitivity.
Fingers and Toes Turning White or Blue: Cold exposure or stress can cause this phenomenon.
Shortness of Breath: Lupus can affect lung function.
Chest Pain: Inflammation of the heart lining (pericarditis) is a potential complication.
Dry Eyes: Eye discomfort due to inflammation.
Headaches, Confusion, and Memory Loss: Neurological symptoms can occur.³ ⁴

How to know if you have Lupus

Diagnosing lupus by your physician can be challenging due to its varied presentation. Common diagnostic methods include:

Blood and Urine Tests:
– Complete Blood Count (CBC): Assesses platelets and red blood cells.
– Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR): Elevated in lupus.
– Antibody Tests: Detect antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and anti-dsDNA antibodies.
Skin Biopsy: Analyzing skin tissue from affected areas.
Kidney Biopsy: Essential if lupus affects the kidneys.
Clinical Assessment: Considering symptoms, medical history, and physical examination.¹
Holistic Testing: You can order yourself tests that will help you determine if you have Lupus.

Systems Affected By Lupus

Lupus doesn’t discriminate; it infiltrates multiple systems:

Joints: Inflammation leads to joint pain.
Skin: Rashes, sensitivity, and lesions.
Kidneys: Lupus nephritis affects kidney function.
Heart: Pericarditis and cardiovascular complications.
Lungs: Pleuritis (inflammation of lung lining).
Brain: Neurological symptoms.
Eyes: Dryness and discomfort.¹

Holistic and Alternative Approaches

For many people, conventional treatments are limited in their effectiveness, or they choose to uncover WHY this is happening in their bodies and address it holistically. The good news is, Lupus, when addressed through this lens, is very responsive to alternative methods.

Diet: We have found in clinical practice, that understanding what foods the body is reactive to is the single most effective first line of defense in helping individuals with Lupus begin to make a sustainable impact on their symptoms. However, simply doing an anti-inflammatory diet rarely works as well as we might like. Because each person’s case is unique, so is what foods their body will respond to. Doing a robust Food Sensitivity Panel that gives the client a detailed report around what foods their body is sensitive to, as well as what foods are safe, gives the best outcome.

Here are some testing options you can order for yourself.

Stress Management: Stress exacerbates lupus; mindfulness and relaxation techniques help.

Work with a Holistic Practitioner who is experienced in working with autoimmune diseases in general and with Lupus in particular. Understanding clearly what is driving this dis-ease process in your body and addressing those drivers with precision gives the client the best results.

Acupuncture and Yoga: Complementary therapies for pain relief.

In Conclusion

Lupus may seem an enigma, but understanding its symptoms, diagnostic methods, and alternative approaches empowers patients. By weaving together science-based testing and holistic methods, we can unravel the complexities of this intricate disease and offer hope to those on their journey toward recovery.

Are you ready to address the actual cause of your symptoms and
stop taking a bunch of drugs that only offer side effects?

Then I want to encourage you to schedule an introductory call with us…

Click Here to Schedule Your Call

Source(s):