Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE or lupus) is an autoimmune condition that can involve the joints, organs, nervous system, and skin. Lupus occurs when your body’s immune system is trying to defend itself from a potential hazard, such as a toxin, infection, or even food, but does not adequately differentiate between intruder (not-self) and that body (self). When this happens, the body mounts a seemingly protective attack on healthy, human tissues and thus the development of autoimmunity. Lupus is different from other autoimmune conditions in that it doesn’t affect just one area of the body. The inflammatory attack brought about by lupus can cause systemic inflammation simultaneously. Lupus can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms can be very similar to other conditions, which is why lupus has earned the nick-name, “The Great Imitator.”
Symptoms Include:
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Joint point/swelling
- Anemia
- Hair Loss
- Ulcers
- Edema
- Sensitivity to light
- Butterfly shaped rash across cheek and nose
- Raynaud’s Disease
- Abnormal blood clotting
Nutritional Therapy Discussions Include:
- The importance of the gastrointestinal tract on the management of autoimmunity
- Ways to optimize your bacterial ratios in the GI tract
- Foods to help “heal and seal” the gut
- The role of stress on the body
- Therapeutic foods to incorporate
- Foods to avoid for symptoms relief
- Targeted nutritional supplementation
What are the Suggested Lab Tests?
