Natural Supplements That Bring Holistic Relief for Lupus

More than 1.5 million people in the United States live with some form of lupus. If you’re one of these individuals, you’ve probably gotten tired of fighting this disease with the same conventional methods. Therefore, it might be time to explore integrative treatments that are more comprehensive and natural, which often include herbal supplements.

The Facts about Lupus

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that produces inflammation and the immune system to attack the body’s tissues. About nine out of ten people with lupus tend to be women of childbearing age. However, men and children of all ages can also develop this disease.

Systemic lupus erythematosus is the most common type of lupus. It affects the connective tissues, which explains the term systemic. Erythematosus refers to the raised, red patches that develop on the skin.

Lupus currently has no cure. Individuals with lupus vary in the symptoms they experience. In addition to the connective tissues, the disease can affect the nervous and musculoskeletal systems and organs like the heart, kidneys, and skin.

Herbs and Supplements That Can Help

Successfully managing lupus requires guided medical care, which you can receive from your local integrative practitioner. Also, it can be beneficial to incorporate more natural remedies like herbs and supplements into your treatment regimen. Depending on the type of lupus you have and other individual factors, your doctor at Blatman Health and Wellness Center may recommend any of the following:

• Curcumin to reduce inflammation and decrease the protein markers of lupus
• Vitamin A to increase retinol, which strengthens skin and bones and promotes healthy immune function
• Vitamin E to stabilize immune cells and reduce inflammation
• Vitamin D to reduce the risk of lupus. A D3 with K2 supplement supports the immune system.
• Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) to reduce flares, improve bone density, and support mental well-being
• Omega-3 fatty acids to address inflammation
• Pine bark extract to control lupus-related symptoms and lower inflammation

Other Dietary and Lifestyle Changes

Supplementation is an excellent start to treating lupus symptoms. However, a holistic approach is more effective when you add nutritional and lifestyle adaptations that support your health. You can enhance your quality of life by incorporating the following healthy habits and behaviors:

• Maintain a well-balanced diet. A local nutritional consultant embracing integrative methods can help.
• Limit your time in the sun.
• Practice meditation or try mind-body techniques.
• Learn to manage or lower your stress levels.
• Stay physically active and engage in aerobic exercise.

Integrative Medicine and Symptom Management

If you’ve heard that natural remedies and supplements can relieve your symptoms, you may wonder if you can treat lupus on your own. The short answer is “no.” The immune cells in a person with lupus are tricky, and treatment requires the expertise of a regenerative medical care provider you can access quickly. Otherwise, you may be unable to detect or prevent the damage that lupus can cause to your organs, connective tissues, and nervous system.

Relying solely on traditional medicine can also be disadvantageous. The goal of most conventional lupus drugs is to suppress your immune system overall, which can cause serious side effects and make you more susceptible to infections.

A Whole-Body Approach to Lupus Management

A whole-body approach to managing your lupus can help you identify triggers for flares and reduce inflammation and pain without further compromising your immune system. Blatman Health and Wellness Center can be your source of support and healing. Whether you need supplementation advice or natural ways to alleviate back discomfort or other pain, our team of integrative medical providers is committed to enhancing your everyday well-being. Schedule an appointment with us today to learn how we can help.