Lupus
Lupus is an autoimmune disease that develops when the overactive immune system attacks the body’s tissues and organs, including the skin, brain, heart, lungs, blood cells, and joints. This chronic, incurable condition is life-altering but, if you suffer from lupus, there can be relief from the discomfort through carefully customized holistic care.
Understanding Lupus
Lupus presents in many ways and the severity of this autoimmune condition varies for every patient. Symptoms of lupus can include:
Fatigue
Joint pain
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Headaches
Fever
Confusion
Unfortunately, the symptoms of lupus can mimic many other conditions, making misdiagnosis of this disease common. A telltale sign of lupus that aids in diagnosis is the presence of a butterfly-shaped facial rash that forms along the cheeks and nose, though this symptom does not occur in all cases.
The most common type of lupus is called Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and it affects many different parts of the body. Cutaneous lupus is another form of the condition, which can cause a skin rash or lesion with exposure to sunlight. There is also a form of drug-induced lupus which is caused by an overreaction to certain medications, but the symptoms of this disease typically disappear once the problematic medicine is stopped.
Living with Lupus
Anyone can develop lupus, though there are some people who are more likely to develop the condition, including women between the ages of 15 and 44, particularly those of African American, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American descent.
Living with an autoimmune condition is a challenge and, at many times, it can be a depressing existence. Allowing lupus to charge along undeterred, however, is giving up. And this disease does not have to control your life. Your body’s immune system is attacking healthy cells by mistake. While mistakes cannot always be fixed completely, they can be minimized to cause as little destruction as possible.
Doing your best to address lupus can prevent the condition from developing into an even more serious health problem. Left untreated, lupus puts people at risk of cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and stroke.
Lupus sufferers commonly experience flare-ups, which is when the symptoms of their disease get worse for a time and then improve. Though lupus is a chronic, autoimmune condition that has no cure, it is possible to minimize flare-ups and improve a patient’s quality of life through holistic treatment.
Holistic Treatment for Lupus
Holistic care is full-body care. Through a personalized health plan, the symptoms of lupus are addressed, along with a person’s entire well-being. Lifestyle, including diet, exercise, and environment, all play a role in how you feel. Modifying the elements of your daily life to promote wellness, rather than exacerbate the symptoms of lupus, can help you enjoy a full life.
What many lupus sufferers are surprised to learn is that their digestive system plays a major role in the performance of their immune system and, therefore, plays a part in how lupus affects their body. Good nutrition, a reasonable level of movement, and healthy, clean living and working spaces all play a role in feeling better, no matter what health conditions you may be suffering from.
Through holistic care, it is possible to fortify your immune system, reduce swelling and pain, prevent or reduce joint damage or organ damage, and balance hormones. Contact Ann Arbor Holistic Health in Ann Arbor, Michigan, to schedule your appointment with a member of our holistic health team. We look forward to creating a personalized treatment plan so you can face your lupus and live well, even in the face of chronic disease.