Here are some steps I recommend that you try if you are diagnosed with Lupus or any other autoimmune disease:
1)Keep a food/symptom diary. This will show if you have a repeated reaction to a food that you need to avoid to feel better.
2)Get tested for Celiac disease(often Lupus and Celiac go hand in hand,check the internet for articles)
3)Get a complete blood test from your health practitioner and also test if you are deficient in Vitamin D, Magnesium, Calcium, check mercury levels, thyroid function .Check for osteoporosis, bone density.
4)Test for allergies(with kinesiology or blood testing) (allergies and autoimmune diseases go hand in hand too again check the internet)
5)Avoid all foods you test allergic/intolerant to.
6)Detox your body(safely) don't try anything too wacky... I like eating tons of organic veggies and fruits and making fruit or veggie juices(always fresh fruit or veggies) or smoothies(with fresh or frozen fruits/veggies)
7)Flood your body with nutrients, eat super healthy foods,seasonal foods, raw food diets, macrobiotic diets, certified organic food, lots less salt(if you overdo), NEVER eat processed
foods, don't drink alcohol, don't smoke, have lots of Omega 3's, no soda, avoid too much caffeine/coffee, no trans fats, no artificial sweeteners, less real sugar or no real sugar. Chew each mouthful of food many times to aid in digestion, swirl juices smoothies in your mouth to be sure they are mixed with saliva before swallowing. Try to eat in a peaceful environment.
8)Exercise(don't laugh at me) I know you are in pain, try small steps, go get the mail, walk your kids to school, park further out from the grocery store, walk walk walk anywhere you can. Stretch! Yoga Or Tai Chi or Pilates. One thing to remember, DO NOT overdo on your good days, always strive to end early don't push yourself or you will hurt and not be able to do ANYTHING tomorrow.
9)Rest when you need to, say "no" if you are too tired!
10)Stress less... try not to sweat the small stuff, practice breathing exercises, many CD's are available at your local library, Andrew Weil has some excellent CD's on breathing/relaxation visualization and healing. Watch comedies, read joke books LAUGH!!!
11)Feng Shui-or lessen the clutter, clean your environment(don't laugh at me) I know you are too tired to clean! Try to do a little at a time or at least clean your bedroom and that can be your retreat...
12)Detox your house and your work space and your world as much as possible.
What is in your soap,shampoo, your deodorant, your toothpaste,your make up, your shaving cream,etc.?
Your skin absorbs everything into your body.
Try to get a shower water filter, or a whole house water filter(chlorine is a nasty chemical). Don't use bleach in your laundry, get a environmentally safe laundry soap, dishwasher soap.
Don't use aluminum pans/foil(at least don't let the aluminum foil touch your food, use less canned products many are coated with harmful chemicals, don't wear cheap jewelry many have lead in them and other harmful chemicals, don't wear nail polish
Home carpets/rugs and paints have many nasty chemicals in them try to find environmentally safe home decor items. Use wood, stone metal rather than plastic etc.
Avoid phlalates in many toiletry items(soaps, shampoos,perfume,etc.)
Get an air purifier and use it.
Use natural home cleaners such as vinegar and baking soda.
Real the labels, look up chemicals on the internet. Some are very scary!
Wear organic cotton clothing
Read "Pain Free in 6 Weeks..." by Sherry Rogers MD and/or any other Sherry Rogers books.
***Always ask questions and keep reading and learning about your disease. Doctors don't know everything and there is so much information to learn. You may stumble on something that can help you and you can bring it to your doctor's attention. Good Luck!
