Lupus

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that triggers inflammation in various tissues of the body. The most common and severe form is Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). It can affect the joints, skin, brain, lungs, kidneys and blood vessels. The most common symptoms are:

  • Joint pain
  • Rashes
  • Fatigue
  • Malaise
  • Additional symptoms specific to the affected organ(s)

Women develop SLE 4-12 times more often than men, and women of childbearing years (15-44 years old) are at greater risk. Ethnic groups affected the most include African Americans, Asians, Hispanics and American Natives. Other forms of lupus include: cutaneous lupus (only affects the skin), drug-induced lupus (presents like SLE, but resolves with the cessation of the medication), neonatal lupus (transmitted through pregnancy from the mother with SLE to the infant). In mild cases, medical treatment involves NSAIDs and antimalarial medications. In severe cases, corticosteroids and immunosuppressants are used. Alternatively, Naturopathic medicine seeks to identify and treat the underlying trigger(s) that promote the autoimmune reaction. This is accomplished through the use of natural treatments, including:

  • Acupuncture and Asian medicine
  • Botanical medicine
  • Diet counselling
  • Homeopathy
  • Hormone regulation with either botanical medicine or bioidentical hormones
  • Hydrotherapy
  • Lifestyle counselling
  • Low-level laser therapy
  • Nutraceuticals

The duration of treatment is typically 6 months, with the expectation of reducing symptoms, slowing disease progression, and improving quality of life.

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