When a doctor not only treats systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus) but also has that disease herself, she has a unique kind of expertise.
An autoimmune disorder, lupus affects women eight times more often than men. There is no known cure, so treatment focuses on minimizing the disease’s symptoms, such as skin rashes, fatigue, fever, gastrointestinal upset, and muscle and joint pain. By managing her own illness with a combination of supplements, herbs and very low-dose prescription drugs, Sara Korsunsky, ND, a naturopathic physician in Winnipeg, Canada, has been able to reduce her list of lupus symptoms from 10 to just three and now experiences only occasional, very mild flares. “I’ve maintained my health this way for five years now—even through a pregnancy, a time when lupus symptoms typically worsen,” she told me. Many of her patients with lupus also have seen huge improvements by following her treatment guidelines.
Dr. Korsunsky said that, although prescription lupus drugs (such as corticosteroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories and immunosuppressants) may offer quicker symptom relief, natural approaches generally have fewer side effects and bring about better overall health in the long run. She noted that, for maximum effectiveness and safety, it is vital to work directly with a qualified naturopathic doctor who can customize your treatment and suggest appropriate dosages. That’s because autoimmune diseases manifest differently in different patients, and there are significant individual variations in body chemistry, diet and lifestyle.
Important: Do not stop taking your lupus medication on your own…and do not start taking supplements before checking with your doctor, as some supplements may cause side effects or stimulate your already overactive immune system. Instead, talk with your doctor about complementing your conventional care with natural supplements that help to…
Quell inflammation. Because lupus is a systemic inflammatory disease, it can affect just about any part of the body—skin, joints, muscles, organs. That’s why Dr. Korsunsky’s number-one recommendation is to supplement with omega-3 fatty acids (in the form of fish oil) to help keep inflammation under control. Also potentially beneficial are flaxseed oil…antioxidants such as vitamins C and E…and the anti-inflammatory spices turmeric and ginger, both of which are available in capsule form.
Support digestion. Nausea, constipation and other gastrointestinal problems are common among lupus patients because digestive function is strongly linked to immune function…and because nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can damage the gut wall. Supplementing with digestive enzymes, such as bromelain (which comes from the stem of the pineapple plant), can improve digestion, Dr. Korsunsky said.
Increase energy and improve adrenal function. Lupus patients often feel fatigued due to underfunctioning of the adrenal glands. Also, the steroid drug prednisone, which many patients take, can worsen fatigue by further suppressing adrenal function. Helpful: A multivitamin (particularly important are vitamins A, D and E)…an additional vitamin B complex supplement (since a multivitamin may not provide optimal amounts of the B vitamins needed for lupus)…and the herbs licorice root and ashwagandha.
More natural healing: Supplements and herbs are not the only natural therapies that are helpful to lupus patients, Dr. Korsunsky noted. You’ll also want to talk with your doctor about the importance of an anti-inflammatory diet, including elimination of food allergens that tax the immune system…regular exercise…and stress management to keep flares at a minimum. Homeopathy and acupuncture also can be beneficial, as can counseling and participation in a support group focused on helping you learn to live well with a chronic disease.
