Lupus. There's currently no cure for lupus and it requires life-long management. Lupus Medications and Treatments - WebMD Always talk to your doctor before taking any over-the-counter medicines. Subscribe to our emails. That said, almost everyone with lupus would benefits from the following lifestyle changes: Healthy fats, like those found in fatty fish, avocado, and olive oil, are natural anti inflammatories and may help combat symptoms of lupus as well as the underlying inflammation causing them. And at high doses, Vitamin C increases the release of hydrogen peroxide from the white blood cells. We are monitoring the situation and working to find a solution. The signs and symptoms of lupus that you experience will depend on which body systems are affected by the disease. Dr. Todd LePine(09:15): Dr. LePine is the head of the Scientific Advisory Board for Designs for Health and a consultant for Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory. One study of 15 lupus patients using Ayurvedic medicine suggested improvement with relief of symptoms in 60% of patients. If youre pregnant or planning to get pregnant, talk with your doctors about which treatments are safe for you and your baby. And ANA can be positive in many, many people even if they dont have lupus and theres this whole phenomenon of pre-autoimmune disease where youre starting to have these autoimmune antibodies but you dont really have a lot of symptoms yet but your body-, Dr. Todd LePine(04:38): She was very, very sick. Yeah, well before I actually talk about that, the other thing that also Ive used in patients is intravenous Vitamin C and thats actually in the medical literature. This particular she was actually involved in the healthcare field. There are five underlying causes of lupus. With functional medicine, you can reverse lupus by supporting your immune system and restoring it to its optimal function. Steroids can help reduce pain and inflammation. While this can sound overwhelming, it doesnt have to be. Dr. Todd LePine(19:47): It can be antiviral and kill bugs which is powerful. Integrative functional medicine is a systems-based, patient-focused approach to disease management. There is no simple, one size fits all treatment for Epstein-Barr virus, Ive learned that. "I want them to do all the things they used to do." The other thing which you can do is by adding through your diet cruciferous vegetables, supplements like DIM, helps to shift that pathway in a different direction so its very, very powerful stuff and when you start doing the testing and start looking at it from all different angles, you can really move the needle. Our health educators are available to answer your questions and give you the help you need. There are multiple chapters near you. There are a few different ways to take steroids: Steroids can cause a range of side effects, including swelling, weight gain, and problems sleeping. When I checked her estrogen and estrogen detox pathway, she had the highest 4-Hydroxy Id ever seen. Dr. Todd LePine(04:45): Lupus -- also called systemic lupus erythematosus, or SLE -- might not have a cure, but it's a highly treatable condition. Your treatment plan may depend on things like your age, your lifestyle, and any other health conditions you have. Addressing your stress is just part of getting to the root cause of autoimmune disease. Instead, they tell you its genetics, and the only option is to treat your symptoms for the rest of your life. Lupus is more common in women than men, particularly in women of childbearing age. Its also important to have regular exams and lab tests to track your lupus and adjust your treatment as needed. Theyre all different. These medicines can be taken as pills or liquids. Typically in the panel that we use, if you have three out of four antibodies that are positive especially with the early antigen and or with the PCR or the Epstein-Barr virus you know proof positive that the Epstein virus is-, Dr. Todd LePine(11:44): I think she was a therapist if I recall properly and so she had done a lot of stuff on her own. Like many autoimmune diseases, lupus is characterized by flare-ups and periods of remission. Viruses like Epstein-Barr and herpes simplex never leave your system. Its like a butterfly rash and over time they say that you develop a wolf-like appearance. Prior to joining The UltraWellness Center, he worked as a physician at Canyon Ranch in Lenox, MA, for 10 years. "The Functional Medicine approach to managing autoimmunity is truly life-changing! Yeah, I mean theres a lot of promotion out there of lectin-free diets as the cure for everything. When you go into the medical literature in autoimmunity related to lupus, the Epstein-Barr virus is associated with seven different autoimmune conditions, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, type 1 diabetes, ulcerative colitis. So that raises the question, well whats the difference between women and men and why are women getting-. Dr. Mark Hyman(19:45): Yeah, and its interesting because theres a whole bunch of different markers that are used in the diagnosis of autoimmune conditions. I think theres other therapies that she used which are also important to mention because as Ive gotten more experience in this, Im more interested in how do I activate the bodys own healing systems? The Myers Way is a proven approach to chronic illness that gets to the root of symptoms. They had an immune response to the lectins in the plants and Ive had a number of patients because not everybody will have that response to lectins. Dr. Mark Hyman(25:00): Wishing you health and happiness, I said, Geez, has your doctor checked that out? Hes like, Oh yeah. I said, Whats happening, what did he recommend. He says, Well, he said I should watch it until its 126 and then hell give me treatment for diabetes.. You can get some NSAIDs over the counter (without a prescription), but you need a prescription for others. Dr. Todd LePine(04:09): Dr. LePine graduated from Dartmouth Medical School and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Dr. Todd LePine(04:40): One person may be fine with lectins and another person may not but if you have an autoimmune inflammatory condition, its something worth trying. By design, our bodies can handle acute stress. I will share my proven solution to get to the root cause of your chronic illness later. Yeah you bring up a really interesting point which is that these and actually theres a term in medicine called redox signaling molecules and when you have these redox signaling molecules, which ozone will be one, it actually up-regulates your bodys own reparative forces. Integrated functional medicine treatment restores balance within the body, removing the real cause of disease and dysfunction from the source. Each of these forms affects different parts of the body and at different times, with the most severe form of lupus (SLE) affecting many organs at once. Dr. Todd LePine(23:55): Because lupus is a serious condition that can cause damage to the body if left unchecked, so you dont want to ignore traditional medical advice, but lifestyle changes can also be extremely effective at improving symptoms, encouraging remission, and even reducing the need for certain medications. Dr. Mark Hyman(16:20): Dr. Todd LePine(14:24): Questions about hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) and COVID-19? But with patience -- and the help of your health care team -- the odds are good that you'll find a lupus treatment plan that works. Once the virus is active, the inflammatory immune response damages tissue, which then causes more inflammation and a more significant response from the immune system. Open the Podcasts app and search for The Doctors Farmacy. [2] [3] Roughly 1% of Americans are affected by celiac disease. These plants are very high in lectins that damage the gut lining, quickly enter the bloodstream, and do not break down in cooking. Because lupus is systemic, the symptoms can be hard to pin down and include: That said, the most common symptoms of lupus the ones that make me immediately suspect the condition are painful or swollen joints, unexplained fever, kidney problems, and extreme fatigue. NSAIDs can also reduce pain and inflammation, but theyre not steroids. Get lupus resources and updates. In this conversation, Dr. Hyman and Dr. LePine discuss: For more information visit drhyman.com/uwc, This episode is sponsored by AirDoctor. Blood thinners can cause bleeding that is difficult to control. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC, an Internet Brands company. A list of other autoimmune conditions treated by Dr. Grewal can be found on our services page. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help manage your lupus symptoms. So Todd tell us, what is lupus and what is the traditional approach in medicine to this problem? Learn more, Important questions for your doctor when you're newly diagnosed, Managing your lupus care when your rheumatologist isn't local, Get Ready for Your Next Doctors Appointment. Get medical help right away if you notice these symptoms: If youre taking warfarin, you may need regular blood tests to make sure your blood doesnt get too thin. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystemic, chronic inflammatory disease characterized by destructive systemic organ involvement, which could cause the decreased functional capacity, increased morbidity and mortality. It comes out in the urine. Start by eliminating foods such as gluten, grains, and legumes that cause damage to your intestinal tract and inflammation. There are two types of monoclonal antibodies approved to treat lupus. Dr. Mark Hyman(07:26): Lupus, on the other hand, affects more than one system simultaneously. Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can cause pain and inflammation in the body. Cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) is the second most common presenting symptom of autoimmune lupus erythematosus (LE). If you are looking for a more holistic approach to lupus treatment, functional medicine is a great option! The risk for developing lupus-like disease from any of the other 43 drugs is low or very low; with some drugs, only one or two cases have ever been reported. Functional Medicines Approach to Diagnosing Addisons Disease, Functional Medicines Approach to Multiple Sclerosis, The Functional Medicine Approach to Hypothyroidism, Functional Medicine vs Conventional Medicine, Why Functional Medicine Is More Important Than Ever, Weight Loss: A Functional Medicine Approach, A Functional Medicine Approach to Fibromyalgia, A Functional Medicine Approach to Hyperthyroidism, The Myers Way Episode 4: A Functional Medicine Approach To Candida, Pillar II: Get Rid of Gluten, Grains, and Legumes, Pillar IV: Heal Your Infections and Relieve Your Stress, https://content.amymyersmd.com/article/reverse-lupus/, reverse lupus infographic Amy Myers MD. Lupus is a systemic autoimmune condition that affects about 1.5 million people in the United States and more than 5 million people worldwide. Diagnosing and Treating Lupus | CDC These drugs limit the amount of abnormal B cells (cells in the immune system that create antibodies) found in people with lupus. If youve had blood clots or you have antiphospholipid antibodies, your doctor may recommend blood thinners to lower your risk of clots. Lupus is a systemic autoimmune condition because unlike rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease, which affect one specific area of the body, lupus can affect anything from your joints, skin, or kidneys to your blood cells, brain, heart, or lungs. Somebody must have had Malaria and then developed lupus and they said hey, this is working. As such, inflammation is created in the tissues. After all, 80% of your immune system lives in your gut. Dr. Mark Hyman(23:02): Dr. Todd LePine(01:30): 12 likes, 0 comments - Caplan Health Institute - Functional Medicine (@caplanhealthinstitute) on Instagram: "Having an autoimmune disease, lupus or ANY chronic . may contribute to the development and severity of the disease. And the problem with traditional thinking is that everybody with lupus gets the same treatment. The types of drugs that have been used to treat lupus include NSAIDs, corticosteroids and other immune system suppressing drugs, hydroxychloroquine, and the newest lupus drug, Benlysta. These medicines can be taken as pills or liquids. If you can't take hydroxychloroquine, your doctor may recommend chloroquine (Aralen). Immunosuppressives help stop your immune system from attacking your bodys healthy tissue. Theyre not going to check that. Dr. Mark Hyman(24:23): What Really Causes Autoimmune Disease with Dr. Todd LePine, Getting to the Root: Taking the Overwhelm Out of Autoimmunity, How to Stop Attacking Yourself: 9 Steps to Heal Autoimmune Disease. Although lupus drugs can have serious side effects, many are quite rare and most can be well managed,she says. For many, integrated functional medicine has For more information about integrated functional medicine and its benefits, please visit our blog, What is functional medicine. Yeah and I think the other thing I want to just point out is that you know, youre talking about this patient with lupus and she had gluten and she had gut issues, she had stress, she had this virus, she had a lectin sensitivity, but that was her. It reduces flares by 50 percent and may also help prevent blood clots. Studies have connected stress to lupus flares. How to Reverse Lupus Naturally | Amy Myers MD We are exposed to thousands of toxins every day. Medicine (Baltimore) 1989; 68:353 . Yeah, ozone was a game changer for her. Well thats functional medicine is why, why, why as opposed to what. Dr. Mark Hyman(08:39): If you ignore that, youre going to get smoke coming out of the hood soon. Dr. Mark Hyman(08:50): Oftentimes, if I take the history of patients who develop an autoimmune condition, its oftentimes followed by a period of chronic stress thats unrelenting. These are powerful immune-suppressing drugs, right? And it doesnt come out all the time, it comes out under stress. Dr. Mark Hyman(00:59): Lupus is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease with a wide range of clinical presentations resulting from its effect on multiple organ systems. After functional medicine treatment, it is common for patients to experience decreased symptoms, increased daily energy, improved mood, and overall better health. Serving southern Illinois up to and including Springfield, Kansas, and Missouri, Serving north, central and west Texas, including Dallas/Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin, El Paso, Lubbock, and surrounding areas, Serving Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, northern and central New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont, Serving Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey, and Delaware, Serving Houston, Beaumont, Corpus Christi, Harlingen and surrounding areas in Texas, This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience. These side effects usually go away once your body adjusts to the medicine. Dr. Todd LePine(27:59): So I encourage people to not lose hope and to seek out answers and to learn more about functional medicine and I encourage you to share this podcast with your friends and family on social media. Dr. Todd LePine(24:19): Anti-inflammatories to help with. I used also lysine which is an amino acid which can help and I combined that also with some Monolaurin. Sure. It can take months or even years to find the right combination of treatment options . So I used it in her-. Unfortunately, we cannot avoid toxins altogether. There are four main types of lupus, with the most common form being systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In the 1950s, most people with lupus died within a few years of diagnosis. The signs of lupus are similar to women, yet men with lupus may also experience symptoms such as erectile dysfunction and reduced sex drive. Theyre all different. If youre starting to have early cognitive decline, Alzheimers is a lot easier to treat when you catch it early. Things used to be different. Lupus | Functional Medicine in Murrieta, CA | Hoyt Integrative Health Leaky gut happens when the tight junctions that hold your intestinal wall together become loose. Your doctor may also recommend medicines to help with digestive side effects, like: Regular use of NSAIDs can also damage your kidneys. We have today with us my colleague at the UltraWellness Center, Dr. Todd LePine whos an incredible physician. Theres several tests your functional medicine doctor can order to determine if you have lupus. So we think of Vitamin C as an antioxidant but actually its working as a pro-oxidant, so-, Dr. Todd LePine(22:22): For example, a 2019 study revealed that women with lupus had five times more gut bacteria, called Ruminococcus gnavus, than women of similar age and racial backgrounds who did not have the disease. Suite 100 Monroeville, PA 15146, COLE NATURAL HEALTH CENTERS, LLC ALL RIGHTS RESERVED DEVELOPED BY REFLEX BRANDS, SUBSCRIBER-ONLY GUIDES FOR GUT HEALTH, VIBRANT ENERGY, HEALTHY FOOD & CLEAN ALCOHOL, Get FREE access to these + giveaways, recipes, & discount codes in personal emails from Dr. Will Cole, Lupus: A Functional Medicine Guide To This Autoimmune Condition, Lupus is a systemic autoimmune condition that affects about 1.5 million people in the United States and more than 5 million people worldwide. Dr. Todd LePine(05:15): Yeah, I think thats right and I think whats interesting, the more you do this the more you realize what works with one person may not work with another person. Get lupus resources and updates. So PCR is checking for the DNA of the virus. It is estimated that 9 out of every 10 people who have lupus are female. These diseases include type 1 diabetes, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, colitis, Crohn's disease, . Additionally, gluten is in body products such as toothpaste, and it can even find its way into gluten-free foods through cross-contamination. Starting a daily meditation practice aim for at least 10 minutes can decrease stress and calm your nervous system. There are many kinds of monoclonal antibodies and they can be used to treat a number of diseases. They are both potent anti-inflammatories and as an added benefit, they are also delicious when brewed in a tea. Its a herpes class virus, just like a cold sore and once you get a herpes cold sore, the virus stays in your body all the time. She had sort of this chronic Epstein-Barr infection that was reactivated by stress, she had gut disturbances, she had lectin intolerance, she had gluten sensitivity, she had this hormonal dysfunction with abnormal estrogen metabolism and these are the kinds of things that we do here at UltraWellness Center to help us navigate to how to treat each person as an individual. Adrenal Support promotes a more balanced physical and emotional stress response using a cutting-edge blend of adaptogenic herbs. Another person who had Epstein-Barr, you give them Valtrex it may not do anything and I think Ive had the same experience, some patients you give them this relatively benign antiviral like Valtrex and it works well, others dont respond to that. Functional Medicine Approach & Treatment For Lupus | Dr. Grewal Dr. Mark Hyman(09:03): Dr. Todd LePine(20:10): Complementary and Alternative (CAM) Treatments of Lupus Very powerfully and very quickly. Lupus has a strong connection to stress levels, lifestyle factors, and the gut microbiome dont ever settle for a doctor telling you that nothing can be done! Lupus: Symptoms, Causes, Types & Treatments - Cleveland Clinic Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can impact multiple systems in the body. Dr. Mark Hyman(12:21): And interferon is one of the treatments theyre looking at for fighting COVID-19. Dr. Todd LePine(27:15): Lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus) care . . So lupus is one of those conditions which we see a lot, interestingly its about nine times more prevalent in women. And its very low toxic effects. Before I became a physician, functional medicine expert, and two-time New York Times bestselling author, I faced my own struggle with autoimmune disease. The underlying cause of lupus is still unknown; that said, experts suggest that there is a genetic, environmental, and possibly a hormonal component since more than 90 percent of people with lupus are women; you are more likely to be diagnosed with lupus if you are from African, Asian, or Native American descent. Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) and Coronavirus (COVID-19) Questions and Answers, Lupkynis (voclosporin): What you need to know, Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil): Benefits, Side Effects, and Dosing. Natural Remedies for Treating Lupus - Verywell Health We know that a heavy toxic burden puts you at greater risk of developing an autoimmune disease, and there are a few theories as to why. Learn more. 4 Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45220, USA. Serving southern Illinois up to and including Springfield, Kansas, and Missouri, Serving north, central and west Texas, including Dallas/Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin, El Paso, Lubbock, and surrounding areas, Serving Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, northern and central New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont, Serving Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey, and Delaware, Serving Houston, Beaumont, Corpus Christi, Harlingen and surrounding areas in Texas, This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Your doctor may recommend one or a combination of the following: Hydroxychloroquine: an antimalarial drug that is effective for treating lupus-related arthritis and rashes. A study published in 2013 found 48.6% of Lupus patients had IBS-type symptoms compared with 5% of control patients using the same ROME 3 diagnostic criteria. A positive attitude and a willingness to try new things will be very helpful for your lupus and functional medicine treatment. The traditional blood tests look at what are the autoimmune antibodies that-. Dr. Todd LePine(18:04): Lupus is a systemic autoimmune condition because unlike rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease, which affect one specific area of the body, lupus can affect anything from your joints, skin, or kidneys to your blood cells, brain, heart, or lungs. Dr. Mark Hyman(22:56): "People need to realize that when they're taking these medications, we know what side effects to look for," says Fitzgerald.