Originally published October 31 2012
Beat systemic lupus naturally
by Dr. David Jockers
(NaturalNews) Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that is known to inflame and damage the heart, lungs, brain, joints, blood vessels, skin and kidneys among other things. Typical medical treatments for lupus include corticosteroids that suppress the immune system and have major side effects.
Lupus symptoms are characterized by skin lesions such as a butterfly-shaped rash on the face that covers the cheeks and bridge of nose. Other common symptoms include joint pain and arthritic changes as well as advanced cardiodegenerative and neurodegenerative changes.
Autoimmune disorders such as SLE have several general causative factors. These issues are characterized by a hyperactive immune system that unleashes massive inflammatory compounds upon minor triggers. The most commonly found factors leading to this condition include damage to the intestinal wall, long-standing deficiencies in vitamin D3, omega-3 fatty acids and anti-oxidants.
Vitamin D3 plays a very important role in modulating the immune system. Studies have shown that levels under 40 ng/ml are highly associated with inflammatory conditions within the body. Having a vitamin D3 test should be step one in addressing autoimmune disorders.
Optimal vitamin D3 levels should be between 70-100 ng/ml even though the medical acceptable level of 32 ng/ml is still used by most healthcare providers. Levels under 40 ng/ml are a major health risk factor for chronic inflammatory disease development. This is unknown by many mainstream medical doctors.
Although direct sunlight between the peak sun hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. is the best way to optimize vitamin D levels, many individuals with SLE get inflamed when exposed to direct sunlight. They can supplement with 10,000 IU of a high quality emulsified vitamin D3 for a period of time to reach and stay at the desired level.
Leaky gut triggers autoimmunity
Leaky gut syndrome is a very common issue that is related to autoimmune diseases like SLE. In these conditions, an abundance of pathogenic bacteria and yeasts take hold of the reigns of control in the gut and create inflammatory changes that damage the intestinal lining. This allows food particles to pass into the bloodstream. The undigested food particles are identified by the immune system and labeled as toxic invaders and a massive immune assault results.
The most common food allergens include genetically modified ingredients, gluten, soy products, artificial food additives and flavorings, peanuts, eggs and pasteurized dairy. These foods should be avoided at all cost.
Rebuilding the gut is absolutely essential for full recovery. This process begins with an anti-inflammatory diet that is rich in fermented foods and liquids and raw food based nutrition. Fermented foods like traditional sauerkraut, kimchi, fermented veggies and raw cheese and amasai from 100 percent grass-fed cows should be staple parts of the diet. Fermented drinks like apple cider vinegar, coconut kefir, fermented ginger-ale, kombucha and others should be used throughout the day.
These foods are extremely rich in enzymes, probiotics and key amino acids that help the beneficial microflora destroy pathogenic organisms in the body. These foods should be used as much as possible and a high quality probiotic supplements with 50+ billion CFU's are extremely beneficial. Intermittent water and lemon fasting for periods of 16-20 hours daily or weekly is very helpful in reducing inflammation and helping the gut heal faster.
The diet should be low in sugar and instead focus on phytonutrient rich vegetables, low glycemic fruit and healthy fat sources like avocados, coconut products, extra virgin olive oil and sprouted nuts and seeds. Grass-fed beef, bison, lamb, organic poultry and eggs and wild-caught fish offer essential fatty acids and other compounds that enhance hormone function and reduce inflammation.
Sources for this article include:
http://altmedicine.about.com/od/healthconditionsdisease/a/lupus.htm
http://www.naturalnews.com
About the author:
Dr David Jockers is a Maximized Living doctor and owns and operates Exodus Health Center in Kennesaw, Georgia where he specializes in functional nutrition, functional medicine and corrective chiropractic care to get to the underlying cause of major health problems.
His website features great articles on natural health and incredible recipes. He is the author of the best-selling book SuperCharge Your Brain - the complete guide to radically improve your mood, memory and mindset. He has over 50,000 active followers on his social media and email newsletter and is a big influencer in the Primal Health movement.
Dr. Jockers is also available for long distance consultations and health coaching to help you beat disease and reach your health goals. For more information got to www.drjockers.com
Dr David Jockers is a Maximized Living doctor and owns and operates Exodus Health Center in Kennesaw, Georgia where he specializes in functional nutrition, functional medicine and corrective chiropractic care to get to the underlying cause of major health problems.
His website features great articles on natural health and incredible recipes. He is the author of the best-selling book SuperCharge Your Brain - the complete guide to radically improve your mood, memory and mindset. He has over 50,000 active followers on his social media and email newsletter and is a big influencer in the Primal Health movement.
Dr. Jockers is also available for long distance consultations and health coaching to help you beat disease and reach your health goals. For more information got to www.drjockers.com
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