Lupus
Creating balance. Restoring function.​​​​
Root cause approach to autoimmune dysfunction
Discover a holistic approach to managing lupus causes and symptoms with our functional medicine services. Our personalized care focuses on addressing the root causes of autoimmune dysfunction, aiming for long-term health improvements.
What is it?
​A brief overview of your condition
Lupus is primarily classified into two main types. The first, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is an autoimmune disorder that affects multiple organs, wherein the immune system erroneously attacks body’s own tissues.
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The second type, known asid lupus, typically manifests as scaly rashes on sun-exposed skin and is generally milder in nature. It is important to note that some individuals with discoid lupus may subsequently develop SLE.
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Additional variations include subacute cutaneous lupus, characterized by mild skin rashes and joint; drug-induced lupus, a temporary condition triggered by specific medications; the rare neonatal lupus, which affects infants born to mothers with lupus.
Lupus symptoms​​
In lupus, the immune system erroneously attacks cellular structures, impacting various tissues and organs within the body. experience of lupus is unique to each individual, as different bodily systems may be. Generally, symptoms subside following an initial flare; however, some patients may encounter intermittent flare-ups during prolonged periods of remission.
Symptoms of Lupus include:
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Joint pain and inflammation
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Muscle pain
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Swollen lymph nodes
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Headaches and Fevers without an infection
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Memory loss
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Inflammation of the kidney
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Chest pain during deep breaths
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Decreased appetite and weight loss
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"Butterfly" rash on the face, often exacerbated by sun exposure
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Extreme fatigue, lethargy, and weakness caused by anemia
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Thinning or loss of hair
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Ulcers in the mouth nose
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Raynaud phenomenon, causing pale or purple fingers and/or toes in cold conditions
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Swelling around the eyes and in the legs
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Sensitivity to sunlight
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Fluid retention in the hands, feet, and face
Lupus causes and risk factors
Lupus arises when the immune system mistakenly attacks tissues in the body. This condition likely stems from a combination of genetic factors and environmental (epigenetic).
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Individuals with a genetic predisposition to lupus may develop the disease after exposure certain environmental triggers. However, the exact cause of lupus remains uncertain in most cases. Some known triggers include:
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Sunlight: Exposure to sunlight can lead to skin lesions or provoke internal response in susceptible individuals.
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Infections: An infection may trigger onset of lupus or cause a flare-up in some patients.
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Medications: Certain blood pressure medications, anti-seizure drugs, and antibiotics can induce lupus. Those affected by drug-induced lupus often see improvement discontinuing the medication, though symptoms can occasionally persist.
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Factors that may elevate the likelihood of developing lupus include:
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Sex: Lupus more prevalent in women.
Age: While lupus can affect of any age, it is most frequently diagnosed 15 and 45 years old.
Race: The disease is more common among African Americans,ics, and Asian Americans.
Natural treatment for Lupus
From a functional medicine perspective, natural treatment for Lupus begins with a thorough assessment of your medical history, genetic factors, environmental influences, diet, medications, and more. This comprehensive evaluation aims to identify root causes and contributing factors that may worsen symptoms and disease progression.
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Your functional medicine physician will create a tailored treatment plan incorporating targeted herbal remedies, lifestyle changes, supplements, and dietary adjustments to alleviate specific symptoms, enhance organ function, reduce inflammation, and modulate the immune system. They will also ensure robust immune function to fend off common colds, flu, and other infections.
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Depending on individual health needs, strategies involve testing for food intolerances, gut imbalances, heavy metal exposure, and more, along with implementing dietary modifications, nutrient supplementation, and lifestyle changes.​
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If you're seeking holistic, personalized healthcare that delivers results, our team at Balance Functional Medicine is here to assist you. Together with your functional medicine doctor and health coach, you will receive the support and guidance necessary to achieve your health goals and enjoy life to the fullest.
Ready for a personalized, natural functional medicine treatment?
Our unique model of care was designed with you in mind. Find out how, then book a call today.
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