Lupus / SLE

The Problem

Corticosteroids (prednisone) long-term: severe side effects (weight gain, moon face, osteoporosis, diabetes, cataracts, glaucoma, infections, adrenal suppression, mood changes, insomnia—patients desperate to reduce dose but disease flares), Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil): helpful for many but retinal toxicity risk (regular eye exams required), doesn't address root cause, doesn't work for everyone, Immunosuppressants: increased infection risk (serious infections common—pneumonia, sepsis, opportunistic infections), increased cancer risk (especially lymphoma with long-term use), liver toxicity, bone marrow suppression, nausea, hair loss, birth defects (teratogenic—pregnancy contraindicated), expensive, Biologic medications (Benlysta): expensive ($35,000+/year), modest efficacy (30-40% response rate), infusion reactions, infections, depression/suicidality reported, Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) for severe lupus: chemotherapy drug with severe side effects (nausea, hair loss, infertility, hemorrhagic cystitis, bladder cancer risk, bone marrow suppression), Conventional doesn't address: gut dysfunction and leaky gut (endotoxemia drives lupus), infections (EBV and other viral triggers), hormonal imbalances (estrogen dominance), nutrient deficiencies (vitamin D, omega-3 critical for lupus), food sensitivities, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, no dietary intervention (patients continue eating inflammatory foods), Disease often progresses despite treatment (organ damage—kidneys, heart, brain—accumulates over time), Quality of life poor (fatigue, pain, medication side effects), Many patients require multiple medications lifelong. Integrative approach addressing root causes (gut health, infections, nutrients, hormones, inflammation) often allows medication reduction and improves outcomes—but lupus requires careful medical supervision and monitoring for complications.