Autoimmune Flare Management Protocol

Identify trigger: Stress, infection, food triggers (gluten common), overexertion, lack of sleep, medication non-compliance, environmental toxins

Acute anti-inflammatory diet: Eliminate all common triggers: gluten, dairy, grains, legumes, nightshades, eggs, nuts, seeds, alcohol, sugar, processed foods (strict AIP or even carnivore temporarily)

Emphasize: Bone broth, well-cooked vegetables, fatty fish, quality protein, anti-inflammatory fats (olive oil, coconut oil)

Fasting: Consider 24-48 hour water fast or FMD (fasting mimicking diet) - fasting rapidly reduces inflammation and "resets" immune system

High-dose omega-3: Load with 6-10g EPA/DHA daily during flare (anti-inflammatory, shifts eicosanoids)

Curcumin: 2-4g daily in divided doses with black pepper (potent anti-inflammatory, comparable to NSAIDs for some)

Boswellia: 1200mg 3x/day (frankincense - potent anti-inflammatory, inhibits leukotriene synthesis)

Ginger: 2-3g daily (fresh or extract - anti-inflammatory, reduces pain)

Quercetin: 1000mg 2x/day (anti-inflammatory, mast cell stabilizer)

SPMs (specialized pro-resolving mediators): Supplement to help resolve inflammation (emerging supplements - SPM Active or Metagenics SPM Active)

Vitamin D: Acute high dose 10,000 IU daily (immune modulation)

Glutathione: Liposomal 500mg 2x/day or IV push (master antioxidant, reduces oxidative stress in flare)

LDN (Low-Dose Naltrexone): If already on, continue. If not and frequent flares, consider starting for long-term (immune modulation)

Prednisone taper: If severe flare, 40-60mg prednisone for 5-7 days then taper (work with rheumatologist - sometimes necessary)

NSAIDs: Short-term use (ibuprofen, naproxen) for pain/inflammation if needed - but address gut protection (NSAIDs damage gut lining)

Gut healing: L-glutamine 10g 2x/day (heals leaky gut, reduces inflammation), zinc carnosine, slippery elm, DGL licorice, aloe vera juice

Probiotics: High-dose for gut-immune axis

Stress management: Acute stress drives flares - meditation, deep breathing, adapt schedule to rest more, therapy, adaptogenic herbs (ashwagandha, rhodiola - but not if overstimulated)

Sleep: Increase to 9-10 hours during flare (healing happens during sleep, immune regulation)

Gentle movement: Restorative yoga, walking - avoid intense exercise (can worsen flare)

Hydration: Drink 3+ liters water to flush inflammatory mediators

Epsom salt baths: 2 cups Epsom salt in bath, 20 minutes daily (magnesium absorption, muscle relaxation, detox)

Ice/heat: Local application for joint pain as appropriate

Avoid triggers: No alcohol, reduce EMF exposure, avoid known food triggers, reduce stress

Address infection: If flare triggered by infection (strep, URI), treat appropriately