Nicola Moore explains a functional medicine approach towards the autoimmune disease lupus
Natalie, 40, has been diagnosed with lupus, an autoimmune condition that is currently not understood very well; not least because it can have a range of symptoms. Before her diagnosis, about two years ago, she developed rosacea (redness on her nose and cheeks) that was so bad at times that it would burn. She also developed Raynaud’s, a condition in which the fingertips become cold and white. Eventually, she had difficulties using one of her hands.
Initial blood tests found Natalie had very high B12 levels, prompting her GP to tell her to stop taking her daily multivitamin. Further tests confirmed lupus, while a biopsy showed that the condition was attacking her liver.
With lupus, the immune system attacks and inflames healthy tissue, so Natalie is taking steroids and chemotherapy to suppress her over-active immune system. Her doctor has advised her to continue as normal and “remain lean”. Now halfway through her treatment, she feels and looks well but has been warned against the common cold, now that her immune system is suppressed.
Natalie eats a varied diet without restriction, although a home food-sensitivity test has shown a mild reaction to eggs. On top of managing her illness, she runs a busy business and is the mother of two small children — both very lively, one with additional needs. She also she takes on a lot of charity work. This year she ran the Brighton Marathon, completing in 4.08.
NUTRITIONAL THERAPIST: NICOLA MOORE
Looking at Natalie’s self-reported notes, we would explain the standard functional medicine approach to autoimmune conditions, which is about trying to establish the underlying cause. It would also be important to write to her GP. We’re not medics; her GP is her primary carer and would need to know that she is receiving extra support with her diet.
This story is from the Summer 2016 edition of Optimum Nutrition.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the Summer 2016 edition of Optimum Nutrition.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Gluten : Problem Protein Or Fad Food Fear?
The ‘gluten-free’ label is becoming a familiar sight. Mike Murphy looks at why more people are choosing to cut out this natural protein, even without doctors’ orders.
Summer Of
Summer is when we want to be out and about, as the warm embrace of the sofa on a cold winter’s night becomes a distant memory. So where do you go when the brain is willing but the body just can’t cut it at the same level of performance that it managed decades ago? Graeme Wilcockson reviews a few ways to satisfy those competitive weekend instincts that will tax both mind and body — yet leave you able to move on Monday morning
Eat For A Glow That Is More Than Skin Deep
Now that summer is here, it’s time to peel off the layers and make some vitamin D. But if your skin isn’t as peachy as you would like, or if you are worried about staying safe in the sun, find out how good nutrition may support your skin’s health. Maggie Charlesworth writes
Natural Beauty
If headlines about microbeads from cosmetics polluting our seas have got you wondering how you can do your bit for the environment, try using nature’s harvest to feed your skin. Hannah Maryse Robinson writes
Common Kitchen Practices Making Us Sick
Every year, thousands of us fall sick from food poisoning because of how we have handled food. Louise Scodie and Louise Wates look at common ways in which we are going wrong
Could Antioxidants Save Our Bacan?
Nitrates and nitrites have long been linked to cancer. We look at how they are part of a chain reaction that may not always be harmful to human health... So what’s the case with bacon?
Red Meat
Depending upon the headlines, red meat can be in or out of favour; we look at recent research.
The Big Sleep
With more demands on our time, sleep is becoming a poor relation. Jane Dawson investigates the associations between health, feeling good, and that all-important eight hours sleep a night.
Tea
Tea, especially the green variety, is often touted as a panacea for health and even weight-loss. Louise Wates puts the kettle on and looks at whether it is a reputation that is well-deserved.
When Bad Is Good
Social campaigner Mary Whitehouse abhorred it. Writer and actor Stephen Fry has publicly done and defended it. But how do you feel about swearing? Yeshi Dolma writes.
