Julisa's Excellent Diet Defeats Lupus
The following story was written by Rosario P. who lives in Clifton, New Jersey.
In March 2004, Julisa developed a rash and after consulting several doctors, it was treated as poison ivy with topical medications. When the problem persisted, we took Julisa to St. Joseph's Hospital in Patterson, NJ. Following many tests, including kidney DNA, she was diagnosed with stage-four lupus (end stage), and placed on immunosuppressive drugs and steroids, including prednisone, creating very difficult side effects for a teenage girl. Desperate for alternative treatments, Julisa's mother and I searched the Internet for lupus information and found Jill Harrington's book, The Lupus Recovery Diet. The book credits included Joel Fuhrman, M.D. and we made the first appointment in August 2004.
Dr. Fuhrman explained the benefits of natural, balanced nutrition and prescribed a completely plant-based diet to cleanse Julisa's system. Of course, we were very skeptical that a diet could have such a drastic impact on her condition.
About the same time we took Julisa to a kidney specialist at Presbyterian Hospital in New York City, who told us that she was facing kidney dialysis and placed Julisa on the national kidney transplant list. We struggled with the options facing her and the family. On one hand, Julisa would endure a weekly routine of dialysis sessions and eventual kidney failure, if a transplant wasn't found. On the other hand, she (and the family) would have to completely change eating habits -- no more pizza or cheeseburgers -- to comply with Dr. Fuhrman's program, and we weren't sure it was going to work.
Under Dr. Fuhrman's care, we finally decided to stop all Julisa's medications and treat her lupus with a plant-based diet. April 2005 testing revealed absolutely no trace of lupus in Julisa's system. Her kidney function has improved dramatically and continues to return to full function. Julisa recently celebrated her "Sweet Sixteen," with a healthy future and junior year in high school ahead of her. We all take every opportunity to tell other lupus patients and anyone we know about the miraculous results obtained from Dr. Fuhrman's nutritional approach. We are so very grateful to Dr. Fuhrman.
I have been diagnosed with lupus for almost three years. I have been in and out of hospitals each year since due to complications, including surgeries and costly tests. I am so tired at times, I feel like giving up. A lot of what I go through I keep to myself because my family doesn't understand. Currently, I'm off work and seems all I do is "nothing" which conincides with how I feel. I want help and I've read so many stories about the "miracles" of the right diet. Please help and share your knowledge.
I have significant experience in utilizing nutritional excellence as a therapy for patients with lupus. Not only have I witnessed improvements in many patients, but quite a few have had complete remission of their condition. I wrote a newsletter about my nutritional protocol for lupus (November 2004). It will also be helpful for you to read my book (Eat To Live) too. You can order it from the store at drfuhrman.com or you could join the member center, where you get the e-book of Eat To Live and access to all newsletter and the "ask the doctor" forum too. Once you do a little homework and ascertain this approach is something you want to pursue, you should call my office and set up an appointment or phone consultation for me to speak to you directly. I could also put you in touch with lots of other lupus patients that have recovered or significantly improved their conditions that can give you some extra moral support. warmest wishes, Joel Fuhrman
My friend also the same problems and have been diagnosed with lupus for almost three years.
My friend also the same problems and have been diagnosed with lupus for almost three years.
L.Bills
Take courage and know that God is with you. Our prayers are with you and your family.
I think your site is very nice and fantastic bog about health care system. I appreciate for your work.
I have a daughter with lupus. Is it possible for me to contact Rosario P of Clifton, New Jersey directly or to have her contact me?
I have been living with "Lupus like" symptoms for 3 years and each year it has been getting worse. I am on my 3rd opinion RA and numerous other specialists (total of 13) with the same results "You have an autoimmune disease but I don't know exactly what it is". At first it was just joint pain (not the actual joint but the area) and this was every single joint in my body to include my throat. Half of my voice box becomes paralyzed and I tend to sound like Minnie mouse. I still have the joint pain, knodules appear when they want to 2-3 times a week, lesions on my hands, feet, my hands now become numb and burn, the back of my legs tingle and sharp pains and I can't sit longer then 10-15 minutes. I am on blood thinners due to Antiphospholipid Antibody, I know have Leukopenia Anemia and on and on! Talk about giving up! Almost. Sed Rate usually around 126, ANA Titer 1:1280, Complement C3 28, Complement C4 <8, Immune complex C1Q Bind 7.0. I am scheduled to have a Sero Nerve biopsy this Friday and I've already had a lymph node biopsy done (normal). I have pages and pages of tests that I have not mentioned and they say that it looks like Lupus so I'm going to treat it like Lupus. I've taken Steroids with ugly side effects and every other med you can imagine. I think it's time for me to try something else instead of going to the Mayo clinic because I do not have the funds for that trip. I am desperate to have my normal life back. I can't imagine what a full day without pain even feels like. But I'm willing to try something besides RX's.
My question is if there is no cure for Lupus, why do the doctors give meds for this condition? From what I've read through the internet, medications only suppress the symptoms. The predinisome that they prescribe causes damage to your kidneys, and have other major side effects. I was just diagnosed with SLE, Shrinking lung Lupus. The Lupus is effecting my lungs. I am very short of breath and none of the medications I have taken not even steriods, have given me any relief. What do you do?
I was diagnosed with lupus today. I was told to change my diet which does not include salt. Are there any recipes out there for diets without salt since I have been eating salt for over 40 years? Thanks in advance
Pro 17:22 A merry heart doeth good [like] a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.
I was at a women's fellowship group yesterday and we were watching a Joyce Meyer presentation when she referenced this powerful scripture. It has stayed with me all night and this morning, and here I am posting it for you. Let the words speak to your hearts and I wish you all a peace about what is happening with you. I am taking medicine because of the results I got through a ANA test but really, I feel great and wonder why the heck I am taking the medicine. At this point, the scripture I just posted is what really feels real to me. My heart needs to be at a happy point...and as it is getting there, I will have a breakthrough. I mean, really what is an autoimmune disease/disorder...? Could it be all associated to our own self image and not being happy within...to the point we make our selves sick? Well, no more of that for me, I am beloved by my Lord and Savior and he will continue to show me the light as I go through all this. God bless you all!...Maybe I'll check on you all again...'Cause everything is going to be alright.
Working towards a happy heart,
Mari
hi i also have lupus. i have not taken stroids i started to see a md who is a holistic medicine, i am getting slowly better. hey i look at it as what do i have to lose. it's worth a try. i am only 47 and have kids at home. i also have two grandsons. i can't give up. i have to keep working on getting better. also it helps to put some of your dreams into play. i'm getting on a plane and going to my sisters wedding. in vagas july. i can't do heat. scared of planes. and i', planing a cruse to mexico jamicia and i have to fly to houston to catch the ship. but i'm takeing ice packs. because i have been so sick for 20 years. i'm fighting back. life is a gift. and my advice is live your dreams... i maybe resting losts on these trips. but i'm going. if i have to sit with blocks of ice on me to keep me cool. i will i can still enjoy some things. so people get out there andsee something ...but watch out for your flares. rest and good food helps... thanks from montana
I am trying to help my sister who is suffering from Lupus and appears to be too depressed to help herself. It is unclear to me what solution you propose. Can you clarify for me please. thanks
I have always wanted a compendium of novena prayers. Thank you for sharing all these prayers with us. It brings joy and happiness to everyone. I know, I do feel that way.d
does anyone have a list of foods that are good for you and foods that are bad for you
please help
Thanks
Jason
Dear People,
I have followed a strict diet for lupus for four years. At first, I couldn't walk without pain and my organs, especially my liver was affected, I had pain continually. I started this diet ( a combo of lupus and hepatitis B restrictions)because my doctors treated my like a hypochondriac and an imbecil. The last primary care physician showed so much anger and contempt for me that I was afraid to be in the room. Other doctors were afraid of me. I felt they were leaving me for dead.I received nothing from them but blame for my problems.So I figured I had nothing left to loose if I treated myself using diet and herbal/ nutritional supplements. I haven't been back to a doctor in four years. I lost over fifty pounds, and enjoy painless good health. If I cheat on my diet I will see and feel it, but now it takes a few days of cheating for the most part. I recommend a strict diet, plus dietary enzymes, to anyone for at least six months. Food triggers are your number one forms of stress because you give it to yourself everyday. It's hard but it's worth it.
I have read comments posted on your site. It seems as if the doctors do not really understand Lupus. I have had problems for many years, and I have not tested positive but have symptoms of Lupus,the symptoms are varied and intense at times. Sometimes I find it hard to fight on, expecially when you do not have the support that is needed. It can feel a lonely road, as we are trying to find answers,support and help that is need. I am now allergic to all convential medicine, I am being treated with alternatives which helps for a short period of time. I am trying to find diets that will help, in a language that everyone understands.
thanks for some encouragement. I was diagniosed in 1995 with lupus. I have gone to several seminars, I meet Dr. R lahita during one of the Lupus Seminars. I was encourage like I said. I met others who like myself had lupus. Some discoid others sle. We had a support group in my home town. Exchanged info and Also searched for Drs, Nutitionalist who educated us on the do's and don'ts. What Im getting at is the fact that this disease has many faces. And for those of you who do not know it really is a systemic disease!!!. I was attacked with vasculitis, Lupus profundus, corsinoid lupus and something where calcium pockets were building up under my skin. Now I want to say that I would like to first find out if their is anyone who is living with lupus for more than 10 years and how is it and has been for you. If you really came across treatment that has reduced or has made your living with Lupus a little less painful and productive. We all know with any changes in the body we have to discipline ourselves. Yeah we fall, there are set backs, which I have had. The point is encouragement for real and not advertised false hope. Feel me. Thanks for the time. And honest respond.
WOW I have had lupus for almost twwenty years, for the first fifteen I was on prednisone non stop and that rotted out my hip joints, something the doctors knew would happen but I didnt... I just knew that I hated the drug and its side effects. I always asked is there anything in my diet that I am eating or not eating that causes these symptoms and they told me no... so if you are using diet or even contemplating the idea I would definitely give you the advice to do it. I have literally suffered all my life. I dont remember what its like not to suffer. The only thing I am good at is surviving i guess that and being uncomfortable. If food changes your life DO IT!!!!! or you can up like me totally disabled at 29 and living in excrutiating pain and guilt because you cant plat with your son....
I have had lupus for 15 years. I have had numerous blood clots and I have had severe arthritis for 7 years. My daughter was born 3 months premature (1 pound 8 ounces-today is your typical 11 year old) due to a clot in my liver. I do not take prednisone, as I refuse too because of the harsh side effects ( was on it for a year after my daughter was born), but I am on other medication. Within the last 3 months I have been focusing on nutrition to help heal myself. I believe we can't completely cure ourselves of this disease but you can control it. I suggest to anyone wanting to try and control their disease through nutrition should read the book "Mood Cures" by Julia Ross. This book has helped me within a few months start to feel "normal".
I have also found that exercise (cardio and strength training) has helped me as well!
I hope this bit of information well be as helpful to you as it is to me!
**Don't forget, You control yourself, Lupus does not control you**