I'm a new member with a question..

[Mandadown]

Hello everyone, I've just joined the forum. I have had many of the symptoms of lupus for a long time and am very interested in finding complementary treatments. I have read a book by a Dr Batmanghelidj about dehydration being a root of many illnesses including autoimmune conditions such as lupus and would be very interested to know if anyone on the forum had read about him and felt any benefits, or had any negative affects, from using his methods? Amanda

[whisperit]

Hello Mandadown,

I think you will find many of us here interested in complementary or unorthodox approaches, together with a respect for conventional medicine. I think the sad reality is that a lot of struggle with what are complex and only partially understood conditions for many years, so we are pretty open-minded.

I've never heard of Dr B but the first result on a google search is an entry on the "quackwatch" website - it's pretty scathing!

Hope someone else here has something to add x

[Pickzie]

Hi. I have managed to get good control over my symptoms by understanding my condition, what triggers it and how to recognise a flare, and good self care eg getting enough sleep excercise and good nutrition. Whilst I wouldn’t dismiss complimentary treatments I have to say I am somewhat nervous about the extent to which they help. I certainly wouldn’t rely exclusively on them. I have found some supplements like COD liver oil beneficial for helping with secondary Sjögrens symptoms (dry eyes), and acupuncture beneficial for pain relief, but I’ve also found that some alternative treatments/ supplements can over stimulate the immune system and make matters worse. I certainly would be skeptical of radically alternative views such as dehydration being a root cause of auto immune conditions. Hope I haven’t come across as too negative on complimentary therapies as they have their place, but it’s fair to say I remain cautious and skeptical about alternative views and whether they are genuine or a scam.