Lupus and Diet: From Wheelchair-Bound to Mrs. New York USA

I remember the exact moment my doctor diagnosed me with lupus. It was a sunny spring afternoon, and my eyes remained fixated on two birds just outside the window, while the words "incurable" and "potentially fatal" were spoken and hung heavy on my heart. For many of us who receive a frightening diagnosis, mixed emotions can begin to circulate within us. On one hand, there is the relief of finally having an answer that explains what is happening inside of our bodies, but on the other hand, there may be confusion, anxiety and more questions, such as, "What happens next?"

I can admit now, 14 years later, that I journeyed into denial for some time. This diagnosis came to me at age 23, and up until that point, I truly believed I was invincible. No disease would knock me down -- or so I thought. Having never met another lupus sufferer who could offer guidance, and not taking the initiative to implement any healthy changes in my hectic schedule, the perfect storm began to form.

Lupus, a chronic, inflammatory autoimmune disease, is estimated to affect 5 million people worldwide, and 90 percent of those affected are women. It's a puzzling disease that can prove difficult to diagnose because of symptoms that come and go and mimic so many other illnesses. The easiest way I can explain Lupus is this: Our immune system, designed to protect, actually turns against those with lupus and creates antibodies that attack our organs and tissues, including the kidneys, brain, heart, lungs, blood, skin and joints. Though I was put on medications to slow the progression of this disease and prevent future exacerbations, the disease activity during this time was vicious and would almost kill me.

After multiple small strokes, blood clots, heart issues, chemo and more than 30 hospitalizations, I would wind up in a wheelchair at 31 years old. I remember those dark days, confined to a hospital bed, unable to feed or bathe myself, and slowly wasting away. While it seemed as though my body had turned against me, my mind was still as strong as ever. I still had hope and faith -- and when these two virtues are in your arsenal of chronic disease fighters, amazing things can occur.

Call me stubborn, but I still believed I would be victorious over this disease! When I had small spurts of energy, my time was spent researching ways I could help myself. Surely there had to be stories of others who had lupus and had advice to share. While my background in chemistry helped me understand the pharmaceutical options available to treat the disease, I was fascinated by how combining these options with the right foods, diet and alternative therapies could possibly help a lupus patient. I implemented a "try every type of therapy once" rule, as I had nothing to lose. And so I began a seven-year journey filled with nutritionists, occupational therapists, alternative methods, diet changes and a new love for food.

Improvement was a slow process (and is still taking place). However, when I saw small glimpses of progress, it fueled me to keep going. For anyone beginning this journey, I strongly advise that you commit to keeping a progress journal. Each day, write down:

-- The foods you eat

-- Medications you take

-- Symptoms you have

-- Supplements you try

-- Diet changes you implement

-- Exercise you complete

-- Practitioners you meet with

-- Protocols that are put into place by you and/or your physician

-- And any stress you encounter (good or bad)

I cannot stress to you enough how effective this incredible source of data has been, and the encouragement my old journals have provided. After working with multiple nutritionists, my diet radically changed. Gluten and dairy were removed, and my intake of fresh fruit and vegetables greatly increased. In fact, today they make up over 60 percent of my daily consumption. My tastes have changed over time, as I removed processed foods and unnecessary sugars from my diet. I slowly switched to clean, whole foods that included many raw items, in addition to lean meats, juicing and little to no caffeine. This is what worked for me, and because no two cases of lupus are alike, I suggest you meet with a nutritionist to begin your journey to healing and strengthening your body through diet.

According to the Johns Hopkins lupus information center, there is no one, specific lupus diet (and diet alone will not cure the disease), but since most patients deal with weight loss/gain, inflammation, kidney issues and blood pressure complications, nutritional adjustments should be considered. A diet low in cholesterol and saturated fats is suggested, as women with lupus who are between the ages of 35 to 44 experience an increased risk of heart attack, which is 50 times that of the normal population. Reducing sodium intake is also noted, if high blood pressure issues exist. Researching an anti-inflammatory diet and increasing oily fish intake (high in omega-3) is also highly recommended. Limiting fried foods, red meat, processed meats and high-fat dairy foods is also mentioned.

While I still deal with occasional lupus flares, my medications have decreased over time, from 10 to just three. Today, I can say the legs that could barely support me for more than a minute without the assistance of a wheelchair or walker will soon carry me to the stage of Mrs. USA Universal in Reno in June, as I represent my home state of New York. My life is vastly different from seven years ago, and I credit food, diet changes and supplementation as the major players in this improvement. Supportive family and friends, a loving husband, faith, great doctors and removing negative self-talk also play starring roles. For those with a chronic illness, we have enough stacked against us without adding on the pressure of a dour inner critic, so be sure to find ways to silence yours if you're being too tough on yourself from time to time.

With lupus, each day can feel like an uphill battle and can be an exhausting physical, mental and spiritual endeavor for those suffering. Because we have so much to overcome on a daily basis, it's vital that we look at the fuel we're providing our body in the form of food and drink. Today, some of my friends refer to me as the "crazy food lady," and I've questioned myself: "Am I taking this too far?" But any time I catch a glimpse of my wheelchair -- been stored away in my garage for several years now -- I get confirmation I am on the right track and remind myself that a new chapter of life has begun.

Follow me this summer as I journey to Mrs. USA Universal and spread lupus awareness, via www.Lupuschick.com.