Lupus, also known as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly targets its own tissues. The symptoms can vary, but they often include fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes, and inflammation that comes and goes in waves. Many people living with lupus find themselves seeking ways to feel better without adding more strain to their already sensitive systems. Natural remedies and lifestyle changes have become valuable tools for those looking to feel more like themselves again, especially when conventional treatments bring side effects or leave gaps in day-to-day wellness.
When used with care and guidance, natural therapies may help manage inflammation, support immune balance, and ease discomfort. Holistic options can help people with lupus feel more supported—not just physically, but emotionally and mentally too. Each person’s path is different, but there are some time-tested ways to nurture the body gently and mindfully, with attention to daily comfort and long-term wellness.
Nourishing the Body Through Food and Gentle Nutrition
What we eat matters more than most people realize—especially when the immune system is involved. People with lupus often have flare-ups triggered by inflammation, and food can either fuel that fire or help calm it. A whole-foods-based approach that’s rich in leafy greens, clean proteins, and natural fats can support better balance in the body. Fresh vegetables, wild-caught fish, berries, turmeric, and small amounts of fermented foods offer nutrients that the body can recognize and use without triggering too strong a reaction.
That said, every body is different. Some people may find that gluten, dairy, or nightshades aggravate their symptoms. Others may notice relief by simply reducing processed foods or sugar. Listening to the body after eating and tracking patterns over time can offer surprising insight. For those who need guidance, naturopathic doctors in San Diego have tools to help map out individualized food plans that focus on inflammation reduction while still allowing room for variety and enjoyment.
Supplements also come into play when there’s a need for additional support. Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, magnesium, and curcumin are all commonly explored with lupus, though it’s important to work with a practitioner to find the right type and dose. Avena Natural Health offers consultations that take the guesswork out of supplement routines, creating a plan that fits with the body’s needs instead of overwhelming it with unnecessary extras.
Herbs and Natural Therapies That Soothe and Support
Plants have been used for generations to support immune balance and comfort during flares. Many people turn to herbs like ashwagandha, boswellia, or cat’s claw to help regulate inflammation gently over time. These herbs are often part of a broader approach that may also include calming adaptogens or digestive tonics, depending on how lupus shows up in the body.
It’s not just about reducing inflammation either—many herbal therapies also aim to ease fatigue, support adrenal function, and promote deeper sleep. Fatigue can be one of the most difficult aspects of lupus, and using herbs to rebuild resilience can sometimes help people reclaim more energy throughout the day.
Though it may seem tempting to buy herbs online or at the store and try them solo, that approach can backfire, especially for people with sensitive systems. Interactions between herbs and medications should always be considered, and not all herbs are suitable for lupus. That’s why working with experts through naturopathic consultations in San Diego can provide more peace of mind. They can identify safe, effective options and adjust doses as needed, helping each person move forward without adding more unpredictability into their routine.
Detox Support and the Role of IV Nutrients
One area of holistic care that often gets overlooked is the body’s natural detox pathways. The liver, kidneys, lymphatic system, and skin all play a role in clearing out waste, and when these systems slow down, it can make lupus symptoms feel worse. Supporting detox doesn’t have to mean fasting or extreme cleanses. Simple daily support—like staying hydrated, moving the body gently, and supporting digestion—can go a long way. Still, there are times when more direct help is needed, especially during or after a flare.
This is where IV therapy in San Diego becomes part of the conversation. By delivering nutrients directly into the bloodstream, IV therapy can bypass potential absorption issues in the gut. For people with lupus, who often deal with digestive symptoms or nutrient depletion, this route can bring fast support. Depending on the mix of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants used, IV therapy may help reduce inflammation, support energy, and speed up recovery from flares or fatigue.
At Avena Natural Health, IV therapy is personalized based on the individual’s symptoms, lab results, and health goals. It’s not one-size-fits-all. The care team considers what the body needs most, whether that’s hydration, mitochondrial support, or specific vitamins like B12, C, or glutathione. The process is gentle, and many clients report feeling more stable and balanced after a session.
Managing Stress and Building a Sustainable Routine
Stress is often overlooked in conversations about lupus, yet it plays a major role in flares. The mind and body are connected in ways that go beyond simple explanation. When the nervous system is on high alert, the immune system tends to follow. That’s why creating routines that support calm, connection, and emotional wellness is so important for those managing chronic autoimmune conditions.
Gentle movement like yoga, tai chi, or walking in nature can help regulate the nervous system while also promoting circulation and lymphatic flow. Deep breathing exercises, guided meditation, and even slow journaling can offer relief from mental overload. It doesn’t have to be a big production. Small, repeated habits often bring the most change over time. Even 10 minutes of focused breathing a day can help soften the body’s stress response.
Working with professionals who understand the connection between stress and autoimmune conditions can be life-changing. That’s where Avena Natural Health offers more than surface-level advice. Their team looks at the bigger picture—what life looks like on a daily basis, where the pressure points are, and what’s needed to support balance. Whether someone is juggling work, family, or emotional strain from years of discomfort, creating a rhythm that protects inner peace can become part of the healing process.
Avena also encourages clients to stay active in their wellness journey without feeling overwhelmed. Through ongoing care, they help people with lupus build resilience from the inside out, with practical tools that align with their lifestyle and limitations. There’s no push for perfection—just a steady movement toward feeling better, more often, in a way that actually lasts.
The Wrap Up
Living with lupus brings a mix of challenges, but it doesn’t have to mean giving up on comfort, energy, or a sense of control. By using natural remedies with the guidance of trained professionals, many people find a path that feels more supportive and less exhausting. Whether it’s adjusting nutrition, exploring herbal support, trying IV therapy, or creating a daily routine that reduces stress, there are real, human-centered ways to ease the load.
Healing is a process, but with thoughtful care from the right team, it’s possible to feel more at home in the body again.
Media Credit: All photos licensed from Adobe.
Dr. Laura Kostrzewski, a San Diego native, completed her undergraduate degree at California Polytechnic State University, earning a BS in animal science with minors in Spanish and Psychology. She then earned her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and taught fifth grade in the central coast of California for two years. After being extremely involved in her grandfather’s journey with Parkinson’s disease and end-of-life care, Dr. Kostrzewski decided to move back to San Diego and enroll at Bastyr University California. Dr. Kostrzewski received her doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University California in June of 2019, and then went on to complete her residency at Bastyr. Before AVENA Wellness, DR. K started her own private practice, focusing on management of neurodegenerative conditions, and continued teaching at Bastyr as adjunct faculty, until founding Avena Health.