...

NYC’s Leading Integrative Health Care Center

Get Hormone eBook
Get Price Quote
Make an Appointment
Make an Appointment

What is Lupus?

Home / Conditions

Introduction: Why Lupus Needs a Root-Cause Approach

Lupus is a complex and often misunderstood autoimmune condition. It doesn’t look the same for everyone, and it can take years to diagnose. At Patients Medical in New York City, we specialize in going beyond symptom suppression to identify the true underlying drivers of lupus and help our patients heal from the inside out.

We treat the whole person—not just the immune system.

What Is Lupus?

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks healthy tissues—commonly affecting the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, and other organs. Its symptoms can mimic many other conditions, making diagnosis challenging without comprehensive evaluation.

Types of Lupus Include:

  • Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): Most common form, can affect multiple organs
  • Cutaneous Lupus: Limited to skin
  • Drug-induced Lupus: Caused by certain medications
  • Neonatal Lupus: Rare, passed to infants from mothers

Common Symptoms of Lupus

Lupus symptoms can flare and fade, often shifting over time. Look out for:

  • Fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest
  • Joint pain, swelling, or stiffness
  • Butterfly-shaped rash on the face
  • Sensitivity to sunlight
  • Hair thinning or loss
  • Chest pain when breathing deeply
  • Brain fog, memory issues
  • Low-grade fevers
  • Raynaud’s (cold fingers or toes that change color)

If these symptoms persist, especially in combination, a detailed autoimmune workup is essential.

Root Causes: Why Do People Develop Lupus?

Conventional medicine often stops at a diagnosis. Functional medicine asks why. Lupus doesn’t just happen. It’s often triggered by a mix of genetic vulnerability and environmental factors.

Common root causes include:

  • Viral infections: Particularly Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)
  • Leaky gut and microbiome imbalances
  • Environmental toxins: Heavy metals, mold, plastics
  • Hormonal imbalances: Especially estrogen and cortisol
  • Chronic stress: Weakens immune regulation
  • Food sensitivities: Especially gluten, dairy, and processed foods
  • Vitamin and mineral deficiencies: Low vitamin D, selenium, omega-3s
  • Mitochondrial dysfunction: Impaired cellular energy and detoxification

Diagnostic Testing We Use

We go beyond standard lupus markers to uncover the full story:

ANA (Antinuclear Antibodies) and anti-dsDNA

Anti-Smith, anti-Ro/SSA, anti-La/SSB antibodies

ESR, CRP (inflammation markers)

Complement levels (C3, C4)

Vitamin D, zinc, omega‑3s, iron panel

Gut health testing (microbiome, leaky gut, Candida)

Hormone panels (cortisol, estrogen, thyroid)

Viral load testing (e.g., EBV, CMV)

Integrative Treatments for Lupus

Nutritional Therapy

We design anti-inflammatory, immune-calming diets to reduce flare frequency and intensity:

  • Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) or modified elimination diets
  • Whole-food, gluten- and dairy-free meals
  • Gut-healing nutrients: bone broth, collagen, L-glutamine

IV Vitamin Therapy

IVs help restore balance and support detoxification:

  • High-dose glutathione for antioxidant support
  • Vitamin C and magnesium
  • B-complex and vitamin D
  • Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) for mitochondrial support

Herbal & Nutraceuticals

Targeted supplements to modulate immune response:

  • Curcumin, quercetin, and resveratrol
  • Omega‑3s for inflammation
  • Probiotics and prebiotics
  • Adaptogens like ashwagandha and rhodiola
  • Antiviral herbs for EBV or other triggers

 Gut & Immune Restoration

  • Comprehensive gut healing protocols
  • Mold and metal detox (when applicable)
  • Functional probiotics and antimicrobial botanicals

Hormone Balancing & Stress Reduction

  • Adrenal and thyroid support
  • Gentle hormone optimization
  • Acupuncture, breathwork, and guided meditation

Case Study: Alyssa’s Lupus Healing Journey

Alyssa, age 37, came to us with daily fatigue, joint pain, and rashes that worsened in the sun. She had been on steroids for 2 years with no long-term improvement. Our testing found:

  • Active EBV infection
  • Leaky gut and low beneficial bacteria
  • High cortisol and low DHEA
  • Estrogen dominance and vitamin D deficiency

Her personalized plan included:

  • Antiviral herbal protocol
  • Gut-healing and AIP nutrition plan
  • IV vitamin C and glutathione therapy
  • Hormone support and adrenal adaptogens

After 4 months, Alyssa reduced her flares by 75%, tapered off steroids with her rheumatologist’s support, and finally felt energized again.

Consult Now

Testimonials

“I was told I’d have lupus forever. This is the first time I feel hope—and relief.”
– K.B., 39, New York
“Patients Medical looked at the whole picture. Not just my labs. Not just my pain.”
– D.F., 45, Brooklyn
“Healing my gut changed everything. I had no idea it was connected.”
– J.T., 37, Queens
“I didn’t want to rely on steroids forever. They gave me a better way.”
– S.L., 50, Manhattan
“I finally feel like someone listened to me—and treated me, not just my lupus.”
– C.A., 28, Bronx

Explore Our Blog For More Insights

Frequently Asked Questions

Lupus is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks healthy tissue. It can affect multiple organs and varies in severity and symptoms.

While not “cured,” many patients achieve remission or reduce flares significantly through integrative treatments and root-cause healing.

Common triggers include stress, sun exposure, poor diet, infections, toxins, and hormone imbalances.

Yes. A leaky gut can worsen autoimmunity by triggering systemic inflammation and immune overactivity.

Hormones like estrogen and cortisol play a significant role, especially in women. Balancing them can help reduce flare-ups.

Medications may manage symptoms but don’t address root causes. We work to support the body’s own healing—often in conjunction with your current care.

You may inherit a predisposition, but lifestyle, gut health, toxins, and infections often trigger its onset.

Some patients improve within weeks; deeper healing can take 3–6 months or longer depending on severity and complexity.

Yes. We often co-manage care with rheumatologists, providing additional support not offered in conventional settings.

We are an out-of-network provider, but we offer superbills for insurance reimbursement. Lab tests may be partially covered.

Begin Your Journey with Patients Medical

Patients Medical specializes in gently helping the patient identify the root cause of their medical issues and then assist them to recover from their problems to help them move forward to good health.

Request your consultation today!

To schedule an in person on Tele-medicine appointment, please call our office at (212) 794-8800 or email us at info@PatientsMedical.com We look forward to hearing from you

Our medical center in New York City.

Patients Medical PC
1148 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1B New York, NY 10128

Make an Appointment

    Important Links

    Useful Links

    Useful Links

    Connect with Us

    Facebook Twitter Youtube Pinterest Instagram

    Copyright © 2025 Patients Medical. All Rights Reserved.

    All information presented in this website is intended for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of rendering medical advice. Statements made on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information contained herein is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Patients Medical.

    This website may convey general information related to medical conditions, their research, testing, and treatment, and other health care topics. Any such information is provided for informational purposes only. You should always consult with a doctor or other health care professional for medical advice or information about diagnosis and treatment.
    Seraphinite AcceleratorOptimized by Seraphinite Accelerator
    Turns on site high speed to be attractive for people and search engines.