Q & A: Alternative ways to treat connective tissue disorders

by Jackie Hart, MD

Q: Are there any alternative ways to treat connective tissue disorders? Im a 35-year-old woman with symptoms suggestive of a number of connective tissue disorders including lupus. My doctors have been unable to determine which particular disorder I have. My main symptoms include joint swelling and pain; a rash on my scalp, face, fingers, and toes; and lack of energy. The only treatment I have been offered is steroids, which I would like to avoid.

A: Connective tissue disorders involve soft tissues, including skin and joints, and often many other organ systems. Their symptoms are numerous, often uncomfortable, and frequently elusive without a clear, specific diagnosis. These disorders, including lupus, are classified as autoimmune diseases.

Normally, the immune system protects us by attacking foreign particles when they enter our bodies. However, in the case of an autoimmune disease, this protective system has gone awry the immune system mistakes normal parts of the body as foreign and attacks them.

Steroids are often prescribed to mask the symptoms of connective tissue disorders. They do so by suppressing the immune system and subsequently decreasing inflammation. While this treatment is necessary and effective in many situations, there are other approaches that strive to heal by balancing the immune system, rather than treating individual symptoms.

Several of these approaches, particularly diet and lifestyle, can be used all of the time to support the immune system and prevent attacks. Others, such as herbal treatments, can be started at the first sign of symptoms to try to avoid worsening. Be sure to discuss any of these treatments with your physician before adding them to your care plan.

Vegetable protein. Avoid animal protein beef, pork, poultry, dairy products, etc as it tends to stimulate inflammation. Instead, choose vegetable protein soy products, legumes, nuts), complex carbohydrates, and fresh fruits and vegetables.

Omega-3 fatty acids. When eaten regularly, these fatty acids can help minimize inflammation. The two best sources are:

• Flax seed, two to three tablespoons per day, freshly ground within 24 hours and kept in the refrigerator
• Fatty fish, such as sardines, herring, or mackerel, three times per week

Sprouts. Dont eat alfalfa sprouts; they contain an amino acid that stimulates an inflammatory process resembling lupus. Use broccoli or sunflower sprouts instead. Broccoli sprouts may even help balance your immune system.

Exercise. Exercise regularly to stay strong and limber, and to maintain joint mobility. In addition to aerobic exercise, studies suggest that tai chi is beneficial for reducing and preventing joint inflammation; this practice has the added benefit of relaxation. Yoga may have effects similar to tai chi.

Vitamin D supplement. Some countries with low vitamin D intakes have higher incidences of autoimmune disorders, and some preliminary studies suggest that taking vitamin D may allow for a reduction in the dose of medications. However, there is not enough evidence to say that vitamin D supplements are definitely beneficial.

Acupuncture. This treatment may reduce joint pain.

Chiropractic and/or osteopathy. Each of these approaches can help reduce pain and improve joint mobility.

Naturopathy. Two common recommendations are:

Gotu kola (Centella asiatica). This herb, long used for wound healing, showed some promise in the management of connective tissue disorders in a few small-scale studies in the early 1990s.

Guided therapeutic fast. While this does not necessarily mean drinking only water, any type of fasting can be dangerous unless it is done correctly and under the close supervision of a well-trained health care professional. (The International Association of Hygienic Physicians has a registry of certified practitioners: http://www.freespeech.org/nhn/iahp/index.html.)

Although I mention supervised fasting here as something that a naturopathic doctor might recommend, I have not seen this practice used frequently enough to advocate in favor or against it. Plus, children and pregnant women should never participate in a fast.

Traditional Chinese medicine. A remedy called Tripterygren wilfordii Hook F (TwHF) long used to decrease inflammation and suppress the immune system is gaining recognition through scientific studies for its efficacy in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Consult a trained botanist to find out more about TwHF and other herbal therapies.