Lung sarcoidosis
Two years ago, I was diagnosed with sarcoidosis which affects the function of my lungs. I know it is hard to predict how bad this will get and that if the condition does worsen, I may have to take steroids for the rest of my life. Is there anything natural I can take to avoid this?
This is a disease which tends to develop in young adults. It happens when abnormal collections of inflammatory cells called granulomas form in the body’s different organs, especially the lungs. Some doctors believe it is the legacy of an infection, others suggest it is an abnormal immune system response.
Many sufferers have no symptoms at all and the problem is only discovered by accident when it shows up on a chest x-ray taken for other reasons. Fever, weight loss and aching joints are all likely symptoms. It is seldom fatal and usually burns itself out within two years. In fact, more than two thirds of those diagnosed with lung sarcoidosis will have no symptoms at all nine years later.
Most natural healers give this condition a wide berth but some doctors with an interest in complementary medicine report excellent results when the patient adopts a mucousless diet. Mucous-forming foods are those high in protein and so cutting out meat and dairy products could help keep you off the steroids. Because it is still such a mysterious condition, I would also consult a homeopath who will give you what is called a constitutional diagnosis and remedy that will then underpin any other treatment you receive. For contact details, see above.
*If you have this condition, you should not take vitamin D or calcium supplements without consulting a qualified health practitioner