Question: My sister is 34 years old and has been battling lupus and rheumatoid arthritis for over three years. Her doctors are trying hard to find a solution for her. The medicines she takes could easily could fill a paper grocery bag, and they have side effects that can, and have, done more harm than good. She is always tired and in frequent pain. Do you have any recommendations?

Dr. Brownstein's Answer:

The first step in your sister’s treatment plan should be a thorough search for the underlying causes of her autoimmune disorders. Unfortunately, there is no easy answer for every patient.

I do, however, find an underlying infection in the vast majority of my patients with autoimmune problems. Unless this infection is identified and treated, it is difficult to reverse the course of these illnesses.

The treatment for an underlying infection can be a low-dose antibiotic but should include specific herbal and nutritional therapies to help the immune system improve. More information about how to implement these therapies can be found in my book, "Overcoming Arthritis."