Goodbye Lupus

1. Overcoming Lupus: A Personal Journey from Illness to Health

"I will have my life."

Diagnosis and treatment. At 16, Brooke Goldner was diagnosed with severe Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, facing potential kidney failure within six months. Her treatment included:

• Two years of chemotherapy
• High-dose steroids
• Seven daily pills

Path to recovery. Despite medical interventions saving her life, Goldner continued to struggle with symptoms and was warned about potential complications:

• Arthritis, weakness, and migraines persisted
• Advised against pregnancy due to health risks
• Developed blood clotting issues during medical school

Transformation through nutrition. Goldner discovered the healing power of nutrition, leading to a remarkable recovery:

• Adopted a plant-based, raw food diet
• Eliminated animal products, processed foods, and added oils
• Experienced complete remission of Lupus symptoms
• Successfully carried two pregnancies to term

2. The Inflammatory Impact of Animal Products and Processed Foods

"Animal Products include all types of meat like beef, pork, lamb, fish, and chicken. It also includes eggs and dairy products. The reason these foods must be avoided at all costs is because they cause massive amounts of inflammation in the body."

Inflammation and chronic disease. Animal products and processed foods contribute to chronic inflammation, which is linked to various diseases:

• Lupus, Scleroderma, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Colitis
• Heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers

Dairy concerns. Despite popular belief, dairy consumption is associated with negative health outcomes:

• Linked to increased cancer risk, particularly prostate and breast cancer
• Associated with higher rates of osteoporosis in countries with high dairy consumption
• Potential trigger for Type I Diabetes in genetically predisposed children

Processed food risks. Refined and processed foods contribute to inflammation and health issues:

• Increase inflammation markers in the bloodstream
• Directly linked to higher rates of diabetes and heart disease
• Often contain added sugars, oils, and inflammatory chemicals

3. Eliminating Oils and Balancing Omega Fatty Acids

"Just by understanding these pathways, you can understand why we must both limit foods rich in omega-6 fatty acids and indulge in foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids if we want to switch our body over to a low-inflammation state and thereby initiate the healing process."

Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio. Balancing these essential fatty acids is crucial for reducing inflammation:

• Most modern diets are high in omega-6 and low in omega-3
• Omega-6 fatty acids promote inflammation, while omega-3s are anti-inflammatory
• Eliminating added oils, especially vegetable oils, helps reduce omega-6 intake

Sources of healthy fats. Focus on whole food sources of fats:

• Avocados, coconuts, and raw nuts are acceptable in moderation
• Flax seeds and chia seeds are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids
• Aim for 2 Tbsp. to 1/4 cup of flax seeds daily, increasing as tolerated

Oil-free cooking. Adapt cooking methods to minimize oil use:

• Use non-stick cooking methods or minimal amounts of olive oil if necessary
• Explore oil-free cooking recipes and techniques

4. Hyper-Nourishing with Raw Plant Foods and Green Smoothies

"When you are trying to heal from disease, try to get up to 64 ounces of smoothies throughout the day every day."

Nutrient density. Raw plant foods provide maximum nutrition for healing:

• Aim for 8-12 cups of raw greens and vegetables daily
• Focus on dark leafy greens like kale, spinach, and chard
• Consume a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables for diverse nutrients

Green smoothies. An efficient way to consume large quantities of raw foods:

• Use a high-powered blender to break down cell walls for better nutrient absorption
• Include 4-5 cups of raw greens in each smoothie
• Add fruits, vegetables, and seeds for flavor and additional nutrients

Gradual adaptation. Start slowly and increase intake over time:

• Begin with 20 ounces of green smoothies daily
• Work up to 64 ounces or more as tolerated
• Listen to your body and adjust according to your needs and preferences

5. The Vital Role of Hydration in Healing

"Water is essential for the majority of chemical reactions in the body to take place. This means that you can have all of the essential ingredients for your health to improve, but without enough water the necessary reactions will not take place, or will happen sluggishly."

Optimal hydration. Adequate water intake is crucial for health improvement:

• Aim for at least 1/2 ounce of water per pound of body weight daily
• For optimal results, consume 96 ounces (3 liters) or more per day
• Increase intake gradually to allow your body to adjust

Benefits of proper hydration:

• Facilitates essential chemical reactions in the body
• Aids in detoxification and cleansing
• Prevents constipation and promotes healthy bowel movements
• Supports overall cellular function and health

Hydration tips:

• Drink water throughout the day, finishing intake by early evening
• Limit or avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can contribute to dehydration
• Listen to your body's thirst signals, which may increase as you improve hydration

6. Transforming Health Through a Plant-Based Lifestyle

"Our cells are highly flexible and can recover from many great insults if we avoid things that hurt them and give them what they need to heal."

Cellular healing. A plant-based, raw food diet provides the necessary nutrients for cellular recovery:

• Eliminates inflammatory foods that damage cells
• Supplies abundant vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
• Allows the body to initiate its natural healing processes

Lifestyle shift. Adopting a plant-based diet requires a fundamental change in approach to food:

• Focus on whole, unprocessed plant foods
• Embrace new recipes and cooking methods
• View food as medicine and nourishment for the body

Long-term benefits. Consistent adherence to a plant-based lifestyle can lead to significant health improvements:

• Reduction or elimination of chronic disease symptoms
• Increased energy and overall well-being
• Potential reversal of previously "incurable" conditions

7. Addressing Common Concerns About Plant-Based Nutrition

"If you eat whole plant foods to fullness, you will get enough protein for health."

Protein concerns. Many worry about protein intake on a plant-based diet:

• Plant sources provide adequate protein: spinach (51% protein), beans (26%), oatmeal (16%)
• Varied plant-based diet supplies all essential amino acids
• Excess animal protein can be harmful to health

Nutrient adequacy. A well-planned plant-based diet provides necessary nutrients:

• Calcium from leafy greens is better absorbed than from dairy
• Iron from plant sources, when combined with vitamin C, is well-absorbed
• B12 can be obtained from fortified foods or supplements if needed

Energy and satiety. Plant-based diets can provide sustained energy and satisfaction:

• High-fiber foods provide lasting energy without crashes
• Nutrient-dense foods promote satiety and reduce cravings
• Many report increased energy levels after transitioning to a plant-based diet

Last updated: November 19, 2024