Sarcoidosis is a systemic inflammatory disease characterized by the growth of inflamed cell masses called "granulomas". It can affect different parts of the body, often including the lungs. While there is no cure, symptoms can be managed and granulomas may disappear. You may be able to treat sarcoidosis naturally; however, it is advisable to consult your doctor to create a personalized therapy. In addition, it is necessary to carry out checks to receive a correct diagnosis and adequate treatment.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Change the Power
Step 1. Eat healthy by choosing fresh produce, lean proteins and whole grains
Basing your diet on fresh produce and whole grains can help you manage the disease. A healthy diet will help keep you healthy and control your body's inflammatory response, which can help counteract the symptoms of sarcoidosis.
Eat fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, poultry, fish, legumes, nuts, tofu, tempeh, and low-fat dairy products
Step 2. Choose leaner alternatives to red meat to reduce inflammation
Unfortunately, red meat can trigger inflammation. While this isn't the direct cause of sarcoidosis, it can make recovery more difficult. Opt for leaner protein foods.
Excellent alternative protein sources are poultry, fish, tofu, legumes, beans and nuts
Step 3. Use vegetable oils for cooking
They contain healthy fats, which help reduce inflammation. In addition, they facilitate the transformation of fat-soluble nutrients, which promotes the assimilation of the vitamins and minerals you need. When cooking, use olive oil or any other vegetable oil.
In addition, healthy fats can reduce the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes
Step 4. Eat foods rich in antioxidants to counter inflammation
If you eat a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables, you are probably already getting a good amount of antioxidants. Aim to eat at least 1 highly antioxidant food per day. In addition to being good for your overall health, it will likely help relieve the symptoms of sarcoidosis.
These foods include tomatoes, cherries, blueberries, peppers, and pumpkins. Other fruits and vegetables also provide antioxidants, so eat them every day
Step 5. Choose foods rich in magnesium and low in calcium to balance your nutrient intake
Sarcoidosis can cause high calcium levels because it stimulates the body to absorb vitamin D faster. This could reduce magnesium levels. To keep minerals in balance, eat more foods that contain a lot of magnesium but little calcium.
Great options are bran, oats, corn, barley, brown rice, soy, potatoes, and bananas
Step 6. Eliminate processed foods and sugar as they trigger inflammation
These foods can negatively impact health and trigger the body's inflammatory response. In addition, they often lack nutrients. Do your best to eliminate them from your diet.
For example, don't eat packaged snacks, refined bread, baked goods, pasta, and sweets
Step 7. Eliminate caffeine and the alcohol.
Do not take coffee, tea, chocolate and alcoholic beverages, as they cause inflammation. Avoiding these substances can help control the symptoms of sarcoidosis.
- Replace regular coffee with decaf and tea with decaffeinated.
- If you are having a hard time giving up alcohol, try reaching out to a support group.
Step 8. Drink at least 2 liters of water a day to keep yourself hydrated
A healthy supply of fluids promotes proper cell function and digestion. Make sure you drink plenty of water and other fluids every day.
Fruit and soups also help maintain hydration
Method 2 of 4: Using Natural Remedies
Step 1. Take omega-3 supplements, such as fish oil
Omega-3s are natural anti-inflammatories, so they can help you with sarcoidosis. Take a fish oil or flaxseed supplement daily. Read the information on the product label to find out what the correct dosage is.
Talk to your doctor before taking any supplements. Also, keep in mind that omega-3s can cause clotting problems
Step 2. Try bromelain to relieve inflammation
This pineapple enzyme can help counteract the inflammatory response. The typical dose is 500 mg per day. However, be sure to read the label on the package to check the dosage and follow the directions carefully.
Ask your doctor for confirmation before taking a supplement. Be aware that bromelain can increase the risk of bleeding and interfere with some medications
Step 3. Use turmeric to control the inflammatory response
Turmeric, or more precisely curcuma longa, is a herb with anti-inflammatory properties. You can take it as a supplement or add it as a spice to your dishes. If you use a supplement, take 300 mg 3 times a day. If you use it in the kitchen, add it to your recipes as you like.
- Turmeric is a powerful natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that can be helpful in treating various ailments.
- This herb belongs to the ginger family and has been used for hundreds of years in both traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine.
Step 4. Try the hookworm if you don't have an autoimmune disease or cancer
Uncaria tomentosa, also called "cat's claw", can reduce inflammation. Take 20 mg 3 times a day to control the inflammatory response. However, consult your doctor first as it is not suitable for all cases.
This remedy can interact with some medications. Furthermore, it is contraindicated for people suffering from leukemia or autoimmune diseases
Step 5. Drink chamomile tea to relax and calm the inflammation
Heat the water until it almost comes to a boil, then pour it over a chamomile filter. Leave the sachet to infuse for about 3 minutes, then drink the chamomile tea while it is hot.
Remember that chamomile tea can cause drowsiness
Method 3 of 4: Change Your Lifestyle
Step 1. Relieve stress to prevent acute disease and reduce inflammation
Stress is part of life, but it can become harmful if it reaches excessive levels. Adopt daily habits that help you manage it. Here are some of them:
- Meditate for 10-30 minutes a day
- Coloring an anti-stress book
- Talk to a friend
- Playing with a pet
- Keep a diary
- Read a book
- Take a warm bath
- Use aromatherapy
Step 2. Exercise 30 minutes a day to combat fatigue and keep you healthy
Exercise offers many benefits. It helps relieve stress, reduces inflammation, decreases the sense of fatigue and improves mood. Plus, it will help you strengthen your respiratory system. Choose an activity that you enjoy and that doesn't aggravate your symptoms.
- Great options are yoga, walking, low-impact aerobics, swimming, and dancing.
- Consult your doctor before starting any physical activity program, especially if you have difficulty breathing.
Step 3. Stop smoking if you are a smoker
Smoking is harmful to the lungs and can aggravate sarcoidosis. Additionally, tobacco use can cause inflammation. Your doctor can suggest remedies to help you quit.
- Quitting smoking is really difficult, but your doctor may prescribe nicotine substitutes to help you, such as patches, gum, or medications.
- Acupuncture may help you quit smoking more easily.
Step 4. Avoid areas with poor quality air
Smog, smoke, and other pollutants can irritate your lungs and worsen the symptoms of sarcoidosis. Check weather pollution data or search online and stay indoors if forecasts show high smog or pollution values. Additionally, you can protect your lungs by following these tips:
- Work out at home when pollution values are too high;
- Avoid areas with high traffic density when exercising;
- Avoid burning wood or waste;
- Use electric or manual gardening tools (lawn mowers, leaf sweepers, and snow plows, for example) instead of those powered by oil or gasoline engines;
- Ask people not to smoke in your house or car, and stay away from confined areas where smoking is allowed.
Method 4 of 4: Know When to See Your Doctor
Step 1. See your doctor if you have symptoms of pulmonary sarcoidosis
You need to get a precise diagnosis so that you can follow the right therapy. Sarcoidosis shares symptoms with other diseases, which must be ruled out before a definitive diagnosis is made. See a doctor if you notice the following symptoms:
- Persistent dry cough
- Chest pain
- Dyspnea (shortness of breath)
- Wheezing
- Exhaustion
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Weight loss
- Night sweats
- Articolar pains
Advise:
you should have regular medical checkups, even if you are treating symptoms naturally. This will allow your doctor to monitor your condition so that you can make changes to your therapy if necessary.
Step 2. Undergo diagnostic tests to get a positive response
After reporting your symptoms to your doctor, you will likely need some diagnostic tests. They will help rule out other diseases and check for granulomas in the lungs. Your doctor may order the following tests for you:
- A simple blood test to check for an infection and determine the health of the organs;
- Imaging tests such as an x-ray or computed tomography to check the lungs
- Pulmonary function test to check how much air you can breathe in and out
- A biopsy of lung tissue to check for granulomas.
Step 3. See your doctor about treatment for any underlying medical conditions
While you can manage sarcoidosis using natural methods, your doctor may recommend that you take medications for other pre-existing health problems. Follow their instructions carefully and do not stop taking them without their permission.
- They may recommend pulmonary rehabilitation to improve breathing;
- He may prescribe corticosteroids, which are strong anti-inflammatories;
- If you have an autoimmune condition, they may prescribe immunosuppressants, such as methotrexate and azathioprine, to reduce inflammation.
- Depending on the cause of the disease, he or she may recommend other medications aimed at relieving symptoms.
- He may also give you tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) inhibitors if other treatments are not effective.
Step 4. Consider having a transplant if the lungs are damaged
You probably won't have to worry about it, but it's still possible that your lungs are damaged by sarcoidosis. In this case, transplantation may be considered. If you have serious difficulty breathing, ask your doctor if this is a possible option.
