Living with Lupus

5 Helpful Online Resources for Researching Lupus 

1. Molly's Fund

2. What Doctors Don't Tell You

3. Plant-Derived Medication

4. Lupus Research Institute

5. 75 Lupus Facts

I have included some alternative as well as traditional resources because I like to research both sides. Sometimes it's hard to determine who is right or wrong (especially when traditional vs. alternative views can differ dramatically on some Lupus topics such as treatments) but I think it's important for me to at least know what each side is saying, and then decide for myself what is best for me. 

However, if you are experiencing a major Lupus flare and you know it, my advice would be to follow the care of your rheumatologist until you can at least get the disease under control. 

14 DAY NO SODA CHALLENGE---UPDATE

I am doing great so far. I have had no headaches from coming off the caffeine and really have not had any major cravings for my beloved Pepsi!

I am still in the tale end of the third week of my no soda challenge but I think it's safe to say--I made it!!

Bye, bye soda!! (Except for once a week as my treat:))

If you are looking to kick the soda habit, here's the plan I used that worked great for me.....

14 Day No Soda Challenge (Week 3 Optional)

Week of March 23

Week	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday	Sunday
1	Brkfst – normal Lunch – normal Dinner – Replace soda w/ caffeine free version	Brkfst – normal Lunch – normal Dinner – Replace soda w/ caffeine free version	Brkfst – normal Lunch – Replace soda w/ caffeine free Dinner – Replace soda w/ caffeine free	Brkfst – normal Lunch – Replace soda w/ caffeine free Dinner-Replace soda w/ caffeine free	Replace soda w/ caffeine free for all meals	Replace soda w/ caffeine free for all meals	Congrats! You are caffeine free! Now keep going!
2	Brkfst – Caffeine free soda Lunch – Caffeine free soda Dinner  - Replace caffeine free soda w/ juice	Brkfst – Caffeine free soda Lunch – Caffeine free soda Dinner  - Replace caffeine free soda w/ juice	Brkfst – Caffeine free soda Lunch – Replace caffeine free soda w/ juice Dinner – Replace caffeine free soda w/ juice	Brkfst – Caffeine free soda Lunch – Replace caffeine free soda w/ juice Dinner – Replace caffeine free soda w/ juice	Replace caffeine free soda w/ juice for all meals	Replace caffeine free soda w/ juice for all meals	Great job! You are now officially done with soda! Now keep going if you wish to add more water to your diet!
3	Brkfst – Juice Lunch – Juice Dinner – Replace juice w/ water	Brkfst – Juice Lunch – Juice Dinner – Replace juice w/ water	Brkfst – Juice Lunch – Replace juice w/ water Dinner – Replace juice w/ water	Brkfst – Juice Lunch – Replace juice w/ water Dinner – Replace juice w/ water	Replace juice w/ water for all meals	Replace juice w/ water for all meals	Awesome! You are now drinking plenty of water and no sugar! You should feel much better!