Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that affects multiple systems in the body.  It occurs when tiny collections of inflammatory cells grow in the eyes, lymph nodes, lungs, or skin.  The common belief is that Sarcoidosis is the result of the immune system responding to an unknown substance like a bacterium or parasite.  Sarcoidosis has been known to go away on its own, but sometimes it can last for a while and lead to organ damage.  The condition can sometimes be chronic, but it is not cancerous and it is not inherited or contagious. 

Some people with Sarcoidosis don't experience any symptoms, or symptoms can be vague and mistaken for other conditions or illnesses.  About 10-40 in every 100,000 people in America have Sarcoidosis, but this is an estimation because it is difficult to find how common it is.  General symptoms are listed below. 

• Weight Loss
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Swollen Lymph Nodes
• Joint Pain
• Dry Mouth
• Nosebleeds

Skin Symptoms:

• Skin Rashes
• Skin Sores
• Dark of Light Skin Patches
• Raised Scars

Lung Symptoms:

• Shortness of Breath
• Persistent Dry Cough
• Wheezing
• Chest Pain

Eye Symptoms:

• Blurred Vision
• Eye Pain
• Severe Redness
• Itchy Eyes
• Sensitivity to Light

Sarcoidosis can be a spontaneous disease of unknown origins.  It is believed that Sarcoidosis stems from an abnormal immune system response.  The exact trigger of this response is unknown.  Researchers are trying to answer what exactly causes this Sarcoidosis by looking at genetics, environmental factors, and lifestyle.  Probable causes are listed below. 

• Gender (it is more common in women than men)
• Race (African-Americans are more likely to develop the condition)
• Hereditary (people with a family history may be more prone to Sarcoidosis)
• Weakened Immune System

• A change in your diet can make a difference in your overall health and current condition.  By eating fresh fruits and vegetables, you can get the proper nutrients you need to help improve your immune system, which can help lessen the symptoms of Sarcoidosis.  Processed foods, fried foods, meat, dairy products, salt, sugar, and fatty foods can possibly worsen your condition.  
• Avoid things that enhance inflammation.  Drinking and smoking can hugely impact your condition.  It's best to eat alkaline foods that help establish a neutral pH balance in the body.  This can help decrease swelling that can be associated with Sarcoidosis.  You can drink alkaline water to help aid this process and eat foods like artichokes, alfalfa sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, carrots, garlic, ginger, kale, spinach, mushrooms, okra, onions, or parsley to help alkalize the body. 
• Certain herbs have beneficial anti-inflammatory properties that can help decrease symptoms of Sarcoidosis. These herbs help reduce internal swelling, pain, and inflammation.  Ginger, turmeric, garlic, and chamomile are some of the best herbs to consume.  You can make teas, put them in juices, or boil them in water to make compresses that you apply topically. 
• Practicing yoga daily can help improve the mind/body connection and promote proper blood flow.  It helps with the proper intake of oxygen, which helps purify the blood and strengthen the organs.
• It's important to stay hydrated as this can contribute to better overall health and circulation.  To stay properly hydrated you can drink eigh 8oz glasses of water each day.  A good rule of thumb is to drink half your body weight in ounces of water.  If you weigh 150lbs, then you should drink 75oz of water every day. 
• You can use a castor oil pack to help decrease inflammation, soften tissue, or help with raised scar tissue.  Be careful about your castor oil source, as most castor oil is derived from castor seeds that have been sprayed with pesticides or chemicals.  Place the castor oil pack on the affected area to provide relief. 

• Berries
• Bell Peppers
• Avocados
• Bananas
• Tomatoes
• Turmeric
• Garlic
• Chamomile
• Ginger
• Corn
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Cauliflower
• Cabbage
• Kale
• Mushrooms
• Okra
• Onions
• Parsley
• Alfalfa Sprouts