Nara Smith, the influencer known for her luxurious cooking videos and DIY lifestyle, has always been a beacon of inspiration in the wellness space.
Her ability to whip up elaborate meals from scratch, and donning designer apparel, captivated her fans worldwide.
However, beyond her glossy Instagram grid and seemingly perfect life, Smith recently opened up about an intensely personal and emotional health journey that has left her audience in awe of her resilience and vulnerability.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, she shared a candid account of her battle with severe eczema, which later turned out to be a life-altering diagnosis of lupus.
Smith’s health issues began three years ago, shortly after the birth of her second child.
What started as a "small cracked patch of dry skin" quickly spiralled into something far more severe. Her eczema spread rapidly, affecting her hands, back, arms, scalp and eventually her face.
Along with the physical symptoms, she experienced profound exhaustion, body aches and even hair loss.
She shared: "I felt exhausted and my body ached so bad that on some days I couldn't move or hold my babies. As time went on, my hair fell out in clumps, and I could never shake this lingering cold feeling I felt in my body."
This wasn't just a case of stubborn eczema. It began to take over her life, affecting her ability to care for her children and herself. She tirelessly researched her condition, determined to find answers.
Determined to find answers, the model and cooking-from-scratch queen immersed herself in research about her condition, tirelessly exploring every option.
Adopting her natural lifestyle, she made drastic dietary changes, eliminating grains, dairy and sugar.
She crafted her own skincare products and replaced every household item with natural alternatives. While these changes provided fleeting relief, the eczema frequently returned, often more severe than before.
“I saw multiple dermatologists and always got the same answer: severe eczema. I got sent home defeated, not listened to, and with a paper bag full of steroid creams."
This cycle of hope and disappointment became Smith's new normal. In 2022, her health took a terrifying turn. A massive flare-up left her entire body inflamed, oozing and swollen. She woke up one morning unable to open her eyes or use her hands.
Her desperation led her to seek help outside the US, boarding a flight to Germany to consult naturopaths, doctors and specialists.
It was there that she finally got the answer she had been searching for lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues.
For Smith, the diagnosis was bittersweet. On one hand, it was validating — the pieces of the puzzle finally came together. Her symptoms, from the purple, frozen hands to the extreme fatigue and hair loss, suddenly made sense.
But on the other hand, the reality of living with lupus was daunting. The Lupus Foundation estimates that about 1.5 million Americans and at least 5 million people around the world have some form of lupus.
"I felt relieved because I finally had an answer, but I was equally scared of what this meant for my life and my kids. It's been a learning curve and I'm still learning and adjusting day by day."
Lupus is a complex condition that can affect various parts of the body, including the skin, joints, and organs. While there’s no cure, it can be managed with lifestyle changes, medications, and ongoing medical care.
For Smith, this diagnosis marked the beginning of a new chapter — learning to live with lupus while continuing to show up for her family and fans.
What makes Smith’s story so powerful is her willingness to share it. Many influencers shy away from showing the less-than-perfect aspects of their lives, but her vulnerability has created a safe space for others who are struggling.
In her Instagram post, she wrote: "I'm sharing this in the hopes of giving someone hope, comfort, or the strength to keep pushing when things get really hard and lonely ❤️🩹."
Lessons we can all learn from Smith
Her journey is a powerful reminder of the importance of listening to your body and advocating for yourself when something doesn’t feel right. Here are some takeaways from her story:
Be persistent in seeking answers: If you feel dismissed or unheard by medical professionals, don’t be afraid to seek second (or third) opinions.
Prioritise holistic wellness: Simple changes like eating whole foods, reducing stress and exercising can benefit overall health.
Share your story: Vulnerability creates connection.