The Naturopathic Co.
Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA)
Antibodies sometimes make a mistake and start to identify naturally occurring proteins in our bodies as ‘foreign’ and dangerous and start producing autoantibodies.
Autoantibodies stimulate the inflammation cascade causing the body to attack itself.
The autoantibodies that target the nucleus of a cell are called antinuclear antibodies (ANA)
We all have some ANA’s but in the presence of a large number, it can indicate an autoimmune disease.
Treatment
In order to treat autoimmunity, the naturopathic approach is to
identify the ‘trigger’ (pathogenic, lifestyle, dietary)
improve digestive function
balance gut microbiota
reduce inflammation
modulate the immune system and reduce autoimmune antibodies
Diseases linked with ANA
Rheumatoid arthritis
Lupus (including drug induced lupus)
Scleroderma
Sjogren’s syndrome
Polymyositis/dermatomyositis
Mixed connective tissue disease
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
Autoimmune hepatitis
Inflammatory bowel disease
Juvenile arthritis
Addison’s disease
Dietary considerations to reduce inflammation
Follow the Mediterranean diet; limiting red meat and eating a plant-based diet
Principles of the Mediterranean diet are easy to incorporate, by sticking to whole foods, rich in seasonal vegetables, fruits, nuts, fish, whole grains, and uncooked olive oil. Eating a full variety of colour at each meal. This style of eating contains prebiotics, fibre, as well as being high in antioxidants and omega 3 fatty acids.
Reduce pre-packaged, processed foods
These foods are inflammatory and most often offer low nutritional value.
Eat at least three fish meals a week
Oily fish, such as salmon, mackerel, tuna, sardines are all really high in omega-3 fatty acids. Salmon is considered one of the best sources of omega 3 fatty acids. Studies have shown these omega 3 fatty acids to help in lowering inflammation levels. If you can include wild caught oily fish 3 x weekly, your body will benefit.
Reduce or eliminate grains
Grains are starchy and often feeding pathogenic bacteria. They also have lectins, which are a family of proteins found to contribute to increased gut permeability and autoimmune diseases. We can minimise the damage caused by lectins by the way we prepare and cook/soak them.
Remove dairy and gluten intake
These proteins can play a part in confusing the immune system
Limit/eliminate sugar
Removed all refined sugars and minimise natural sugar too.
Consume pre-biotic foods
Asparagus, onions, garlic, leeks, chickory, artichoke, dandelion, slightly green bananas, oats, apples, legumes, cacao, flaxseeds, seaweed, cooled potatoes and rice.
Consume anti-inflammatory foods and drinks
Oily fish, bone broth, green tea, turmeric, broccoli, greens, beetroot, nuts and seeds, berries, pineapple, citrus, olive oil.
If you have an autoimmune activation or any of the autoimmune conditions listed above, Make a time to talk to your naturopath, who can devise a tailored treatment plan to assist with your symptoms and healing your condition.
To optimise your health, optimise your gut.
To treat health issues from the underlying cause, make time to see our South Yarra naturopath, Brisbane naturopath, Sydney Naturopath, Perth Naturopath, Hobart naturopath, or Adelaide Naturopath, or find out if we can help you by booking a FREE 20 minute Discovery Call online via zoom
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Yvette is a qualified Melbourne-based Naturopath and Nutritionist, MINDD Practitioner, member of the Naturopaths and Herbalists Association of Australia, and Complementary Medicine Association. Yvette specialises in the treatment of digestive complaints, skin issues, mood disorders, hormonal concerns, fatigue, and also has a key interest in children’s digestive and neurological conditions. Click HERE to book your free discovery call Australia-wide.