I recently came across a research article that was written back in 2003 by the doctors who developed the Chinese herbal supplements for ITP. (Yes, the very herbal supplements that helped put me into remission.) The article discusses the differences in Western versus Eastern philosophy regarding autoimmune disease. Western medicine treats autoimmune disease as a completely random dysfunction of the immune system and seeks to suppress it, as it seems to have become “overactive”. Unfortunately, although powerful immunosuppressive drugs may actually raise platelet counts, the underlying imbalance of the body that caused ITP in the first place remains unchanged.
The article states, “Toxins in the tissues are a common cause of autoimmune disease. Toxic tissues or cells are attacked by the immune system in an attempt to rid the body of them.” In other words, in the case of ITP, the platelets have somehow become “sick” and the immune system is doing its job by destroying them. This would indicate that it is not a dysfunction of the immune system, but a dysfunction of the platelet itself. THIS TOTALLY BLEW MY MIND!!
What would cause toxicity of the platelets? “Toxicity can be caused by the build up of any foreign chemical to the body – pharmaceuticals agents, pesticides, contaminants, or toxic metals” (including mercury). THIS MEANS WE ACTUALLY *MAY* HAVE SOME CONTROL OVER OUR PLATELETS! If I can cut out ANY & ALL toxins that I possibly can, then I can begin to help my platelets heal. I find this INCREDIBLY empowering!!
The authors also discuss prolonged stress and depression, which I believe triggered the onset of my ITP. “Autoimmune diseases are often associated with low energy states in the body. Low cellular energy conditions hamper cell function and detoxifying activity, which can stimulate the immune system to attack the affected tissues or cells.”
The focus on treating ITP (and other autoimmune diseases) is to improve the tissue quality through improved nutrition, circulation, and detoxification. The article shared the research with their protocol of herbal supplements between 1996 – 2001. They followed 20 patients for 12 months. The mean platelet count of the participants was 16K. All had failed to respond to conventional therapy. Three patients had undergone splenectomy. They tested patients at 3, 6, 12 months. At the end of 12 months, 12 patients had platelet counts of over 140K, 5 patients had platelet counts over 100K, 3 patients had platelet counts over 50K, 0 patients experienced “no effect”.
In the conclusion, the doctors also state, “Excess anxiety, fear, and anger are all stressors that can add to the suppression of platelet production and destruction.” Knowing that stress played a HUGE role in the onset of ITP for me, I am a firm believer in finding ways to reduce stress. I also have made it a point to reduce ALL unnecessary toxins in my home. This includes: artificial fragrances, and harsh chemicals in cleaning and personal care products. I’m certain that if I hadn’t made so many lifestyle changes since getting into remission, I would have re-toxified my platelets and I would have relapsed.
Click below to access the full article:
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I was diagnosed in 2003 with a platelet count of 2k. Drs tried prednisone, win Rho, chemo, IVIG, Rituxan, & splenectomy. Splenectomy didn't work at all. Prednisone helped, but wasn't a long term treatment option. Long story short, I decided to try alternative treatments. I found a protocol of Herbal supplements that were formulated specifically for ITP by doctors who were trained in both Western medicine and Traditional Chinese medicine.
It wasn't a quick fix. Natural treatments tend to take longer than pharmaceuticals. It took about 1 year to get into remission. In hindsight, since I didn’t make any other lifestyle changes at the time, it is very possible that’s why it took so long for the herbal supplements to be effective.
It wasn't a quick fix. Natural treatments tend to take longer than pharmaceuticals. It took about 1 year to get into remission. In hindsight, since I didn’t make any other lifestyle changes at the time, it is very possible that’s why it took so long for the herbal supplements to be effective.
Although the herbs helped me achieve remission, I made many lifestyle changes later which I attribute my staying in remission. To be honest, if I had NOT made these changes, I don’t think I would still be healthy 17 years later!
* I changed my diet and removed foods that cause inflammation (gluten, dairy, refined sugar, all processed food). It is a commitment to “eat real food”, but I feel so much better. I have come to realize that gluten causes me full blown inflammation indicated with a fever, body aches, and extreme fatigue. I found an anti-inflammatory protocol that has been extremely helpful.
* I removed cleaning products & personal care products from my home that contain harsh chemicals & artificial fragrances. There are so many things lurking in our homes that we don’t even think about. I got really good at reading labels: sodium laurel sulfate, parabens, “fragrance”. These all disrupt the endocrine system (hormones), cause cancer, and keep us sick!
* I started using essential oils for many things such as managing my stress, balancing my hormones, and supporting my immune system. I realized that, for every essential oil I could use to support my health…there was something in my cupboard I could get rid of that had a toxic ingredient. It was a win/win!
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We might be tempted to ask the question: Are whole grains good or bad for our health?
Perhaps, we are asking the wrong question.
Instead, let’s ask: Could going grain-free help my health?
Are you struggling with: digestive issues, allergies, chronic pain, autoimmune disease, or any other illness that could be aggravated by inflammation? If so, I’m going to encourage you to consider taking grains out of your diet for a period of time and notice how you feel.
- GLUTEN – The truth is, no one’s body can digest gluten. The havoc it wreaks will be different for everyone. Some people have no “apparent” issues. Some people experience digestive discomfort and bloating. Some people will experience inflammation and flu-like symptoms (this happens to me every time I consume too much gluten…I literally get a fever!) Gluten is the first thing you should eliminate from your diet if you are struggling with your health!
- RICE (& OTHER GLUTEN FREE GRAINS)– Good news! Rice is gluten free! Most people who cannot tolerate gluten, CAN tolerate rice. Many gluten free products (pasta, bread, etc) include rice flour. However….rice is a grain. Some people, who are sensitive to all grains, may not be able to tolerate rice. My husband is a perfect example of this. We have been living a gluten free lifestyle for many years. However, when he eats rice (or any other “gluten-free” food that contains rice flour), he gets bloated, his sinuses start to drain, and his respiratory system fills up with mucous. At times, he even feels an asthma attack coming on.
- CORN – Another gluten free grain. Except…the majority of corn grown in the US is genetically modified and filled with pesticides. There are so many reasons to NOT eat corn. I won’t bore you. Cut out as much as you can….and save it for the times when you really need a taco! LOL!
HOW CAN I KNOW IF I NEED TO ELIMINATE GRAINS?
Try it and see how you feel! Eliminate all grains for two weeks and see how you feel. Add grains back in one at a time (rice, wheat, etc), and notice if your body has any undesirable reaction. Your reaction might NOT be related to digestion! You might notice a flare-up of pain, a reduction in energy, etc.
If you’d like to know more about a “healthy reset” protocol that cuts out grains and reduces inflammation, click below:
Maintaining a healthy, inflammation-free body is essential for overall well-being. Chronic inflammation is linked to various diseases, ranging from arthritis to heart disease. Luckily, nature has provided us with a wide array of foods that possess powerful anti-inflammatory properties. In this blog post, we will explore the top five foods that can help reduce inflammation and support a healthier you.
1. Turmeric:
Renowned for its vibrant golden hue, turmeric contains curcumin, a potent anti-inflammatory compound. Curcumin inhibits the activity of various enzymes involved in the inflammatory response, effectively reducing inflammation in the body. Sprinkle turmeric into your curries, smoothies, or even brew a soothing turmeric tea to harness its anti-inflammatory benefits.
2. Leafy Greens:
Leafy greens such as kale, spinach, and Swiss chard are not only rich in fiber and essential nutrients but also harbor anti-inflammatory properties. Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, these greens help combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation in the body. Incorporate them into salads, stir-fries, or blend them into a nourishing green smoothie to experience their powerful anti-inflammatory effect.
3. Berries:
Berries like blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and goji berries are bursting with antioxidants known as flavonoids. These compounds possess anti-inflammatory properties that help neutralize harmful free radicals and reduce inflammation. Add a handful of berries to your morning oatmeal, yogurt, or enjoy them as a refreshing snack to boost your body's defense against inflammation.
4. Fatty Fish:
Fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids, renowned for their anti-inflammatory benefits. Omega-3s help to reduce the production of inflammatory molecules, promoting a healthy inflammatory balance in the body. Enjoy grilled or baked fish dishes to incorporate these healthy fats into your diet and support optimal health.
5. Ginger:
With its distinctive aroma and warming flavor, ginger has been used for centuries to alleviate inflammation and aid digestion. Gingerol, the active compound in ginger, possesses potent anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce pain and inflammation. Incorporate fresh ginger into your cooking, brew a soothing ginger tea, or add it to your smoothies to experience its wonderful benefits.
Conclusion:
Incorporating these anti-inflammatory foods into your daily diet is a powerful way to support your overall health and well-being. Remember, reducing chronic inflammation can positively impact your physical and mental health in the long run. Combine these nutritious foods with a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, and essential oils such as Copaiba and Frankincense, to further enhance your body's ability to combat inflammation and enjoy a healthier, vibrant life.
If you would like more information on a simple healthy protocol designed to reduce inflammation, click below:
Hi there.
I’m Nina. Welcome to my brand new blog! I’m so excited you’re here! This will be a place where we can connect and do life together! I’m an open book…I love to share how I live life post-autoimmune disease. Yup…I’m an autoimmune survivor. In 2003, I was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune condition. Long story short, western medicine failed me and I turned to alternative treatments. It was a long road to remission, but I haven’t had an autoimmune episode in 16 years!
Four years ago, my husband and I took a huge leap of faith and moved from the city to the country. We left the hustle and bustle of Southern California for the peace of the Pacific Northwest. We left our traditional jobs and started a ministry. Life has certainly been VERY different! We work from home in the most beautiful corner of the world. Rather than sitting in gridlock traffic daily and longing for trips to the beach, I have time to garden, hike, bake bread, and help others learn about how to support their health naturally.
I do many things to support my health in order to stay in remission! I believe simplifying my life and reducing stress has been helpful for my immune system. Stress takes a toll on our overall wellness…I believe a toxic level of stress was the original trigger for my autoimmune disease.
I’m a realist…you might not be able to sell everything you own and move next door to cows and chickens…lol! It’s ok if you don’t even want to! Reducing stress and simplifying life can look like many different things.
* It can look like saying, “No" to new commitments when your schedule is full.
* It can look like reveling in simple pleasures like a quiet cup of tea or a delicious cup of coffee.
* It can look like taking a bit of time for yourself to do something you enjoy…a walk…a yoga class…read a chapter out of your favorite book.
* It can look like clearing clutter from your home to simplify your environment.
* It can look like starting the day with prayer and spending time in God's Word.
Being intentional about reducing stress can be difficult at first. The more we do it, the better we get at it...kind of like exercising a muscle. But it is critical to our heath! The stress hormone, cortisol, actually weakens our immune system when it stays heightened for long periods of time. Reducing stress actually strengthens our immune system!
What are some measures you take to simplify your life?
Want to learn some more ways to support your immune system naturally? I have a free guide for you!
Click the link and I'll send it right over!
