Nutrition. Vitamins. You.
Kidney Health Part 1 Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND No conversation about the liver would be complete without talking about the kidneys since one of the functions of the kidneys is to help remove waste from our body. Now I understand that kidney health can be …
Written by: Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND For further questions or concerns email me at [email protected]† For this blog I wanted to take a brief break from memory and brain health. In my last 2 blogs I have written about several tests that your doctor may recommend. …
Written by Dr.Claire Arcidiacono, ND
For further questions or concerns email me at [email protected]
Last week we started talking about lupus and its repercussions as an autoimmune disease. This week we will continue this fascinating topic. To begin our topic we will start with some risk factors that put you at a higher risk of developing lupus. Let’s start with family history, while lupus does appear to run in families, no single gene has been found as the “cause” of lupus. Rather than one gene causing lupus it appears as though multiple genes activated together along with environmental factors leads to lupus developing. (1) Now as I said in my last blog lupus does affect more women than men. In fact, for every man diagnosed with lupus, 9 women are diagnosed! One theory for this difference is the naturally higher levels of estrogen and lower levels of androgens that occurs in women. Other theories place this discrepancy on the gene differences of the X and Y chromosomes. † (2)
Lupus is as I’ve said an autoimmune disease and thus anything that increases the risk of developing an autoimmune disease will increase the risk of developing lupus. Leaky gut has been found to have an association with quite a few autoimmune diseases such as lupus. Having an overgrowth of bad bacteria, also known as; gut dysbiosis, is a risk factor for developing lupus both because it increases the chance of developing leaky gut and because the bad bacteria themselves are a risk factor for lupus. (3) An example of a specific bacteria that is linked to lupus is Epstein Barr virus. † (4)
Food allergies and sensitivities have also been found in studies to increase the risk of autoimmune disorders such as lupus. (5) An example of a food allergy that is associated with lupus is celiac disease. It is interesting to note that not everyone with a sensitivity to gluten has celiac disease and thus while an individual may test negative for celiac, they may want to try an elimination diet and eliminate gluten as a test just in case gluten is making their condition worse. † (6)
In addition to food allergies there are other dietary risk factors for autoimmune conditions. The standard American diet or typical western diet has been found in studies to be a huge risk factor for developing an autoimmune disease. † (7)
Other risk factors for lupus include smoking, exposure to certain chemicals and last but not least being obese or overweight. † (4)
Lupus is usually diagnosed by a combination of blood work, physical exam and a review of symptoms with your doctor. Since lupus is similar to many autoimmune diseases these diseases may have to be ruled out before lupus is finally diagnosed. †
While there is no cure for lupus a combination of conventional and complementary treatments can help control the symptoms and even in some cases the progression of the illness. First due to the fact that lupus flare-ups are often triggered by sunlight it is recommended to reduce exposure to sunlight. It is also recommended to reduce activities that cause extreme fatigue. Stopping smoking and changing your diet can also eliminate flare up triggers. (8) Medications that are recommended for lupus can include NSAIDs as well as corticosteroids and immunosuppressant’s (9) Due to the strong potential for interactions it is important to have a list of all medications you are taking when speaking to an Invite nutritionist. As I wrote in my prior blog lupus often will lead to kidney damage. In up to 30% of people a kidney transplant is required due to the amount of kidney damage. † (10)
Working with Lupus requires a more in-depth approach due to its autoimmune nature. First, we must address the autoimmune/ pro-inflammatory aspect of the disease. At the same time, we must work on the symptoms and protect the organs from damage. †
Because I wanted to take the time and really talk about the supplements that can help lupus, I have decided to split this article into a 3rd part. Next week we will review the supplements that are very helpful in working with lupus. We will start with anti-inflammatory supplements such as Turmeric which has been found in studies to be helpful in autoimmune (11, 12). We will also discuss the benefits of bromelain (13), CBD (14, 15) as well as Resveratrol (16, 17). In addition to the immune system modulators, we will discuss the benefits of D3 (19, 20), as well as NAC (21, 22, 23, 24, 25), Probiotics (26) and lastly Omega-3s (27). All of these supplements help address lupus in different ways and it is important to go over them on an individual level. †
For further questions or concerns email me at [email protected]†
REFERENCES
Subscribe Today! Please see below for a complete transcript of this episode. BASIC TIPS FOR OPTIMAL KIDNEY HEALTH, INVITE HEALTH PODCAST, EPISODE 615 Hosted by Amanda Williams, MD, MPH. *Intro Music* InViteⓇ Health Podcast Intro: [00:00:04] Welcome to the InViteⓇ Health Podcast, where our degreed …
You may have noticed that your urine can change color based on the foods you eat, but did you know this can also be caused by medications or health conditions? Learn more about this from Jerry Hickey, Ph.
carnosine
InViteⓇ Health Podcast, Episode hosted by Amanda Williams, MPH
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Researchers have come a long way since the original discovery of the very unique amino acid carnosine. L-carnosine has long been known for helping with muscle recovery and energy production within the muscles. We are now seeing why this amino acid is so important to our overall health and wellness.†
L-carnosine is a dipeptide made up of beta alanine and L-histidine. Recent research has found high levels of this amino acid in neurons, showing that this nutrient may be important for the nervous system and brain. We find carnosine throughout the body wherever there are high energy demands, including the heart, brain and skeletal muscles. It helps support the metabolic demand and energy production within those regions.†
We also now recognize that this nutrient plays a role in the aging process. As carnosine levels begin to diminish, we start to see an acceleration of aging. We can see that the shortening of telomeres is associated with low levels of carnosine in the body. This can cause things to go haywire.†
Initial studies on L-carnosine looked at the role of the nutrient in skeletal muscle. It is integral to muscle recovery, so it is helpful after exercise, for example. But we also know that it seems to exert this multimodal activity, including being very important when it comes to targeting free radicals. It has its own antioxidant capabilities. It is very beneficial when it comes to easing inflammation.†
If we can supplement with L-carnosine and put this nutrient back into our body, we are actually helping to protect our telomeres, which are the end-caps of our cellular DNA.†
We have our L-Carnosine Plus HxⓇ formulation, which is this powerful dipeptide that people can utilize for a variety of reasons. For people who are seeing early signs of the kidneys beginning to slow down, then taking carnosine can be advantageous for its antioxidant properties, as well as its ability to help with glycation. This can also be the case when it comes to diabetic neuropathy. There is so much research continuing to come out about how the antioxidants derived from carnosine can do so much to support the health of the brain, as well as the muscles.†
DIABETIC NEUROPATHY BASICS – INVITE HEALTH PODCAST, EPISODE 352. Listen Now>>
In this episode, Amanda Williams, MPH explains the important role the amino acid carnosine plays within the body. She details research on the nutrient and discusses its function within the muscles, heart and brain.†
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