Amyloidosis is a rare health condition in which the proteins in your body fold incorrectly and form stiff, damaging amyloids in your organs and tissues. This buildup may disrupt normal function of the affected organs and cause serious problems. Amyloidosis could be systemic (affects the heart, kidneys, liver along with nerves) or localised (affects a particular region of the body).
The main cause of Amyloidosis isn't always clear but it is linked to conditions which trigger chronic inflammation like Rheumatoid Arthritis or illnesses that impact plasma cells such as Multiple Myeloma. The severity of symptoms depends on what organs it affects. Common signs of this condition include exhaustion, losing weight, swelling of the limbs, irregular heartbeat and numbness.
Amyloidosis can be managed with early diagnosis and treatment. Treatments reduce the production of amyloid protein and relieve symptoms to maintain quality of life. Patients presenting symptoms or with a family history of Amyloidosis must seek medical attention for timely intervention.
Amyloidosis occurs when normally soluble proteins fold abnormally and deposit Amyloid Fibrils in tissues and organs. These deposits interfere with normal functions and harm vital organs. Knowing the causes of Amyloidosis might be useful for its early detection and control.
The basic causes of Amyloidosis are :
Chronic Inflammatory Diseases: Issues like Rheumatoid Arthritis, Inflammatory Bowel problems and chronic infections can form Amyloid proteins.
Blood Cell Disorders: Conditions such as Multiple Myeloma where bone marrow produces abnormal plasma cells also increase the risk of Amyloidosis.
Hereditary Factors: A few kinds of Amyloidosis are inherited. Familial Amyloidosis is characterised by gene alterations which are handed down through families and lead to protein misfolding.
Age: The risk of some forms of Amyloidosis increases with age, especially wild-type ATTR Amyloidosis where regular transthyretin proteins become unstable and form amyloids.
Kidney Disease: Dialysis-related Amyloidosis can accompany long standing Kidney Disease because beta 2 Microglobulin builds up in the bloodstream.
Chronic Infections: Persistent infections may result in the build up of Amyloid A protein in the tissues and lead to Secondary Amyloidosis.
Amyloidosis is a chronic disease where misfolded proteins collect throughout the body, disrupting normal organ functions. This accumulation could lead to a number of symptoms depending on the organs involved. Recognising these symptoms may prompt early diagnosis and treatment.
Following are some commonly noted symptoms of Amyloidosis.
The buildup of Amyloid proteins could cause fluid retention and swelling of the lower extremities.
Patients often feel extreme tiredness that is not relieved by rest. This is because body organs work less efficiently because of Amyloid deposits.
Unexplained weight loss could occur, especially when the digestive tract or liver is involved.
Amyloids also impact nerves, causing numbness or tingling in the hands and feet.
If the heart is involved, Amyloidosis could result in irregular heartbeat or heart attack. They might experience palpitations, shortness of breath, or chest discomfort.
Several patients report that their tongue feels particularly big or swollen and may have trouble swallowing or speaking.
This symptom is called "Raccoon Eyes" because Amyloid proteins deposit in blood vessels around the eyes.
Amyloid deposits in the gastrointestinal tract bring about Abdominal Swelling, Diarrhoea, Nausea, or Constipation.
Deposits in or near joints can cause pain and stiffness, affecting mobility.
Jiva Ayurveda offers holistic Ayurvedic treatment of Amyloidosis using evidence-based Ayurveda treatments. These treatments are customised to target the very root causes of the disease, and instead of just treating symptoms, they focus on holistic healing, balance and stability in totality.
Personalised Ayurvedic Remedies: Ayurvedic formulations prepared following the doctrines of Ayurvedic texts and government compliances. These medicines are personalisedfor each patient and dosages vary from patient to patient, and severity of the cases respectively.
Yoga, Meditation and Mindfulness Practices: Jiva’s treatment also include mind-wellbeing therapies that promote mental health, inner healing and spiritual growth among other benefits.
Ayurvedic Therapies: Time-tested Ayurvedic therapies are included in Jiva’s Ayurvedic treatments which focus on body detox, blood purification, internal cleansing, deep tissue relaxation, chronic pain relief and emotional well-being.
Diet & Lifestyle Altercations: Expert guidance is given to help patients make a constructive shift in their lifestyle and diet for better health outcomes.
Following are some commonly used Ayurvedic medicinal herbs during treatment for Amyloidosis.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): Ashwagandha helps reduce stress and inflammation and increases energy which may help fight fatigue caused by Amyloidosis.
Amalaki (Emblica officinalis): Amalaki (Indian gooseberry) is high in antioxidants and Vitamin C that strengthens the immune system and detoxifies the body.
Guggul (Commiphora wightii): This resin has anti-inflammatory and lipid-lowering properties that can help with Amyloidosis symptoms & complications.
Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa): Punarnava helps control fluid retention caused by Amyloidosis by promoting urine flow and reducing swelling.
Kaasni (Cichorium intybus): Kaasni protects liver and Kidneys, organs susceptible to Amyloidosis.
Varun (Crataeva nurvala): It's usually used in Ayurveda for the treatment of urinary tract and kidney disorders & removing kidney stones which come from Amyloidosis.
Haridra (Curcuma longa): Haridra has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities like turmeric and is used to lessen inflammation and purify the body of toxins.
Amyloidosis is induced by protein misfolding, possibly mediated by genes, chronic inflammatory diseases, and long-term dialysis.
Amyloidosis has no defined cure but treatments can control symptoms and slow down the progression of the condition.
A number of forms of Amyloidosis are inherited, like familial Amyloidosis. But not all types are inherited.
The progression can vary considerably among individuals depending on the type of Amyloidosis and organs involved.
Although diet by itself can't cure Amyloidosis, a good diet can promote a healthy body and ease symptoms.
Mild yoga poses designed to relax and reduce stress may help with managing Amyloidosis symptoms.
Ayurveda does not detect Amyloidosis itself but helps with symptom management and restoring the body’s balance.
Amyloidosis is uncommon in children and is more prevalent in more mature people (over 50).
Chronic stress may worsen the symptoms in some autoimmune and inflammatory diseases (possibly affecting Amyloidosis).
Ashwagandha and Amalaki both increase energy and vitality and relieve fatigue in patients.
Ayurvedic treatment is generally safe for the treatment of this condition. But always see an expert Ayurvedic practitioner for treatment recommendations specific to your condition.
