Amyloidosis

What is it?

Amyloidosis is a condition where abnormal proteins, called amyloid, accumulate in tissues and organs, disrupting their normal function. It can affect various organs, including the heart, kidneys, liver, and nervous system.

What are the symptoms?

Fatigue
Unexplained weight loss
Swelling in the legs and ankles (due to fluid retention)
Shortness of breath
Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
Irregular heart rhythms or heart failure (in severe cases)
Enlarged tongue, leading to difficulty swallowing
Bruising or bleeding easily
Kidney problems (protein in urine, kidney failure)

What else could it be? (Differential diagnosis)

Heart failure (especially with swelling and fatigue)
Chronic kidney disease
Neuropathy (especially in cases of peripheral nerve damage)
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
Sarcoidosis

What are the aggravating factors?

Age (more common in older adults)
Chronic inflammation or infections (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis)
Genetic predisposition (familial forms of amyloidosis)
Underlying conditions like multiple myeloma

What types of food are helpful?

High-protein diet: Helps to maintain muscle mass, especially for individuals with kidney involvement.
Low-sodium diet: To manage swelling and fluid retention.
Healthy fats: Omega-3 fatty acids from fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts can help reduce inflammation.
Hydration: Adequate fluid intake to maintain kidney function.

Sample Recipe: Grilled Salmon with Quinoa and Spinach

Ingredients: 4 oz salmon, quinoa, spinach, olive oil, lemon.
Directions: Grill salmon and serve over a bed of cooked quinoa with sautéed spinach and a drizzle of olive oil and lemon.

What are the traditional treatments?

Chemotherapy: In cases of light-chain amyloidosis (AL amyloidosis), chemotherapy can reduce the production of amyloid proteins.
Steroids: Used to reduce inflammation associated with amyloidosis.
Organ-specific treatments: E.g., heart failure medications, dialysis for kidney failure, or liver transplant in severe cases.
Autologous stem cell transplant: For certain types of amyloidosis, particularly AL amyloidosis.

What are the natural and alternative treatments?

Curcumin: As an anti-inflammatory agent, curcumin has shown potential for supporting the reduction of amyloid deposits.
Green Tea Extract: Some studies suggest that polyphenols in green tea may help break down amyloid deposits.
Vitamin E: Its antioxidant properties may help prevent damage to organs affected by amyloid deposits.
Fish Oil: Omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce inflammation and support heart health.