Amyloidosis is a rare disease which occurs due to the buildup of amyloid in the organs. Amyloid is an abnormal protein that is produced in the bone marrow, but it can affect different organs for other people. Amyloidosis mostly affects the kidneys, heart, liver, spleen, nervous system, and digestive tract. Severe cases of amyloidosis can be life-threatening as they can lead to organ failure. Some of the signs and symptoms of amyloidosis include:
- Swollen legs and ankles
- Shortness of breath
- Diarrhea
- An enlarged tongue
- Irregular heartbeat
- Difficulty swallowing
- Unexplained weight loss
- Purplish patches around the eyes (purpura)
Natural and complementary therapies to treat amyloidosis symptoms
Sadly, amyloidosis has no definite cure. As a result, people may suffer from this condition all their lives. However, the symptoms and their progression can be prevented through medications and natural and complementary therapies. Some natural and complementary therapies to ease amyloidosis symptoms and improve well-being include:
- Sleep therapy – It can be difficult to sleep at night due to daytime fatigue and insomnia can make it worse. In this case, cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT can help you get a sound sleep. Cognitive therapy recognizes and changes negative thoughts while behavioral therapy teaches you how to avoid doing things that keep you awake at night, replacing them with better sleep habits. Apart from this, meditation and deep breathing exercises before bedtime can help you sleep too.
- Exercises – One of the primary symptoms of amyloidosis is fatigue and weakness. So, high-intensity exercises can be counterproductive. But this does not mean one should stop exercising completely. Instead, they must engage in light or moderate-intensity exercises such as yoga, brisk walking, or tai chi. These can help you keep moving without being strenuous, easing pain and fatigue.
- Meal replacements – People suffering from amyloidosis don’t receive adequate nutrients from food due to tongue swelling, loss of appetite, or intestinal dysfunction. Moreover, skipping meals can lead to malnutrition which can make it difficult to fight amyloidosis symptoms. Consult a doctor or a dietician as they can tailor-make a meal replacement plan to prevent further damage due to amyloidosis.
- Reduced salt-intake – Amyloidosis makes it difficult to retain protein efficiently and can also impair the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently. Excess of salt can lead to water retention and can worsen the amyloidosis symptoms. So, it can be beneficial to reduce salt intake to reduce water retention in the body and also protect the heart and kidney from further damage.
- Fluid adjustment – Drinking too much water can be problematic, especially in the case of amyloidosis. In fact, excess water can result in cardiac amyloidosis. This is because water can lead to amyloid build up in the lungs and heart. Thus, managing your fluid intake can reduce symptoms such as swelling in your legs and shortness of breath.
- Foot Massage – Although this therapy might not sound effective, a therapeutic massage can increase the blood flow and offer relief from the painful symptoms of amyloidosis.
- Herbal Therapy – Herbs such as ginkgo and St. John’s Wort contain flavonoids that may prevent the damage caused due to stress and inflammation. However, most of these herbs can lead to blood thinning and even seizures in some cases. Hence, it is important to consult a dietician or a doctor to make sure they are safe for consumption. This can also help avoid any unforeseen side effects.
