Natural help for Autoimmune conditions

Dianne Duncan of Austin Quan Yin is both an Acupuncturist and Naturopath. Dianne takes an East-West approach to treating patients, and specializes in treating Autoimmune conditions. There are several  herbs and supplements Dianne shared in our interview that I wanted to have available to our listeners. Anyone suffering from these devastating conditions knows the Western approach using immune modulating drugs, this may help you have some hope for a more natural approach. Please contact  Dianne to find the combination that is right for your body, and symptoms.

Supporting Adrenal Function/Regulating the stress response:

The gold standard for determining adrenal function is a saliva test which measures the circadian release of cortisol, and DHEA.

Phosphatidylserine
Adaptogenic herbs
B12 (Methylcobalamin)

These work together to modulate adrenal feedback loop function (Hypothalamus-Adrenal-Pituitary axis). The HPA axis gets distorted by chronic stress, and is often the missing piece to solving adrenal problems.

Phosphatidylserine:

In order to get clinically effective amounts of it is best used topically. Dianne uses a product called Adrenocalm with a clinically effective dose of phosphatidylserine. She carries this at her office. A simple overview of phosphatidylserine can be read at: http://www.acupuncturetoday.com/vitamincentral/phosphatidylserine.php 

Adaptogenic herbs:
Adpatogens support adrenal function, both for adrenal stress and adrenal fatigue patterns.
For a very basic overview of Adaptogenic herbs check out this article:

http://www.chiro.org/nutrition/FULL/Adaptogenic_Herbs.shtml
 

To look a bit deeper and study up on herbs you can go to Dragon herbs, they are fabulous about sharing TCM theory and information about herbs:
http://dragonherbs.com/

Methylcobalamin:

Is a type of Vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 comes in several kinds including hydroxy-, cyano-, and adenosyl-, but only the methyl form is used in the central nervous system.

Autoimmune regulation :
Note: Two patterns exist: TH1 dominant and TH2 dominant. For each pattern, 2 types exist. The treatment for each is the exact opposite. A blood test can determine which pattern is present. Call for details.

Regulating TH1 immune response = Astragulus, Echinacea, Glycyrrhiza (licorice root), Lemon Balm, Maitake Mushroom, pomegranate.
Regulating TH2 immune response = Green Tea, Pine Bark, Grape Seed, Reservatrol (in red wine), pycnogenol.

Note: Determining which of these medicinals aggravate or support the autoimmune response is an effective challenge test; but only a blood test can determine which pattern exists. Diane has sample packets of these products which she will give to your listeners for free.

Supplements that help regulate T helper or immune response Glutathione: Dianne uses a product called Oxicell with a clinically effective dose od SOD and Glutathione which is available at her office.

S O D Superoxide Dismutase: SOD must be taken topically.
Vitamin D 3 (Cholicalciferol)

Omega 3 fatty acids:

Modulate the immune and inflammatory response. Blood sugar (Chromium) must also be supported in order to support a healthy adrenal response.

For our reaserch minded listeners:
http://scholar.google.com/

To find out more about the work of Dr. Datis Kharrazian, a leading researcher on holistic treatments of autoimmune conditions, please go to: http://www.thyroidbook.com/about-dr-kharrazian.html