Antiphospholipid syndrome specialist doctor
Prevent, alleviate, or heal disease—naturally.
Meet our practitioners who specialize in natural Antiphospholipid syndrome treatment
Recommended health tests for Antiphospholipid syndrome
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
How it works
Consult with our health coaches who will learn about your symptoms, habits, and goals.
Take personalized home health tests to discover potential root causes of any symptoms or conditions you may have.
Review your results in just days with our functional medicine doctors, nurses, and dietitians who will help you achieve optimal health.
Learn about Antiphospholipid syndrome
Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a disorder characterized by the body mistakenly attacking certain proteins in the blood, leading to blood clots. This condition can affect veins, arteries, and organs throughout the body, with varying severity and implications for those affected. Although relatively rare, APS is an important condition due to its potential to cause significant complications, such as deep vein thrombosis, stroke, and pregnancy-related issues like miscarriage and pre-eclampsia.
Causes
The exact cause of antiphospholipid syndrome is unknown, but it involves the immune system attacking normal proteins in the blood, believing they are foreign substances. This autoimmune response results in the production of antiphospholipid antibodies that increase the risk of blood clots. Factors that might influence the development of APS include genetics, infections, environmental factors, and other autoimmune conditions like lupus.
Signs and symptoms
- Recurrent blood clots in veins or arteries - Pregnancy complications, such as recurrent miscarriages, stillbirth, pre-eclampsia, or premature birth - Stroke - Transient ischemic attack (TIA) - Rash with a lacy, net-like pattern - Migraine or severe headaches - Vision problems or vision loss - Unexplained bleeding - Heart valve issues
Diagnosing Antiphospholipid syndrome
Diagnosing antiphospholipid syndrome involves a combination of clinical assessments, patient history, and specific blood tests. These blood tests look for the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies, such as anticardiolipin antibodies and lupus anticoagulant. Diagnosing APS requires these antibodies to be present on two or more occasions at least 12 weeks apart. Additional tests may be done to rule out other causes of the symptoms.
Prevention and natural treatment
While there is no cure for antiphospholipid syndrome, managing the condition focuses on preventing blood clots and other complications. This can involve a combination of medication, lifestyle changes, and monitoring. In terms of natural and functional medicine approaches to APS, here are some potential strategies for prevention and treatment: - Diet: Emphasizing an anti-inflammatory diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and fiber can support overall health and may reduce the risk of blood clots. Foods to focus on include fatty fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. - Supplementation: Certain supplements might help, but it's imperative to discuss these with a healthcare provider. Omega-3 supplements, vitamin E (in moderation and under supervision, as it can increase bleeding risk), and turmeric could be beneficial due to their anti-inflammatory and blood-thinning properties. However, supplements should never replace conventional treatments but could be used in conjunction. - Exercise: Regular, moderate exercise can help improve circulation and maintain a healthy weight, reducing the risk of blood clots. - Stress reduction: Chronic stress can exacerbate inflammation and immune system dysfunction. Techniques such as meditation, yoga, and deep-breathing exercises can be helpful. - Monitoring: Regular monitoring by healthcare providers to assess blood viscosity and the effectiveness of any treatments or dietary changes. It is worth noting that the functional medicine approach emphasizes a holistic view of the patient's health, considering lifestyle factors and underlying causes of conditions. However, APS can have severe health implications, so any natural prevention or treatment strategies should be discussed with and monitored by healthcare professionals, especially in conjunction with traditional medical treatments like anticoagulants.
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