eat
Many modern
conditions, such as
irritable bowel syndrome,
psoriasis and coeliac, remain
medical mysteries, leaving
sufferers to search for their own
cures. We look to the latest
research for clues.
Words: Stephanie Osfieldforce
DEFENCE
The immune system is like the body’s firewall – and like its cyber
namesake, it can mistake good for bad (blocked shopping website,
anyone?). While assumption imagines immunity as a more-is-better
equation, too much can cause a host of health conditions.
When the immune system mistakes healthy cells for foreign
invaders, it attacks them, igniting inflammation that cascades to
symptoms comprising conditions including psoriasis, irritable bowel
syndrome, coeliac, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.
There are more than 80 distinct autoimmune diseases, which
affect around one in 20 people according to The Australasian Society
of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA). The US’ Mayo Clinic
estimates that some 80 per cent of sufferers are women. “Common
autoimmune diseases such as thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis and
diabetes affect more than one in 100 people,” says ASCIA spokesperson
and immunologist Professor Richard Loh. “Autoimmune disease
is either localised (affecting one organ) or systemic (impacting on
multiple areas of the body, organs and tissues at the same time.
“Autoimmune conditions are usually diagnosed and monitored
by medical specialists using a combination of clinical history,
blood tests and other investigations, such as x-rays. Sometimes
a biopsy of affected tissues may be required for diagnosis.”
Despite advances in medical science, there is no consensus
on what causes the immune system to misfire or why
prevalence of autoimmune disorders is increasing globally.
Mainstream treatments target symptom management,
slowing disease progress and minimising damage to organs
and tissues. “Treatment usually occurs under the supervision of
medical specialists, such as endocrinologists, gastroenterologists,
neurologists and rheumatologists,” says Prof Loh. Options usually
involve drug treatments to suppress the immune system, ameliorate
inflammation or bind to problematic proteins/cells or replace
antibodies lacking in the immune system. Other treatments are
currently being trialled all over the world to help cells better regulateEDIBLE ANTI-
INFLAMMATORIES
A diet based on the Mediterranean menu
anchored by olive oil, vegies, leafy greens,
tomatoes, seafood, nuts, fruit, legumes and
wholegrain cereals can reduce heart disease risk and
mitigate factors that favour cancer according to La Trobe
University clinical and research dietitian Antonia Thodis.
“To maximise the anti-inflammatory benefits,
replace two meat-based meals per week
with two legume- or tofu-based dishes.
Traditionally, in Mediterranean countries,
red meat and chicken were eaten
only in small portions.”