Immune system deficiency clinic in London - Boost immunity in central London
 
 
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TREATMENT AND PAIN MANAGEMENT



1. LASER THERAPY

Patients will be treated with Non-Systemic Laser Therapy (for more information click here).
Systemic and Non-Systemic Laser/Photobiostimulation:
  • is antitoxic, bio-stimulative, immuno-corrective, anti-allergic, antibacterial, antiviral, analgetic, anti-inflammatory
  • heals and increases functioning efficacy of the vascular, immune and respiratory system
  • normalises the parameters of the hormonal, immune and reproductive system
  • boosts the cellular part of your immunity, decreases concentrations of microbes in the abdomen, activates microcirculation
  • increases energy and normalises tissue metabolism, activates ATP–synthesis and energy formation in cells, increases oxidation of energy-carrying molecules
  • unblocking of capillaries, positive pre- and post-surgical operations effects
  • regenerates and repairs cells
  • increases functional activity of the hypothalamus and has positive effects on the activation of energetic, metabolism, immune and vegetative responses.


2. PHYSIOTHERAPY, OSTEOPATHY, CHIROPRACTICE, SPORTS MASSAGE, ACCUPUNCTURE, LASER-ACCUPUNCTURE, LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE

several top-class practitioners have joined our new AIM Collaborations to cover all these treatments

3. NUTRITION

The term rheumatism covers diseases that affect the locomotor system - the bones and joints and all related structures such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments. These diseases cause pain and disability. There are two types of rheumatism: inflammatory or joint rheumatism (such as rheumatoid arthritis) and soft-tissue rheumatism. These forms differ from age-related and wear-related degenerative diseases such as knee or hip osteoarthritis.

The role of nutrition in rheumatic disorders
The causes of most rheumatic diseases are still largely unknown and frequently involve several factors. Studies indicate that nutrition directly influences the course of joint rheumatism, especially rheumatoid arthritis. Changing eating habits can lessen the symptoms of this disease, but not eliminate them. As in the case of other manifestations of rheumatism, the goal, above all, is to maintain a normal weight to avoid overloading the joints.

Certain ingredients in our food promote the inflammatory process. One, for example, is arachidonic acid, a polyunsaturated fatty acid. Although the human organism normally produces arachidonic acid itself, most (up to 90%) is supplied from food. It is contained in foods of animal origin only. Arachidonic acid fulfills an important function in our body, but in excess it promotes the formation of mediators and precipitators of the inflammatory process, especially the "free radicals."

Among substances that reduce the inflammatory process are the antioxidants: vitamins C and E, and beta-carotene; the minerals zinc and selenium; and the polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids. Whereas vitamins bind and neutralize free radicals, omega-3 fatty acids prevent the formation of inflammation mediators.

Fats and oils
The inflammatory process also depends on the quality and amount of fats and oils consumed. For this reason, it's important to eat low-fat foods. Reducing the amount of dietary fat decreases obesity, helps maintain normal weight, and reduces stress on the joints. For this reason, it's important to reduce the consumption of animal fats (lard, butter, cream), fat-laden meat dishes (sausage, bacon, pâtés, terrines, etc.), protein, and whole-milk products. These food groups contain many calories and also inflammation-promoting arachidonic acid.

In contrast, vegetables don't contain arachidonic acid. For this reason, vegetable oils are preferable. Wheat germ, sunflower seed, corn oil and thistle oil as well as oil-containing fruits (walnuts and almonds) are the main sources of the antioxidant vitamin E. Rapeseed oil, soy oil, walnut oil, linseed oil, or wheat germ oil contain significant amounts of omega-3 fatty acids.

Meat and meat products, eaten as sources of protein, can be easily replaced with legumes (chickpeas, linseed, peas) and soy products such as tofu - foods that are rich in protein and free of arachidonic acid.

Fish
Fat-rich fish from cold oceans such as herring, mackerel, wild salmon and eel (no hatchery fish) are an exception among the low arachidonic acid foods. These fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that inhibit inflammation. They should be consumed frequently and regularly.

Vegetables, fruit
Large quantities of these foods should be eaten since they ensure a large supply of antioxidant vitamins (vitamin C, beta-carotene) that make free radicals harmless. In people suffering from rheumatism, inflammation produces a high deficit of antioxidant vitamins . Supplementation of the cited vitamins may therefore be considered in consultation with your doctor.

Milk and milk products
A sufficient supply of vitamin D and calcium substantially helps prevent osteoporosis that can arise as a result of a rheumatic disease. Intake of cortisone, a frequently prescribed medication for rheumatism, also increases the need for calcium. It is therefore recommended to consume daily 3 to 4 portions of milk or milk products since these are rich in calcium. Low-fat products are preferable, both to restrict the amount of arachidonic acid consumed and to provide available calcium content. If you cannot tolerate milk products (i.e. you're lactose intolerant), your intake of calcium can be improved by drinking mineral water with a high calcium content, or by taking calcium supplements. The body can also create vitamin D through regular exposure to sunlight. Frequent outside activities are therefore healthy, provided the rules of sun protection are observed.


4. COUNSELLING


A German Clinic started recently to focus on “detecting and managing
depression in patients with rheumatic diseases and early arthritis”:
Psychiatric comorbidity in arthritis can be surprisingly. high. For example,
Wells et al reported a lifetime psychiatric prevalence rate of 64% and a recent prevalence rate of 42% (last 6 months) in persons with arthritis drawn from a community sample. Depression is one of the most common psychiatric conditions found in patients with arthritis. Frank et al reported that as many as one-third of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have been found to experience major depression or dysthymia, according to objective diagnostic criteria. In contrast, the prevalence of depression in nonmedical populations is estimated to be between 5% and 8%. Thus, while depression is one of the most common psychiatric conditions in the general population, it is clear that arthritis increases the risk for depression. Patients are very likely to have difficulty with depression while managing their arthritis and, therefore, to experience symptoms of depression during rheumatology visits. Depression includes a spectrum of disorders that vary in severity and associated impairments. Patients with a history of major depression typically have a chronic course that requires effective monitoring and management. Chronic depression may exist independently of, but can also be exacerbated by, disease flares and other illness-related obstacles. Patients with minor depression, or who have an adjustment disorder with depressed mood, experience fewer symptoms and generally have less social, occupational, and functional impairment from their condition than patients with major depressive disorder. In contrast, moderate to severe depression can adversely affect health outcomes and quality of life in a manner similar to that of other chronic medical conditions. In addition, depression may contribute to inflammation, interfere with medical adherence, and thus compromise medical treatment and management.