Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is associated with elevated levels of anti-cardiolipin antibodies (ACA), which are responsible for clotting. In an animal study conducted by Chen et al. (2001), ACA levels were influenced by the Chinese herb, Salvia miltiorrhiza. The subjects that received S. miltiorrhiza experienced a negative correlation between dosage and ACA levels i.e. the higher the dose, the greater the suppression of ACA. The proposed mechanism of action was a reduction in interleukin-2 activity, as well as a decreased ratio of T helper/T suppressor cells—both of which are markers for autoimmune inflammation. Perhaps the most interesting finding, however, was the selective immunoregulatory function of S. miltiorrhiza. The herb only induced these changes in mice with elevated levels of ACA—normal mice were unaffected. This preliminary research shows promise for the use of Chinese herbs in balancing the immune systems of those with antiphospholipid syndrome.

Reference

  1. Chen, G., et al. (2001). Effect of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge injection on anticardiolipin antibody production induced by beta2 glycoprotein. Acta Pharmacologica Sinica, 22(12), 1125-9.

Recipe

ALMOND CRUSTED SALMON WITH AVOCADO SALAD

Anticoagulant foods are abundant in nature. Some examples include: deep water fatty fish like salmon, trout, mackerel and sardines, and vitamin E-rich foods like almonds, spinach and avocado. With any clotting disorder, like antiphospholipid syndrome, supplementing the diet with these nutritive powerhouses is a no-brainer.

Almond Crusted Salmon

4 fillets Wild Pacific salmon
1 cup Almond flour
2 Tbsp Parsley, fresh
1 Tbsp Lemon zest
1 tsp Sea salt
1 tsp Black pepper
2 Tbsp Avocado oil
A drizzle Lemon juice

Avocado Salad

6 cups Organic baby spinach
2 Avocados
4 Tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
2 Limes, juiced
½ tsp Sea salt

Instructions

  1. In a food processor blend the almond flour parsley, lemon zest, salt and pepper.
  2. Heat the avocado oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
  3. Cover the salmon on both sides with the almond flour mixture, and pat down to ensure it doesn’t fall off.
  4. Fry the salmon 5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature is 145°F.
  5. While the salmon is cooking, put the spinach into a large bowl.
  6. Halve the avocados and then remove the stones. Spoon the flesh over the spinach.
  7. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice and sea salt.
  8. Pour the dressing over the avocado and spinach, and gently toss using your hands—be careful not to mush the avocado.
  9. When the fish is cooked, serve over the avocado salad and top with a drizzle of fresh lemon juice.