My Autoimmune Journey: From 1:5120 to 1:320 ANA

Hey everyone,

I wanted to share my autoimmune journey and the steps I’ve taken to improve my ANA levels over the past year. For those who don’t know, a positive ANA result indicates an autoimmune condition, but it doesn’t always point to a specific disease. My journey has been full of trial and error, but I’ve managed to bring my ANA titer down from 1:5120 to 1:320, and I’m determined to lower it even further to under 1:80.

What I Did to Improve

Dietary Changes:

The best results came when I completely cut out gluten, dairy, and sugar from my diet. This step alone had the most significant impact on my inflammation and symptoms.

I focused on phytonutrient-rich foods like salads, green veggies, berries, and pasteurized sugar-free juices, especially berry juices. These foods became staples in my routine.

I incorporated 3-4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) daily, vegan protein shakes, and clean meals like chicken and rice.

Fiber intake was a priority, but I didn’t always hit my target of 40-50 grams per day. On most days, I managed 10-30 grams, using basil seeds, chia seeds, and psyllium husk to boost my intake.

From time to time, I also added dark chocolate or cacao powder to my shakes for its antioxidant benefits.

Additionally, I included collagen in my diet occasionally, either through bone broth or collagen supplements, which helped support my gut health and overall recovery.

Supplement Protocol:

I took a number of supplements, but to keep this section brief, I’ll only be mentioning the most important ones that I think were the most helpful. These included:

Vitamin D3

Omega-3 fish oil

Probiotics

Turmeric (curcumin)

Magnesium

Zinc

Vitamin C

Lifestyle Adjustments:

Sleep: Sleep was a key focus for me, and I took several steps to improve it.

I used melatonin (1mg, 2mg, or 3mg, never exceeding 3mg) to help regulate my sleep.

I tracked my deep sleep and REM sleep using a smartwatch, which gave me insights into my sleep quality.

To further improve my sleep environment, I used an eye cover to block out light.

Exercise: While I didn’t follow a strict five-day plan, I aimed to go to the gym consistently at least three times per week. This helped boost my energy and overall health.

No Medications:

One of the most important things I want to highlight is that I did this completely naturally, without using any steroids or medications. I was off all medications throughout this year, relying entirely on diet, supplements, and lifestyle changes to improve my health.

The Resources That Helped Me

Throughout this journey, I’ve learned so much from amazing experts and books that were incredibly helpful in shaping my protocol. These resources not only informed my approach but also provided hope and actionable steps for healing:

Amy Myers, MD, author of The Autoimmune Solution. Her book is a must-read for anyone dealing with autoimmune conditions and seeking a structured, comprehensive guide to healing.

Mark Hyman, MD, his insights into root cause approaches to health are transformative. He has also appeared on numerous podcasts, which are a great way to learn from his expertise and gain valuable health insights.

Dr. Chanu Dasari, MD, whose expertise in autoimmune healing and dietary strategies, especially through The Phytodiet Primer, has been invaluable.

Books like Beat Autoimmune by Palmer Kippola, The Autoimmune Fix by Tom O’Brien, and The Phytodiet Primer by Chanu Dasari provided practical strategies and tools for managing and reversing autoimmunity. These books are highly recommended for their actionable advice and deep insights into the causes and solutions for autoimmune conditions.

I highly encourage anyone on a similar journey to explore these experts and their work—their knowledge can make a huge difference in your healing process.

The Results So Far

ANA levels: From 1:5120 to 1:320 in one year.

Symptoms: My vasculitis and joint pain are 90% better. Flare-ups are minimal and mostly linked to specific triggers I can now identify.

Energy: I feel much more balanced, although I’m still fine-tuning my routine for optimal recovery.

What I’m Doing Next

Gut Healing:

Gradually reintroducing probiotics with diverse strains using kefir and Greek yogurt.

Rotating supplements and prebiotics to enhance gut flora diversity.

Long-Term Goals:

Lower my ANA to under 1:80 and maintain it through a sustainable lifestyle.

Continue to prioritise sleep, stress reduction, and regular movement.

Why I’m Sharing This

I’m sharing my story in the hope that it might help someone who is on a similar journey, or that someone might share insights to help me improve on something I may have missed.

I’ll also be updating this post as my ANA levels change (and hopefully lower).

If you have any questions about my journey, supplements, or routines, please feel free to ask—I’d love to help in any way I can.