Question
I was at the doctor today after getting blood work. I have high blood pressure and cholesterol problems. I lost about 15 lbs and both came down. But today the doctor said my blood work had elevated Ana which he says means I have rheumatism. I am achie when I get up and stiff but I never complain about it. He wants me to go to a Rheumatologist and start on medicine and I don't want to do that.
   Does this get worse with age? What do I have to look forward to with this condition? Are there vitamines or foods that help stop it?
           Thanks for your help

Answer
Hi Don and thanks for writing,

Elevated ANA on it's own it not a positive diagnosis for Rheumatism - it simply indicates a chronic stress to your immune system (aka Autoimmune disease such as Rheummatoid Arthritis, Lupus, toxicity, etc). I would skip the medicine for now if you're not in intolerable pain and go see the Rheumatologist as s/he can tell you for sure if you do or don't have a rheumatic disease.

I would also strongly suggest you go see a good Naturopath and be tested for intolerances and allergies as you may just have a simple food intolerance which is triggering your immune system (hence the ANA +) and leaving macrophage deposits in your joints (hence the possible warmth, swelling & pain). Sadly Western medicine treats symptoms as opposed to identifying causes.

I hope this helps,
Wishing you good health,

Margot