Do supplements strain or adversely effect the digestive system?

There are so many supplements that are believed to be of help to PWP that one could conceivably end up taking a tea cup full of supplements a day. (I am not). Should we be concerned about over taxing our digestive system especially our kidneys? Info on this is spotty. Thank you.

[LAJ12345]

I think if mixed into food where possible it is safest. After all when you eat a big salad with lots of variety in it there are many different compounds in reasonable quantities right there. And that is supposed to be the healthiest for you. But if you take a concentrated supplement of say vitamins on an empty stomach I imagine it might kill any colonies of bacteria where ever it happens to dissolve.Other non natural compounds may be a different story, like synthetic forms of vitamins like folic acid and cyanocobalamin. And pharmaceuticals.

Also it may depend on your individual genetics. If you are worried go to a natural dr who will do an opus23 report for you as it tells you all your common defects and what to avoid so you can at least have some info to go on. For example my hubby’s one said he doesn’t process seratonin and dopamine well (no kidding) he doesn’t process b vitamins and vit d (blood tests confirmed that pre diagnosis) , he doesn’t process pharmaceuticals through his liver. Well that explains why he gets every side effect whenever he takes anything!

[Despe]

CC,

Recycle. Rescuema has posted a lot of good info about recycling. My husband takes every WE off. He doesn't take any vitamins and gives liver and kidneys a break. Also, add fresh lemon juice to your water, it's the best cleansing natural remedy for both, liver and kidneys.

Another way to protect your liver is to take SAM-e.

[Hidden in reply to Despe]

Despe, you’ve inspired me to take a day off each week. Thank you. My sweet potato Saturday will now also be supplement free Saturday. ☺️ I will look for what Rescuema has posted on this.

This week I’m feeling better than I have in about a year. I don’t know what to attribute it to but I assume it’s a little bit of everything. I’m apprehensive to rock the boat but logic tells me our systems likely need breaks from the supplements.

[Despe in reply to Hidden]

Yes, all of our organs need a break! I am glad you are feeling better now than a year ago. If it ain't broken why fix it?

[Despe in reply to Hidden]

PS. The way I look at it is like people working hard all week and take the WE off to recuperate and start fresh again on Monday.

[chartist]

ccl,

I think there are some supplements, that while having good effects in some people, can have a negative impact in others. One supplement that comes to mind off of the top of my head is EGCG. EGCG is considered to be the more active component derived from green, white and black teas. Some people have a compromised liver that they are not aware of and EGCG can seriously exacerbate that condition! While I consider EGCG a health promoting supplement and potent antioxidant, I rarely ever recommend it if I have other alternatives that might work well also.

Another consideration is that anyone can be allergic to almost anything and here is a good example. Curcumin is considered to be the more active component of turmeric and is noted in hundreds of studies for its health promoting effects, but I can't use it because it gives me hives. Interestingly, when you search curcumin/allergic reactions, what you get is a bunch of articles and studies suggesting that curcumin is useful for potentially countering the effects of many different types of allergic reactions, not causing them!

So yes, I think supplements can help, but I think, some, under the right circumstances, have the potential to harm.

Art

[Hidden]

A consultation with a willing pharmacist would be beneficial. They can evaluate the entire situation, including meds and foods. Besides information about the impact it may have on kidneys, other considerations may be:

- What needs to be taken together, and what should not be taken together.

- Timing

- Effects certain foods can have on what you're taking.

- Whether or not it should be taken with food (or certain types of food), before meals or after meals.

Of course with the strain being put on pharmacists to give Covid vaccines (and the understaffing that is prevalent, at least in my area), it may be difficult to find one that has the time to sit down and give a consultation. But they could certainly answer a brief question about kidneys.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

But pharmacists don’t deal with supplements? Or so I thought? My MD certainly doesn’t and has been of no help whatsoever with supplements. I will give it a try though. Thank you

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Pharmacists in the US really do not sell supplements either (I mean, they may have them on the shelves along with other health care items... but their focus* is on pharmaceuticals).

They do evaluate and consult on what you are taking though, including supplements. Especially if you're taking a number of things. It's fairly important to know if anything you are taking may be contraindicated for either your condition or the meds you are taking. I didn't know about this consulting service either until a personal acquaintance became a pharmacist.

*Although some pharmacies do specialize in alternative medicine, supplements, and also do their own compounding, but generally speaking pharmacists here are not known for supplements.

[Despe in reply to Hidden]

Compounding Pharmacists consult with patients, not regular pharmacists. This kind of pharmacies and pharmacists carry supplements and natural substances. They do not carry any pharmaceuticals.

[Hidden in reply to Despe]

Time to look for a compounding pharmacist. Thank you!

[Despe in reply to Hidden]

There is a good one in my neighborhood, CC. Highly recommended! Husband had a couple of consults with her regarding "Adrenal Fatigue" and then based on the results, she compounded the hormonal therapy. That was 2 years ago and he is still on this therapy.

She also compounded Dr. Mischley's intranasal glutathione prescription.

[Hidden in reply to Despe]

Perhaps it depends on the individual pharmacist whether or not they consult with patients? I mean, I've just gotten off the phone with an acquaintance (a regular pharmacist) and it is common for them to do consultations as a regular part of their job.

[Despe in reply to Hidden]

Pharmacists of regular drugstores consult with individuals if they have questions about pharmaceuticals prescribed by a medical doctor. Also, pharmacists can answer if medication is contraindicated with any supplements.

[laglag]

Hi. I found this drug checker awhile back. I just put a couple of supplements in & it had them listed. You might try it?

drugs.com/interaction/list/...

[Hidden in reply to laglag]

Thank you! I need to do that.