Minerals & help to choose the Multivitamins

[FEEL-THE-BLUE]

Hi all,

I diagnosed with lupus 3.5 years ago now I'm taking Mychophalanate, Hdroxycholorquine, Prednisolne 5MG, Adcal D3 Tablets, Lansoprazole1 tab per day and taking omega 3 fish oil capsules 2 per day.

I have anxiety, depression, sadness so my reflexologist recommenced me the following:

Ashwagandha KSM-66® Supplement

purolabs.com/products/puro-...

1 CAPSULE

500mg of Ashwagandha

5mg of Black Pepper Extract (Piper Nigrum) 95% Piperine

Can I use Ashwaghanda which has 5MG Black pepper

I have no idea how black pepper can impact lupus patients

And can I also take the following Multi vitmains:

High Strength Biotin Complex

purolabs.com/products/puro-...

1 CAPSULE

10,000mcg of Biotin

200mg of Vitamin C

21.95mg of Calcium

2.5mg of Zinc

25mcg of Selenium

Vitamin D3 & K2 Supplement

purolabs.com/products/puro-...

1 CAPSULE

3000iu of Vitamin D3

100iu of Vitamin K2

95% Turmeric Supplement

purolabs.com/products/puro-...

1 CAPSULE

300mg of 95% Turmeric Extract

Equivalent to 15,000mg turmeric

5mg of Black Pepper

40mg of Ginger

Many thanks

[LuzyCLL]

There is a lot of scientific evidence out there that says these supplements have not been proven to help, including turmeric. Your physician will tell you if you need to take Vitamin D (likely), they test my level once a year. It’s better to get your fish oil from fish and nutrients from food. If you look in the CLL support group on HU (this site) there are several pinned posts with scientific references on this issue.

[sarahalice]

Hi. Your reflexologist might be wrong In some caese. Some supplements are very powerful and you should read up on them 1st.Ashwagandha shouldn't really be taken at all by people with any autoimmune disease, would worth you looking this up to decide for yourself.

However, turmeric taken with pepper is a hero . Though it's meant to be even better if heated up, so just cook with them.

Never take alpha alpha.

Hope you feel better

[Paprika60]

I understand what you are trying to do. I have been trying all sorts of alternative ways to help myself with Lupus condition. So naturally I have tried many Ayervedic supplements along with Chinese and English herbal medicines, naturopath with their expensive supplements... But none has truly worked. Auto immune condition is a very very tricky condition.

Of course this doesn't mean you won't get benefit from some either. We are all individually different. What you might want to consider, Ashwangdha is immune boosting and it is counter effective as you are supposed to suppress your immune system to control self attaching flare to a manageable degree. After all you are taking medications that suppress your immune system. So you are working against the medication theoretically by taking something like that. Lansoprazole is for stomach acid. Tumeric can be rather harsh on stomach wall too. In my case it has proven to be the case. It is one thing to go to a naturopath qualified to advise you but your reflexologist advising you sounds a bit odd. But then perhaps your reflexologists has a lot of experience and knows more. Hard to tell. Your doctor won't advise you on these supplements whatsoever. They are not trained for that.

If only there is a medication that can actually bring the immune system to become normal!

I take 1000 gram of Vitamin D with K2. With little sun, we all need it. to keep away from depression and also to have good bone health.

Good luck with your search.

[Poshcards]

I have had lupus for over 30 years now and I am still told :do not take turmeric'! x

[Debbie_kinsey Administrator LUPUS UK]

Hi feel-the-blue

It’s always worth talking to your doctor about supplements you are considering using, as they can have a serious effect on medications you may be taking. I am not medically trained and so cannot advise you on how supplements may or may not impact your prescribed medications or your symptoms.

You also have to be careful about how much you are taking. For example, it is possible to overdose on the fat-soluble vitamins and this can be dangerous to your health (particularly vitamin A). Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin and, as you are already taking Adcal D3 tablets, you should check with your doctor whether it would be safe or appropriate (or necessary) for you to add another vitamin D supplement. Healthcare providers can monitor your vitamin D levels and advise whether and how much you need to take, and advise if your current medications already have this covered.

We have a blog article on our website about food and healthy eating you may find helpful, which includes information on supplements, vitamin D, and Omega-3 fatty acids (the “are there any foods that may help me manage my lupus symptoms” section): lupusuk.org.uk/diet-and-hea.... The NHS website also has some useful information about individual vitamins and minerals here: nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-...

I hope this helps,

Debbie

[MrsMarigold]

Hi FTB. We want to feel better so badly we are willing, perhaps too willing to try anything especially if recommended by a “para” professional like a reflexologist. All the advice given to you here is valid. In my own experience, lupus and other AI diseases that tag along need to adhere to good nutrition, sleep, rest, soft exercising, and the meds our physicians recommend. I found in the past if I’m not trusting my physician, then I stray into supplements.

Most have had adverse effects. These are helpful for me; but remember I’m not you and your body’s reactions: high quality fish oil, vitamin D 2 X a week, vitamin C in liposomal form, B complex 2 X week, combined magnesium/calcium blend 4x a week. Get a kick of energy with tart cherry juice concentrate once a week.

Dr. Mark Hyman is Functional Medicine Director at Cleveland Clinic. I’m reading his new book, Young Forever. He is the holy grail of functional medicine. I think you may find answers there. Last, I would not take anything without extensive research. As others stated above, revving up your immune system is something healthy people can do. We can not. Best, MrsMarigold

[Tiggywoos in reply to MrsMarigold]

even garlic 🧄 is the devil for me ! X

[MrsMarigold in reply to Tiggywoos]

yes same here. I can eat a very small bit

but too much activates my immune system.

[Tiggywoos in reply to MrsMarigold]

my face swells and rashes really quickly who’d have thought !

[MrsMarigold]

no I’ve not heard of that.

[MusicalFurbaby]

Check with your pharmacist about combining different meds and supplements. I found turmeric helpful for me, and I took it with black pepper which helps with absorption. I never never heard of black pepper being harmful. You could always trial it for a couple of months (it takes a while to kick in) and if it helps, great, and if it doesn’t, you haven’t lost much. I also take the D3/K2, you’ll find many people with autoimmune stuff have low vit D. Ultimately it’s your choice; use whatever helps, or whatever does not cause terrible side effects!