Supplements

[jmccurry25]

Has anyone found any supplements such as herbal, vitamins that seem to really help the liver to regenerate?

[butterflyEi]

no I haven't and I would be a bit worried about taking anything unless there was some good research and with the specialist approval. However I think a diet rich in vegetables and fruit little meat and no processed foods or drinks a redution in unhealthy fats and little salt helps the liver naturally regenerate providing cirrhosis is not present. Like you though I would be interested if anyone has found something that works for them.

[kandiepat]

Well I do take Milkthistle and Ive just started a multivitamin. Ive passed several supplements past my liver doctor and he always says OK. As our bile ducts are involved I do think that things that are meant to heal us, like Tumeric, give me an ache in my side - maybe its trying to heal ducts that are not there, I don't know. So if my side aches I leave it alone. Hope this is useful. Kandiepat

[GrittyReads]

I agree with Butterfly: healthy diet is best … plus some good, gentle exercise - as well as fun, things you love to do, treating your self and not getting stressed (always really bad for any autoimmune condition) are the best things to do.

Also, make sure your Urso dose is correct, that you take it as instructed, discuss any problems and have you blood checks done regularly.

Hope this helps,

Gritty

[Becca75]

When I was diagnosed, I asked my liver specialist "is there anything I can do to help slow down the progression, or help in general?" she said "no.". I said "is there anything I can take, like a supplement or something to help?" she said "no.". Her advice was don't drink but I don't drink anyway.

I don't take anything, even prescription meds without the pharmacist checking it's relation to the liver and whether it's okay to take. If you find something you think might help, bring it to your doctor first and ask.

I was in a health store and the guy said I could take cumminen (sp?) and that would help my liver. I took it to my liver specialist first and she said no, not to take it - it won't help.

[genj65]

My liver doctor said the same thing don't take turmeric or any other supplements as they will not help. She has okayed me going to my regular doctor for IV injections to boost my immune system. I sit in chair for about 40 minutes it gives me vitamin C and magnesium the cost is $65 mine aren't covered by insurance.

[ninjagirlwebb]

My hep didn’t recommend any supplements except for vitamin D & calcium because I was low. Other than that he is okay with me taking my fish oil & a multi vitamin which I was already taking pre pbc diagnosis. If you eat a healthy diet, probably don’t need them, but I take it to cover all bases.

He also okayed me drinking kombucha for probiotics. I brew my own.

Haley

[JaneIng]

I take

Alpha Lipoic acid and methylated B complex has helped lowering my liver enzyme.

[Beatris03 in reply to JaneIng]

Hi Jane! How much of each do you take? I've read a very interesting article about Alpha Lipoic Acid and how it helps the liver being such a powerful antioxidant. Was it suggested to you by your doctor? Many thanks.

[JaneIng in reply to Beatris03]

I take 600mg once a day between meals. My micro nutrients test shows I am a bit low on alpha Lipoic acid. So my functional doctor says ittok to take 600 mg.

—Jane

[Sandymh]

Hi. Apart from my prescription Vit D, I take High Strength Cod Liver Oil capsules, also a vitamin B Complex tablet every day. No idea if its regenerated my liver but I do feel much healthier in myself since taking these.

[Mofusdog]

I took milk thistle for a year. It is not helpful for pbc.