Slippery Elm & Steroids

[PhilFreeToAsk]

I have used Slippery Elm in the past for gastritis and found it superior to Omeprazole.

My concern is about medications being absorbed properly if taken at the same time. Has anyone had any experience of using Slippery Elm?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingre...

It is recognised as a problem but the way to deal with it is to take an hour or so AFTER the medication concerned.

It isn't so much of a problem with pred because you are titrating the dose to find the effective dose for YOU. If you aren't absorbing as much that is accounted for by the effect on the symptoms as the control. It may mean you apparently have to take a slightly higher dose but you are working on the amount you have absorbed which is what matters.

[PhilFreeToAsk in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks. Still interested to hear from anyone who has had experience of taking Slippery Elm.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to PhilFreeToAsk]

I'm sure someone will be along - I've never taken it, don't need to.

[darkred in reply to PhilFreeToAsk]

My stomach suffered when I started Pred. A couple forum people responded that they bought enteric-coated capsules and placed the Pred into the empty capsules. I am so grateful!!! Ordered from Capsuline and not disappointed. Maybe this will help someone else.

I'm almost out of Slippery Elm, as I take these capsules with a cup of water about 1/2 hour before eating something that will irritate my stomach. Note: Telling family members you take Slippery Elm may cause them to make quizzical comments.

[PhilFreeToAsk in reply to darkred]

Very interesting. Where did you buy the enteric coated capsules?

[darkred in reply to PhilFreeToAsk]

capsuline.com/

I read about enteric capsules at amazon but didn't trust what they might ship. I found capsuline online and thought their product might be more trustworthy. They offer various kinds of capsules. Make sure you get enteric capsules. The capsuline site is trustworthy.

[SheffieldJane]

I haven’t taken it but thanks for the reminder. I have a full bottle here and have forgotten what it’s for. It sounds helpful.

[RT18]

I used it on a dog with inflammed bowels and it was great 👍 I will use it if I get an upset stomach but that’s rare but never had a problem with it. All for natural remedies if they have some evidence base and not contraindicated

[PhilFreeToAsk in reply to RT18]

Isn’t nice when herbal remedies are given to animals and it works. No placebo effect here for the doubters to question.

[Broseley]

This is from Webmd: "Slippery elm contains a type of soft fiber called mucilage. Mucilage can decrease how much medicine the body absorbs. Taking slippery elm at the same time you take medications by mouth can decrease the effectiveness of your medication. To prevent this interaction, take slippery elm at least one hour after medications you take by mouth."

I've never taken it, but I do have problems, so I'll investigate further!

[sidra1968]

I take the powder as a tea for diverticulitis..and yes to coat my stomach..BUT I have taken it hours either before or after my Pred dose (I split dose). I personally think it helps with stomach issues.

[PhilFreeToAsk in reply to sidra1968]

Thanks. That is pleasing to hear. I wasn’t sure whether one hour is sufficient gap for slippery elm whilst taking other medication. I was thinking of taking steroids in the morning and a slippery elm tablet at lunchtime. Just wanted some confidence on how to take it.

[sidra1968 in reply to PhilFreeToAsk]

Ironically, I had my rheumy appt yesterday and he offered the Omeprazole and I told him I thought I was doing better with my own supplements to coat the stomach. That if anything changes I'll let him know, but I was fine for now. I also make sure to eat when I take the Pred.

[PhilFreeToAsk in reply to sidra1968]

I spoke to my GP and he wanted to put me on Omeprazole. I said I would consider it if I was getting stomach problems. I am now taking Slippery Elm tablet at lunchtime at least 2 hours away from any medication. I might take them before lunch rather than with the meal.

I have just started taking Zinc Carnosine which has been shown to restore gastric lining. I wanted to take Zinc as a supplement for prostate health. More about its benefits can be found here: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl... . I need to be slightly cautious not to overdo the Zinc.

[sidra1968 in reply to PhilFreeToAsk]

Thanks for the recommendation!

[PhilFreeToAsk in reply to sidra1968]

It is so hard to isolate what is helping with so much going on. My gut feeling is something is. I am not sure how long to take the Zinc Carnosine as it is for GI repair and for me this was just a precaution. I need to investigate this further. I came across this article naturalmedicinejournal.com/... . My concern is taking too much Zinc may affect copper.

[PhilFreeToAsk]

I shall start taking Slippery Elm at lunchtime. I needed a bit of reassurance. I posted as my GP suggested Omeprazole after being 8 months on steroids. No mention from rheumy or other GPs. I’m very careful about having a good breakfast with the steroids.

[darkred in reply to PhilFreeToAsk]

I would like to reinforce what others have said here. Do not take Slippery Elm close to any medication. When I've taken it, I've always spaced it 1 1/2 hours before or after a med, just to be on the safe side.

[Miserere]

PMRpro is right - take medication at least an hour after you have used slippery elm. I usually leave it two hours or take the slippery elm 2 hours after medication. I'd rather do that than use omeprazole etc.

[PhilFreeToAsk in reply to Miserere]

Thanks. The advice given by webmd is useful but generic. It was more important to hear other people’s experience s and how successful they have been.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to PhilFreeToAsk]

The one hour gap isn't generic advice - it is well founded.

[PhilFreeToAsk in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks. Then the cautious approach should cause no problems. It is what I will feel comfortable starting with and then can adjust accordingly.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to PhilFreeToAsk]

Always err on the side of caution - it is a good idea to check interactions for all medications and supplements.