Success with with supplements/alternative treatments for Raynaud's (Curcumin, omega oils, magnesium oil)

[Ringeir]

I am still in the process of being diagnosed, but it looks like I have limited systemic scleroderma, with the main manifestations at the moment being Raynaud's, Gastroesophageal reflux disease, and itchy skin on my arms and legs. I take omeprazole for the GERD, which is working well. The Raynaud's symptoms were getting worse lately, my fingers and toes would go white at the slightest exposure to cold. My rheumatologist prescribed adalat (Nifedipine), and although it worked, I had to stop taking it because of the side effects (extreme dizziness, nausea, and puffy dry hot hands). I decided to experiment with alternative treatment (not under doctor's supervision) and these things are genuinely working. I take two Black Cumin Seed Oil and Curcumin Elite (Life Extension) capsules a day, one tablespoon of Udo's oil (omega 3,6,9), and every morning and evening I spray my fingers and toes with magnesium oil (Magnesium Chloride 31%). I don't know if it is the combination, or how this is working, but it is. The frequency and severity the Raynaud's attacks has dropped to almost nothing. The other day I went cycling with no gloves which would have been unthinkable before. I had forgotten what it was like to feel my toes tingling with warmth. Based on this success, I am now going to try more supplements (Vitamins D3, E, and Gamma-linolenic acid ) to see if I can improve my skin in general and reduce inflammation. So in my experience it is certainly worth trying supplements, although obviously not everyone will get the same results, and I guess it would be better to consult with a doctor, although in my case my doctor has already said that supplements are useless so I won't bother.

[Sashmo_L]

hello.

I am newly diagnosed with diffuse scleroderma and one of the things I am confused by is immune system. If our immune response is effectively overactive (those rampant antibodies) does that mean by taking supplements that support your immune system, it makes you react even more?

[Ringeir in reply to Sashmo_L]

Hi,

I am new to this too, but I think you are right. We shouldn't take any supplement that activates our immune systems further, as this might be counter productive (e.g., Spirulina, Aphanizomenon flos-aqua, Chlorella, Echinacea see ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl... . I am focusing on supplements that (supposedly) have anti-inflammatory qualities and promote vasodilation. Clinical trials on these supplements as remedies for Scleroderma do not give very conclusive results, but I have not read anywhere that they are harmful, so in the worst case scenario I am wasting my money, but not doing any damage. However, I have seen a marked improvement in my RP symptoms . What I am not sure of is whether the result is due to one thing, or as a combination of all three.

[Sashmo_L in reply to Ringeir]

After some extensive reading I now understand that there are good immune responses that effectively dampen down the over reactive antibodies and apparently black cumin seed oil is effective in this regard. Every day is a school day !

[Tiggywoos in reply to Sashmo_L]

I totally agree and I get very confused to be honest . I often get infections and dr says because of being run down but isn’t it more because our immune systems don’t work properly ?

[Sashmo_L in reply to Tiggywoos]

Gut health is of the utmost importance, so I take synbiotics (prebiotic and probiotic). I feel so much better and less run down.

[Ringeir in reply to Sashmo_L]

Yes, probiotics is another thing I mean to try. Which one do you take?

[Sashmo_L in reply to Ringeir]

uk.thenueco.com/products/pr...