Be cautious when taking supplements

[gurs]

Think Im fighting a virus...anyways, was reading about Elderberry and goldenseal and happen to come across a few
web articles that say these are not indicated for those with autoimmune..those taking steriods especially, etc. I went to health
food store, and none of these have this printed on their labels. Before taking any supplement, I would suggest doing some web research first.
Ive taken a bit of goldenseal before, and did notice I did not feel good at all the next day? uhmmmm. Ive known for years about Echinecea, but didnt realize you really have to do your homework on this stuff.
I also have lupus, and do take alot of steriods (20mg), but I will be more cautious. Dr. Oz has me concerned about his promotion of sooooo
many supplements. Many of these have side effects and interactions and people just keeping using them all...scary!!!

Just an FYI

Gursie

[susanep]

I agree with you gurs.  I was told years ago by my rhuemy not to take  Echinecea.

We do need to inform ourselves of these products.

susanep

[Joe S.]

Like any drug you take you should also research Counter Indications, Interactions and Side Effects. I do this search with every medication, herb, and supplement that I take. Often there is a difference between taking an herb as a capsule or as tea and its effectiveness.

[quietdynamics]

DRUG INTERACTION CHECKER
Enter any list of prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, herbals and supplements to see how they interact with each other and with other substances.

http://healthtools.aarp.org/drug-interactions

*site has other checkers ex. generic cost saver, etc.

I noticed with some meds the info said not to eat grapefruit. I asked hubby, he explained it can make a drug last longer. (More involved than that)  Hmmm...I love ruby red grapefruit.

[Sleepy In Seattle]

People with autoimmune disease should avoid any supplement that stimulates the immune system - echinacea, garlic, goldenseal, Chinese mushrooms, astrugalis, etc....our immune systems are already too active.

If you Google "immune stimulants sjogrens" or "immune stimulants lupus" there is some good info out there from Johns Hopkins, etc.

I DO use elderberry, but I only use it as a gargle when I have a virus that settles in my throat (strep, etc). It is a pretty good anti-viral, so I use it to kill surface colonies in my throat. Otherwise, I avoid any immune stimulants - sad, because I LOVE mushrooms and garlic!

[gurs]

I didnt know that about garlic? cheez..we cant win!!!! looking for a good anti-viral, bacterial, that is natural?

I havent had a virus in along time...cant believe how much mucous I have in my chest..at least Im breaking it up. Alot of the cold/flu
stuff I cant tolerate either. My throat hurts and my esophagus too...just burns...no fevers though. Think its just a virus. Everyone
I saw has been coughing and sneezing etc...this weather change really set me off...

Gursie

[engy]

I do use a mushroom blend supplement that my doctors have suggested and I've had no problems with it.

I was told NO echinacea & goldenseal.

I think it is akso important to check when we take our meds & vitamins because many should not be taken at same time!

[meow]

Echinacea is contraindicated for people with grass allergies, and has no effect on a cold. So that would be a NO for me.  I am very careful about adding new things to my intake. I take Biotin and Folic Acid, Vit D, C, DHA and fish oil, CoQ10 and a B complex every day. All of them recommended by my rheumy.

I also take coconut oil. It helps with dryness, and also helps with the absorbtion of fat-soluble supplements. I feel like I have more energy when I take it, and that is a plus!

[valene2009]

thanks for this post... it is a great reminder... cause most people i know try to "help" me by suggesting things such as from Dr. Oz that will boost my immune system.. they think it will help my immune system get stronger..they dont get that boosting an overactive immune stystem will make it worse...

this is a great reminder..

[Myshkin]

Thanks for reminding me - after a horrible day after trying out a new herbal sleep aid. Bad idea... When will I learn!

[jazzlover]

Meow...Be sure you buy organic coconut oil.

[Sleepy In Seattle]

Oooh yeah - melatonin is also on the list of stuff you should avoid if you have autoimmune disease - though I have heard form some folks who use it in low doses and don't seem to have too many problems (but maybe they would feel even better without it? I dunno...everybody is different!).

Google "melatonin autoimmune".

We also should not have anything with alfalfa in it - sprouts, etc - and lots of vitamins and/or "green" drinks/"superfoods" have alfalfa extracts in them.

*sigh...*

I have also been told by my doc to try to stay away from wheat, soy, cow dairy, beef, and much alcohol. Neuro warned me off aged cheeses, red wine, smoked fish in order to prevent migraines.

Most meals now, I just drink water and lick an empty plate....   

[Myshkin]

Oooh yeah - melatonin is also on the list of stuff you should avoid if you have autoimmune disease - though I have heard form some folks who use it in low doses and don't seem to have too many problems (but maybe they would feel even better without it? I dunno...everybody is different!).

Google "melatonin autoimmune".

We also should not have anything with alfalfa in it - sprouts, etc - and lots of vitamins and/or "green" drinks/"superfoods" have alfalfa extracts in them.

*sigh...*

I have also been told by my doc to try to stay away from wheat, soy, cow dairy, beef, and much alcohol. Neuro warned me off aged cheeses, red wine, smoked fish in order to prevent migraines.

Most meals now, I just drink water and lick an empty plate....   

:-D Know the feeling. I also have PCOS so I am supposed to be eating low glycemic... And anti-inflammatory....? Empty plate will do.

[gurs]

Think we are stuck...cant take normal cold/allergy med's because of the dryness etc..now, my virus worse today..coughing, sneezing..
cant take anything? was reading about so many natural cold remedies and seems we cant take them either?

Guess Ive been pretty lucky last few years though, havent had a cold in along time. I forgot just how fun they can be (ha ha)
especially with the added dryness..oh well...now Im wondering when to have my rituxan. Im supposed to have it on the 27th of this month, but
may have to push it out a few more weeks to see If i can get rid of this virus?

Gursie

[Myshkin]

Camomille tea? Is that ok?