| Scleroderma and Alternative Therapies (MAIN MENU) |
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| Supplements and Scleroderma: Herbs, Vitamins and Over-the-Counter Remedies |
| This page was written by Shelley Ensz, and has not yet been medically edited. Particularly with scleroderma, activating the immune system by drugs without physician’s control is hazardous to health. See Disclaimer. |
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| Overview of Scleroderma and Supplements |
"The immune system
does not need to be
improved in scleroderma,
because it is already overactive."
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| Systemic scleroderma patients should always consult their doctor(s), especially their rheumatologist, before using any vitamin or herbal remedies or making any significant changes in their diet. |
| In general, most doctors recommend that scleroderma patients follow a normal, well-balanced diet , without the addition of any herbs, vitamins, or minerals. Do not cut out any food groups from your diet, nor go on any "cleansing" diets, since this may accelerate the disease process. |
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| The immune system does not need to be improved in scleroderma, because it is already overactive (and not underactive, as in AIDS.) Doing things that enhance the immune system can actually make scleroderma worse in some cases, as it gives the body more power to attack itself. |
| Research shows that Raynaud's can cause an abnormal processing of certain vitamins and minerals, leading to worsening scleroderma. So excessive intake of any vitamin is to be avoided. (Also see: Raynaud's) |
| Many herbs and over-the-counter medications can interact with prescription medications, and many of them make scleroderma symptoms worse. Even simple over-the-counter cold remedies often have ingredients that can trigger Raynaud's or heartburn in systemic scleroderma patients. (Also see: Heartburn) |
| Don't go on any diets that eliminate food groups, and especially avoid high-protein diets because they are very hard on the kidneys. (Also see: Kidney Involvement) |
| Scleroderma Symptoms and Treatments Look up each of your scleroderma symptoms here to find other ideas for conventional and natural ways to deal with them. ISN. |
| Herbal Supplement Cautions |
| Nine Supplements to Avoid. While all supplements should be used carefully, some should not be used at all. Here are nine supplements you shouldn't take. Arthritis Today. October, 2009. |
| Herbal supplements: What to know before you buy Some herbal medicines have proved safe and effective, though others dangerous. Determine whether herbal supplements are right for you. Mayo Clinic 11/17/05. |
| Activation of autoimmunity following use of immunostimulatory herbal supplements. We describe 3 patients whose autoimmune disease onset and/or flares correlated with ingestion of herbal supplements with proven immunostimulatory effects. Immunostimulatory herbal supplements may exacerbate preexisting autoimmune disease or precipitate autoimmune disease in persons genetically predisposed to such disorders. PubMed. Arch Dermatol. 2004 Jun;140(6):723-7. |
| A Positive Approach to Scleroderma by Dr. Andrew Weil. |
| Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Scleroderma Excellent information on herbs, vitamins, acupuncture, massage therapy, and biofeedback. Aetna InteliHealth. |
| Abundant reinforcement of immune system is unhealthy. Activating the immune system by drugs without physician’s control is hazardous to health. If immunostimulant drugs are taken in case of any malaise, then, when intense work of the immune system is really needed for the organism, its reserves may fail. InnovationsReport. 05/05/06. |
| The supplement 5 Hydroxytryptophan (5HTP) should not be used alongside the Parkinsons drug carbidopa as it can cause skin changes similar to those that seen with the disease scleroderma. 5-HTP should not be combined with drugs that raise serotonin levels, for example SSRIs (e.g., Prozac), and other antidepressants. People with kidney disease or liver disease should consult their doctor before taking 5-HTP. Anti-Aging Library. (Also see: Causes of Scleroderma: Medications) |
| Antioxidants |
| Antioxidants: New Kid on the Block for Pain Relief? Researchers found that synthetic antioxidants practically eradicated pain-like behavior in nearly three-quarters of mice with inflamed hind paws. Ohio State University, Research Communications. 11/07/06 (Also See: Pain Management) |
| Lipid peroxidation and trace elements in systemic sclerosis. Oxidative stress appears to be important in the causation and perpetuation of tissue injury and fibrosis in systemic sclerosis or scleroderma (SSc). Our findings provide further evidence that lipid peroxidation is increased and antioxidant capacity is reduced in SSc. The gradual decline in MDA levels with time suggests that antioxidant therapy, if to be useful in SSc, is most likely to be effective early in the course of the disease. PubMed. Clin Rheumatol. 2005 Oct 25:1-5. (Also see: Causes of Scleroderma: Oxidative Stress) |
| Arachidonic and Docosahexaenoic Acids |
| Dietary supplementation of arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acids improves cognitive dysfunction. It is suggested from these data that ARA and DHA supplementation can improve the cognitive dysfunction due to organic brain damages or aging. Neurosci Res. 2006 Aug 11. |
| Cod Liver Oil |
| Cod liver oil (n-3 fatty acids) as an non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drug sparing agent in rheumatoid arthritis. Out of 49 patients 19 in the cod liver oil group and out of 48 patients 5 in the placebo group were able to reduce their daily NSAID requirement by >30%. (PubMed) Rheumatology (Oxford). 2008 Mar 24. (Also see: RA and Pain Management) |
| Curcumin (Turmeric) |
| Curcumin-Induced Apoptosis in Scleroderma Lung Fibroblasts. These observations suggest that curcumin may have therapeutic value in treating scleroderma, just as it has already been shown to protect rats from lung fibrosis induced by a variety of agents. E. Tourkina. American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology. Vol. 31, pp. 28-35, 2004. (Also see: Pulmonary Fibrosis) |
| Fish Oil |
| The use of fish oil in the community: results of a population-based study. Fish oil has been demonstrated to have symptomatic benefits and improve disease activity in Rheumatoid Arthritis. C. Hill. Rheumatology. January 27, 2009. (Also see: Rheumatoid Arthritis) |
| Mayo Clinic proceedings highlights research about cardiovascular benefits of omega-3 fatty acids. Two omega-3 fatty acids that have been associated with cardiovascular benefit, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), are found in fish oils. EurekAlert! 03/10/08. (Also see: Cardiac Involvement) |
| Fish Oil May Be Good Supplemental Treatment For Lupus. Study Suggests. At the end of the study, participants who had been taking omega-3 fish oil showed significant improvement in all areas of measurement, including improved blood vessel function and a reduction in cell damaging molecules—resulting in potential cardiovascular benefits. (Science Daily) American College of Rheumatology (2007, November 11). (Also see: Lupus) |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids Consumption Linked To Lower Type 1 Diabetes Risk For Higher Risk Children. Children who are at higher risk of developing Diabetes Type 1 might lower that risk if they regularly consume omega-3 fatty acids, according to preliminary research. You can read about this in a report published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). Medical News Today. 09/25/07. (Also see: Diabetes) |
| Collateral Benefits of Fish Oil Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis. In a small study, the proportion of patients in remission at 3 years was greater in the Fish Oil group than the No Fish Oil group (72% vs 31%). Editorial, Journal of Rheumatology. Vol 33: No 10 Oct 2006. (Also see: Rheumatoid Arthritis) |
| Licorice |
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| To date, there has been no scientific evidence on humans or animals that clearly proves that licorice or deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is effective for various conditions including apthous ulcers/canker sores, atopic dermatitis, peptic ulcer, and heartburn/reflux. Use of licorice or DGL for any condition should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. |
| Licorice Reduces Cyclosporine, Raises Methotrexate Levels. An ingredient in licorice, widely used in foods and herbal medicines, blocks cyclosporine absorption, significantly reducing the drug's serum levels and duration and has the opposite effect on Methotrexate. Janis Kelly, MSK Report, March 2009. (Also see: Cyclosporine and Methotrexate) |
| Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) and DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice). Licorice has a long history of medicinal use in Europe and Asia. At high doses, there are potentially severe side effects, including hypertension (high blood pressure), hypokalemia (low blood potassium levels) and fluid retention. MedilinePlus. |
| Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice, Carbenoxolone. This monograph discusses licorice; deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL), which does not contain glycyrrhizinic acid, a chemical in licorice that causes many side effects; and carbenoxolone, a chemical that can be processed out of licorice. Unproven uses for licorice and DGL include asthma, colitus, cough, depression, gastroesophageal reflux disease, inflammation, and skin disorders. Aetna InteliHealth. |
| Omega-6 |
| Omega fatty acid balance can alter immunity and gene expression. For the past century, changes in the Western diet have altered the consumption of omega-6 fatty acids (w6, found in meat and vegetable oils) compared with omega-3 fatty acids (w3, found in flax and fish oil). Many studies seem to indicate this shift has brought about an increased risk of inflammation (associated with autoimmunity and allergy). EurekAlert! 05/29/09. |
| Probiotics (Acidophilus, Microbes, Yogurt) |
| Effect of supplement with lactic-acid producing bacteria on fatigue and physical activity in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. The findings in this study that improvement of health is possible to achieve should encourage further studies with interventions with probiotics in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). The findings suggest that improvement of health is possible to achieve with interventions with probiotics in patients with CFS. A. Sullivan. Nutrition Journal. January 26, 2009. (Also see: CFS Treatments) |
| How Effective Are Probiotics In Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)? A systematic review of the efficacy of probiotics in IBS patients found that "probiotics are effective in IBS; however, there was not enough information to be sure whether there is one probiotic that is particularly effective or whether combinations of probiotics are required. ScienceDaily. 10/10/08. (Also see: IBS) |
| Probiotics helpful in warding off inflammatory, autoimmune diseases. Researchers found that probiotics have an anti-inflammatory potential seen as a decrease in serum CRP levels and as a reduction in bacteria-induced production of proinflammatory cytokines in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. EurekAlert!. 05/20/08. |
| Probiotics for Preventing and Treating Nosocomial Infections. Probiotics can prevent episodes of antibiotic-associated diarrhea, but their utility in treating and preventing Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea requires demonstration of benefit in multicenter clinical trials, preferably sponsored by the National Institutes. Chest. 2007; 132:286-294. (Also see: GI involvement) |
| Bowel Involvement: Acidophilus, Yogurt, and Other Probiotics. Eating 1 to 2 tablespoons a day of live culture acidophilus yogurt may be helpful for combatting bowel involvement with systemic scleroderma, especially small bowel bacterial overgrowth. It may also be particularly helpful when taking antibiotics. ISN. (Also see: Bowel Involvement and Probiotic Supplements on Amazon.) |
| Vitamins and Minerals |
| Effects of Iron Supplementation and Depletion on Hypoxic Pulmonary Hypertension Two Randomized Controlled Trials. Hypoxia is a major cause of pulmonary hypertension in respiratory disease and at high altitude. Hypoxic pulmonary hypertension may be attenuated by iron supplementation and exacerbated by iron depletion. Thomas G. Smith, MBBS, DPhil. JAMA. 2009;302(13):1444-1450. (Also see: Pulmonary Hypertension and Hypoxia) |
| Iron homoeostasis in rheumatic disease. Altered iron homoeostasis may represent a purposeful response to inflammation that could have theoretical anti-inflammatory benefits. Physicians should avoid routine iron supplementation in those without depleted iron stores. Joshua F. Baker. Rheumatology. July 23, 2009 (Also see: Anemia) |
| Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Vitamin D. Information about the popular supplement from Office of Dietary Supplements. National Institutes of Health. (Also see: Vitamin D) |
| How much vitamin D should someone over 55 take? Vitamin D is essential for promoting calcium absorption in the gut, build and preserve bone, helps prevent osteoporosis and helps decrease fracture risk. In addition, vitamin D may help in the prevention or treatment of type 1 diabetes, some cancers, and autoimmune diseases. Dr. Melina Jampolis. CNMHealth.com. 03/20/09. (Also see: Causes of Scleroderma: Vitamin D Deficiency) |
| Vitamin E shows possible promise in easing chronic inflammation. With up to half of a person’s body mass consisting of skeletal muscle, chronic inflammation of those muscles, which include those found in the limbs, can result in significant physical impairment. Vitamin E may be beneficial in individuals with chronic inflammation. News Bureau, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. 12/04/08. |
| Twenty-Five Ways to Spot Quacks and Vitamin Pushers How can food quacks and other vitamin pushers be recognized? Here are 25 signs that should arouse suspicion. QuackWatch. |
| Vitamin C and Chemotherapy: Bad Combo? The vitamin C blunted the effectiveness of the chemotherapy drugs from 30% to 70%, depending on the dose of vitamin C and the chemo drug. WebMD. 10/01/08. (Also see: Medication Interactions) |
| Quinine |
| Definition of Quinine. Quinine has been used outside of malaria as a remedy for fever and pain and to treat and prevent leg cramps. Prolonged administration of quinine may produce toxic symptoms such as deafness, disturbances in vision, skin rashes, and digestive upsets. MedicineNet.com |
| FDA: Don't Use Quinine for Leg Cramps. FDA Cracks Down on Unapproved Quinine Drugs, Cites Problems Including Deaths. WebMD Medical News. 12/12/06. |
| Acute pulmonary edema caused by quinine. A 57-year-old man who had been intermittently taking one 300-mg tablet of quinine sulfate orally for leg cramps experienced transient acute pulmonary edema and hypotension 30-40 minutes after ingestion on two consecutive occasions. PubMed. Pharmacotherapy. 2004 Sep;24(9):1221-4. |
| Quinine associated blindness. Visual loss has been associated with quinine serum concentrations above 10 microg/mL (therapeutic range 2-5 microg/mL). Other adverse reactions include neurological symptoms, haemolysis, acute renal failure and arrhythmia. PubMed. Aust Fam Physician. 2004 Aug;33(8):627-8. |
| Severe adverse effects of quinine: Report of seven cases. Quinine is a drug which is mainly used for prevention of nocturnal leg cramps. Serious side effects of this drug have been described in recent years, including cytopenias and the hemolytic-uremic syndrome. PubMed. Department of Renal Medicine. 2002 Oct;88(10):717-722. |
