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Date: 03.04.2014
From: sleepydanielle

Subject: Does anyone know what supplements reduce inflammation?

Hi, i have googled this but i get a lot of different info and it mainly talks about B vitamins and fish oils and fruits and veg. Does anyone know or has anyone taken supplements that has helped swelling or inflammation?
I guess im hoping for something i havent heard of as i eat lots of veg and take cod liver oil. I dont take B vitamins so not sure. Does anyone know of anything that is good for inflammation? I get quite scared reading how inflammation in the body can lead to all sorts of diseases and cancers :O
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Date: 03.04.2014
From: bsk

Subject: Re: Does anyone know what supplements reduce inflammation?

Hi Danielle, I can't remember what meds you are on but you need to check with your rheumy before taking anything as some things can caused raised liver enzymes and damage, especially if you are on methotrexate. You could also take a look at Arthritis Research UK's page on complimentary medicines.
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Date: 03.04.2014
From: Julie

Subject: Re: Does anyone know what supplements reduce inflammation?

Hi, I have just been doing a lot of reading about Coriander. It is good for allsorts of things and one of them is inflammation. I chew on the raw leaves, not bad taste really. I originally read up about it because I was concerned about the levels of mercury we get from having teeth filled. It helps by helping the liver to get rid of the toxins. Not fully aware of how it works but whilst I was researching I saw it was good for arthritis and inflammation, so I am hoping I get a double whammy from eating it!!!

But like bsk says I would ask your rheumy first before trying anything, just to be safe.
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Date: 03.04.2014
From: sleepydanielle

Subject: Re: Does anyone know what supplements reduce inflammation?

bsk, im going to be starting sulfasalzine soon, tbh i completely forgot about the interactions other things could have. Because im thinking its vitamins that i want to take, i dont think of them being a problem compared to if it was other medication. My rheumy actually said there wasnt any point in taking immune boosters like vit c because its doing the opposite job to what the dmards are meant to be doing. This confuses me though because does that mean i shouldnt eat fruits and veg with vitamins in because it will stop the dmards working?? I dont get it.
Julie, thanku for the info, thats really interesting about the coriander, where do u get it from just the supermarket? I did read tht garlic was an antiinflammotory do i chomped on a garlic clove earlier lol. It gave me a bit of a stomach ache tho a strange one although it didnt last too long. I must be mad eating a raw garlic vlove but im not sure if the garlic supplements are good enough to have the same effect on inflammation :-\ xx
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Date: 03.04.2014
From: Colin W

Subject: Re: Does anyone know what supplements reduce inflammation?

hi danielle , there is some vitamins you should be having like vitamin d & zinc is good , fish oils are good for inflammation & some gels like devil's claw help but never found the tablets helped in any way

as for food , I never foumd any that makes it better , just some that make it worse but it varies from person to person which foods cause us problems
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Date: 03.04.2014
From: bsk

Subject: Re: Does anyone know what supplements reduce inflammation?

You don't want to boost your immune system as it will cause more inflammation. The drugs are to damp it down to stop your body attacking itself. Eating a healthy diet is recommended.
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Date: 03.04.2014
From: Sean

Subject: Re: Does anyone know what supplements reduce inflammation?

Sorry to disagree but I have a completely different stance - auto immune disease is not an over active immune system it is a weak immune system that is struggling to differentiate between you and foreign proteins.

Turmeric (you need a lot unless you take a curcumin supplement) acts as an antibacterial and disease modififier as it is a strong estrogen blocker. Reduce estrogen heavy foods!

I've been taking zinc regularly (often 2 to 3 times a day) and have also in the last week started a high vitamin D dose every other day. I keep up with Magnesium (bones and joints and enzyme function and an alkaline gut) and manganese (for ligament and connective tissue) and selenium for detox and gut repair.

Keep moving and do something weight bearing to stimulate osteoblasts and bone resorption.
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Date: 03.04.2014
From: Julie

Subject: Re: Does anyone know what supplements reduce inflammation?

Danielle I buy my coriander from supermarket either in a bag or the one which is growing in a pot, its usually near the fresh herbs.

Like Colin said some foods can cause problems, I was eating a lot of oranges for the vitamin C, thought I was doing good but maybe I was boosting my immune system - which we are on medication to reduce - and it made my inflammation worse, once stopped inflammation calmed down. Its all about learning what works for you, there is a lot of help on this forum so Im sure you will get some good advice.
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Date: 03.04.2014
From: Suz

Subject: Re: Does anyone know what supplements reduce inflammation?

I agree with Sean, I found eating broccoli helps calm them joints too Danielle the sulfur compound in the vegetables help's the joints relax

I read Curcumin is good and grape seed extract for inflammation but do be careful not to take them the same time as NSAIDS OR DMARDS

This thread is quite helpful as to what Sean mentioned about keeping to move and stimulate osteoblasts, I must do that I feel my joints are really stiff.
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Date: 03.04.2014
From: bsk

Subject: Re: Does anyone know what supplements reduce inflammation?

I agree with keeping moving. Broccoli does nothing for me but I do take vitamin D as prescribed. I don't have an auto immune disease as am seronnegative and bloods negative for it.
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Date: 03.04.2014
From: rhona

Subject: Re: Does anyone know what supplements reduce inflammation?

I didn't know that bsk, I though all cases of RA were classed as auto immune diseases.
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Date: 03.04.2014
From: bsk

Subject: Re: Does anyone know what supplements reduce inflammation?

Well, I've tested negative and had the discussion with my rheumy.
It can change; they test me regularly. But at the moment,there is no evidence for it. Anyway, I'm convinced mine is from cadmium poisoning. I used cadmium paints for years, practically wallowed in the stuff. It sort of doesn't matter anymore.
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Date: 03.04.2014
From: Sean

Subject: Re: Does anyone know what supplements reduce inflammation?

Suz

Have you taken grapeseed extract - it is one I considered in the past during my painful periods a few years ago - but as it happened I had got confused as the supplement GSE is actually Grapefruit Seed Extract - which is a good natural antibiotic - including against some of our autoimmune foes Proteus, Klebsiella and Mycobacterium and s mentioned a lot in alternative therapies for autism also.
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Date: 03.04.2014
From: Sean

Subject: Re: Does anyone know what supplements reduce inflammation?

Crohns / Celiac and my AS is classed as autoimmune - i dont think Seronegative has anything to do with classification.

Im no expert but thought seonegative is just for a specific antibody.

Celiac is evidence that a foreign protein can cause a weak immune system to generate self antibodies - it affects all organs of the body. Skin, brain, heart as well as the gut.
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Date: 04.04.2014
From: sleepydanielle

Subject: Re: Does anyone know what supplements reduce inflammation?

Thank you for all the information. Really interesting reading this thread.
I am have seronegative RA apparently and my blood work was all fine, does that mean i dont have an autoimmune disease? Really confused. I thought i still had an autoimmune disease which is why ive been prescribed DMARDs?
Think im going to re-read this thread and take some notes! Really intetesting about some of the things to try. Bit confused about proteous klebsiella etc what are those? And where do u get GSE from? Xx
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Date: 04.04.2014
From: bsk

Subject: Re: Does anyone know what supplements reduce inflammation?

Danielle, you have to remember that what you read on here can be people's opinions and not necessarily accurate, true, or relevant to you. My advice is to do your own research, talk to your doctors and get the information about your condition and your treatment that you need to make decisions.

We are all different and disease activity can vary enormously from person to person as can the treatment. Please don't take everything as gospel truth. It may be helpful to you or may not be. It takes time to understand all the ins and outs of treatment. I change my views a lot and feel very differently about things now from when I first got diagnosed.
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Date: 04.04.2014
From: Susan

Subject: Re: Does anyone know what supplements reduce inflammation?

If you have RA, seronegative or not, then bsk you DO have an autoimmune disease. Its not a matter of opinion but medical fact. You can't have 2 people with crohns and have one classed as having an autoimmune disease and one not. They both do because crohns is an autoimmune condition, just as RA is. Seronegative is just the term used when it doesnt show on your blood test but you still have RA. You and Danielle both have an autoimmune disease if you both have seronegative RA.
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Date: 04.04.2014
From: Suz

Subject: Re: Does anyone know what supplements reduce inflammation?

Sean

I was confused with grapefruit seed extract at point as well but GSE is definitely only grape seed extract I have taken it and still do sometimes, I took it at earlier times when I had My R.A flares and in combination with Curcumin it reduces inflammation and kept disease activity really low and your right its antibacterial and anti allergy effect does stop growth of the bacteria you mentioned.

Danielle if you do wish to take any of these supplements do read about it yourself first and make your decision, from my end I would say they do help at certain extent in reducing inflammation.
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Date: 05.04.2014
From: marlene

Subject: Re: Does anyone know what supplements reduce inflammation?

I have just had this discussion with my GP regarding inflammation from my OA and she gave me steroids to reduce it. She also said nothing is proved to help everyone and could give me a whole long list and none could work for me. I take Vit C and D from my GP and Fish oil just because I read everywhere it is good for me.
So like most on here I would say research then ask your GP or Rhumy team. Don't throw hundreds of pounds down the drain many of us have done that. Make sure nothing clashes with your meds.
It is all very confusing!!!

Take care and good luck.
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Date: 05.04.2014
From: Linda

Subject: Re: Does anyone know what supplements reduce inflammation?

I take fish oil, magnesium and boron and I am quite interested in GSE. The effects are I think are quite subtle, but can make some difference when it comes to perhaps pain and inflammation.
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Date: 05.04.2014
From: Sean

Subject: Re: Does anyone know what supplements reduce inflammation?

I met a trainee doctor - last month and he told me they get 2 weeks training in diet and nutrition.

IMO Asking them about supplements is a bit like asking your butcher which vegetables are in season.
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Date: 06.04.2014
From: Linda

Subject: Re: Does anyone know what supplements reduce inflammation?

I wonder if they're allowed to suggest supplements Sean. They do prescribe certain supplements like calcium and iron where there's an obvious deficiency and they don't have a drug for it.

The same with diet. They don't care what you eat unless you've got something like diabetes.
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Date: 07.04.2014
From: Sean

Subject: Re: Does anyone know what supplements reduce inflammation?

Hi Linda

I guess they simply correct imbalances based on what they test for.

The trouble is what understanding of nutrition has moved on and we now know that a calcium deficiency is just as likely to be a magnesium deficieny that is causing the calcium deficiency.

By supplementing calcium especially carbonate - you get free calcium that is not being taken up in to the bones.

I think Colin's point is key on this - which is with anyone under medical guidance that is taking immunosupressing drugs them really all bets are off regarding supplementation - what is the point in trying to boost a weak "misfiring" immune system whilst a drug is trying to switch it off.

From my own reading and experience of taking Magnesium and Calcium for 20 years - I dont think doctors should supplement calcium on its own. I found this to back up my thoughts from a well respected blogger. I see you take mnagnesium so i Guess you feel the same about this?

http://chriskresser.com/calcium-supplements-why-you-should-think-twice
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Date: 07.04.2014
From: Julie

Subject: Re: Does anyone know what supplements reduce inflammation?

Sean what do you mean about supplementing Calcium especially carbonate? I have this prescribed and been taking for months, is it not worth taking or have I misunderstood.

I've been eating raw Coriander for a week now, nothing has changed still as much pain and still as much inflammation. Only thing that works at minute is oral steroids - for me anyway - and they don't work as much as I have been reducing dose.
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Date: 07.04.2014
From: rhona

Subject: Re: Does anyone know what supplements reduce inflammation?

Sean, I always thought you needed Vitamin D to help absorb the calcium. Does this mean that you don't need to take Vitamin D with calcium if it is taken along with magnesium? or should you take all three together?
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Date: 07.04.2014
From: marlene

Subject: Re: Does anyone know what supplements reduce inflammation?

Julie, this was my point when I said my Gp could give me a whole list of supplements but the benefits to ME she couldn't say what they would be. This is because what works for You may not necessarily work for Me and Visa Versa. My Gp has me on steroids oral and antibiotics as a test to see if this helps me so far so good.
I know Sean is very well read and a great supporter of Diet and Supplement and if it works for him then fair play. I have to say I have tried many and wasted a lot of money and nothing has helped me so far but who knows what I may come across in the future.
Take care
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Date: 07.04.2014
From: Sean

Subject: Re: Does anyone know what supplements reduce inflammation?

Hi Julie

Calcium Carbonate is not as easy to absorb - as it relies on an acid stomach from certain meals. Citrate is better absorbed. Nothing inherently wrong with Carbonate.

The question I have is whether we need calcium supplements at all. In western food - we are artificially supplemented to the hilt with Calcium with "fortified" this and that - but osteoporosis still increases despite this.

Which is why I would put my money on magnesium being the more important mineral - as it works in synergy with Vitamin D to ensure that Calcium is utilised properly.
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Date: 07.04.2014
From: Sean

Subject: Re: Does anyone know what supplements reduce inflammation?

Rhona - with Marlene's caveat of what works for one might not works for anyone else.

My current supplementation (as well as my strict diet) is to take Zinc Citrate with my Vitamin D (2 x 2200 iu) every other day. IN THE MORNING - as you dont want sunshine at bedtime.

Then on the other days I take morning and evening

A single supplement (Magnesium with Calcium - with more 2 x more Magnesium than Calcium)

1 Manganese

1 Zinc (again)
1 Selenium (my wife has 5 brazil nuts a day instead!)

I am better than I have been in quite a few years - and I know I'm lucky!

There is some contraversy regarding some of the doses given - for example a trial of Vitamin D supplementation was "in effect" saying that 30 seconds of sunshine per day was not enough to correct an autoimmune issue. Other advocate a very high loading dose to bring Vit D levels back up to normal range and I believe higher doses have been used theraputically in other autoimmune diseases.

Marlene - I read that Calcium supplements interfere with some antibiotics (including the ones used in AP) just in case you take any.
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Date: 07.04.2014
From: rhona

Subject: Re: Does anyone know what supplements reduce inflammation?

Thanks for your reply Sean. It all sounds a bit complicated to me. I took calcium with Vitamin D for years but stopped taking it when i went onto all the other meds when i was diagnosed with ra. I'm not sure whether i should take it again or not. It would be good if they would check us for any deficiencies but all they checked for was iron deficiency and I now get b12 injections.
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Date: 08.04.2014
From: marlene

Subject: Re: Does anyone know what supplements reduce inflammation?

I agree Rhona it is all a bit complicated. Sean is very well read and has much more understanding. I have tried to follow lots of the sites and get a bit lost at times. Somewhere it will all contradict what I have just read.
I will be just sticking with Calcium Vit D and fish oil capsules does any of it work for me ???

Take care.
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Date: 08.04.2014
From: rhona

Subject: Re: Does anyone know what supplements reduce inflammation?

I agree Marlene, he is well read. I have even read that calcium supplements can sometimes be harmful. I would be happier knowing for sure what my body needs rather than just guessing what to take. Perhaps I should try and read more about it but even then there is usually contradictions in what I read.
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Date: 08.04.2014
From: Bogwart

Subject: Re: Does anyone know what supplements reduce inflammation?

Sean, you blind people with your science. Some of the stuff you put out there is complete nonsense and you know it. I think your heart is in the right place but the brain is wanting to please Arthritis Forum and The Roadback. You run with the fox and hunt with hound.
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Date: 08.04.2014
From: bsk

Subject: Re: Does anyone know what supplements reduce inflammation?

Rhona, I've been told that too. I do take Vit D but it has been prescribed for me. I used to take all sorts of stuff when I was young and in pre-internet days and some of it has been found to be harmful in the long term. I am conservative in that respect now (but not a lot else!)
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Date: 08.04.2014
From: Sean

Subject: Re: Does anyone know what supplements reduce inflammation?

Bogwart - whoever you are I will answer any questions you have about me - my arthritis and my battle I have had over 30 years - I am very open and honest.

Please refrain from lowering the tone!
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Date: 09.04.2014
From: rhona

Subject: Re: Does anyone know what supplements reduce inflammation?

I have been doing my homework tonight bsk and reading about Vitamin D and I think I will start taking it. I have read that people with long term inflammatory conditions are usually short of it. I'm not too sure how much I should take though. No point in asking the doctor to test for it as I also read the test is expensive and they don't routinely do it. What dose do you take if you don't mind me asking?
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Date: 09.04.2014
From: bsk

Subject: Re: Does anyone know what supplements reduce inflammation?

They keep testing it, Rhona, I didn't know it was expensive. Your hospital will probably do it for you. I take 1000 iu. You are supposed to take it 30 mins after a meal but I can't swallow tablets without food so take it with breakfast. You could ask for a prescription.
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Date: 09.04.2014
From: Linda

Subject: Re: Does anyone know what supplements reduce inflammation?

I'm also prescribed calcium plus VD3 because I can't go out in the sun. The variety of Supplements can be quite mind boggling and some are expensive. I buy magnesium and boron supplements and at least one of my doctors is very pleased I am taking fish oils.

Actually Bogwart, I find Sean's post's about diet to be very informative. Just I find other people's experiences on here informative and interesting.
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Date: 09.04.2014
From: marlene

Subject: Re: Does anyone know what supplements reduce inflammation?

Hi Rhona, ask your GP to test you that's how I found out I was short of vit D. The Gp should prescribe it for you with no issue. Lacking Vit D stops the calcium depositing correctly so not good for us at all. That's what my GP said is the best way to explain the reason why lacking Vit D must be treated.


Bogwart please don't spoil the thread!!!!!
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Date: 09.04.2014
From: Bsk

Subject: Re: Does anyone know what supplements reduce inflammation?

Oh Bogwart is alright!
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Date: 09.04.2014
From: rhona

Subject: Re: Does anyone know what supplements reduce inflammation?

I have just read that vitamin D is actually a hormone. I am finding this all quite interesting now and will ask for a test the next time I'm at the doctor/hospital. I also read of somewhere advertising to do the test for £25, so not what I would call expensive. So many contradictions on the internet.
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Date: 09.04.2014
From: bsk

Subject: Re: Does anyone know what supplements reduce inflammation?

Yes, do ask, Rhona.
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