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Are there any supplement suggestions?
MAC & Bronchiectasis | Last Active: Dec 28, 2025 | Replies (21)Comment receiving replies
@smtdoc I general if you have a varied and nutritious diet, most supplements just give you expensive pee. To avoid that, you can have your doc check your vitamin levels a d supplement only those which are low or borderline.
That said, cucumin is anti-inflammatory, but if you use NSAIDS, blood thinners or some other medications it is not a good idea. As @ursula7 said, both NAC and mullein are known to thin mucus, but some people are sensitive to them. My pulmonologist strongly recommends a low (1000-2000 iu) of vitamin D3, because it supports the immune system. If you are on antibiotics, many people find probiotics helpful in easing digestive issues.
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@sueinmn Merry, Happy......holiday season for you...... and all.
I agree with the Vitamin D due to a very bad experience I had and what I know happens if I do not take it regularly. Learned the hard way and believe my D levels for years were low (not tested when it should have been years ago) and had a role in my having BE. When I was finally tested I was near 0.
Now for all vitamin supplements. I know doctors have said the same thing to patients you mentioned and yet other doctors do recommend a supplement with certain circumstances.' For myself, with staying aware of my own body etc., the supplements have helped me several and many times during my life. Example: Vitamin D.
So again..... be it how each of us experiences BE and all that goes along with BE....I feel vitamins in different ways do help. We are all different.
I have had sodium/potassium problems in the past when taking bone density medication that had sodium in it. I stopped taking them and have done just fine so far at 83 + in the bone department.
For me I believe the nebulizing saline affects my sodium/potassium balance. I have leg cramps at night and when I do I take a supplement, a potassium supplement, for a quick boost and of course eat those bananas also. My belief....my digestive system isn't perfect, as many things in life aren't, and I like to take certain supplements to supplement what I feel I need at the time.
My sister turned 70 and due to our genes, her being vegetarian and taking much in the way of supplements she has no chronic illness or major health problem to date. Hip replacement and that is it...no other hospitalizations etc.
Yes one doesn't know exactly why she is without a health problem (thank goodness it is that way for her) but for me it all plays a role. Each time she feels she needs to see a doctor to understand what she may be feeling and gets a diagnosis (that's what she goes to the doctor for, the diagnosis) she will go home and begin a supplement regime to help the specific problem. So far it has always worked for her. I have done the same and do the same. However, all problems in the past were fixable in the past and 'curable'.... but not this BE. No supplement will cure it nor so far to my understanding no doctor prescribed medicine either will cure BE...not curable.
So, my two cents in the world of taking or not taking supplements. I especially take the D, C, Zinc, Garlic, B vitamins etc. I believe the supplements have kept me strong...that along with light exercise.
So far I have kept the Intercellular at the low level, as you know Sue, and overall energy level is good and sleep is better than it was two years ago..... before BE diagnosis.
My share for what it is worth........
Hope we all find our way to what we feel works for us health wise ........be it physically, emotionally or mentally. As we have shared with each other, we are all different.
Barbara