@beckyjohnson what you say is true, but beyond individual allergies, I am just trying to make sure that I do not use anything that would be contraindicated with my immunosuppressants. That of course would apply to any of us on those pharmaceuticals.
JK

@contentandwell, I am a lot like you! I want to be sure that what I eat/drink is okay to use with my immunosuppressant meds. As a general rule, I may be over cautious,. Seldom do I feel like I'm deprived because I like to concentrate on taking care of me. I don't want to do anything to compromise my transplanted organs if I can avoid it.

I sometimes have asked different pharmacists about certain side or cautions, and even they disagree. That is my cue to 'don't' or to contact my coordinator.
There is a belief in our society that 'natural equates with 'safe'. That does make it difficult, doesn't it?
Nice to chat with you:-)
Rosemary

@rosemarya @contentandwell It is absolutely thrilling to know you do not want to compromise your donated organs (that means someone didn't donate in vain or die for nothing) by contradicting your immunosuppressants. What if your immunosuppressants were no longer part of your diet (if I dare call it diet) for whatever reason? Would you still have to avoid the same foods or just eat a healthy diet based on your individual condition?

@beckyjohnson, Great question. Immunosuppressants suppress the body’s immune system so that our ‘natural defense/our immune system response does not fight the transplanted organ. Think about how your body has its own defense system to fight off germ (foreign body)of flu, colds, scrape or cut. Well that same response will occur toward the (foreign) transplanted organ. The immunosuppressant drugs slow down the body’s natural response. This protects our transplanted organ from this defense system. If the meds are stopped-the organ fails (rejection). It also makes recipients vulnerable to infections and germs. that is why we take so many precautions and try to be careful.
Does this make sense?
Now it’s my bedtime. See you tomorrow.
Rosemary

@rosemarya I think more people are beginning to realize that natural can also mean unregulated and that can be dangerous. If you are going with "natural" foods and supplements you really need to make sure that the company is extremely reputable.
There really are so many different opinions though. I did read an article that a nutritionist at MGH sent to me and a lot of what it comes down to is to not overdo it. There are many things that are not problematic if used judiciously, like green tea, but if you drank an inordinate amount of it, it could be harmful.
Pretty much everyone knows that grapefruit juice interferes with a lot of drugs but when I got this list I discovered that pomegranate does also, and so does tangerine juice! These days pomegranates and pomegranate juice are so popular that they really need to be included in all of the information.
JK

@rosemarya It makes sense but it also makes me sad for both the giver & receivers who are not able to get their meds. I sure hope those links in the discussion thread Journey From the Donors Side helps at least one person (which is really 2, recipient/ donor) to keep whatever organ/s is improving their life to keep functioning well. A fine example of why I appreciate you doing your best to take of your life saving donations.

@contentandwell That is definitly a notable point to ponder. My 1st thought was I should have said organic only to remind myself there isn't much difference in the 2. What it really comes down to is reading labels & knowing where you food comes from. In doing this we are more likely to know the ingredients, how it was farmed/ raised & how it's processed. I'm blessed to live in the country & get many of my vegetables & fruits from local farmers that I personally know.

@contentandwell, I hear you loud and clear!
I knew about the grapefruit, and the pomegranates. But I had not heard about the tangerines, although I was once told to avoid Seville Oranges. So, for me, I miss the grapefruit, and am not bothered by the others (except for the popularity of pomegranates in everything theses days) Sometimes, I wonder if new medicines and research will make other recommendations in the future - it does keep us alert!
Rosemary

@beckyjohnson interesting question. I know that many of the things that need to be avoided are due to them either suppressing your immune system more, or less. It’s a delicate balance. I think there may be some things that are to be avoided because your transplanted organ is already fighting to stay healthy and you don’t want to up that battle. As I say that I am thinking specifically of alcohol, but I don’t know that for certain. Alcohol, particularly red wine, in moderation has been shown to have health benefits.
Rosemary or any other transplant recipients, do you know if alcohol does effect the immunosuppressants or is the concern for the transplanted liver?
JK

@rosemarya I too love grapefruit flavor. I rarely drank the juice (my husband has it always) but I enjoyed it in non-caloric beverages that have “essence of grapefruit” but even those need to be avoided. I like Pom juice also, and used to drink it because it had some health benefits so I am disappointed in that. We sure do have a lot of restrictions and the irony is that most of the things that are to be avoided are considered to be healthy!
JK