Autoimmune diseases and Immune Supporting Supplements

Posted by SusanEllen66 @SusanEllen66, Mar 6, 2023

Autoimmune disease is my body’s immune system attacking me instead of the “bad thing”.
I have to remember NOT to take anything that will support my immune system. It’s so easy to forget that I don’t want to support the system that is trying to hurt me…
I recently purchased a pre/probiotic product that also had lots of health greens etc. to boost my immune response…then I thought about it. Oh, no. I should not take something like that.

Does anyone else think about this when buying OTC health products?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Autoimmune Diseases Support Group.

I've never thought of that but I will now! So you are saying that we should not strengthen our immune system if we have an autoimmune disease? How do we stay healthy ? So confusing.

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@nannybrister

I've never thought of that but I will now! So you are saying that we should not strengthen our immune system if we have an autoimmune disease? How do we stay healthy ? So confusing.

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No I'm sorry that is not accurate. Your immune system is certainly not acting the way it's supposed to when you have autoimmune disease. That doesn't mean you shouldn't support it. You need an immune system to stay alive. 🙂 and yes eating healthy and eating greens and super greens is a good thing.

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I'm by far no expert and I do take a lot of supplements for my neuropathy but I thought I would provide a couple of references that speak to autoimmune conditions and supplements.

"Mar 24, 2022 — Vitamin D supplements really do reduce risk of autoimmune disease (New Scientist) · Taking Vitamin D Daily Can Help Prevent This Disease, New ..."
--- Can vitamin D supplements prevent autoimmune disease?:
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/can-vitamin-d-supplements-prevent-autoimmune-disease-202203242712.
--- The effects of immunostimulatory herbal supplements on autoimmune skin diseases:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7736300/.
--- How to Tackle the Relationship between Autoimmune Diseases and Diet: Well Begun Is Half-Done:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8620243/

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@nannybrister

I've never thought of that but I will now! So you are saying that we should not strengthen our immune system if we have an autoimmune disease? How do we stay healthy ? So confusing.

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@nannybrister I did not make myself clear. I’m referring to going out of our way to take extra things like over the counter stuff that promises to boost your immune system.
Sorry for the confusion.

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@olivesn

No I'm sorry that is not accurate. Your immune system is certainly not acting the way it's supposed to when you have autoimmune disease. That doesn't mean you shouldn't support it. You need an immune system to stay alive. 🙂 and yes eating healthy and eating greens and super greens is a good thing.

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@olivesn sorry for the confusion.
I am referring to taking products that say they will boost your immune system to keep you from getting sick.
A healthy diet is essential. I’m not sure we should go out of our way to take products not food.

Sorry for the confusion.

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@johnbishop

I'm by far no expert and I do take a lot of supplements for my neuropathy but I thought I would provide a couple of references that speak to autoimmune conditions and supplements.

"Mar 24, 2022 — Vitamin D supplements really do reduce risk of autoimmune disease (New Scientist) · Taking Vitamin D Daily Can Help Prevent This Disease, New ..."
--- Can vitamin D supplements prevent autoimmune disease?:
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/can-vitamin-d-supplements-prevent-autoimmune-disease-202203242712.
--- The effects of immunostimulatory herbal supplements on autoimmune skin diseases:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7736300/.
--- How to Tackle the Relationship between Autoimmune Diseases and Diet: Well Begun Is Half-Done:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8620243/

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@johnbishop I find this all fascinating! Sticking my two cents worth in here. While I deal with autoimmune conditions, I am also immunosuppressed due to conditions and chemotherapy. It's so confusing trying to balance everything and be as healthy as possible!
Ginger

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@gingerw

@johnbishop I find this all fascinating! Sticking my two cents worth in here. While I deal with autoimmune conditions, I am also immunosuppressed due to conditions and chemotherapy. It's so confusing trying to balance everything and be as healthy as possible!
Ginger

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Sigh....you are not alone my friend! 🤗

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@SusanEllen66

@olivesn sorry for the confusion.
I am referring to taking products that say they will boost your immune system to keep you from getting sick.
A healthy diet is essential. I’m not sure we should go out of our way to take products not food.

Sorry for the confusion.

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Yes, I see what you mean.... They are different.

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I have several autoimmune conditions. My rheumatologist told me to not take zinc, echinacea, or melatonin since these supplements boost the immune system. Unfortunately, I also have primary immunodeficiency, which is common in people with autoimmune diseases, and therefore means I get a lot of sinus infections and colds and can’t take anything to prevent them. It’s certainly a conundrum!

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