Autoimmune diseases and Immune Supporting Supplements

I’m unsure about what to eat. Or what vitamins to take. Help

Hi Judith,
It IS very confusing! I am not a medical professional but here is my advice:
1. Remember that "This is a marathon, not a sprint."

1. Only get advice from reliable sources. There's a lot of crap on the internet. Use the links to NIH (National Institutes of Health) that were posted earlier.

2. Remember that good advice for "normal" people may NOT be good advice for people on immunosuppressing medications. Read labels/directions/indications carefully.

3. Start small.
I would start small. Pick one thing with the advice of your doctor, and do that.

In my case (ankylosing spondylitis), my rheumatologist suggested that I start with reducing my sugar intake.

For the first 2 weeks or so, I kind of reduced my sugar and I didn't notice any change. I was disappointed but I figured that I hadn't really tried. So, for the next month to six weeks, I really went all-out on sugar reduction. It was really hard! But it actually began to work! I lost weight, too! And began to experience a reduction in pain levels. Not a miracle elimination of pain, but definitely less. I got "progress, not perfection," but I won't let "perfection be the enemy of the good," so I won't give up. The quoted phrases are things that I repeat to myself when I am discouraged.

While you are actively working on your "start small," you can poke around for more information on what to do next. It's a marathon, not a sprint.

Good luck! Keep your chin up. Best wishes!

Especially during the winter months as well as during the time of Covid, I have been taking supplements to support my immune system. These include mushroom compounds, herbal tinctures and general immunity support products. I have never gotten a clear answer if things which stimulate my immune system are advised for those of us with autoimmune diseases, or if stimulating the immune system is to be avoided as it increases the response of a system already working overtime. Any help would be appreciated.

I am 25+ years trying to get answers for a complex situation. Credible research does show immunosupressants are often prescribed to control the immune response. A traditionally trained and experienced doctor, with an interest in complementary alternative modalities, may be your best resource. We are each unique - autoimmunes are the most challenging - no one is "textbook" and requires time and effort to find the answers & the mix that works for each of us. As accurate as diagnosis as possible is necessary, then go from there. There are excellent doctors out there -don't settle for anything less. Keep a diary/journal of what you are doing for yourself, and how you believe you are doing. A short pencil is more reliable than a long memory - details matter, and so do you.

@jbeattievt You’ve asked a common question. I asked that question of my rheumatologist when I saw him last week and his answer was ‘no’ you don’t need immune supplements or boosters. “ You’re taking medicine to keep your immune system down.”
This article, by the Center for Disease Controls offers this information:
https://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpao/features/enhance-immunity/index.html
They talk about the best way to safely support your immune system.
What and how many, supplements do you take everyday?

@jbeattievt and @flamingal, I merged your discussion with this existing discussion:
- Autoimmune diseases and Immune Supporting Supplements: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/autoimmune-diseases-and-immune-supporting-supplements/

I did this so you can read previous posts and connect with others on this topic like @SusanEllen66 @gingerw @olivesn @tinder68 @judithfraser000 @annewoodmayo and others.

@jbeattievt, have you discussed this with your rheumatologist?

I'm wondering the same thing.