B Complex - Can
bolster metabolism, help prevent anemia, can help treat
stress, depression and cardiovascular disease.
Calcium -
Prevents osteoporosis (bone thinning).
Copper -
Involved in the production of hemoglobin and collagen.
DHEA - May
reduce SLE disease activity.
Folic Acid -
Recommended for patients taking methotrexate.
Garlic - May
reduce cholesterol, prevent clotting in the arteries, have
antibacterial, and antifungal effects.
Iron - Used to
treat or prevent anemia.
Magnesium - Has
sedative effects. May be recommended for diabetics,
patients w/ malabsorptive problems and those on diuretics.
Helps prevents osteoporosis.
Multi-vitamin -
May help keep vitamin and mineral levels balanced.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids
(Fish Oil, Flax Seed Oil, etc.) - May reduce risk of
coronary artery disease, and cancer. May have
anti-inflammatory effects. May lower
LDL and
triglycerides and raise
HDL.
Potassium - May
be recommended to patients on Diuretics.
St. John's Wort -
Most commonly used for depression and anxiety.
Vitamin D - Aids
in the absorption of calcium.
Beans - Contain
hydrazines and amines. In large amounts can aggravate
Lupus symptoms.
Bromelain (Pineapple enzyme)
- Possible interaction w/ blood-thinning drugs.
Canavanine - Found in alfalfa
sprouts, tablets and tea. In large amounts this can
cause immune problems.
Cat's Claw - Possible
interaction w/ blood-thinning drugs.
Cayenne Pepper - Possible
interaction with MAO inhibitors and anti-hypertensives. In
large quantities, may cause damage to the liver or kidneys.
Chamomile - Possible
interaction w/ blood-thinning drugs.
Devil's Claw - Possible
interaction w/ antacids, cardiac or diabetic medications.
Use with caution is taking NSAIDs, which can irritate the
stomach, as it can stimulate stomach acids.
DHEA - May cause liver damage
if taking azathioprine or methotrexate. Can increase insulin
resistance or sensitivity in diabetics.
Dong Quai - Possible
interaction w/ blood-thinning drugs. May increase sun
sensitivity.
Echinacea - May be toxic to
the liver if used for more than eight weeks. Should not be
used with drugs that can cause liver problems, such as
anabolic steroids, amiodarone, methotrexate and ketoconazole.
Should not be given with immunosuppressants such as
corticosteroids and cyclosporine because it can stimulate
the immune system.
Evening primrose oil and borage (GLA)
- Should not be used with anticonvulsants because they
may lower the seizure threshold. Not recommended for
patients diagnosed with schizophrenia. Possible
interaction w/ blood-thinning drugs.
Feverfew - Effect on migraine
headaches may be compromised by non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen.
Not to be used if pregnant, as it may cause miscarriage.
Possible interaction w/ blood-thinning drugs.
Fish Oil (Omega-3 fatty acids)
- Possible interaction w/ blood-thinning drugs.
Garlic - Possible interaction
w/ blood-thinning drugs. May also interact with
hypoglycemic medications, and anti-inflammatory drugs.
Ginger - Possible interaction
w/ blood-thinning drugs. Do not use if you have
gallstones. Large quantities may interfere with cardiac, or
anti-diabetic.
Gingko - Possible interaction
w/ blood-thinning drugs. Also should not be used in
conjunction with anticonvulsant drugs used by epileptics,
such as carbamazepine, phenytoin and Phenobarbital, or with
tricyclic antidepressants.
Ginseng - Possible
interaction w/ blood-thinning drugs. Also may cause
headache, tremulousness and manic episodes in patients
treated with phenelzine sulfate. Should not be used
with estrogens or corticosteroids because it may add to
those drugs' side effects. May also interfere with the
heart drug digoxin or with digoxin monitoring. Should
not be used by diabetics because it can affect blood glucose
levels.
Goldenseal - Should be
avoided by people with high blood pressure. Possible
interaction w/ blood-thinning drugs.
Karela - Should not be used
by patients with diabetes because it can affect blood
glucose levels.
Kava - Should not be used
with the tranquillizer alprazolam because it may result in
coma. Do not take with sleeping medications or
tranquilizers.
Kelp - May interfere with
thyroid replacement therapies.
Liquorice - Can offset the
effect of the diuretic drug spironolactone. May also
interfere with heart drug digoxin or with digoxin
monitoring. Potassium loss due to other drugs, e.g.,
thiazide diuretics, can be increased.
Magnesium - Diuretics such as
Lasix and hydrochlorothiazide can deplete magnesium.
Melatonin - Appears to boost
the immune system, so should be avoided by people with
autoimmune diseases including Lupus.
Mushrooms - Contain
hydrazines and amines. In large amounts can aggravate
Lupus symptoms.
Potassium - Diuretics such as
Lasix and hydrochlorothiazide can deplete potassium.
Salt - Can cause water
retention and increase edema.
St. John's Wort - Can produce
skin reactions to light so fair-skinned users may wish to
take care and anyone taking other drugs that cause light
sensitivity, such as piroxicam or tetracycline, may want to
avoid this herb. The active ingredient in St. John's
Wort is uncertain, so it should not be used with two common
types of psychiatric drugs called monoamine oxidase
inhibitors and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
Tannic acid in the herb may inhibit absorption of iron.
Can block the effects of drugs, including oral
contraceptives, tricyclic antidepressants, cyclosporin, and
several heart drugs. Possible interaction w/
blood-thinning drugs.
Stinging Nettle - May
increase the effects of tranquilizers and sedative drugs.
May decrease the effect of certain cardiac and diabetic
drugs.
Valerian - Should not be used
with barbiturates, such as thiopental and pentobarbital -can
cause excessive sedation. Do not use if taking tranquilizers
or sleep medications, as it increases the effect.
White willow bark - Aspirin
is made from the drug salaicin, which is contained in White
Willow Bark . Possible interaction w/ blood-thinning
drugs.
