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Can you go overboard on supplements???

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 9/19/2007 9:05 AM (GMT -6)
So, Ive been reading a lot of peoples posts about all the different supplements that they take and how different things help for different problems. (ie. flax oil, fish oil, coconut oil, olive oil, probiots, digestive enzyms, fiber supplements, multi-vitamins, aloe juices, etc, etc, etc)

What I would like to know is...

# 1. "Is there a post buried on this site that tells you a guide-line on the different supplements you should be taking that helps with UC?"

# 2. "Is there anywere to find out if, when mixing all these different supplements, can they end up cancelling each other out or having any adverse affects?

# 3. "What you should and should not mix together?"

# 4. "Can you over-dose on taking too many different kinds of supplements?"

If there is a post or link that would answer these questions, I would be greatful to know, and would also like to suggest that, if possible, an admin make a sticky thread of the answers for us newly diagnosed that are looking for answers on this very wide ranged, confusing topic.

Thanks again for everyones input.  This is an incredible site.

Posted 9/19/2007 12:20 PM (GMT -6)
1. We can't have a handy help all guide because these supplements may or may not work for everybody. For instance, many can take fish oil however I can't because it does the opposite for me in which it's intended. The same with fiber, my body absolutely HATES fiber in any form. I've tried various forms and found that I just can't handle it. So the best thing you can do is look at everyones signature and see if it's something you would like to try or not.

2. www.drugdigest.com is a pretty good sight for drug/herb/supplement interactions.

4. In supplements, yes there is a chance of overdosing yourself which is why you should always rely on the manufacters direction. I know that with probiotics, you can't overdose because what your body doesn't need will eliminate it easily.

The admin only reserves the sticky's on top for important announcements and resources and as far as I know has no intention of changing that.
Posted 9/19/2007 12:54 PM (GMT -6)
Alot of your questions could be answered by a herbalist but basically what works for one IBDer doesn't necessarily work for another, often a combination of a few things together work best, you just have to find your personalized combo, with that said I will mention that overall, fibre supplements, probiotics and fish oils are essentially a must for IBDers in general.

Red, you should really get some fibre in you on a daily basis, I know you said they kill you but those symptoms are just temporary until your system adjusts, always start with a small amount and only increase if necessary...sticking with it daily is a must in order for your system to adjust.

:)
Posted 9/19/2007 1:16 PM (GMT -6)
I do eat some fiber, though not much. I eat a Romaine lettuce salad everyday (usually) with cheddar cheese, sun flower seeds and dressing. Is that considered fiberous?? But one time I tried a fiber supplement (can't remember the name) and I had intense abdominal pain, bm's that went from soft serve twice a day to explosive D 10-15 times a day. I kept telling myself to give it time so I went on with 2 weeks of that and I just couldn't handle it anymore. After I started feeling better, I tried other fiber supplements all with the same results - I even tried some that Quincy recommended and even though the symptoms were less severe, I still had the same results. I must just have a real stubborn and cranky colon!
Posted 9/19/2007 1:22 PM (GMT -6)
FosterDad,

Unless you go to an herbalist, I highly recommend doing a heck of a lot of research before taking a new supplement. I always doing a great deal of reading and web searches on each supplement. I check on possible interactions, complication with my other medical considerations, and experiences others have had with it, not to mention any actual medical studies.
Many supplements, such as most of those used in food, are very safe. However, just because you don't need a prescription to get them doesn't mean they can't cause problems or be dangerous.
Posted 9/19/2007 1:36 PM (GMT -6)
Yes, there are supplements that you should not take together for various reasons. And there are some that you want to combine for various reasons.

For example: Vitamin C helps with Iron absorption. Vitamin D helps with Calcium absorption. You don't want to take Iron and Calcium together as they hinder each other's absorption.

Vitamins A, D, E, and K are fat soluble - you can OD on these, so stick to the recommended doses. The others (B complex and C) are water soluble and excess will be excreted in your urine.

I've found that a well balanced multi-vitamin is good. I don't believe that my injured guts absorb things like they should. I've had a heck of a time finding the right vitamin for me, but through some research found Forvia. Forvia is made for IBDers. I don't have any of the cramping or nausea with it like I did with others.

I also like a probiotic. In fact, I'd almost swear by them! I started small with a chewable and then moved up slowly to where I'm at now with 4.4 billion CFUs. When I started taking them, I noticed a difference within a day! Yah for good bugs :)

One resource I use is a book called "prescription for natural healing". It's a good reference for what specific supplements are good for. However, some of what it says is totally kooky!!! I'd check your local library if you're interested in it. Maybe they even have a website, I haven't looked in ages.

Whatever you decide to do - run it by a medical professional. Make sure they know everything you are taking - OTC and prescribed!

Best of luck!
Posted 9/19/2007 1:58 PM (GMT -6)
I did not know that I should not take my calcium & iron at the same time of the day......


my iron is a slow release formula that my obgyn put me on when I was pregnant. I wonder how I find out how far apart to take them.
Posted 9/19/2007 2:30 PM (GMT -6)
Okay. I opened the book and this is what I found.

If you need iron supplements, do not take them at the same time as vitamin E, and choose an organic form of iron such as ferrous gluconate or ferrous fumarate. Inorganic forms of iron, such as ferrous sulfate, can oxidize Vitamin E.

Taking calcium with meals can inhibit the absorption of iron from dietary sources. (<-- this is probably what I was remembering) If you are iron deficient, take calcium supplements at bedtime or at other times when you are not cosuming foods containing iron. Excessive amounts of zinc and Vitamin E can also interfere with iron absorption.

My best guess would be to take them 2-4 hours apart.

When I was taking iron, I made sure to take it with food because it needs the hydrochloric acid in your stomach for it to be absorbed. It would also make me nauseous if I took it without food... Maybe since the slow release sends it out at different times, maybe it's okay that way... Things that make you go hmmm!
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