Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group AS supplements

What supplements should I be taking, Vits, mins, enzymes etc.

HI - trying to build up my immune system, I am taking the following supplements:

http://f1.grp.yahoofs.com/v1/cBHORjfYrzJ...ents%20List.htm
Whatever you decide, just try and choose starch free supplements. Some brands I have found are Solgar, Country Life, Natural Factors, and Nature's Way. Still read all labels carefully for other ingredients. I order them online at

http://www.iherb.com/Default.aspx

Hello Baker,
Being that I was deficient on certain vitamins and minerals due to the combination of having AS and Ulcerative colitis, I am presently taking a complete multi-vitamin, and a calcium/magnesium/vitamin D supplement (this was prescribed by my doctor). I just started taking Cod Liver Oil so I can get more vitamin D, because that was one of my deficiencies. Since I don't like taking too many things at once, I recently stopped taking Complete EFA (Essential Fatty Acids) which is a blend of Omega 3, Omega 6 and Omega 9 fatty acids. I will start that up again later on though.

You're going to get alot of different responses on this subject, because many of us have different nutrition needs. Also check out the alternative section of this forum. I have seen a wide variety of things mentioned in there.

I hope this helps,
Take care,
James.

Hey, that's a nice Candida supplement list!
haha, we must have been typing at the same time because when I posted my reply, yours magically appeared as soon as I posted. I see the supplements list mentions using sea salts... I never ever got to try sea salt, and now I am on a reduced sodium diet.

Thanks for your help the other week.
Take care,
James.

Glucosamine and chondroitin definitely help keep my joints mobile and click free.


Karen

About the sea salt, I heard recently that people who are supposed to watch their sodium intake can use sea salt. They say it doesn't cause the same problems that regular salt can cause. I don't know this for 100% sure, but would be worth researching.

I was on a high fat/high protein diet before being diagnosed with AS. I am negative for the gene, and symptoms did not appear until the age of 43. I ate cheese every day almost, in large quantities.

Too much calciium and not enough magnesium = calcification of soft tissue

Magnesium Citrate worked like a wonder drug for me, when it came to relieving pain, stiffness and fatigue. I use a product called "Natural Calm" There are many vendors of magnesium citrate.

I am now on a plant based diet that limits meat and dairy. I feel much better. When I was at my worst, I was ready to apply for Federal Disability.

aloha baker

whatever, remember AS is an immune disease- our own body's immune system is attacking us, so
the last thing you want to do is boost your immune system avoid those supplements and potions;
ideally we'd like to turn down the immune system.

immune systems are highly over rated.

and welcome
aB

I am in agreement with Ben on supplementing for immune system, I avoid.

Supplementing can be expensive and as a whole is open to abuse by manufacturers. So if you are going to supplement, make sure you buy quality supplements and not necessarily the cheapest.

I believe strongly in probiotics, other than that, currently all I take is a multi vitamin and digestive enzymes from time to time. Would do a bit more if still lived in the states, availability here in Argentina is an issue.

Never found fish/flax oil to help with AS symptoms that I could perceive, but do believe the omega oil within is good for overall health benefits. Maybe I could never perceive because takes quite a bit of time to work.

In the past have also taken calcium/magnesium, Vit E, Vit D, B complex and glucosamine/chondrotin (found no benefit in the last).

For insurance purposes twich was tested for overall health (blood pressure, blood sugar, mineral levels etc, etc, etc....). I scored extremely well and may have been helped by supplementing... who knows. So many variables in life.

Tim

Hi Baker,

I'm in a different camp than Ben and Tim. I believe in maintaining a strong immune system. While I have AS much like the others, my personal history with illness may be the reason why I have a different perspective regarding the immune system.

I also believe that supplementation is a highly individualistic thing. I currently take a multi-vitamin, EFAs (Fish Oil and Black Current Seed Oil), Cod Liver Oil, additional Vitamin C, MSM, sublingual Vitamin B-12 (due to special needs), Iron (cause I'm currently with anemia), and collagen.