There are many over-the-counter supplements and several medications available by prescription which have been found to aid in the treatment of lymphatic diseases. I have researched many of them to save time for my clients.
Index
Acetylcysteine – see N-acetylcysteine
Alpha-lipoic Acid
Amitriptyline
Amphetamine
Arnica
Barley
Berberine
Brazil Nuts – see Selenium
Bromelain
Butcher’s Broom
Coenzyme Q10
Conjugated Linoleic Acid
Curcumin
Dandelion Root
Dextroamphetamine – see Amphetamine
Diindolylmethane (DIM)
Diosmin
Diosmiplex – see Vasculera
Eleuthro Root
Fish Oil – see Omega-3
Gabapentin
Glitazones – see Thiazolidinediones
Goldenseal
Guaifenesin
Hesperidin
Horse Chestnut
Kefir
Ketoprofen
Ketotifen
L-arginine
L-citrulline
Lemon
Luteolin
Magnesium
Metformin
Milk Thistle
Mucinex – see Guaifenesin
Prescription Savings Programs
Supplements N-Z
Boswellia is another potent anti-inflammatory agent. Clinical trials have demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing pain and improving physical function in osteoarthritis patients. Boswellia extracts have been compared favorably with standard NSAID treatments in terms of efficacy, with fewer side effects.
Capsaicin, the active component in chili peppers, is used in topical creams to reduce pain. It works by depleting substance P, a neuropeptide involved in pain transmission. Clinical studies have shown that capsaicin cream can be effective in reducing pain in conditions like osteoarthritis and neuropathic pain.
Ginger has been traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory properties. Modern research supports its use in reducing pain and inflammation, particularly in osteoarthritis. A study published in the journal Arthritis showed that ginger extract significantly reduced symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee.
Learn More
Bad Mix: Blood Thinners And NSAIDs | Harvard Health Publishing
Cancer Therapy Interactions With Foods And Dietary Supplements – Health Professional Version | National Cancer Institute
Cancer Therapy Interactions With Foods And Dietary Supplements – Patient Version | National Cancer Institute
Caution With These Supplements When You Have A Heavy Metal Burden | Naturheilpraxis
Dietary Supplement Fact Sheets | National Institutes Of Health
Ginger Should Be Avoided When Taking Certain Medications Or Having Certain Health Conditions | Healthy and Natural World
Prostate Cancer, Nutrition, and Dietary Supplements – Health Professional Version | National Cancer Institute
Prostate Cancer, Nutrition, and Dietary Supplements – Patient Version | National Cancer Institute
Recommended Supplements And Medications PDF | Dr. Karen Herbst, May 2019
U.S. National Library Of Medicine Database | National Institutes Of Health
Supplements And Medications To Avoid With Lipedema
Beta blockers are used in the treatment of cardiac health but can cause fluid retention.
Calcium channel blockers are used in the treatment of hypertension but can cause fluid retention.
Clonidine is used in the treatment of hypertension but can cause fluid retention.
Furosemide is used in the treatment of edema but concentrates proteins in interstitial organs, eventually halting fluid flux. Aldactone and hydrochlorothiazide have less adverse effects in women with lipedema.
Gabapentin is used for pain control but can cause fluid retention.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used for pain control but can cause fluid retention.
Oral corticosteroids are used to reduce inflammation but can weaken tissue and cause fluid retention and rebound inflammation. Oral corticosteroids should be used when medically necessary. Nasal or inhaled corticosteroids have less effect on lipedema tissue.
Sex hormones are used for hormone replacement but can cause fluid retention and are implicated to effect the development of lipedema.
Thiazolidinediones are used in the treatment of diabetes but can cause increases in subcutaneous fat tissue and fluid retention.
Herbst, K. (2019, Dec 13). Subcutaneous adipose tissue diseases: Dercum disease lipedema, familial multiple lipomatosis, and Madelung disease. EndoText, 1-46.
Where To Purchase
Beyond Health
Marine Minerals
Professional Supplement Center
Pure Encapsulations
Thorne
About Supplements In The US
US supplements are poorly standardized, often contaminated, usually not evidence based, and unregulated. Herbs and other supplements are not required to meet standards of safety, efficacy, and consistency, and their use has important implications for clinical care. The continuing availability of such products in the United States results in large part from the 1994 Dietary Supplement and Health Education Act, which created a protective new category for the approximately 20,000 vitamins, minerals, herbs, and other agents sold as supplements before October 1994. Spurred by supplement industry lobbying, the act protects supplements from government scrutiny and mandates that the US Food and Drug Administration prove harm before distribution of a product can be regulated.
Cassileth, B., and Vickers, A. (2005, Apr 20). High prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine use among cancer patients: Implications for research and clinical care. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 23(12):2590-2.
Acetylcysteine – see N-acetylcysteine
Alpha-lipoic Acid
Alpha-lipoic acid is an antioxidant that fights free radicals. It is particularly useful to lipedema and lymphedema patients because it is both water-soluble and fat-soluble, so it can work effectively throughout the body.
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-767/alpha-lipoic-acid
Amitriptyline
Amitriptyline [brand names ELAVIL, ENDEP, VANATRIP] is available by prescription and belongs to a class of drugs called tricyclic antidepressants. It is prescribed for depression and is also used to treat eating disorders, post-herpetic neuralgia (burning, stabbing pains or aches after shingles infections), and to prevent migraine headaches. It works on the central nervous system to increase the levels of certain chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) that communicate between brain cells and help regulate mood. It is usually taken one to four times a day and should be taken exactly as directed at around the same time(s) every day.
Amitriptyline can cause dizziness and drowsiness during the first few hours after you take it. The most common side effects can include: confusion, numbness and tingling in the arms and legs, headache, nausea, constipation or diarrhea, dry mouth, blurred vision, skin rash, swelling of the face and tongue, and unexpected weight gain or loss. Serious side effects can include heart attack (symptoms of chest pain, shortness of breath, pain or pressure in the chest or upper body), stroke (symptoms of weakness in one part or side of the body, slurred speech), seizures, withdrawal (symptoms of headache, nausea, trouble sleeping, depression, mood swings), increases or decreases in blood sugar, suicidal thoughts or actions, and orthostatic hypotension (sudden drop in blood pressure when standing). DO NOT TAKE AMITRIPTYLINE AFTER A RECENT HEART ATTACK.
Taking certain drugs with amitriptyline may cause serious side effects. These drugs should not be taken within 14 days of taking amitriptyline: cisapride [PROPULSID], monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), including isocarboxazid [MARPLAN], linezolid [ZYVOX], methylene blue injection, phenelzine [NARDIL], selegiline [ELDEPRYL, EMSAM, ZELAPAR], tranylcypromine [PARNATE], and rasagiline [AZILECT], which can lead to seizures or even death, and quinidine [QUINIDEX], which can increase the amount of amitriptyline in your body, leading to dangerous side effects. Taking amitriptyline with other certain drugs raises your risk of the negative side effects: topiramate [TOPAMAX, QUDEXY XR, TOPIRAGEN, TROKENDI XR], cimetidine [TAGAMET], anticholinergic drugs (diphenhydramine [BENADRYL, BANOPHEN, ZZZQUIL], oxybutynin [DITROPAN], solifenacin [VESICARE], olanzapine [ZYPREXA]), neuroleptic drugs (clozapine [CLOZARIL, FAZACLO, CLOPINE], risperidone [RISPERDAL], haloperidol [HALDOL]), disulfiram [ANTABUSE], guanethidine [ISMELIN], ipratropium [ATROVENT], medications for irregular heartbeats such as flecainide [TAMBOCOR] and propafenone [RYTHMOL], phenobarbital [BELLATAL, SOLFOTON], and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as citalopram [CELEXA], fluvoxamine [LUVOX], paroxetine [PAXIL], sertraline [ZOLOFT], and fluoxetine [PROZAC, SARAFEM]. Consuming alcohol while taking amitriptyline raises your risk of serious side effects, including extreme drowsiness.
If amitriptyline is suddenly discontinued, withdrawal side effects such as depression, nausea, headache, and tiredness can occur. In order for amitriptyline to work well, a certain blood level is required to be maintained at all times. Symptoms of an overdose include: irregular heart rhythm, severely low heart rate, convulsions, hallucinations, confusion, and stiff muscles.
Recommended by Dr. Karen Herbst at 75 mg to 150 mg by mouth daily.
Amitriptyline. (2017, Apr 5). Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/amitriptyline-oral-tablet#side-effects
National Library of Medicine. (2021, Jan 22). Amitriptyline. Medline Plus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682388.html
Sinha, S. (2020, Jul 9). Amitriptyline. Drugs.com. https://www.drugs.com/amitriptyline.html
Amphetamine
Sympathomimetics like amphetamine or phentermine binds to adrenergic receptors that induce lipolysis. Adrenergic receptors are located on lymphatic and blood vessels.
Coming soon!
Amphetamine salts [brand names ADDERALL, MYDAYIS] and dextroamphetamine [brand names DEXEDRINE, PROCENTRA, ZENZEDI, DEXTROSTAT, LIQUADD]Dextroamphetamine is a central nervous system stimulant and affects chemicals in the brain and nerves that contribute to hyperactivity and impulse control. It is used to treat narcolepsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Dextroamphetamine should not be taken in the presence of glaucoma, overactive thyroid, severe agitation, moderate to severe high blood pressure, heart disease or coronary artery disease, or a history of drug or alcohol addiction. This medicine may be habit-forming and is a drug of abuse. CNS stimulants have caused stroke, heart attack and sudden death in people with high blood pressure, heart disease or heart defect.
These drugs should not be taken within 14 days of taking dextroamphetamine: monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), including isocarboxazid [MARPLAN], linezolid [ZYVOX], methylene blue injection, phenelzine [NARDIL], selegiline [ELDEPRYL, EMSAM, ZELAPAR], tranylcypromine [PARNATE], and rasagiline [AZILECT].
Call your doctor right away if you have: signs of heart problems–chest pain, feeling light-headed or short of breath; signs of psychosis–paranoia, aggression, new behavior problems, seeing or hearing things that are not real; signs of circulation problems–unexplained wounds on your fingers or toes.
Some medicines can interact with dextroamphetamine and cause a serious condition called serotonin syndrome. Be sure your doctor knows if you also take opioid medicine, herbal products, or medicine for depression, mental illness, Parkinson’s disease, migraine headaches, serious infections, or prevention of nausea and vomiting. Ask your doctor before making any changes in how or when you take your medications.
Stimulants have caused stroke, heart attack, and sudden death in certain people. Tell your doctor if you have:
heart problems or a congenital heart defect;
high blood pressure; or
a family history of heart disease or sudden death.
To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you or anyone in your family has ever had:
depression, mental illness, bipolar disorder, psychosis, or suicidal thoughts or actions;
motor tics (muscle twitches) or Tourette’s syndrome;
seizures or epilepsy;
an abnormal brain wave test (EEG); or
blood circulation problems in the hands or feet.
_____________
amphetamine salts
phentermine
Durbin, K. (2020, Dec 28). Amphetamine. Drugs.com. https://www.drugs.com/amphetamine.html
Multum, C. (2021, Jun 30). Dextroamphetamine. Drugs.com. https://www.drugs.com/ingredient/dextroamphetamine.html
National Library of Medicine. (2021, Jan 22). Amphetamine. Medline Plus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a616004.html
Newman, T. (2017, Dec 22). Uses and risks of amphetamine. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/221211
Arnica
Coming soon!
Barley
Coming soon!
Berberine
Berberine has been shown to lower blood sugar, cause weight loss and improve heart health, to name a few.
Berberine is a bioactive compound that can be extracted from several different plants, including a group of shrubs called Berberis. It belongs to a class of compounds called alkaloids. It has a yellow color and has often been used as a dye.Berberine has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine, where it was used to treat various ailments.
Many studies show that berberine can significantly reduce blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes.Berberine seems to work via multiple different mechanisms: 1) it decreases insulin resistance, making the blood sugar lowering hormone insulin more effective; 2) it increases glycolysis, helping the body break down sugars inside cells; 3) it decreases sugar production in the liver; 4) it slows the breakdown of carbohydrates in the gut; and 5) it increases the number of beneficial bacteria in the gut. According to a big review of 14 studies, berberine is as effective as oral diabetes drugs, including metformin, glipizide and rosiglitazone.
Recommended by Dr. Karen Herbst, 500 mg by mouth two to three times daily.
Berberine. (n.d.). WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1126/berberine
Hill, A. (2020, August 6). Berberine. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/berberine-pcos#berberine
Gunnars, K. (2017, January 14). Berberine – A powerful supplement with many benefits. Healthline. http://www.healthline.com/nutrition/berberine-powerful-supplement
National Library of Medicine. (2021, January 29). Berberine. Medline Plus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/natural/1126.html
Brazil Nuts – see Selenium
Bromelain
Coming soon!
Learn More About Bromelain
Bromelain | National Center For Complementary And Integrative Health
Butcher’s Broom
Coming soon!
Butcher’s broom contains flavonoids that treat chronic venous insufficiency as well as reduce welling in the legs.Recommended by Dr. Karen Herbst.
Butcher’s Broom. (Oct 4, 2021). Drugs.com. https://www.drugs.com/npp/butcher-s-broom.html
Butcher’s Broom. (2020, February 24). Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/butcher-broom
Butchers Broom. (n.d.). Web MD. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-320/butchers-broom
Wong, C. (2021, April 08). What is Butcher’s broom? Very Well Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/butchers-broom-for-chronic-venous-insufficiency-89426
Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 (also known as CoQ10 and ubiquinone) has antioxidant properties that prevent tissue damage.
_____
CoQ10 is a compound whose job is to help cells generate energy. Although you can find it in supplement form at the store or online (more on that later), it is naturally produced by the body.
Your body stores this compound in the mitochondria of your cells. The mitochondria use CoQ10 to generate energy (ATP) and protect cells from damage and disease.
Unfortunately, however, as you age, the production of CoQ10 declines. It also declines with chronic stress, toxin exposures, and certain medications. The decreased amount of CoQ10 in your cells contributes to the gradual loss of energy that most of us experience in our thirties and beyond.
If you think you are deficient in Coenzyme Q10—and if you are in your thirties or older, you’re probably right—you can increase your intake through both choosing CoQ10-rich foods and high-quality supplementation.
There are a number of foods that are high in the compound, including
Organ meats like heart, liver, and kidney
Wild-caught cold-water fish like trout, herring, and mackerel
Vegetables like spinach, cauliflower, and broccoli
Fruits like strawberries and oranges
Nuts and seeds
Even with a healthy diet, however, it can be hard to get all of the nutrients you need through food alone. If you want to beef up your CoQ10 intake, consider taking a high-quality supplement. When it comes to dosage, I find most people do well with between 100mg and 200mg daily.
There are a few cases where taking CoQ10 supplements could be risky—for instance, people on blood thinners or thyroid medication. Always check with your doctor or Functional Medicine practitioner before starting a supplement or if you have questions or concerns about taking any supplement.
Sources:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25791371/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24586567/
______
Recommended by Dr. Karen Herbst, 100 to 600 mg by mouth daily. To minimize adverse effects when taking a dosage greater than 100 mg daily, divide the daily dose into two or three doses.Bauer, B. (n.d.). Chronic fatigue: Can a natural remedy boost my energy? Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-fatigue-syndrome/expert-answers/chronic-fatigue/faq-20058033
Coenzyme Q10. (n.d.). Drugs.com. https://www.drugs.com/coenzyme-q10.html
Eske, J. (2019, January 8). What are the benefits of CoQ10? Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324113
National Library of Medicine. (2020, August 18). Primary coenzyme Q10 deficiency. Medline Plus. https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/primary-coenzyme-q10-deficiency/
Learn More About Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 | National Center For Complementary And Integrative Health
Coenzyme Q10 – Health Professional Version | National Cancer Institute
Coenzyme Q10 – Patient Version | National Cancer Institute
Conjugated Linoleic Acid
Coming soon!
Conjugated linoleic acid (also known as CLA) has been shown to decrease the volume of adipocytes (fat cells) and thereby reduce body fat.
Curcumin
Coming soon!
Curcumin (Curcuma, Turmeric) and Cancer – Health Professional Version | National Cancer Institute
Curcumin (Curcuma, Turmeric) and Cancer – Patient Version | National Cancer Institute
Dandelion Root
Coming soon!
Dandelion root supports healthy liver function.
Learn More About Dandelion Root
Dandelion | National Center For Complementary And Integrative Health
Dextroamphetamine – see Amphetamine
Diindolylmethane (DIM)
Coming soon!
Learn More About Diindolylmethane (DIM)
Health Benefits of DIM | Web MD
Diosmin
Coming soon!
“The complex diosmin + hesperidin (90% diosmin and 10% other flavonoids expressed as hesperidin) has also been widely studied; it appears to be less powerful and effective than Venoruton and Pycnogenol in patients with chronic venous insufficiency; it is definitely less potent than Pycnogenol alone and needs a dosage some 10 times higher than Pycnogenol.”
From the research paper Management of varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency in a comparative registry with nine venoactive products in comparison with stockings.
Recommended by Dr. Karen Herbst at 500 mg to 900 mg by mouth once or twice daily.
Belcaro, G., Dugall, M., Luzzi, R., Corsi, M., Ledda, A., Ricci, A. … & Feragalli, B. (2017). Management of varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency in a comparative registry with nine venoactive products in comparison with stockings. The International Journal of Angiology. 26(3), 170–178. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5552898/
Diosmin. (n.d.) WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1030/diosmin
https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/diosmin
https://www.drugs.com/npp/diosmin.html
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/diosmin
Diosmiplex – see Vasculera
Eleuthro Root
Coming soon!
Trace mineral which supports healthy functioning of the adrenal glands.National Library of Medicine. (2022, March 13). Eleuthro. Medline Plus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/natural/985.html
Fish Oil – see Omega-3
Gabapentin
Coming soon!
Recommended by Dr. Karen Herbst, 300 to 3600 mg by mouth daily.
Durbin, K. (2020, June 7). Drugs.com. https://www.drugs.com/gabapentin.html
Leonard, J. (2018, November 14). Gabapentin: What to know. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323681
National Library of Medicine. (2021, January 22). Gabapentin. Medline Plus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a694007.html
Glitazones – see Thiazolidinediones
Goldenseal
Coming soon!
Learn More About Goldenseal
Goldenseal | National Center For Complementary And Integrative Health
Guaifenesin
Since the 1950’s, guaifenesin has been used to reduce the thickness and stickiness of bronchial secretions. It is believed that this mechanism of action, which reduces adhesiveness and surface tension of proteins, affects the lymph system in the same manner, making proteins easier to be transported within and excreted from the lymph system.
Guaifenesin has a half-life of 1 hour, so in order to keep plasma levels consistent, frequent dosing is required. Extended-release formulations release the drug slowly over several hours, allowing for less-frequent dosing. Mucinex makes 12-hour extended-release tablets in 600 mg and 1200 mg doses; these tablets utilize two layers and release guaifenesin immediately from the first layer and over a 12-hour period from the second layer.
Side effects are mild and may include headache, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, rash, dizziness and drowsiness. Caution should be taken for those patients with a history of kidney stones. Safe use in pregnancy has not been determined.
All salicylates, including aspirin, block the benefits of guaifenesin. Salicylates are readily absorbed through the skin and intestine when introduced from medications and supplements including plants oils, gels and extracts. Patients must screen all medications (prescription, over-the-counter, supplements, vitamins) and every single product applied to the skin as well as medications taken orally.
Recommended by Dr. Karen Herbst, 600 mg by mouth twice daily. May take up to 2400 mg daily.
Guaifenesin Protocol for Fibromyalgia | Fibromyalgia Treatment Center
How Mucinex Works In Treating Lipedema | Dr. Marcia Byrd, Lipedema Surgery Center
Connective Rx. (n.d.). Mucinex. Prescribers’ Digital Reference. https://www.pdr.net/drug-summary/?drugLabelId=Mucinex-guaifenesin-1275
National Library of Medicine. (2021, January 22). Guaifenesin. Medline Plus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682494.html
How Mucinex works in treating lipedema. (n.d.). Byrd Aesthetic. https://byrdaesthetic.com/mucinex-is-recommended-for-lipedema-sufferers/
Hesperidin
Coming soon!
Horse Chestnut
Coming soon!
Horse chestnut seed extract strengthens the lymphatic system, reduces swelling, and helps treat chronic venous insufficiency.Recommended by Dr. Karen Herbst, 300-450 mg by mouth twice daily.
Per Dr. Herbst, the HCSE gel Venaforce works similarly to the oral form. Apply to affected areas 2 times daily.
Horse chestnut. (2020, October). National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/horse-chestnut
Underland, V., Saeerdal, I., & Nilsen, E. (2012). Cochrane summary of findings: Horse chestnut seed extract
for chronic venous insufficiency. Global Advances in Health and Medicine, Vol. 1(1) 122-123.
Learn More About Horse Chestnut
Horse Chestnut | National Center For Complementary And Integrative Health
Kefir
Coming soon!
Recommended by Dr. Karen Herbst, 125 to 500 mL by mouth daily.
Ketoprofen
Coming soon!
National Library of Medicine. (2021, January 22). Ketoprofen. Medline Plus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a686014.html
Ketotifen
Coming soon!
Recommended by Dr. Karen Herbst, instill 1 drop into eye twice daily.
National Library of Medicine. (2021, January 22). Ketotifen opthalmic. Medline Plus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a604033.html
L-arginine
Coming soon!
Recommended by Dr. Karen Herbst, 3 grams three times daily, mixed in water.
National Library of Medicine. (2021, January 29). L-arginine. Medline Plus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/natural/875.html
L-citrulline
Coming soon!
Seladi-Schulman, Jill. (2023, November 17). L-citrulline: Benefits, Side Effects and More. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/l-citrulline
Lemon
Coming soon!
Recommended by Dr. Karen Herbst, drinking the juice of one lemon in water daily.
A highly-effective way to detoxify the body is to drink two 16-ounce glasses of water on an empty stomach after you wake up, squeezing half of a freshly cut lemon into each glass. The lemon juice activates the water, making it better able to latch onto toxins in your body and flush them out. This is especially effective for cleansing your liver, which works all night while you’re asleep to gather and purge toxins from your body. When you wake up, it’s primed to be hydrated and flushed clean with activated water. After you drink the water, give your liver half an hour to clean up. You can then eat breakfast. If you make this into a routine, your health will improve dramatically over time. For an extra boost, add a teaspoon of raw honey and a teaspoon of freshly grated ginger to the lemon water. Your liver will draw in the honey to restore its glucose reserves, purging deep toxins at the same time to make room.”
– Anthony William, Medical Medium: Secrets Behind Chronic and Mystery Illness and How to Finally Heal
Luteolin
Coming soon!
For mast cell disorder.
Magnesium
Magnesium is a mineral that is crucial to the body’s function. Magnesium helps keep blood pressure normal, supports muscle and nerve function, and energy production. Every organ in the body, especially the heart, muscles, and kidneys, needs the mineral magnesium. It also contributes to the makeup of teeth and bones.
Magnesium deficiency (hypomagnesemia) is a condition in which the amount of magnesium in the blood is lower than normal. Common symptoms include: abnormal eye movements (nystagmus), convulsions, fatigue, muscle spasms or cramps, muscle weakness and numbness.
Adults who get less than the recommended amount of magnesium are more likely to have elevated inflammation markers. Low magnesium appears to be a risk factor for osteoporosis. Chronically low levels can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) are used to treat acid reflux and have also been tied to low magnesium levels. Examples of PPIs include dexlansoprazole [Dexilant], esomeprazole [Nexium], lansoprazole [Prevacid], omeprazole [Prilosec, Zegerid], pantoprazole [Protonix], and rabeprazole [Aciphex].
Supplemental magnesium can interact with certain medicines, including diuretics, heart medicines, or antibiotics. Magnesium is the main ingredient in many antacids and laxatives. Check with your practitioner if you are considering magnesium supplements, especially if you routinely use antacids or laxatives containing magnesium.
High doses of magnesium from supplements or medications can cause nausea, abdominal cramping and diarrhea. Magnesium supplements often cause softening of stool. Signs of a magnesium overdose can include nausea, diarrhea, low blood pressure, muscle weakness, and fatigue. At very high doses, magnesium can be fatal.
There’s some evidence that eating foods high in magnesium and other minerals can help prevent high blood pressure in people with prehypertension. Eating whole foods is always best, as magnesium can be lost during refinement and processing. Natural food sources of magnesium include: green, leafy vegetables (like spinach), nuts, beans, peas, soybeans, and whole-grain cereals.
Recommended by Dr. Karen Herbst, no more than 350 mg by mouth daily.
Griffin, R. (2022, Nov 15) Magnesium. Web MD.
National Institutes of Health. (2020, Sep 25). Magnesium. Office of Dietary Supplements.
National Library of Medicine. (2021, Feb 8). Magnesium deficiency. Medline Plus.
Zeratsky, K. (n.d.) I’ve heard that magnesium supplements have health benefits. Should I take one? Mayo Clinic.
More About Magnesium
The Effect Of Magnesium On Sodium-Potassium Balance | LiveStrong
Should You Take Calcium And Magnesium Together? | LiveStrong
Signs You May Have A Magnesium Deficiency | Cleveland Clinic
What Are The Causes Of Low Magnesium And Potassium? | LiveStrong
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28471760/
https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.7556/jaoa.2018.037/html
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-Consumer/
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-HealthProfessional/
Reacted magnesium provides three unique forms of highly absorbed magnesium to ensure maximum absorption of this important macromineral. Most magnesium supplements use only a single-source of magnesium, which can easily overwhelm a single pathway of absorption, and limit uptake of high-dose magnesium regimens. Reacted magnesium takes advantage of three unique pathways of absorption by providing magnesium as di-magnesium malate, magnesium citrate and magnesium glycinate for enhanced absorption, improved utilization and gastrointestinal comfort.
Where to Purchase Reacted Magnesium
Amy Beard MD
Ortho Molecular Products
Professional Supplement Center
Metformin
Coming soon!
Dr. Herbst uses metformin to lower inflammation and break up fibrosis.
Milk Thistle
Coming soon!
Milk thistle supports healthy liver function.
Learn More About Milk Thistle
Milk Thistle | National Center For Complementary And Integrative Health