Spirulina and CIDP?

Hi, Lillie.

As with all supplements, spirulina should only be used after consultation with your doctor, particularly if you’re on immunosuppressants. Several reputable organisations warn people with autoimmune disorders to avoid it. The University of Maryland Medical Center say:

‘If you have an autoimmune disease, such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, or lupus, you should avoid spirulina as it could stimulate your immune system and make your condition worse.’
[[url]www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/spirulina-000327.htm][/url]

FWIW,

Deb
London

Hi Lilly, The only thing I know about spirulina is from a friend who told me she lost alot of weight from it. I’m not saying it works for everyone,but this is what happend to her. Always talk to your Dr before you take something like this. Happy New Year

[QUOTE=Lyly][B][COLOR=”Purple”][FONT=”Comic Sans MS”]I have had CIDP for 32 years. There were about 16 years of many relapses and thankfully I have not been paralyzed in 13 years. I had Spinal Fusion surgery 4 months ago and lack energy. About 17 years ago I read about Spirulina and started taking it for energy. Has anyone taken it also? Does anyone know if Spirulina is good for us? I have read some contradictory info lately Thank you for your responses.
May 2010 be fabulous for everyone!
Best wishes,:)
Lillie[/FONT][/COLOR][/B][/QUOTE]

Lyly,

Try to find a “Compunding Pharmacy – Natural Pharmacy”. These are pharmacists with extra medical training on blending traditional medicine with complementary natural care. I think their logo is a dish with a leaf across it.

No one additive is going to change your life. But a responsible health program based on education can be super helpful.

Good luck,
Flossie

Hi Lillie,
I was facing severe fatigue about a year ago, with this damn CIDP,
having to sleep over 14 hours per day at different times. Since I have advanced CIDP with none of the protocol of treatments working, and have been taking chemotherapy now, (Cytoxan), for almost 3 years now as that was the only thing that slowed the progression, though did not stop it.

My neuro came up with an idea that he wanted to see if it would work. He wanted to try “speed” on me, to see if it would work to fight the fatigue.
He said that since he is not a specialist dealing with the various drugs for “speed”, he sent me to a neuro who deals with sleep disorders, though this doctor knew of CIDP, and what my neuro’s plan was. So, we tried some mild stimulants that did not work. Then I tried Ritalin, and voila–it works GREAT !!! I take 20mg when I first get up in the morning, then another 20mg around 11-12noon, to get me through the afternoon. It works great. I can make it to about 5-6pm, without going to bed. And if I don’t take that 12noon dose, I feel it right away, and end up in bed around 2pm–I wanted to see what it was like not taking it.

I personally will NOT take anything over the counter meds, supplements, or any other kind of “natural” meds, unless my doctor orders it. I do not trust anything, since you often see something might be good, then read later that it is bad. I would rather trust my doctor, and especially that he SHOULD know any over-the-counter drugs being taken.
Ken
(KEDASO)