Bowenwork
FAQ
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In this months newsletter we will look at a
family of drugs called Corticosteroids. These drugs are used for
conditions ranging from asthma to ulcerative colitis. We will be looking at some
of the interactions with other substances such as vitamins, minerals, herbs,
other supplements, and foods. We’ll also take a look at some natural means of
reducing inflammation. We’ll also throw in a couple of favorite quotes. Your
feedback would be most appreciated as to what you like or don’t like about the
newsletter and if you have suggestions for improving it,
those are always
welcome. You can send your suggestions or criticisms to bowtech@nts-online.com
.
If you want love and acceptance from your family,
then you must have love and acceptance for them.
Louise L. Hay
Corticosteroids:
Taber’s Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary
defines this group of drugs as "any of several hormonal steroid
substances
secreted by the cortex of the adrenal gland. They are classified according to
their biological activity as glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and
androgens."
In today’s world, many of these
substances are also made synthetically. Both natural and synthetic have
anti-inflammatory properties that are very powerful. They are taken orally to
treat conditions such as asthma, bursitis, Chroan’s disease, skin disorders,
tendonitis, ulcerative colitis, and others. They can also be inhaled to
treat
things such as asthma or other conditions in which breathing is restricted and
can also be inhaled through
the nose for treatment of seasonal allergies. They
are sometimes combined with antibiotics to treat ear infection,
eye infection,
and skin infections.
Corticosteroids include:
Beclomethasone (Beconase, Beclovent, Vancenase, Vanceril),
Budesonide (Pulmicort, Rhinocort), Dexamethasone (Decadron, Decadron Phosphate
Turbinaire, and others), Dexamethasone/Tobramycin (Tobradex), Flunisolide (AeroBid,
Nasalide), Fluticasone (Cutivate, Flonase), Hydrocortisone (Cortef, Hytone, and
others), Methylprednisalone (Medrol and others), Mometasone (Elocon), Prednisone
(Deltasone, Orasone, and others), Prednisalone (Delta-Cortef, Pediapred, and
others), and Triamcinolone (Aristocort, Azmacort, Nasacort, and
others).
Corticosteroid Interactions with Supplements and Herbs
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Supplement |
Interactions |
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Vitamin A |
Theoretically, vitamin A could reverse some of the
beneficial effects of corticosteroids. In some cases, those being treated
with corticosteroids will develop impaired wound healing abilities, and it
is possible that vitamin A could be of benefit to those individuals. The
best way to determine this would be to consult your doctor or a Naturopath
to see which situations of improved wound healing would outweigh the
theoretical risk associated with the use of vitamin A in conjunction with
corticosteroids.
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Vitamin B6 |
The loss of vitamin B6 could be increased
with the use of corticosteroids. Supplementation of B6 may be
necessary to avoid deficiency, but any additional B6 may not
provide additional benefit. If taking corticosteroids for longer than 2
weeks it has been recommended that supplementation of 25 to 50 mg of
vitamin B6 daily. |
|
Vitamin D & Calcium |
The body’s ability to activate vitamin D is reduced
when taking corticosteroids, which could result in increased risk of bone
loss. A study of people with rheumatoid arthritis showed that
supplementation with 1,000mg of calcium and 500mg of vitamin D per day
helped maintain bone density. Again, if taking anti-inflammatory steroidal
drugs for more than two weeks it would be in your best interest to consult
your doctor or Naturopath about supplementing with calcium and vitamin D. |
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Magnesium |
The loss of magnesium may be increased with the use of
corticosteroids. Many nutritionally oriented doctors recommend that
supplementation of 300 – 400mg of magnesium be taken if taking these
drugs for more than 2 weeks. |
|
Potassium |
Potassium loss increases with the use of steroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs. Fruits are a better source of potassium than most
supplements can provide, so eating more fresh fruit can supply you with
the needed potassium while on these drugs. |
|
Sodium |
Sodium retention can be a problem while on
corticosteroids. Check with your doctor to see if you need to restrict the
amount of sodium in your diet. |
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DHEA
(Dehydroepiandrosterone) |
Low levels of DHEA were found in a group of women with
asthma who had been taking beclomethasone compared with a group not
taking beclomethasone. There are concerns that this may be part of
the reason of how corticosteroids can cause osteoporosis. More research is
needed. |
|
NAC (N-Acetyl
Cysteine) |
In a preliminary study it was found that supplementing
with 600mg of NAC (3 times daily) while being treated with Prednisone
for Fibrosing Alveolitis, further improvement took place. |
|
Melatonin |
The production of melatonin may be suppressed while
taking the synthetic corticosteroid called dexamethasone. More
research is needed to study long term use in association with melatonin
suppression. |
|
Other Nutrients |
Although evidence of its importance is unclear, urinary
loss of vitamin K, vitamin C, and zinc is increased with the use of
corticosteroids. |
|
Herbs |
Interactions |
|
Aloe Vera |
Animal research indicates that aloe vera applied
topically with a form of cortisone actually enhanced the cortisones
anti-inflammatory actions in the skin. |
|
Foxglove (Digitalis
purpurea) |
Glycosides contained in digitalis may increase the risk
of side effects during corticosteroid therapy. |
|
Ma Huang (Ephedra
sinica) |
Ephedrine, a chemical that occurs naturally in the herb
ephedra, is also available as a drug product. Ephedrine increases the
clearance of dexamethasone from the body, which in turn decreases
the amount of activity from the drug. It is not known if the herb ephedra
has the same effect on dexamethasone, but until more is known it is
recommended that both ephedra and ephedrine be avoided. |
|
Licorice
(Glycyrrhiza glabra) |
Licorice extract has been shown with laboratory animals
to decrease the clearance of prednisone from isolated livers. If the same
thing happens in humans it could prolong prednisone activity, which could
increase prednisone related side effects. Cortisone, the natural hormone
most like prednisone, has been shown in studies with animals to be
negatively effected with the supplementation of glycyrrhizin (an active
constituent of Licorice). Glycyrrhizin was shown to prevent the immuno-suppressive
actions of cortisone. Licorice should be avoided while taking
corticosteroids unless first consulting with a nutritionally oriented
doctor. |
Interactions with foods and other substances:
Foods:
Corticosteroids should be taken after a meal
because they can cause stomach upset if taken on an empty stomach. It is best to
take these before 9:00 am.
Protein – Corticosteroids cause protein
wasting. Some doctors recommend a high protein diet for those on these drugs for
extended periods. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is one condition treated with
steroids and the kidney damage associated with this condition, and the link to
high protein diets and kidney damage, it may not be appropriate for all
individuals to be on a high protein diet. Consult with your doctor before
undertaking such a diet.
Alcohol can increase the irritation caused by
corticosteroids on the stomach.
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Good health is having no fatigue, having a good appetite, going to
sleep and awakening easily, having a good memory, having good humor,
having precision in thought and action, and being honest, humble, grateful
and loving. How healthy are you?
Louise L. Hay
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Some Herbs with Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Arnica (Arnica
Montana) – A very dilute tincture can be used as a gargle and
mouthwash for inflammation of the mouth and throat. Should
not be used without medical supervision.
Balm of Giliad (Populus candicans) – Useful externally for inflammation due to rheumatism and
arthritis.
Borage (Borago officinalis) – This herb has been recommended for pleurisy and
peritonitis for its calmative and anti-inflammatory actions.
Chicory (Cichorium intybus) – For painful inflammations, try applying the boiled leaves and
flowers wrapped in a cloth.
Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) – Useful for inflammations of the respiratory system
such as acute or chronic bronchitis, irritating coughs, whooping cough, or
asthma. It’s leaves store useful amounts of zinc, which may be why it is so
useful as an anti-inflammatory herb.
Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) – For throat inflammations, a gargle and mouthwash of this
herb is useful. The FDA says this herb should only be
used externally.
Common Mullein (Verbascum thapsiforme) – The tea of the flowers will help relieve pain and induce
sleep. Externally on inflammation or painful skin conditions, use the tea or
fomentation of the leaves boiled or steeped in hot vinegar and water.
Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) – Apply to inflammations, bed sores, and burns.
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) – It can be taken for bronchitis or fevers and can be
gargled for sore throat. A poultice of the pulverized seeds can be used for
gouty pain, swollen glands, wounds, or skin irritations.
Ginseng
(Panax
schin-seng or Panax quinquefolius) – Considered very useful for feverish
or inflammatory illnesses.
Gum Plant (Grindelia robusta) – Externally, the tea of this herb can be used as a wash for
burns, rashes, blisters, and inflammations.
Hedge Bindweed
(Convolvulus sepium) – This herb is primarily used as a purgative, but
it is also helpful in reducing inflammation of mucous membranes. Strong
Purgative, not for extended use.
Mallow (Malva
sylvestris or Malva rotundifolia_ - Useful as a tea for inflammation of
the larynx and tonsils. As a poultice to help soothe inflammations externally.
Pokeweed (Phytolacca Americana) – The dried root is useful in relieving
inflammations, treating arthritis and rheumatism, and for relieving pain. Fresh
or undercooked plant is poisonous, especially the root. The seeds in the
berries are also poisonous and particularly hazardous to children.
Sandalwood (Santalum
album) – Most of sandalwoods medicinal qualities exist in the oil. The
oil can be used for bronchitis as well as inflammation of mucous tissue.
Sarsaparilla (Smilax officianalis) – Useful for gout, rheumatism, colds, fevers, and
catarrhal problems.
Slippery Elm (Ulmus fulva) – This herb is one that is very under-used. It is excellent for
sensitive or inflamed mucous membrane lining in the digestive system. Can be
used in gastritis, gastric or duodenal ulcers, enteritis, colitis, and other
similar conditions. With diarrhea it will both soothe and astringe at the same
time. Externally, excellent as a poultice for boils, abscesses or ulcers.
Useful for inflammation of the mouth and throat, vaginitis, burns, scalds and
abrasions, hemorrhoids and anal fissure, varicose ulcers, boils, carbuncles,
and inflamed wounds.
Soloman’s Seal (Polygonatum
multiflorum) – Mostly used externally as a poultice on inflammations,
bruises, and wounds. Also good as a wash for skin problems and blemishes. Hypoglycemics
should consult their physician before using Polygonatum odoratum, a
European variety that has been used in Chinese medicine for diabetes to
help lower blood sugar levels.
White Pond Lily (Nymphaea oderata) – Tea made from the White Pond Lily makes a good gargle for
irritation and inflammation of the mouth and throat. It can be used as an
eyewash and vaginal douche.
Willow (Salix
alba, Salix purpurea, Salix nigra, Salix caprea) – Willow bark has been
used for at least 2,000 years to alleviate pain and reduce fever. It reduces
inflammation and is an effective treatment for articular rheumatism. As a
decoction it can be used for gum and tonsil inflammation.
Wintergreen (Gaultheria proumbens) – Wintergreen oil consists mostly of methyl salicylate, which
is closely related to aspirin. The leaves have been used for aches and pains,
inflammation, and rheumatism. Can also be used as a gargle for sore mouth and
throat.
Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) – A poultice made from the inner bark is said to be
effective for hemorrhoids and for inflammations of the eye.
This list of herbs is in no way meant to be complete as there are thousands
of herbs with anti-inflammatory properties. With a little research you can find
many more on your own. Don’t take anyone’s word for anything related to your
health unless you trust them fully. Do your own research. You’ll be surprised
at what you may learn.
Always remember others may hate you but those who hate you
don't win
unless you hate them. And then you destroy yourself.
Richard M. Nixon (1913 – 1994)
References:
A-Z Guide to drug-herb-vitamin interactions by Healthnotes, Inc.
Published in association with Healthnotes Online, Inc. by Prima Publishing;
Rocklin, CA. 1999
Prescription for Nutritional Healing 3rd Edition by
Phyllis A. Balch, CNC and James F. Balch, M.D.: Avery, a member of Penguin
Putnam, Inc. New York, NY: 2000
The Herb Book by John Lust : Bantam Books. New York, New York: 1974
The Little Herb Encyclopedia 3rd Edition by Jack Richason,
N.D.; Woodland Health Books; Pleasant Grove, UT: 1995
Taber’s Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary Edited by Clayton L. Thomas, M.D.,
M.P.H; F. A. Davis Company; Philadelphi, PA 1997
Heart Thoughts A Treasury of Inner Wisdom by Louise L. Hay: Hay
House, Inc. Carlsbad, CA: 1990
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