“What supplements should I take?” is a question that I often receive. I look to vitamin supplements as my daily miracles. I used to take 20-30 per day. I have tried so many – too many to count – and experimented as any integrative practitioner would do!
I have condensed my list down and have chosen five of my top essential vitamins to share with you. This list does not include any of my superfoods – another long list which includes chai seed, hemp, cacoa, maca and many others.
Whether you have lupus or not, these supplements can surely help your overall health and well-being!
1. Vitamin D3
This potent immune modulator calms your immune system and helps strengthen your bones by improving calcium and phosphorus absorption. This is crucial for avoiding osteoporosis. Many lupus sufferers avoid the sun to avoid a potential flare which can lead to a vitamin D deficiency. I suggest 2000-5000 IU per day depending on your blood levels. Ask your doctor to check this next time you have blood drawn.
2. Flax Oil
This is one of the best anti-inflammatory supplements out there! Best taken after a meal, a nice dose is 2000-3000 mg per day. You can also avoid the fishy burps by using flax oil instead. My favorite flax oil is from Barlean’s – Strawberry and Banana flavor!
3. Calcium/Magnesium
This supplement is so important, especially for anyone who has been on prednisone or any form of a steroid, as it depletes calcium from your bones and causes osteoporosis. Magnesium helps with headaches, migraines, and alleviates muscle pains. It also regulates bowel movements.
4. Zinc
This gem keeps me from getting sick while traveling or being in tight quarters in packed subways. I recommend 15 mg for staying well and 30 mg if you feel a cold coming on. If you are taking immunosuppressants, I do not suggest taking zinc.
5. Probiotic
Found in yogurt, live cultures, without all the calories, probiotics balance good and bad bacteria in your gut. Taking an antibiotic will throw off the balance and possibly lead to an overgrowth of yeast. Prednisone can also produce yeast. Adding probiotics to your daily routine will prevent yeast infections and gas/bloating. It is best to take probiotics upon waking and at bedtime. I avoid taking FOS-(fructo-oligosaccharides) or inulin as it can cause loads of gas and bloating.
These top five supplements have all worked for me and I hope that this list will encourage you to give supplements a try. As with any health supplement, please consult your doctor first before taking any of the items I mentioned on the list. These supplements are not intended as a substitute for your doctor’s recommendations.
Be well!