Natural Anti TNF treatment

[Mazen]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TNF_inhibitor

As you may know, newer biological meds like Remicade and Humira target the Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) which promotes the inflammatory response .

In the above Wikipedia article they mention that TNF or the effects of TNF are also inhibited by a number of natural compounds, including curcumin [2] [3] [4] [5] (a compound present in turmeric) and catechins (in green tea).

I drink green tea once in a while, and it seems to sooth my intestines.

What are your experiences with these and other anti TNF natural treatments? Do you have na idea on what dosage should we take of Turmeric or hoe many cups of green tea we should drink?

 

[D Bergy]

I took 2,000 mg of Ginger the same amount of of Turmeric daily. The studies I have seen have not found a level at which these cause harm, but use some common sense and do not use any more than you need to arrest symptoms. There are many other benefits to these two spices to numerous to list.

I have taken double the recommended amount of Fish Oil when having problems.

Green Tea helped me more than I would have expected. One thing about Green Tea I do not like is it has a naturally high level of Fluoride. I think ten cups is about all I should drink in a day. I probably drink this much at work, and much less at home. That is just what I am comfortable with, and I have no studies to go by on that.

In addition to supplements I try to integrate anti-inflammatory foods into my diet. Cherries are known to have this property, so I drink Cherry Pomegranate juice most every day. I also eat other dried fruit, just because it is easier for me to tolerate it in the dried form.

There are also inflammatory foods that should be avoided. I am not as well versed on these, but sugar is the big one. I am trying to limit my sugar intake. That is the hard one.

Dan Bergman

 

[Mazen]

Hi Dan. Thanks for the feedback

I read an interesting book called "The Inflammation Syndrome". In it the author specifies an anti inflammatory plan including diet and supplements. The diet is more or less the Paleo diet emphasizing lean meats, fish, vegetables and fruits as well as some rice. He reccommends as basic supplements Vitamin E and Fish oil. In addition he discusses anti-inflammatory herbs and spices like green tea, ginger, turmeric, chamomille etc....

http://www.amazon.com/Inflammation-...bs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1199356719&sr=8-1

He also states case studies. One of them is about a girl with Crohn's who found great comfort after removing Gluten and dairy from her diet and took fish oil and antioxidants like Vitamin C and E.

My concern is always the safety of supplements. For example Vitamin E studies have shown that taking Vitamin E long term has risks....

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vitamin-e/NS_patient-vitamin-e#81EC8390-E7FF-0DBD-1A35624E5469C8CA

A great link to supplements and herbs with lots of details is here at Wholehealthmd. They also have a good section on recommendations for Crohn's

http://www.wholehealthmd.com/ME2/Default.asp

Here also is a link to an anti-inflammation diet similar to the one discussed in the book
http://www.naturalchoicesforyou.com/site/680805/page/631430


I guess it's all trial and error. But I can't seem to be able to go on an anti-inflammatory diet without dairy and bread, let alone going on SCD, although the theory behind it seems logical to me.... But diets like this with vegetable and fruit restrictions like us with Crohn's, is really difficult.

 

[D Bergy]

Thanks for posting all of the links. I do not get hung up on doing exactly as the diets recommend. For one thing, no two people will react exactly the same way to any diet. I just do what I can and maybe over time I will make small changes along the way. Otherwise it is just to over whelming.

I do not drink or use milk. But, I really do not like it that much anyway. I do eat dairy as cheese and other dairy products. I avoid the things that obviously bother me with the exception of coffee. I still drink some but I am going to have to get rid of it altogether as it is now giving me some trouble again.

It is a long term work in progress. Do not kick yourself for not being strict enough. Just start somewhere and make little changes over time and it should help.

I screwed up with the coffee, and now I have some blood in my stool. First time in quite a while.

Dan Bergman

 

[Mazen]

Hi Dan. For the Fluoride issue in tea, try to find organic as i think it has less Fluoride. Also you can find Fluoride free toothpaste in health stores. I'm using one based on Aloe Vera

 

[Babe123]

ive tried peppermint tea, it helped a bit, but i dont like the taste of it so havnt had it much

x

 

[Dekar]

All the food that I cook contains Turmeric in it