Supplements I take for Polymyositis:
Although no supplements are approved specifically for treating myositis, I have found the following helpful.
Minerals:
Calcium with Vitamin
D
Calcium is always recommended if your
taking prednisone for long period of
time.
Zinc
In addition to having antioxidant properties
on its own, zinc is a constituent of the antioxidant
enzyme super oxide dismutase. It is also needed for
proper maintenance of vitamin E levels in the blood
and aids in the absorption of vitamin A. Other important
functions of this mineral include the promotion of glandular
and reproductive health and proper functioning of the
immune system.
Zinc is found in the following food sources:
Brewer’s yeast, egg yolks, fish, kelp, legumes,
lamb, lima beans, meats, mushrooms, pecans, oysters,
pumpkin seeds, seafood, soy lecithin, soybeans, sunflower
seeds and whole grains.
Selenium
The principal function of Selenium is
to inhibit the oxidation of lipids (fats). It is a vital
antioxidant, especially when combined with vitamin E.
It protects the immune system by preventing the formation
of free radicals, which can damage the body.
Selenium can be found in Brazil nuts,
brewer’s yeast, broccoli, brown rice, chicken,
dairy products, garlic, kelp, liver, molasses, onions,
salmon, seafood, tuna, vegetables, wheat germ, and whole
grains.
Vitamins:
Vitamin
A
Vitamin A acts as an antioxidant, helping to protect
the cells against cancer and other diseases and is necessary
for new cell growth.
Foods that contain significant amounts
of Vitamin A include: apricots, asparagus, beet greens,
broccoli, cantaloupe, carrots, collards, peaches, pumpkin,
red peppers, spinach, Swiss chard, and yellow squash.
Vitamin
C
Vitamin C
is an antioxidant that is required
for tissue growth and repair and adrenal gland function.
It also aids in the production of anti-stress hormones,
and protects against the harmful effects of pollutions.
It helps prevent cancer, protects against infections,
and enhances immunity. Vitamin C increases the absorption
of iron.
Vitamin C is found in berries, citrus
fruits, and green vegetables. Good sources include:
asparagus, avocados, beet greens, broccoli, cantaloupe,
grapefruit, kale, lemons, mangos, mustard greens, onions,
oranges, papayas, green peas, sweet peppers, pineapples,
spinach, strawberries, Swiss chard, tomatoes.
Vitamin
E
Vitamin E
is an antioxidant that is important
in the prevention of cancer and cardiovascular disease.
It improves circulation, and is necessary for tissue
repair.
Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 is a substance very much like a vitamin. It affects the metabolism of energy and also acts as an antoxidant. It is used as a supplement because lowered CoQ10 blood levels are found in some people with muscle diseases.
Fish oil (omega-3 fatty acids)
Fish oil is usually made from oils of salmon, sardines, anchovies, or mackerel. They have been found to decrease inflammation and cytokine production.
Ginger and Turmeric (Spices)
Ginger and Turmeric and combinations of spices that contain them have anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving and antioxidant properties when taken in a mounts normally used in cooking. Ginger is also used to calm upset stomachs. |
