Vitamins and Supplements
(Naturopathic Medicine)

"The doctor of the future will give no medicine but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease" Thomas A. Edison

Naturopathic medicine treats health conditions by utilizing the body's inherent ability to heal. Naturopathic physicians aid in the healing process by incorporating a variety of alternative methods based on the individual needs. Diet, lifestyle, work, and personal history are all considered when determining a treatment regimen. Many Naturopaths prescribe vitamin, mineral and other supplements. These supplements can effect platelets and clotting time, so it is important for you and your physician to understand the effect on the blood before taking them. For example, Vitamin E thins the blood and reduces clotting time. That’s why it is used for heart patients. Some fish oil supplements also thin the blood. 

Vitamin C

Some of our readers have had success raising their platelet counts with Vitamin C. There was a study done by the Division of Hematology, Royal Victoria Hospital and McGill University in Montreal that showed positive results for patients that failed corticosteroid (ex. prednisone) therapy. See Michelle's story or search the message archives. Read abstracts of some published articles on the subject.

Moducare Sterinol Complex

This supplement is composed of sterols and sterolins, plant (phyto) nutrients. These compounds play an important role in the functioning of our immune system. There are many research articles documenting the benefits of these compounds. (They are also called B-sitosterol and B-sitosterol glucoside)

"This product proved to be helpful with auto-immune disorders, so I obtained the product, started taking six capsules a day for a month and found my platelet count went from 69 to 114 - the highest since 1990. I then reduced the amount I was taking to three a day, and the count went down to 94. So I have resumed the 6 capsules a day and will check in a month to see what effect it is having on the count." Bernard (see his short story) Bernie@connectinglink.com

Liquid Noni

Dr. Ralph Heinicke, a noted American biochemist, had a potentially groundbreaking revelation while studying pineapple enzymes. He realized that a certain alkaloid call Xeronine may play a key role in encouraging proper cell function and growth in the human body.

Xeronine is formed in the intestine, where a chemical reaction occurs between Proxeronine and Proxeronase. Dr. Heinicke realized that these two substances in the reaction exist in abundance in the Tahitian Noni fruit. (from the brochure)

Liquid Noni can be found in health food stores.

"I have been giving Steven this since the begining of Feb. and his treatments went from 3-4ks to 40 wks." Lynn F.

Pycnogenols

Pycnogenols, a strong anti-oxidant, have been used by some people with ITP to raise their platelet count. These substances are also used to protect against heart disease and keep the platelets from clumping and adhering to collagen surfaces which may be present in blood vessel walls. Some naturopath physicians do live blood analysis tests. Among other things, these show the amount of free radicals in your blood. This test could be used to test the potential benefits of anti-oxidants. Read more details, See Julie's story or search the message archives.

Chlorophyll

"For the past two decades, I have been treated for ITP with all of the conventional methods, as well as researched and practiced alternative medicine, all of which has helped me, but never cured me.  I do believe I have found "the answer," though, and it's called chlorophyll.... I have started taking Premier Chlorella (chlorophyll) from a company in Round Rock, Texas (phone number is (800) 370-3447), and am experiencing amazing results! My platelet count is going up, up, up, while my steroid dose is going down, down, down! This has NEVER happened! My doctor is truly amazed, too!" B.J. Mason 

Related Sites

Dr. Andrew Weil

Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine

Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology On-line

Dr. Joe Glickman's Health Science Report

The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians