Diet and Supplements
One of the most frequent questions I read are about diet and supplements. Diet is pretty easy, depending on the doctor. My hematologist recommends no dietary changes other than avoiding raw shellfish (especially from warm waters) and not drinking alcohol to extremes. This varies depending on existing organ damage, of course. But for the otherwise healthy newly diagnosed GH patient, adding iron restrictions to the diet may only reduce the number of phlebotomies needed to reach maintenance by one or two. So why stress over it. Enjoy what you can while dealing with a generally stressful situation anyway.
For supplements, these are what I have been requested to take by my doctors and my clinical nutritionist. The brands are also recommended, not just the nutrient.
Doctor recommendations:
Jarrow Ubiquinol QH-Absorb
This one is recommended as an antioxidant instead of vitamin C. Vitamin C is known it increase iron absorption and also activate stored iron potentially causing free radical damage. This is also good for heart health.
Thorne D-5000
Most of us seem to be vitamin D deficient. I was tested for it and take one of these each day to keep in the normal range.
Source Naturals ArcticPure Krill Oil
This has been recommended to improve heart health, cholesterol and for use instead of a baby aspirin. It has the same effect on the ‘slipperiness’ of our blood as does taking a baby aspirin every day without the damage to our stomach lining.
Citracal Maximum+D3
The effect GH has on our hormone function has left me with a bit of osteopenia. This is not uncommon for GH patients and can be tested by an Endocrinologist. Mine has me taking one of these a day based on my bone density scan.
Jarrow Milk Thistle
This is recommended for general overall liver health. It may be the most controversial on the list, but it was recommended by my doctor.
Clinical Nutritionist recommendations:
Vital Nutrients Minimal and Essential
A very nice multivitamin with no added iron.
Thorne Methyl-Guard Plus
These are the right B vitamins to take to support DNA methylation and liver detoxification. There are advanced tests that can give a more clinical approach to exactly what B vitamins to take, but this is a good general product for liver and DNA health. I take two a day.
I hope these notes have been helpful to people with questions on this topic.
For supplements, these are what I have been requested to take by my doctors and my clinical nutritionist. The brands are also recommended, not just the nutrient.
Doctor recommendations:
Jarrow Ubiquinol QH-Absorb
This one is recommended as an antioxidant instead of vitamin C. Vitamin C is known it increase iron absorption and also activate stored iron potentially causing free radical damage. This is also good for heart health.
Thorne D-5000
Most of us seem to be vitamin D deficient. I was tested for it and take one of these each day to keep in the normal range.
Source Naturals ArcticPure Krill Oil
This has been recommended to improve heart health, cholesterol and for use instead of a baby aspirin. It has the same effect on the ‘slipperiness’ of our blood as does taking a baby aspirin every day without the damage to our stomach lining.
Citracal Maximum+D3
The effect GH has on our hormone function has left me with a bit of osteopenia. This is not uncommon for GH patients and can be tested by an Endocrinologist. Mine has me taking one of these a day based on my bone density scan.
Jarrow Milk Thistle
This is recommended for general overall liver health. It may be the most controversial on the list, but it was recommended by my doctor.
Clinical Nutritionist recommendations:
Vital Nutrients Minimal and Essential
A very nice multivitamin with no added iron.
Thorne Methyl-Guard Plus
These are the right B vitamins to take to support DNA methylation and liver detoxification. There are advanced tests that can give a more clinical approach to exactly what B vitamins to take, but this is a good general product for liver and DNA health. I take two a day.
I hope these notes have been helpful to people with questions on this topic.