Truth or Consequences

Nutritional supplements are often taken by Lyme patients to assist in their recovery. Below are listed a few of those supplements, the benefit claim, the reality and any side effects. Please consult with your physician before taking any nutritional supplement.

DHEA

Claim: Slows aging, boosts energy, controls weight.
Reality: A hormone sold as a supplement. Studies in animals and humans have had mixed results.

Side effects: May increase the risk of breast and prostate cancer. Some women develop acne and hair growth on lace and body.

Ephedra (ma huang)

Claim: Controls weight, boosts energy.
Reality: Has been linked to high blood pressure, headaches, seizures, death.

Feverfew

Claim: Relieves migraines.
Reality: Two small trials published in the 1980s found that it can help reduce the frequency and severity of migraine headaches.
Side effects: mouth ulcers, headaches.

Ginger

Claim: Relieves nausea.
Reality: Some trials have suggested it can prevent vomiting due to motion sickness. Should be used with caution by anyone on blood thinners.
Side effect: heartburn.

Ginko biloba

Claim: Boosts mental prowess.
Reality: Several European studies suggested it may diminish symptoms of some types of dementia. In 1997, a U.S. study of patients with mild to moderate dementia found that those who took ginkgo scored somewhat higher on tests of mental performance and social behavior than those who took a placebo, but improvement was modest at best. Not to be taken by people on blood thinners or those hypersensitive to poison ivy, cashews, or mangoes.
Side effects: gastrointestinal disturbance, headache.

Ginseng

Claim: Boosts energy, sexual stamina; reduces stress, effects of aging.
Reality: Laboratory-animal studies have demonstrated some beneficial effects on immune and endocrine functions. So far, research in humans has been contradictory and, for the most part, poorly controlled.
Side effects: breast tenderness, nervousness.

Glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin

Claim: Relieve arthritis.
Reality: Results of generally small clinical trials overseas suggest that the supplements might help relieve pain and tenderness of osteoarthritis and improve patients' mobility.
Side effect: reduced insulin secretion noted in animal studies.

Kava

Claim: Reduces stress.
Reality: Some European studies found it helpful for anxiety arid mood swings.
Side effects: gastrointestinal disturbance, temporary discoloration of skin, hair, nails.

Available at : Vanuatu Kava Store

Melatonin

Claim: Aids sleep, prevents jet lag.
Reality: According to several studies, melatonin taken 30 minutes to two hours before bedtime does seem to hasten the onset of sleep, but the effect is modest at best and does not seem to lengthen total sleep time.
Side effects: Fatigue, headache, confusion.

St. John's Wort

Claim: Relieves depression.
Reality: An overview of 23 clinical studies in Europe found that it may be useful in cases of mild to moderate depression and caused far fewer side effects than standard drugs did. Eventually, consumers should know more: The federal government is funding a three-year study that will compare the herb with a prescription antidepressant and a placebo.
Side effects: dizziness, dry mouth, increased sensitivity to sunlight.

Valerian

Claim: Aids sleep.
Reality: Since the 1980s, there have been at least five clinical trials of this herb for the treatment of insomnia. Overall, findings have been equivocal. Still, at least two of those studies suggest that valerian resulted in significantly improved sleep without morning grogginess.
Side effects: heart palpitations, upset stomach.