Boswellia as an option for Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn’s Disease. Would Boswellia work for UC? Is Boswellia effective for Crohn’s Disease? Why Do I find Boswellia Irritating? And Why Would Boswellia Disrupt my Cycle?
These and many other questions I get from my clients.
Hi, I am Doctor Inna at Digestive Reset, and I am here weekly to answer your questions and give you my tips for digestive and hormone health, so your immune system gets in the great shape. And Please, always speak to your doctor while consuming our content.
Boswellia for Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease? When it comes to UC:
We investigated Boswellia both the induction of remission as well as for maintenance of remission in patients with ulcerative colitis. Certain clinical research shows that taking Boswellia gum resin three times daily for 6 weeks increases the rate of remission when compared with taking sulfasalazine. Certain observational research shows that taking a lecithin-based delivery form of Boswellia extract for 4 weeks is associated with a reduction in symptoms and drug use in patients who are in remission.
Two clinical trials show that taking Boswellia gum resin can improve some symptoms and pathological measures of active ulcerative colitis. In one study, taking Boswellia gum resin 350 mg three times daily improved symptoms and disease markers in patients with ulcerative colitis. In this study, about 82% of patients taking Boswellia went into remission compared to 75% taking sulfasalazine. In another preliminary clinical study, taking Boswellia gum resin 300 mg three times daily for 6 weeks improved symptoms and some measures of disease pathology in about 90% of patients. In this study, 70% of patients taking Boswellia went into remission compared to 40% taking sulfasalazine 3 grams daily.
In patients with colitis in remission, one observational study has found that taking a specific lecithin-based delivery form of Boswellia extract (product called Casperome) 250 mg daily for 4 weeks is associated with a reduction in abdominal pain, cramps, and fatigue, a decrease in the need for additional medications, and a 58% lower risk for requiring additional medical care when compared with no treatment. Additionally, weekly episodes of bloody diarrhea, bowel movements, and watery stools were reduced when compared with baseline.
With Crohn’s Disease we found that there’s insufficient evidence.
Preliminary clinical research shows that taking Boswellia extract (H15) 1200 mg orally three times daily for 8 weeks reduces the severity of Crohn’s disease symptoms as effectively as mesalamine (brands like Asacol, Pentasa). However, the clinical impact of these results are questionable, because mesalamine is generally not considered to be an effective treatment for Crohn’s disease that is active or quiescent. Other clinical research shows that taking Boswellia (Boswelan) 800 mg orally three times daily does not increase rates of remissions and quality of life any more than placebo in patients with Crohn’s.Then why are many colitis patients find it ineffective and even irritating. Both Boswellia acids, especially AKBA, inhibit 5-lipoxygenase and reduce leukotriene synthesis and inhibit leukocyte elastase, which are the likely mechanisms for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
And here is where I’m going to make conclusions that are NOT on fact evidence based, but my practice and knowledge based. Full disclosure, these are my personal conclusions since I can’t find science backing this up yet. Think about taking Motrin or Advil, very effective for pain and inflammation. There are similarities in the mechanism of action. In theory, if it hurts your tummy when you take Motrin or Advil, you can also be irritated by Boswellia. And in theory, if you continuously take it and it disrupts your cycle, it is possible to connect it to gut microbiome disruption from the product used incorrectly or on empty stomach.
Also, in humans, Boswellia acids are poorly bioavailable from Boswellia; however, intake of fat may improve the absorption and bioavailability.
Announcement:
As of November 1st 2020, my practice is 100% remote. My physical office is officially closed due to my client’s demand and for their convenience. I am able to spend even more time with each of my clients so they get even more guidance throughout their healing journey. The sessions are on Zoom, the test kits come in the mail along with the supplements. If I’ll see the demand in the future, I’ll re-open a bigger and a better space for my amazing local clients. Thank you for being a part of my life and for being patient throughout these unprecedented times.If you’ve been thinking of scheduling a dive-in session with me, there’s never been a better time: CLICK HERE TO SCHEDULE.
For now, if you are consuming typical American diet, strongly consider a combination of Multivitamins, Omega 3, Vitamin D and Magnesium.You can register and purchase those from my DISPENSARY and order the supplements with a discount.
I would love some feedback. Please, follow the YouTube page, Subscribe, and comment under the videos. I know many have questions.And a BIG GRATITUDE sale is coming VERY soon. I’m so EXCITED to OFFER my Digestive Reset program as a group coaching program! Stay tuned.
This is one of the most common questions that come through to me. “Dr. Inna, what are you supplementing with?”
Here are my supplements and please if you watch the video, comment, ask, like and subscribe:
Adaptocrine XL
Adaptogenic herb wonderland, helps with stress and immune system. Recommended during these stressful months. Ask your practitioner if you have thyroid issues.
Vitamin D/K
So many of us are depleted of vitamin D. Ask your healthcare practitioner to test or if you are taking one now, make sure it’s vitamin D3 not D2 and it has vitamins K1 and K2 for best absorption.
Active B complex
Can test for your B vitamin levels to be sure. Many have MTHFR issues so this can be beneficial.
Liposomal Vit C
Great for immune system, skin, immune system support. I find it easiest to tolerate in liposomal form.
Zinc
I switch from Zinc Sulfate to Zinc Orotate and periodically test my copper levels to make sure they don’t get depleted with Zinc use.
CoQ10
I have a family history of cardiovascular problems and my levels show CoQ10 depleted, so it’s a no brainer for me.
GlucoAdapt
This one is a great blood sugar stabilizer/support. It also makes a difference when you’re stressed and the body has to deal with blood sugar spikes.
I also have a BIG announcement: As of today, November 1st 2020, my practice is 100% remote. My physical office is officially closed due to my client’s demand and for their convenience. I am able to spend even more time with each of my clients so they get even more guidance throughout their healing journey. The sessions are on Zoom, the test kits come in the mail along with the supplements. If I’ll see the demand in the future, I’ll re-open a bigger and a better space for my amazing local clients. Thank you for being a part of my life and for being patient throughout these unprecedented times.If you’ve been thinking of scheduling a dive-in session with me, there’s never been a better time: CLICK HERE TO SCHEDULE.
I wish you great health!Below you would find my recommendations for trusted supplements: You can register and purchase those from my DISPENSARY and order the supplements with a discount. I would love some feedback. Please, follow the YouTube page, Subscribe, and comment under the videos. I know many have questions.And a BIG GRATITUDE sale is coming soon.
Did you hear that some nutrient deficiencies worsen COVID-19 outcomes?
Selenium and COVID-19:
Some health sources are now suggesting that selenium deficiency may possibly increase the risk for serious complications with coronavirus disease COVID-19.
The current level of evidence is not strong of course. This is something relatively new and we cannot expect a lot of data. Two population-based studies linked low selenium status to severe COVID-19 outcomes, including increased risk of death. But both studies were small.
What we really know is that true selenium deficiency is rare. Most people consume enough of it in their diet every day. But many with thyroid problems benefit from Selenium supplementation. And it will not hurt to pay more attention to getting enough of selenium just to feel safe.
Fish, poultry, beef, and eggs contain a high amount of selenium. The recommended daily allowance (RDA) of selenium is 55 mcg and eating just 3 ounces of salmon provides about 40 mcg of selenium. Please, note that if you are supplementing with selenium: doses above 400mcg may increase the risk of toxicity, so please get monitoring.
And there’s always functional testing if you are ever ready to check your micronutrients. I often recommend that to my clients and we uncover very interesting things after seeing results.
Vitamin D and COVID-19:
Current official recommendations for vitamin D dosing are changing and while they are back in forth on those, we can do a few things. We can make sure that we get some sunlight (you need to spend around 15-30 minutes in direct sunlight each day); and if it is not an option, food and supplementation are the next best bet. You really should be getting vitamin D level tested regularly, especially if you have a chronic condition.
Even with not sufficient data regarding positive outcomes in COVID-19 we have plenty of supporting data for vitamin D and chronic conditions like Crohn’s, Celiac, and others. Foods that are high in vitamin D include fish and the king of vitamin D food sources is Cod Liver Oil. If you cannot stand that, your next best bet would be swordfish and salmon. I know some people that just do not consume fish. Well, thankfully we have the testing options and amazing supplements today.
I generally recommend vitamin D to be combined with Vit K for the best absorption. And it is important to have enough Calcium and Magnesium in your diet to improve vitamin D absorption as well. And if you know that you are not getting enough Calcium and Magnesium from your diet, then you can take supplements that combine them all.
I wish you great health!
Below you would find my recommendations for trusted supplements:
Selenium by Pure Encapsulations
Vitamin D supreme by DFH (vit D plus K)
Or Twice Daily Packets by DFH (multi-vitamin with vit D, K, Calcium, Magnesium, Omega and more).
You can register and purchase those from my DISPENSARY. I would love some feedback. Please, follow the YouTube page, Subscribe, and comment under the videos. I know many have questions.
What do we initially associate adrenal health issues with? Stress
What can cause major health issues? Stress
What if you have a chronic condition and add more stress? Disaster
Please, always speak to your doctor while consuming our content. People are increasingly turning to medications and supplements that reduce stress, No surprise there. We truly want to address stress reduction and most important boost immune function during the pandemic.
Many buy supplements and products off the internet without much knowledge and research with the best intentions. I hear that some even give supplements for stress to kids. Ok, let us look into some scientific research here.
Things I am mentioning today are relevant today with the science backing up as far as now. We do more research and we come up with different conclusions sometimes later in science so please acknowledge that.
What is currently used and backed up now by science for stress in the world of nutraceuticals?
Adaptogens or adaptogenic herbs.
Adaptogens are a class of natural substances that are believed to stimulate the body’s resistance to physical, environmental, and emotional stressors. Although many plants are traditionally referred to as adaptogens, only some plants have shown these effects in research.
Ashwagandha is one of these plants. Its popularity was growing for a while. And now during this pandemic it soared. Many ashwagandha products and combinations are promoted for the immune system boost and overall health improvements. Currently, there is some supporting evidence for using ashwagandha root extract to reduce stress. It can also prevent stress-related weight gain. And of course, we cannot get much data for COVID-19 prevention mostly because not many are working on gathering the data for COVID-19 and natural supplements. Also, if you have a thyroid condition you need close monitoring if you chose to try it.
Astralagus is another adaptogen that grows in popularity recently. It is promoted for the same immune-boosting function. There is less research done with this adaptogen.
Another great point I would like to make here is to be selective with your brand choices. The market is growing and there is plenty of false advertisement and big quality concern. I research my brands very well, only work with the highest quality control brands. As you may have heard during this pandemic, Amazon pulled over 6.5 million products for false claims related to virus protection or COVID-19. Stay tuned as I research more and more and bring you the most updated information.
My best tip for improving your adrenals today with the stress related to COVID-19 is to make you sure you get plenty of quality sleep. Get noise reduction earplugs, get a clean, non-toxic, comfortable mattress, keep the temperature in your bedroom up to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. You can make it fancier with an aroma diffuser with lavender oil or other options. Do not drink alcohol before sleep. It will let you fall asleep faster and deeper but will disrupt your REM sleep, which if you have alcohol often is associated with a higher risk of certain chronic diseases.
I wish you great health! Please, join our Free Adrenal and Immune system 5 Day challenge next week in this Facebook group
I would love some feedback. Please, follow the YouTube page, Subscribe, and comment under the videos. I know many have questions.
Don’t want to read? Watch the video ABOVE instead.
People often do not show the symptoms of gluten sensitivity until get really, sick.
People with long-standing, unaddressed gluten sensitivity can end up with leaky gut or intestinal permeability, which is the official term in medicine, or with terrible intestinal disorders like ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, Celiac disease IBS, etc.
Too many times we do not realize that gluten sensitivity is an issue and its one of the most underdiagnosed health conditions today.
There are different possible reactions that people experience when they stop gluten.
Some patients can feel much better right away.
Some feel withdrawal symptoms for a few weeks and then feel better.
But some do not feel better, even after a couple of months. These clients would come back to me upset saying this gluten-free diet does not work. I say: “Not so fast, please”. There are many things to consider here.
One: How long did you stay 100% gluten-free? If we really suspect gluten sensitivity and your answer is less than 6 months of 100% gluten-free, go back to step 1.
Two: Rule out you there is no hidden gluten in your foods. Please, watch my video about Hidden Gluten coming up.
Three: Test, test, and re-test. And not just for gluten sensitivity. Please, also test for leaky gut presence to address the problem from both ends.
So, let us get to Gluten Swapping: Gluten-free means avoiding ALL foods that include gluten like wheat, rye, barley, spelt, kamut, bulgur, couscous, semolina, and durum flour. Oats are most likely not Ok as well.
What Grains Are OK?
Buckwheat
Quinoa (technically a veggie or a seed)
Amaranth
Millet
Corn
Brown rice
Wild Rice
Arrowroot
Tapioca
Bean Flours
It is truly easier today to eat gluten-free. Many products are labeled GLUTEN FREE but with all these conveniences of gluten-free labeling, we get the marketing lure that comes along with it.
I always teach my clients that the healthiest options are whole foods. So, if you take the gluten-free whole grain like brown rice or millet for example, and make a porridge out of it, it remains whole food. The moment you make flour out any kind of grain, the less nutritious and helpful this product will become.
So, if you are swapping for gluten-free grains, your best bet is to cook it into a porridge rather than mill it or use a prepared flour for cooking.
My best tip for cooking quinoa is to use a 15-minute rule:
Once it boils, cook 5 min on high, 5 min on medium, and 5 minutes on low(simmer). Right before you finish cooking, add some Herbamaire, garlic spice, and a tiny amount of black pepper. Add some MCT oil, mix it, and turn off the stove. It will end up tender, added MCT oil will be easy to absorb (especially helpful to those with digestive problems) and it is a comforting warm meal full of protein and fiber. Of course, you can do your own tweaking adding more protein, greens, or oil according to your nutritional needs (hopefully you know what that is or working with a functional medicine practitioner like myself that can help you figure that out).
Here Are My Tips for Gluten Free Kitchen:
1)When trying to avoid gluten it sure better to cook at home, if you can.
2)Try to plan and cook for 2 to 3 days at a time. Cook your own soups and stews in larger quantities. Then package that food into small non-plastic containers, like the silicone ones, for example, and freeze for up to one month. The reason I do not recommend plastic is because of the environment and your health. When you heat up or cool off the food inside the container and the temperature changes, plastic articles pa may seep into your food.
3)Always keep raw nut butters and nut flours for quick meals. A great choice would be to use raw almond butter with apple butter on a toasted slice of whole-grain gluten free bread for a snack. And nut flours make great grain-free muffins for breakfast.
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