Scleroderma is a disease that involves the abnormal growth and accumulation of collagen, a connective tissue, which supports the skin and internal organs; there is no known cause. Nutritional treatments, including supplements, should always be cleared with your physician before using them to treat your scleroderma.
Symptoms
Scleroderma is a rheumatic disease, as well as a connective tissue disease. There are numerous symptoms associated with the disease that may affect your muscular, skeletal, respiratory and digestive systems. Examples of common symptoms include skin thickening, joint pain, wheezing, shortness of breath, constipation, swallowing problems, feet numbness, mask-like facial skin and stiffness and swelling in your fingers.
Nutritional Treatments
Nutritional treatments, especially nutritional supplements, may be a helpful adjunct therapy in treating your scleroderma. Nutritional supplements historically used in treating this condition may require more scientific backing to verify their purported health benefits. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, four nutritional supplements -- beta carotene, bromelain, gotu kola and sulfur -- may be particularly helpful in treating your scleroderma. Essential fatty acids and MSM, or methylsulfonylmethane, a form of sulfur, may also be helpful.
A Popular Supplement
Gotu kola may be one of the most popular nutritional supplements in treating scleroderma. Gotu kola possesses anti-inflammatory and analgesic action, states naturopathic physician Sharol Tilgner, author of "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," noting that this nutritional supplement helps normalize the metabolism of your connective tissue and improves the integrity of your connective tissue by encouraging the production of glycosaminoglycans -- an important component of connective tissues -- without causing excessive collagen synthesis. Always discuss supplements with a health care professional before adding them to your diet.
Warning
There are several serious health complications associated with scleroderma, including heart failure, kidney failure, malabsorption of nutrients, pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary fibrosis -- the leading cause of death among people with scleroderma. Nutritional supplements may best be used as an adjunct therapy in the treatment of scleroderma. In most cases, a combination of therapies may be most helpful in treating this condition. Before taking nutritional supplements, ask your doctor about possible side effects and drug interactions.
References
- PubMedHealth; Scleroderma; February 7, 2010
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disease; Scleroderma; May 10, 2010
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Herbs and Supplements for Scleroderma; Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD; Dec. 19, 2008
- "Herbal Medicine from the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
