| Author |
Message |
simian10
Member
Username: Siman10
Post Number: 1
Registered: 04-2014
| | Posted on Monday, April 28, 2014 - 01:55 pm: | 
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I'm taking prograf immunosuppressants, since my kidney transplant two years ago. I suffer from diabetes and have athritis of the knees. As one of the effects of Prograf is to raise blood sugar levels, research has shown that turmeric reduces this. It is also an anti-inflamatory and therefore would help with my knees. It increases levels of tacrolimus in the blood. Therefore, it could mean a reduction in the dose of Prograf and therefore less side effects. I've heard that I should not take more than a teaspoon of turmeric on a daily basis. Before I embark on this, has anyone had any experience of using turmeric? Has it worked out well? |
simian10
Member
Username: Siman10
Post Number: 2
Registered: 04-2014
| | Posted on Sunday, May 04, 2014 - 09:26 am: |
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There have been a number of scientific research papers on the topic. They have found that turmeric (active ingredient: curcumin) possesses immunosuppressant qualities. Therefore, tacrolimus levels will rise. However, a clinician can then advise to lower the dosage. I'm sure I read on some of the forums here that some post transplant patients are already taking such supplements.
The side effect of prograf is increased blood sugar levels which would be reduced by the turmeric. Also, it has anti-microbial properties, helping to combat infection.
I spoke to the transplant surgeon who reviewed the publications. He said there were benefits to turmeric but he could not advise as does not have any actual clinical experience with the use of turmeric.
However, as you advised, daily tests for the initial use of turmeric would need to be done. Just wanted an insight into peoples' actual experiences |
Hostess Risé
Board Administrator
Username: Rise
Post Number: 18046
Registered: 05-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, May 04, 2014 - 10:32 am: |
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To keep a steady level of Prograf, I would take this on an empty stomach two hours after eating or one hour before eating and do this consistently.
Drink a large glass of water when taking prograf. Do not take any other vitamins or supplements with it. Consistency is key.
Also keep record of the foods you eat. If you eat a fatty meal, fats will lower your Prograf and Prograf will also deplete fats like vitamin D, K and E.
That is another story that I will be sharing one day.
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bill s
Member
Username: Bill_s
Post Number: 157
Registered: 08-2011
| | Posted on Sunday, May 04, 2014 - 03:22 pm: |
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If turmeric reduces your blood sugar level and this is medically important, then you should be able to incorporate turmeric into your immunosuppressant med regime by taking the same amount each day and working with your docs using weekly blood tests to adjust the amount of turmeric and tacrolimus until the docs are happy with your test results.
I drink green tea each day which others have said affect the tacrolimus level. I consume the same amount each day so that any effect is shown in my monthly blood tests - which continue to be acceptable to my TX team.
Get your diabetes doc and TX docs together to see if they will support you.
Good luck! |
CiscoKidney07
Forum Leader
Username: Gregg
Post Number: 5551
Registered: 03-2008
| | Posted on Monday, May 05, 2014 - 08:32 pm: |
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My thought is that if it ain't broke, don't fix it. I won't be using turmeric, green tea or anything else that could affect my prograf levels.
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simian10
Member
Username: Siman10
Post Number: 4
Registered: 04-2014
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 07, 2014 - 12:10 pm: |
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Thanks Hostess, Bill and Cisco. I am still deciding on whether to take turmeric. However, if I do, I will check the levels in my blood with the doctor as Bill suggested. |
Bala
Member
Username: Balapandian
Post Number: 66
Registered: 08-2010
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 09, 2014 - 04:18 am: |
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Siman,
it is interesting to know about turmeric. we use turmeric as an ingredient in cooking, so I take it everyday. I take prograf and have diabetes because of it. Pls let us know your tacro results and the amout of turmeric you take.
Good luck
Apr 2013 Kidney Transplant
Jun 2012 Both kidneys removed
Polycystic Kidney Disease
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