CFS_for_19_years
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In another article, Jay S. Cohen, M.D. goes on to mention supplements that can increase vasodilation, many due to the increase in Nitric Oxide (NO):
http://medicationsense.com/articles/2012/emsup.php
http://medicationsense.com/articles/2012/emsup.php
Amino Acids: Arginine, Taurine
Both arginine and taurine increase levels of nitric oxide in blood vessel cells. Nitric oxide is the primary substance in the vascular system that produces vasodilation.
Bioflavinoids
More than 4,000 naturally occurring flavonoids have been identified in nature. They are potent antioxidants and free radical scavenges. Although studies are few, it appears that bioflavinoids can modestly reduce blood pressure, meaning they may cause vasodilation.
Coenzyme Q10
This potent antioxidant has many uses in the human body. Alternative doctors frequently recommend coenzyme Q10 to offset the side effects of cholesterol-lowering drugs such as Lipitor (atorvastatin) and Zocor. Because levels of coenzyme Q10 gradually drop with age, the supplement is also frequently recommended for maintaining cardiovascular health. Studies show that coenzyme Q10 can also reduce blood pressure.
Fish Oil & Flax Oil Capsules
Fish oil and flax oil are high in omega-3 fatty acids. Both supplements increase the level of prostaglandins in cells. Prostaglandins are potent vasodilators.
Gamma Linolenic Acid: GLA, Evening Primrose, Borage Oils
All have been shown to reduce blood pressure, which means it widens blood vessels. This can worsen EM.
Garlic
Garlic is well known to open blood vessels. This is why alternative doctors frequently use it as one of the natural therapies for treating high blood pressure. Any substance that opens blood vessels usually worsens the symptoms of EM.
5HTP
A derivative of tryptophan, 5 HTP causes the body to produce serotonin. If you benefit from medications such as Cymbalta, Effexor, Prozac, Zoloft or other SSRIs or SNRIs, then 5 HTP should help you as well. If 5 HTP causes worsening, as it did for me, then serotonin antagonists may help you (see feverfew, white willow below).
Lycopene
Lycopene is found in tomatoes, grapefruit, watermelon and papaya. Studies have proven that lycopene can reduce blood pressure, meaning it widens blood vessels. A small amount is probably okay.
Minerals: Zinc, Selenium
Zinc and selenium are sometimes recommended by alternative doctors for hypertension. Both supplements worsened my EM.
N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)
A potent antioxidant and free radical scavenger, NAC increases levels of nitric oxide, the primary vasodilator in vascular cells.
Niacin
Niacin is a potent vasodilator, so potent that niacin preparations can cause skin flushing from dilation of blood vessels. Prescription niacin preparations often do the same. Even in small doses in multivitamin pills, niacin may cause vasodilation in EM. Some multivitamin preparations contain niacinamide, a less potent derivative of niacin, yet niacinamide may still be a problem for some with EM.