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Natural Remedies for Crest Syndrome: Effective Strategies

| Modified on Dec 22, 2023
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Crest Syndrome, a variant of scleroderma, presents unique challenges to those it affects. Characterized by the hardening of the skin and involvement of internal organs, this autoimmune condition can significantly impact quality of life. While conventional medical treatments are crucial, exploring natural remedies can provide additional relief and support. This article delves into such alternatives, complementing standard medical advice for managing Crest Syndrome effectively.

Understanding Crest Syndrome

Crest Syndrome, or Limited Systemic Sclerosis, is an autoimmune condition marked by five main features: Calcinosis, Raynaud's phenomenon, Esophageal dysfunction, Sclerodactyly, and Telangiectasia. The disease leads to the overproduction of collagen, causing skin and organ hardening. Unlike other forms of scleroderma, Crest Syndrome is typically more limited in skin involvement but can significantly impact the internal organs.

Conventional Treatments for Crest Syndrome

Medical treatments for Crest Syndrome often include immunosuppressants, vasodilators, and physical therapy. These interventions focus on managing symptoms and slowing disease progression. However, it's essential to consult healthcare professionals for personalized treatment plans.

Natural Remedies for Crest Syndrome

1. Dietary Adjustments

  • Anti-inflammatory Diet: Incorporating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish, nuts, and seeds, can reduce inflammation.
  • Antioxidant-rich Foods: Fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants may help combat oxidative stress associated with autoimmune disorders.

2. Herbal Supplements

  • Turmeric (Curcumin): Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric can be beneficial in managing systemic inflammation.
  • Ginger: Another anti-inflammatory herb, ginger can help alleviate digestive issues common in Crest Syndrome.

3. Stress Management Techniques

  • Yoga and Meditation: These practices can reduce stress, a known trigger for autoimmune flare-ups.
  • Mindfulness and Relaxation Therapies: Techniques like guided imagery and progressive muscle relaxation can help manage stress-related symptoms.

4. Physical Therapy and Exercise

  • Gentle Exercise: Activities like walking or swimming can maintain flexibility and reduce joint stiffness.
  • Physical Therapy: Tailored exercises can help improve mobility and manage pain.

5. Skin Care

  • Moisturizing: Regular moisturizing can help manage the dry, hardened skin typical in Crest Syndrome.
  • Protective Clothing: Wearing gloves and warm clothing can help in Raynaud's phenomenon, a common symptom of Crest Syndrome.

6. Detoxification Therapies

  • Disodium EDTA with Water: Regular doses of disodium EDTA, taken with 1 liter of water, may help remove toxins and heavy metals from the body.
  • Chinese Parsley (Cilantro): Known for its potential in heavy metal detoxification.
  • Granulated Lecithin: May aid in the removal of toxins from the body.

7. Additional Detox and Symptom Management

  • Vinegar or Salt Baths: Regular baths with vinegar or salt can help detoxify the body.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda: Taking these may assist in detoxifying the body and alleviating symptoms.

FAQ Section: Crest Syndrome and Natural Remedies

1. What is Crest Syndrome and how does it differ from other scleroderma types?

Crest Syndrome, or Limited Systemic Sclerosis, is a subtype of scleroderma characterized by specific symptoms: Calcinosis, Raynaud's phenomenon, Esophageal dysfunction, Sclerodactyly, and Telangiectasia. Unlike other scleroderma types, Crest Syndrome usually has more limited skin involvement but can significantly affect internal organs.

2. Can natural remedies effectively manage Crest Syndrome symptoms?

While natural remedies alone cannot cure Crest Syndrome, they can effectively manage symptoms and improve quality of life. These remedies, including anti-inflammatory diets, herbal supplements, and stress management techniques, should be used with conventional medical treatments.

3. What are the benefits of using an anti-inflammatory diet for Crest Syndrome?

An anti-inflammatory diet, rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, can help reduce systemic inflammation, a key factor in Crest Syndrome. This diet may alleviate some symptoms and potentially slow disease progression.

4. How can herbal supplements like turmeric and ginger help in Crest Syndrome?

Herbal supplements like turmeric and ginger possess anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric (curcumin) can reduce overall inflammation, while ginger can alleviate gastrointestinal discomfort, a common issue in Crest Syndrome.

5. Are stress management techniques useful for managing Crest Syndrome?

Stress management techniques such as yoga, meditation, and relaxation therapies can be highly beneficial. They help reduce stress, which can trigger or exacerbate autoimmune conditions like Crest Syndrome.

6. What role does physical therapy play in treating Crest Syndrome?

Physical therapy, including tailored exercises and gentle activities like walking or swimming, helps maintain flexibility, reduce joint stiffness, and manage pain associated with Crest Syndrome.

7. Can natural detox methods like disodium EDTA and cilantro be safe for Crest Syndrome patients?

Natural detox methods, such as disodium EDTA, cilantro, and lecithin, are believed to help remove toxins and heavy metals from the body. However, their safety and efficacy for Crest Syndrome should be discussed with a healthcare provider before use.

8. What are the advantages of vinegar or salt baths in Crest Syndrome management?

Vinegar or salt baths can aid in detoxifying the body and may provide symptomatic relief for skin manifestations of Crest Syndrome. They can be a soothing addition to a comprehensive treatment plan.

9. Is it safe to combine apple cider vinegar and baking soda for Crest Syndrome treatment?

While apple cider vinegar and baking soda are popular for their detoxifying properties, their safety and effectiveness for Crest Syndrome should be evaluated by a healthcare professional, especially considering the potential for interactions with prescribed medications.

10. How does Chinese parsley (cilantro) aid in the detoxification process for Crest Syndrome patients?

Chinese parsley, commonly known as cilantro, is believed to have chelating properties that may help remove heavy metals from the body. This detoxification process can be beneficial for autoimmune conditions like Crest Syndrome, but its effectiveness and safety should be evaluated on an individual basis.

11. What is the significance of granulated lecithin in the treatment of Crest Syndrome?

Granulated lecithin is thought to aid in lipid metabolism and the removal of fats and toxins from the body. Its role in the management of Crest Syndrome involves supporting cellular health and potentially reducing systemic inflammation.

12. Can lifestyle changes impact the progression of Crest Syndrome?

Lifestyle changes, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management, can positively impact the overall health of individuals with Crest Syndrome. These changes can complement medical treatments and help in managing the symptoms and progression of the condition.

13. Are there any risks associated with using natural remedies for Crest Syndrome?

Like all treatments, natural remedies can have risks and side effects. It's important for Crest Syndrome patients to discuss these remedies with their healthcare providers to ensure they are safe and appropriate, especially in relation to prescribed medications and the individual's specific health condition.

14. How can patients with Crest Syndrome effectively incorporate natural remedies into their treatment plan?

Patients should work closely with their healthcare providers to determine the most effective and safe way to incorporate natural remedies into their treatment plan. This collaboration ensures that the remedies complement prescribed treatments and are tailored to the individual's needs.

15. What should patients with Crest Syndrome consider before trying new natural remedies?

Patients should consider the potential interactions of natural remedies with their current medications, the scientific evidence supporting the use of these remedies, and their personal health history. Consulting with healthcare providers is essential to make informed and safe decisions.

Keep exploring further for a wide range of additional crest disease remedies shared by our readers. We're eager to hear about your experiences, so please share with us which treatment helped you!

Related Links:

Natural Remedies for Raynaud's Disease | Improve Circulation

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
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Borax

1 User Review
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Posted by Candybeagle (Ohio) on 05/09/2017
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I have scleroderma. My hands were sore, stiff and swelling. Getting digital ulcers every couple of mths. The borax protocol seem to help the symptoms plus was feeling better in general. I also take colloidal silver msm in green juice, water kefir, probiotics, colostrum plus some other supplements and essential oils. Autoimmune disease is epidemic and yet you hear very little about it. It effects each person individually. Drs just want to give us drugs to suppress the symptoms instead of attacking the root cause of the disease and seems like the research doesn't do anything to prevent the disease. It all starts with leaky gut syndrome. When we can't absorb essential nutrients then our bodies cannot fight off invaders or heal itself. Most AI patients are deficient in Vit. D3, boron and K2. If the body does not have theses essential components then you develop disease such as cancer or AI. They say 1 in 200 people have these diseases and most do not know it. So bringing awareness to people is critical to getting a cure and methods of prevention.

I find the Borax is effective. So when someone worries about the "safety" of the this I always tell them the drugs that are prescribed for my illness are far more "dangerous" than this. LOL.

Disodium EDTA, Baths in White Vinegar

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Posted by Shelly (Abilene, TX) on 10/09/2006
 ★★★★★

My question is regarding CREST syndrome which is also an autoimmune disease. Would you treat it the same as Lupus? Thanks! P.S. This website is a GOD send! Thanks for all the time you put into it.

Replied by Ted
(Bangkok, Thailand)
392 posts
★★★★★

Dear Shelly: Yes, the possibility exists that CREST can be treated similarly by using the LUPUS treatment but there are differences in the approach due to the fact that the organism residing in CREST are somewhat different from those of LUPUS. However the reason for its similarity in some ways have much to do with raising your immune system in both cases. CREST is a bit more complicated than lupus.

Once difference in CREST and lupus is of academic one, both CREST and LUPUS is due to a tiny pathogenic bug inside your body. While CREST is very much like a nanobacteria, lupus is much more closer to those of the mycoplasma, where it exists similarly closer to fungus and bacteria in its environment.

The reason why I know CREST is due to nanobacteria is the calcium deposits it creates in some specific conditions of CREST, called calcinosis. This is a big clue since nanobacteria tends create calcium as a protective shells leaving the deposits and destroying or hardening of tissues as a way to multiply.

You might ask how to kill the nanobacteria? A nanobacteria exists in greater numbers in presence of heavy metals, especially free radical heavy metals. An easy way to find out is to do a heavy metals testing using Dithizone system. Metals in high amounts have a tendency to cause the destruction of collagen through a maillard reaction in presence of something such as iron, for example as a catalyst to sugar and proteins. The best way out, if this is so is chelation, or oral disodium EDTA mixed in all your drinking water. So my own personal estimate, when the time I was tested for positive heavy metal copper in my urine, was about between 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of disodium EDTA to one liter of water. Taking plenty of chinese parsley will also help chelate out heavy metals. Eating granulated lecithin 2 tablespoon with every meal long with food will also reduce the buildup. Taking baths in white vinegar will also remove the calcium buildup, killing the nanobacteria. In this instance, nanobacteria that is, I think taking apple cider vinegar would help, with added baking soda perhaps to reduce the problems of CREST as acetates, chelation, and alkalzing do have a tendency to dissolve microscopic calcium shells that nanobacteria build up. Most importantly is to take magnesium chloride (or citrate) and zinc acetate (or chloride, or citrate form) to reduce the calcium buildup as magnesium is antagonistic to calcium and zinc to increase immune systems against the stealth nanobacteria. Alkalizing certainly helps such as taking 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon citric acid with 1/2 glass water taken once before sleep and once in morning also. Licorice extract also helps in killing of the nanobacteria also.

This is what I would do different from lupus, but you can still use that, along with this added information to help with CREST.

Replied by Kathyr
(Blue Point, New York)
05/27/2011

Hello Ted! It was so interesting to read about your theory about the cause of crest, Dr.S have not been very helpful, I have had it for about 14 yrs now, calcinosis is becoming uncomfortable on both elbows, can you give me amounts of epsom salt or white vinegar to be used in baths, also dosages of magnesium chloride, licorice, apple cider vinegar. I am thrilled to know there are treatments out there, that may actually help me. Can crest possibly be cured by using these treatments?

Niacin, Vitamin E

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Posted by Deb E (Cedar Rapids, Iowa) on 10/24/2012
 ★★★★★

Suffering several yrs from Crest Disease... Best help I have found.. Niacin and Vit E. They warm your cold extremities but Vit E keeps you from forming blood clots in those small veins

Niacin, Vitamin E
Posted by Jessie (Linden, Tennessee Usa) on 07/21/2011
 ★★★★★

I have had crest for 50yr. And have suffered with raynaud's. I didn't have the help that is out there. I had an old fashioned Dr. who put me on time release niacin, 100 mg up to 5 times a day, vitamin E 1000 and multi B complex. I took this every day (365) as my symptoms decreased after 5 yrs (could be different for others)I only took it in the winter. Now I can go without it. I only start if I get bad in the winter till it stops. But if you need a fast warm up, Just vacuum for a long time I had the cleanest carpet in town.

Replied by Jeanette Contreras
(Texas)
09/13/2016

Hello, I realize your post is several years old, but I am recently diagnosed with CREST (last January 2016), but I am hoping that this may reach you. I am wondering if there are any other methods/supplements that you would recommend to help with symptoms? I eat organically and non-processed foods and have just begun using essential oils. So, I am hesitant to be engulfed in prescription medications with all of their side effects. I am interested in any holistic methods you may have to share.


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