is l-glutamie powder helpful

kira1234
kira1234 Member Posts: 3,091
edited June 2014 in Complementary and Holistic Medicine and Treatment
is l-glutamie powder helpful
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  • kira1234
    kira1234 Member Posts: 3,091
    edited August 2010

    I saw the chemo Dr. yesterday. I had planned to use l-glutamine poder to fight the nuropathy effects. She said no way. She said there is some proof it stops the chemo from killing the cancer in the body. Has anyone heard this before?

    Karen

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  • LtotheK
    LtotheK Member Posts: 2,095
    edited August 2010

    Nope.  My chemo doc is just fine with my being on it, and I'm also on fish oil and b12. It's only for 4 days out of the cycle.  I'm on TC,and that regimen is really bad for neuropathy.  So far, I have kept it at bay.  Not sure if it is from l-glutamine, or what. 

    I haven't been taking anti-oxidants during treatment.  I have heard they can be problematic, and I figured safer than sorry.  Really jonesing for a good green tea!  I'm not even taking vitamin C, just eating healthy and sticking to the above.

    My hospital is an NCI ranked hospital.

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  • LtotheK
    LtotheK Member Posts: 2,095
    edited August 2010

    Just did a bunch of reading on this.  Can't find any particular studies, but there's mixed info.

    In the BC world, I've learned, it's all mixed info. My personal favorite:  lymphedema.  Studies show not wearing a sleeve during air travel can cause lymphedema.  Studies also show wearing a sleeve during air travel can cause lymphedema.  My PT says, "We dunno.  Do what you think is best."  Kinda like when I decided on chemo, I was told my one doc to "go with my gut".  Mostly, I don't work that way, I'm counting on their good judgement and research.

    I think BC is still such a wangly mess that you just have to do what works out, be responsible as possible, and hope for the best.  If the l-glutamine has been helpful with neuropathy, that's a QOL issue for me.

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  • kira1234
    kira1234 Member Posts: 3,091
    edited August 2010

    MHP70,

    I've also been doing reading on this. From what I can see there is really little info either way. QOL is very important for me. The thought of having neuropathy is something I really don't want. I was also told by my doc make up your own mind we really don't know if the chemo will help. So I am deciding to do it, which kind of leaves me with a sour tase in my mouth. And as you said I am going with my gut feeling.

    I am also doing TC, and am aware it is very bad for neuropathy. So are you only doing the suppliments for the 4 days? I was planning on doing them for the 3 months I am in chemo. Thanks for the info by the way.

    Karen

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  • Twinmom77
    Twinmom77 Member Posts: 303
    edited August 2010

    I found L-Glutamine very helpful, not only for the neuropathy (never had any), but it supports gut health as well.  Chemo definitely killed my cancer cells and I was on all kinds of supplements including several antioxidants.  I drank a ton of green tea and took green tea extract as well.

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  • jessamine
    jessamine Member Posts: 322
    edited August 2010

    I was told it was fine- the recommendation I got was not to do it day of or the 1 or 2 after, but 1-2 TBSPs full all other days- never got neuropathy so maybe it worked? I would have it in a protein powder smoothie...

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  • jessamine
    jessamine Member Posts: 322
    edited August 2010

    I was told it was fine- the recommendation I got was not to do it day of or the 1 or 2 after, but 1-2 TBSPs full all other days- never got neuropathy so maybe it worked? I would have it in a protein powder smoothie...

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  • kira1234
    kira1234 Member Posts: 3,091
    edited August 2010

    jessamine,

    Thanks for the info. It's kinda funny 8 years ago my Mom had chemo at the same center and was told to use I-glutamine powder when she got neuropathy, and now I'm being told no. At any rate I think I will just take it anyway. Did your Dr. have you not take it those few days just in case it might effect the chemo?

    Karen

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  • LtotheK
    LtotheK Member Posts: 2,095
    edited August 2010

    My naturopath was vigilant:  only 4 days following treatment, then stop 'til next cycle...

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  • kira1234
    kira1234 Member Posts: 3,091
    edited August 2010

    Thanks MHP70. Do you start the day of or the after treatment?

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  • LtotheK
    LtotheK Member Posts: 2,095
    edited August 2010

    Day after, two tablespoons per day in water!

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  • kira1234
    kira1234 Member Posts: 3,091
    edited August 2010

    I had my prechemo visit at the chemo treatment center yesterday. It was quite interesting. My husband can be with  me for the 1st one but none of the others. They don't have many blankets so suggested we bring out won. They don't have ice there so if I want ice bring mine own. I asked about any ideas on how to combat neuropothy she said drink lots of pineapple juice. Very little was said about SE's in fact she was concerned she might frighten us. Go figure I guess ignorance is bliss is their motto.

    So my plan is to take ice with ice water maybe some frozen pops ect. Do you guys have any other ideas of things I should take with me?

    Karen

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  • ktym
    ktym Member Posts: 2,637
    edited August 2010

    Karen,

    I just think everyone is different.  We metabolize the drug differently and different things help us.  I ended up with bad neuropathy from TC.  L-glutamine ended up being a big waste of money for me.  It may on the other hand help someone else.  May hurt someone else.  They just don't know enough to be able to tell us IMHO

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  • kira1234
    kira1234 Member Posts: 3,091
    edited August 2010

    kmmd,

     I agree they really don't know. You said you had bad neuropathy. Did they give you anything for it? From what I am learning the Dr.'s are so afraid of any vitamins we take might protect the cancer cells. I do find it funny though my Onchologist is selly a food replacement drink that is loaded with all the b vitamins.

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  • ktym
    ktym Member Posts: 2,637
    edited August 2010

    I've tried, glutamine, co-enzyme Q-10, B vitamins, Vit E and C, levocarnitine, heat, cold, soaking, gabapentin, acupuncture, different shoe inserts, NSAID's, and feels like I'm forgetting something..

    Acupuncture, wrapping in heat or soaking in epsom salts, and low dose nortryptyline at night have been the only things that have helped me.

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  • apple
    apple Member Posts: 7,799
    edited August 2010

    My oncologist searched for information and concluded it was ok to take.  I am a pianist and wanted to keep working.  I experimented with it, keeping a careful journal.  I combined 6 tablespoons a day (divided by 3) with B6.  I found that it really helped.  I could feel it actually enter my system about 30 minutes after taking it.  I also found I didn;t need to take it everyday.. just the days following treatment (3 or 4).  I took fish oil as well.  Stretching and exercise also helped. 

    I have no lingering neuropathy presently.

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  • kira1234
    kira1234 Member Posts: 3,091
    edited August 2010

    Just had a call from a lady from church. We got talking about nutritionists. She gave me the name of a nutritionist in my area. I am calling her first thing in the morning. I want to meet with her before Thursday. I am so glad she called to check up on me as I haven't been able to get to church since I've spent most of the summer in Tampa. Now my team will be complete for me. I so feel she can guide me to a more holistic approach to this entire thing.

    Karen

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  • Julies_1st_story
    Julies_1st_story Member Posts: 7
    edited September 2010

    My oncologist, Dr. Keith Block, recommended it for neuropathy but it is also wonderful for mucotitis.  I dissolve 8-12 grams in about 10 oz. of water as a mouth swish and swallow type thing twice a day.  I am on my 3rd tch treatment and have no neuropathy and it really helps those days when you lose your taste and are at a higher risk for mouth sores and such.  I also am taking 200mg of COQ10 on a daily basis and 2400 mg of glutathion prior to each treatment.  Both of these are cellular antioxidents that help with chemo detox.

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