Q: I realize, even according to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN that polycythemia vera is an incurable metabolic anomaly (note the omission of “disease”). I also realize that there are at least several different scenarios in which polycythemia vera can manifest symptoms. However, is there anything that can be done in the realm of natural remedies that can possibly alleviate the symptoms so that the patient can live a more comfortable life and reduce the frequency of doctor visits as well as allopathic interventions?
The best I have found by my research is to exercise, drink green tea, supplement with milk thistle and cat’s claw. I believe that in addition to milk thistle, astralagus would also help, since both help the liver to remove toxins from the blood and lymph. Both may also help improve the strength of the immune system and also may help the bone marrow to properly maintain a proper balance of red blood cells and T lymphocytes, in which the liver plays a major. I also believe that taking probiotics naturally (i.e.: kefir) would also help since about 70-80% of the strength of the immune system is dependent on a proper microbial balance in one’s digestive tract.
Thanks for your input.
A: From the in-depth research you have already done, I’m not sure I can add anything you might not already know, but I will give it a try.
For other readers, polycythemia, is generally an inherited blood disorder, (while polycythemia vera is commonly caused by a genetic problem and not necessarily inherited) and occurs when bone marrow produces too many red blood cells. It may also result in the production of other blood cells, specifically white cells and platelets; however, an excess of red blood cells thickens blood and causes most of the problems with polycythemia. The condition develops slowly and is rare. In fact, an individual may have the disorder for years without experiencing any signs or symptoms; however, with progression of polycythemia, an individual may experience shortness of breath, dyspnea when reclining, fatigue, headaches, dizziness, bloating a feeling of fullness in the left upper abdomen (because of spleen enlargement), and more – all of which could also be attributed to countless other medical conditions. Diagnosis may be made through lab testing, biopsy, bone marrow aspiration, and specific testing for gene mutation. The body is a miraculous thing. In the healthy individual, it can carefully regulate the amount of each of the types of blood cells a person has. However, with polycythemia things get thrown out of whack, causing bone marrow to produce too many of some blood cells.
Risk factors include the aging process, being male, and while not hereditary, having a close relative with the disorder. Complications that may occur include an enlarged spleen, blood clots because of the slowed rate of blood flow through veins and arteries, myelofibrosis (a progressive disorder in which bone marrow is replaced with scar tissue), peptic ulcers, open lesions on the stomach lining, and more.
Treatment from a medical standpoint may include low-dose aspirin to lessen the possibility of blood clots, medication to suppress the bone marrow’s ability to produce blood cells, antihistamines to reduce the level of itch experienced, and phlebotomy.
On the home front, avoid temperature extremes when possible, discontinue smoking if you have the habit of doing so, exercise, avoid hot showers and baths opting for cooler water because some individuals have heat intolerance, and be on the lookout for skin ulcers. Garlic is known to have anticoagulant properties which help thin blood, so add it to your diet whenever possible. Alfalfa, aloe vera, burdock root, ginseng and turmeric are antioxidants that have all been used in an attempt to remedy the condition. Further, cod liver oil supplements are purported to stabilize the production of bone marrow. As with most alternatives, there are no FDA reports or confirmatory results reported through research on these products so I recommend you speak with your health care provider before beginning any regimen. Good luck.
