Lichen Planus and Vegetarian

Posted , 12 users are following.

Two years ago I woke up with OLP.  I believe I had LP for eight years prior without being diagnosed.  For over a year I have been on an immune suppressent which keeps LP/OLP under control. 

My sister-in-law believes it's because I'm a vegetarian.  So now I'm curious as to how many of you are meat eaters or vegetarians.  I've read some post which suggest the paleo diet, but I've also read articles which say your immune system cannot be boosted by drugs and diet.  I'm interested in any thoughts on this subject.  Please state whethere you are a meat eater or not so I can get a consensus.  Thank you!

1 like, 86 replies

86 Replies

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  • Posted

    Hi Sasr24, I too have OLP for 3 years and I have tried an assortment of home remedy's some help a bit but the best homeopathic remedy is Arsnicumalbum and Tumeric, to touch on the meat well I am in agreement with you red meat being the worst I also have to keep away from anything from the Deadly Nightshade family tomatoes are the worst next being potatoes all the peppers, I have tried bioenergy and it has helped in times of a major flareup, I also use steroids which I try and avoid because of side effects..oh yes can u say which immuno supressent u use...keep trying we will win...
    • Posted

      I have been using the new BCM95 bioavailable tumeric (not a brand, but a type) and also tart cherry juice (that has really helped my arthritis too).

      Still using the dexamethasone mouthwise (topically only), but only twice a day.  Not cured, but ulcers and "sandpaper spots" lessened.  Toenails still detaching and fingernails as brittle as ever.

    • Posted

      Hi Patrick, I'm on Mycophenolate, 2 pills 2 times a day.  I ordered some Arsinicumalbum, but haven't taken it yet.  Thank you for reminding me I have it here.  The only thing I can see makes a difference with my OLP is if I eat too much fruit.  The one time i did, I broke out with a fever blister within a couple of days.  My mouth is still tender at times, but most of the time it doesn't bother me.  I do eat a little tomato sauce, but never eat peppers or anything spicy.  I didn't like spicy food before so that's ok with me.  In the coming year, I am going to experiment with giving up certain foods and see where it gets me.  I hope you have some relief, as well. I like your positive attitude!  I believe there's hope for us all.  We just have to keep searching for an answer, which may differ for each of us.
    • Posted

      I couldn't do the cherry juice, but will try the tumeric.  I've used the mouthwash and it doesn't work for me.  I am glad you are having success.  I am so sorry you are having trouble with your nails!  I haven't had any detach, but for years now, mine big toenails are very curved and feel like ingrown toenails even though they are not.  I thought I was going to lose a thumb nail this summer, but increased my vitamin D and it got better.  Are you taking vitamin D?
    • Posted

      Hi Sasr24, thanks for prompt reply, I forgot to say I also take Vitamin D 1000 one per day also Vitamin C and Zinc I think the Vit D and Zinc stops my nails from thinning and splitting, we vitamin D from the sun and I live in Ireland and winter here is scarce of sun, so that is why I take the D...I will speak to my Doctor to ask if I can he the immuno suppressor..I will keep trying as I have known people to use differing treatments that works for them...
    • Posted

      Yes, I have had a chronic Vit D defiency.  I have taken the prescription level (about 50,000) once a week several times, then 2,000/day, but was still deficient.

      Am now just above the lowest, non-deficient level, so I have increased it to 5,000/day.  I'm fair and always burn so even though I garden, I must cover up.

    • Posted

      Patrick, I think  because we have such a reactive immune system, our bodies can handle having it suppressed a little.  At least I do.  You can always try it and see if it works for you.  I started on one pill twice a day, but it wasn't enough so they increased it.  I also take L-Lysine, but I should probably add the Zinc.  I do get that from my multi-vitamin though.  There are so many suggestions of what to try, and what works for some doesn't work for all.  I know taking the suppressant seems the easy way out, and I do want to investigate my diet more, but I eat very healthy.  Admittedly, I do like starches and don't deprive myself.  I may have to rethink that in the future.  Good luck and let me know what you decide to try.
    • Posted

      Thanks for the reminder.  I will get that tomorrow, too.
  • Posted

    Hello,

    I have been an omnivor my whole life eating a great varity of foods. always ate lots of fruit and vegtables. at 30, I became a vegan and it felt great in every aspect except the autoimmube aspect. 7 month after becoming vegan I was diagnosed with LP and OLP. It was very bad. I also felt very dizzy most of the times and weird things were happening in my inner ears (not LP-thats external ear and it was clean). Any way, I tried many treatment including aquapuncture, naturopathic teas ect. ended up checking the possibility it was actually my diet and tries eating meat. for me it worked, Im in remission now and no longer a vegan, sadly, because of this.

    I just belive every body reacts differently and these diseases are multifactorial and need so much research!

    I wish you all to feel bettersmile

    • Posted

      Interesting that your condition improved with changing from being vegan.  I'm would try that, but my autoimmune issues started before I became a vegetarian, so for me, I'm not sure it would make a difference.  Something to think about, though.  Thanks for responding.  I hope your problem is gone for good!

  • Posted

    I was diagnosed with LP and I haven't had a flare up in awhile. I switched to a vegan diet and now I have spots flaring up in more areas like my forearm, belly, and thigh. When I had spots in the past it was only around my ankle and lower back. I too wonder if going vegan has lowered my immune system and causing the flare ups. I now have dark circles around my eyes as well. I feel like I'm malnourished.

    • Posted

      Our LP/OLP is caused by an overactive immune system not a lowered immune system. Now what causes us to have an overactive immune system is unknown. And it's different for everyone. And the illnesses we get from our overactive immune system is different for everyone, too. Is it possible your vegan diet is causing it? My gut reaction is no. The better we eat, the better our health is. There are so many theories out there that you can't eat this and you can't eat that. I've tried giving up nightshade foods, it made no difference. I have tried a lot of the suggestions on this thread and others pertaining to LP/OLP but nothing has improved my condition. If you are feeling malnourished, you need to consider a focusing on a better diet, whether its vegan or not. You have to do what is best for you, and you shouldn't be malnourished from eating vegan or vegetarian. My daughter is a vegan and she is as healthy as a meat eater. I pray you feel better soon and can find an answer that works for you.

  • Posted

    l am 72. At about 35 I became a vegetarian. in my early 40s I was diagnosed with an overactive thyroid, most of which was removed so I now take thyroxin daily. in my late 40's I developed Lichen Planus which has spread throughout my body, down my oesophagus limiting severely the food I can eat, but not affecting much else. In the past 2 years my mouth has become so dry my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth when I sleep and my eyes grew filaments (?) over them, causing multiple problems. I am permanently & frequently using prescribed lubricants which have made a huge difference and can now cope even with sunlight. I am currently suffering with severe deafness in one ear, partial in the other and itching in both plus a return after many years to itching on my body. Sorry this is so long but hope it helps.

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