Maca root is considered an adaptogen. That means it’s a plant that can potentially help relieve the effects of physical and mental stress.
Adaptogens are often recommended for people with autoimmune disease. Whether or not your own doctor thinks maca or any other herb is right for you is something I can’t answer. All I can do is pass along information about my own battle with chronic nerve inflammation and how I try to keep it under control with natural herbal remedies.
Maca for Autoimmunity
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Maca is native to the Peruvian Andes, where it grows in high elevations, under hostile conditions. It’s a traditional staple food among the people living in this region. Packed with nutrients, powdered maca root is now being consumed by people throughout the world, because of its known and reputed health benefits.
It’s believed that maca can help increase energy and stamina, as well as potentially improve fertility in both men and women. It contains a number of important vitamins, including B complex vitamins, which we need for a healthy nervous system, and Vitamin D3, which many of us don’t get enough of.
Maca also contains various minerals, including trace minerals, which are lacking in the Standard American Diet.
From all we can see, maca is a very healthy food that’s been safely consumed for thousands of years. But is maca root good for autoimmune disease?
Maca Root For Autoimmune Disease
Please understand that I’m not a doctor. So I can’t give medical advice, and this is not what I’m trying to do. Also, I can’t tell you that maca root or any other natural remedy can help with autoimmune disease.
But I can share information that I find online, as well as my personal story of how I’ve overcome a potentially crippling nerve disease caused by excess inflammation.
I felt like I scoured the Internet for studies on maca and autoimmune disease. But I couldn’t find anything. This doesn’t mean this adaptogen is not good for modulating the immune system. It just means that no one has funded such a study, scientifically proving that maca root is good for various disorders in which the body attacks its own tissue. Or, at least if there is such a study, I haven’ t been able to locate it.
Maca For Arthritis
However, there is anecdotal evidence that maca may be helpful for autoimmune conditions, such as arthritis. Right now, it’s become a popular folk remedy for thyroid problems, even in the absence of clinical studies.
One researcher named Dr. Viana Muller, PhD., even believes that maca is one South American botanical that has the potential to “reverse,” auto immune disease, as she was quoted in another online publication. She said she’s an individual case of someone with Parkinson’s disease improving after taking maca. Also, she noted one case of eczema being healed.
However, I’m not claiming that this or any other product will cure any disease, and I need to stress that these are anecdotal reports. I’m simply sharing what’s being discussed elsewhere about this Andean root plant.
Where To Buy Maca Root Powder
The powdered maca shown below is “gelatinized,” as opposed to raw. Although you can find raw maca, I like to tell people about the gelatinized version, since it’s closer to how it’s consumed in the Andes. People that live in this mountainous area of South America generally eat this tuberous plant raw.
It’s also important to know where your maca comes from. This USDA-certified organic maca powder comes from plants that grow in the Andes Mountains, where maca originated. Due to the global demand for this supplement, there’s growing concern that some inferior strains may come from China.
Terrasoul Gelatinized Maca Powder
How To Take Maca Root Powder
Anyway, even without clinical studies, there’s a growing number of holistic health experts writing about the benefits of maca root. One chiropractic physician named Dr. Eric Osansky, DC, has a website devoted endocrine disorders, and he’s written one of the best articles I’ve ever read anywhere on maca and thyroid disorders. He advises anyone who wants to try maca to proceed slowly and gradually work up to the dose you need.
Dr. Osansky notes that this Andean food/medicine can potentially benefit the adrenal glands, as well as the thyroid.
Disclaimer
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
For Additional Reading
Camu Camu for Autoimmune Disease
Does Maca Root Balance Hormones?
Where To Buy Peruvian Maca Root
South American Herbs and Autoimmune Disease
Foods to Reduce Inflammation in the Body
As I mentioned earlier, I’m not a doctor, and I can’t give medical or dietary advice. But it is widely accepted, especially in alternative medical circles, that eating a diet rich in processed foods can promote inflammation.
That’s why my diet consists of real foods. I’m careful to avoid GMOs. Since upgrading my diet, I’ve noticed a huge difference in my health. Although I have no proof this is because I’m eating better, I strongly suspect it is.
If you want to improve your diet, but don’t know where to start, one good option is Real Plans. This is a budget meal planning service that includes free live chat, if you need extra assistance. It’s designed to be simple and time saving. Once a week, you get a shopping list. This corresponds with a week’s worth of healthy recipes. I highly recommend this to all my readers, just to help them negotiate the healthy eating learning curve. Click on the image below for more information.
Do you think it can help poeple with vitiligo. I
Hi Lisa, I wish I had an answer for you, but I don’t. Maca appears to be a very healthy food overall, but I am not aware of any research specifically looking at maca and vitiligo. If I were dealing with a chronic health condition (actually, I am) I’d do my own research and seek out knowledgeable health practitioners. There is a chiropractor named Dr. Ben Kim who has a blog post on vitiligo. Apparently, he also suffers from it too. I wish you well on your health journey. Thank you for reading and please feel free to check back any time.
How much maca root is recommended?
I am currently taking 1 teaspoon per day.
I’ve noticed an improvement in all areas even with my depression. But since I still deal with it I’m wondering if I can increase the dose.
Thank you
Lynne
Hi Lynne, thank you so much for reading and for leaving some feedback. Unfortunately, since I’m not a medical professional, I can’t give medical advice. All I can do is share my own experience with various natural remedies, which I take to control my chronic nerve inflammation. This is something you’ll have to ask someone who treats people with herbal medicine, to get a more definitive answer. The serving size on my jar of maca powder is 1 tsp and the “suggested use” is 1 tsp a day. My personal philosophy is that if something is working, don’t mess with the formula.
Hi! I was using 1/8 tsp in my coffee…. I’m thinking coffee is not the best way.
Could you suggest ways to consume it? Could I try putting 1/4 tsp in a gel cap? Then slowly increase to 1 tsp? Or add it to oatmeal?
TIA!
Hi Shirley, I’m not a doctor, so I can’t give medical advice. But I was told coffee was bad for my adrenal glands. Now that I’ve pretty much recovered from adrenal fatigue, I’m drinking it again, although maybe I shouldn’t be. For some reason, I probably wouldn’t put it in my coffee. I probably wouldn’t put it in a gel cap either. My favorite way to consume maca is to add it to a fruit smoothie, because it gives it a nice butterscotch taste. Thanks so much for reading.
Hi, I take it with yoghurt in the morning, with flax seed powder and a dash of cinnamon
It sounds like a yummy breakfast. 🙂
I make a smoothie with 1 tsp of raw maca root. I have an auto immune disorder and leukemia and if it wasn’t for that smoothie
I would stay in bed all day. I have chemo mouth so I can’t eat, I drink all my foods and I’ve had 4 total knee replacements and one repair, a whole foot reconstruction and recently broke my hip. I am a mess but I am alert and living in a wheel chair. I am not ready to give up. I also put chia seeds, bee pollen, protein powders & almond milk and some type of fruit, mostly blueberries. Buy the maca in a bag and raw, its cheaper. Gods Blessings to all of you with ailments.
Hi Maria, I’m so happy to hear you found something that helps you from the amazing world of natural medicines. God bless you too and thanks for reading.
I have been diagnosed with nontoxic multinodular goiter. Needle biopsy was done…no cancer.
I take 100mg of L-thyrozine per day. As well been diagnosed with Hashimoto….I feel like I am on a rollercoaster….I’ve gained weight, can’t sleep and more.
Reading a lot…I am taking gluten, dairy and soy out of my diet…it’s just a start I know.
My question to you is…my cookbook ( Autoimmune Paleo Cookbook) reads …maca powder in a smoothie. Then I read somewhere else…check with your doctor before you add maca to your diet if your on thyroid medicine.?
What are your thoughts?
Paula, yes always check with your doctor before trying a new dietary supplement when you’re on prescription medication. I’m not a doctor and I can’t give medical advice. That’s why it’s so important to do your own research and then share this with your healthcare providers. I always go slow with everything, and, from what I understand, maca needs to be done slowly. I hope you can find a way to feel better. If possible, find a good holistic healer to work with. Thanks so much for reading.