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

Does Maca Root Balance Hormones?

Where To Buy Peruvian Maca Root

Maca Root For Infertility

Maca and Your Thyroid

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.