Greetings and questions from a newcomer

[np83]

Hello Everyone! I'm brand new to the forum, although I have been regularly reading the posts on it for quite a while now. I must say that I absolutely love this forum; it's a great place to find advice and to not feel so alone. I've decided that it's high time for me to be chiming in along with the rest of you. Obviously, the more people we can get together talking about this condition, the better!

I'm a 23-year-old male with moderate rosacea, not so much a problem with p&p's but definitely a permanent sunburned look across my cheeks and corners of my nose with visible blood vessels too. I just started the Sher System three days ago (yes, I'm fully aware it could be a rip-off, an expensive one too), so obviously I can't tell yet if it's helping. I think I've seen the Sher System mentioned here once or twice before, but I can't remember what was said about it. I was hoping I could get some more feedback from anyone who's tried it or is currently trying it?

I also had a question about niacin. The Sher System has supplements that I'm using as well. You're supposed to take three a day, one with each meal. The only thing is that each pill contains 10 mg of niacin. I've been taking another supplement once a day that contains 20 mg of niacin, which, if I keep doing this, would come to a total of 50 mg of niacin at the end of the day. What I was wondering is, do you guys think this is way too much niacin? I haven't actually noticed much of a flushing reaction so far, sometimes I think I'm flushing but then I look in the mirror and I'm not, other times I don't think I'm flushing and I look in the mirror and I'm more red! I can't tell if it's all in my mind (the mind is a very powerful thing when it comes to this condition), or if I should just cut the niacin in general to be safe, which would mean quitting all the supplements. Oh boy, what a mess! Wow, I've written much more than I intended to, sorry. Anyways, I'd really appreciate any response at all. Thanks so much, and keep the forum rockin'.

nap

[phlika29]

Nap

Welcome to the group. It's always useful to hear what other people are trying and any progress, good or bad that they are making. I personally wouldn't take any Niacin as I always makes me flush. Other people take the niacimide (spelling?) version which is supposed to be non-flushing.

I guess you will just see how you go.

keep us informed about the sher system.

Sarah

[redhotoz]

Hi np83

Whilst true Niacin is known to create flushing, lower doses may be ok. You can test your limits. I don't think 10, 20 or 30mgs of true Niacin will create flushing. If it does, then can you spread the dose over the day with the Sher System somehow? Would hate to see you throw big bucks down the drain without knowing if the system actually works for you. Although, I must say, the anecdotal reports have not been favourable in general.

Although many will disagree with me on this one, Niacin is good for us. Part of my diet is supplementing with 100mg of Niacin per day. I believe that allowing a small flush helps to release the heat, it "flushes out radiation from the body - from the sun and other exposure."

"Niacin not only flushes out radiation from the body, but it also chelates out heavy metals. If you start with lower doses and gradually increase them the reaction is less severe, or split up doses. Don't avoid it just because of 1/2 hour of flushing and redness - that indicates it is working and it helps your rosacea too. It won't make your rosacea worse for sure."

Jen

[Twickle Purple]

Hi np83 and welcome to the Forum!

There is a lot of discussion on the Sher system, this site has a top notch search engine (under the logo at the top of the page) -- you can quickly find a lot of info that way,

Jen is right, we need niacin -- it is very good for us.

From this site:

Vitamin B3, also called niacin, is one of eight water-soluble B vitamins. All B vitamins help the body to convert carbohydrates into glucose (sugar), which is "burned" to produce energy. These B vitamins, often referred to as B complex vitamins, are essential in the breakdown of fats and protein. B complex vitamins also play an important role in maintaining muscle tone along the digestive tract and promoting the health of the nervous system, skin, hair, eyes, mouth, and liver.

Niacin plays an important role in ridding the body of toxic and harmful chemicals. It also helps the body make various sex and stress-related hormones in the adrenal glands and other parts of the body. Niacin is effective in improving circulation and reducing cholesterol levels in the blood. Niacin needs can be partially met by eating foods containing protein because the human body is able to convert tryptophan, an amino acid, into niacin.

...

High doses (75 mg or more) of niacin can cause side effects. The most common side effect is called "niacin flush," which is a burning, tingling sensation in the face and chest, and red or "flushed" skin. Taking an aspirin 30 minutes prior to the niacin may help reduce this symptom.