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Do I Really Need Supplements? That's A Great Question

Category: General Information  |  Permalink

Published: Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Yes, I believe they are most valuable for your health, but you DO NOT need to spend a lot of money! 

 

Way too many of you have spent a lot of money on supplements, pills, powders or expensive food that you either did not need or did not use. 

Too many stores and vendors are offering very expensive regimens that may work, but are not affordable for you to sustain using them, so eventually you have to give them up.

I do not think you need to spend a fortune to be healthy.  In fact, I would rather see you save your money, give it to the Church, or, for you women buy some jewelry!  I do not know what the men's equivalent to buying jewelry is....someone could write and tell me!

 

Here is what we will accomplish with you:

You will choose your desired result or results and we will focus on those supplements that can help you get there.  It will be AFFORDABLE for you.  I am not here to sell you ANYTHING.  I want this to be educational for you; you can take the information and use it as you wish.

 

BY THE WAY, DO WE REALLY NEED SUPPLEMENTS?

My best advice is YES!

According to a survey of 1,200 doctors, 79% of physicians recommended natural supplements, 72% of those physicians were taking natural supplements for their own health.

 

ARE THEY SAFE?

The U.S. National Poison Data Systems 2009 Annual Report announced that there were ZERO deaths from vitamin supplements, herbal products, homeopathic supplements and over the counter hormone products!

Over 100,000 patients (in hospitals) died from drugs that they took "appropriately".

This is the difference between God's Pharmacy and Man's Pharmacy!

 

My experience

I started using supplements when I was 34 years old.  I was seeing people that seemed to have UNLIMITED energy and vitality. I saw people in their 70's and even 80's who had awesome intellectual focus and memory and youthful vigor. They were impressive in their robust health.

Well, I said, I want to be like them!  So I began a supplement regimen.

I take specific supplements for specific needs and I usually take a break on Sunday about twice a month.

Recently, I decided to experiment and took 4 days off from ANY supplements including hormones.

By the 5th day, which was a Sunday, I was DRAGGING!  I mean it....my husband wanted to go to a movie and I was so blah I didn't even want to get in the car. This month a Time Magazine writer wrote about his experience and he said the same thing. After he quit, he said "I don't wake up now with that feeling of the lion who will eat the world". Now I have to tell you, I am almost a senior citizen so without my supplements, I think I am falling into the category of an "old person".  Old persons EXPECT to feel less energetic, sleep less, lose hair, etc.  So they often do not question it.  I am encouraging you....you DO NOT need to feel old.  I have more energy now and feel better than I did back at 34 years of age.

OKAY....Let's talk about you!

 

I am going to take specific categories and tell you what supplements work the best for that need. The suggested doses are in bold type. I will indicate if a certain supplement is a brand name. That may be my favorite product, but I tried to list the ingredients so you could look for a similar product in a health food store.

Just call me if you need more help!

 

The materials and recommendations contained in this blog are for general health information only. I have not intended my recommendations to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have specific medical questions, I encourage you to ask your own health care provider.

 

FATIGUE / ENERGY

 

1) Natural Hormone Crème

2) DHEA - (The hormone of YOUTH!) DHEA is thermogenic, supports thyroid,    increases testosterone levels and helps balance cortisol, which in turn increases stamina and raises energy. If you are over 40, you are low in DHEA. For Women: ½ to 1 tablet daily, For Men: 1-2 tablets daily.

3) L-Tyrosine - Found in protein. Raises L-Dopamine can which relieve that "blah" feeling. Helps improve mood, focus, feelings of joy, and helps with libido, too. 1 capsule (500 mg) 2-3 times daily.

4) Rhodiola - A powerful adaptogenic herb with energy producing benefits. Reduces fatigue and can increase work capacity! Feeling draggy? This is for you! Rhodiola was given to physicians on night duty. ALL 56 felt better. Great for students also. 1 capsule (500 mg) per day with a meal.

5) B-12/ or Vitamin B6 + Folic Acid - Known to raise energy levels. Nature's "feel-good vitamins"

 

ANXIETY

 

1)  Natural Hormone Crème

2)  Zen Mind (Nutricology) - Contains GABA & L-Theanine. Without GABA, the brain's gas pedal gets stuck in high gear. Zen Mind reduces anxiety and calms the brain without the drowsy, tired feeling. Gives the body a sense of "alert relaxation". Also, lowers blood pressure and promotes sleep & relaxation. 1 to 2 capsules daily. Or just get some GABA

3)  Nusera (Metagenics) - Promotes calmness & relaxation during any anxious episode. This chocolate chewable tablet influences the metabolism of cortisol, the stress hormone and positively influences the activity of GABA - a calming neurotransmitter. Use during any anxious episode.

 

LIBIDO / SEXUAL FITNESS

 

1)     Avena Sativa - "WILD OATS". Over 85% of users report an increased libido.  Boosts energy levels & feelings of well-being. A graduate school in San Francisco, California has been studying the effects of Avena Sativa on sex drive for over 15 years. They reported that Avena Sativa works by freeing up testosterone that gets bound to various compounds in the body in both males & females. There are no indications of side effects. 1 tablet up to 3 times daily.

2)     L-Arginine - MEN LOVE THIS PRODUCT! A vasodilator which helps increase blood flow. L-Arginine is recommended by many physicians for use for E.D. Stimulates production of human growth hormone and can help increase sperm count. Also, helps the body shed fat, builds & tones muscles, guards against heart disease by preventing formulation of plaque and may help lower blood pressure. YAY! 1 Capsule (500 mg) 1-3 times daily between meals.

3)     Testralin - (Metagenics) A bit more expensive. Keeps testosterone in balance and may raise testosterone levels. Inhibits aromatase - an enzyme that converts androgen to estrogen. Supports elimination of excess estrogens and provides phyto-nutrients known to inhibit the conversion of testosterone to DHT (dihydrotestosterone). 2 tablets daily with a meal.

4)     DHEA - raises libido in both sexes and naturally raises testosterone levels. For Women: ½ to 1 tablet daily, For Men: 1-2 tablets daily.

5)     Testron SX - (Nutraceutics) The main ingredient is Tribulus Terrestris. Also known as the puncture vine plant, may help the body increase its own ability to produce testosterone naturally. Users report increased libido, lean muscle mass and energy. 1 caplet twice daily. An additional caplet may be taken 1 hour before sexual activity or exercise.

 

INSOMNIA

You need to sleep! Re-setting your hormones is a weight loss tool!

 

1)     Natural Hormone Crème - At night, apply on side of face & neck.

2)     Melatonin - Resets circadian rhythm. See my previous blog on insomnia. I believe it CURES insomnia! Dissolve 1-3 tablets under the tongue once daily, at bedtime.

3)     Restful Night - (Better Health Naturally) A crème form of melatonin Apply to face or neck 45 minutes - 1 hour prior to bedtime.

4)     Somno-Pro (Bioclinic Naturals) Have you tired melatonin but feel like you need something more? This is for severe insomnia! Contains melatonin, 5-HTP, and L-Theanine. 1-2 tablets, 1 hour before bedtime.

 

MEMORY

 

1)     Pregnenelone - This is the superior product for memory! Enhances memory, mental alertness and improves visual acuity. Enhances neuronal connections & central nervous system integrity. Also, lowers fatigue and improves mood. Benefits are generally noticed within 1 day - 2 weeks. It is a hormone, however. Suggested dose for Women: 10-25 mg Men: 25-50 mg.

2)     Phosphatidylserine - This product is really great for all ages! Increases neuronal membrane fluidity (cell-to-cell communication). Helps lower cortisol, especially nighttime cortisol. Can prevent dementia & possibly Alzheimer's disease, improves memory loss due to aging and improves cognition, helps the brain retrieve information and helps with low energy in the morning. After only 2 weeks of use, users report an improved ability to remember, focus, speak with clarity and feel intelligence return & even expand as cognition improves. I love it! 1 daily.

3)     Rhodiola - Great at improving stress-related memory loss!   (See also, ENERGY) 1 capsule per day with a meal.

 

WEIGHT CONTROL

 

1)     DHEA - Help target and decrease belly fat! Reports show that women had 10.2% less visceral fat (belly fat) after a few months, men reported 7.4% decrease in visceral fat. For Women: ½ to 1 tablet daily, For Men: 1-2 tablets daily.

2)     PGX Daily Granules (Bioclinic Naturals) - Unflavored crystals which you mix with moist food. Reduces appetite and food intake. Controls insulin spike for less fat storage, lowers glycemic index of your meals by up to 50%. "WOW! I ate my PGX in yogurt. I was wearing a wide elastic belt and between the belt and the PGX I felt as though I had eaten an entire turkey dinner! I only had a small plate of veggies for dinner." - Barbara Hoffman. Sprinkle onto any moist food, yogurt, fruit salad, oatmeal, soup, low-calorie beverage or meal replacement.

 

CRAVINGS

 

1)     5-HTP - Crave chocolate or carbs at night? That is because your body is asking you to raise your serotonin levels. 5-HTP raises serotonin levels, enhances mood and promotes sleep & relaxation. 1(50 mg) - 2 capsules late afternoon or evening.

2)     Zen Mind (Nutracology) - For those of you who are binge eaters, your brain is not telling you to slow down. Zen Mind contains GABA and can help eliminate cravings & help with food addictions. (See also ANXIETY) 1 to 2 capsules daily.

3)     L-Tyrosine - Need coffee or sugar to keep your body going throughout the day? L-Tyrosine is an amino acid that helps suppress appetite and raise dopamine levels for better mood and more energy. 1 capsule 2-3 times daily.

4)     Chromemate  (Legere) Stops sugar cravings in their tracks! Chromemate reduces hunger cravings and especially sugar cravings. Helps prevent fat rebound and is great for adolescent weight loss. 1-3 capsules daily.

 

PMS

 

1)     Borage GLA - Stronger than Evening Primrose! Borage helps the body produce Proglastin - E which helps balance hormone levels and ease hormonal imbalance symptoms. 1-2 softgels daily.

2)     Rodex Forte (Legere) or Methyl B-12 - Both are Natural diuretics, stress & mood stabilizers. These B vitamins are essential in maintaining hormone balance. B6 aids conversion of tryptophan to serotonin to fight depression and B-12 helps increase energy and fights stress.

3)     Magnesium Citrate - helps relieve symptoms during menstrual cycle such as migraines, bloating, mood swings, breast tenderness, muscle spasm and muscle cramps. 1 (400 mg) -2 daily, at night

4)     5-HTP - can help relieve depression related to PMS. 1-2 capsules late afternoon or evening.

 

STRESS

 

1)     Rodex Forte (Legere) - B6 & B-12 have been shown to be very effective for stress. (See also PMS) 1-2 capsules daily.

2)     DHEA - Great for stress because it counter-balances cortisol. During times of stress, cortisol rises. DHEA help lower and balance cortisol levels. For Women: ½ to 1 tablet daily, For Men: 1-2 tablets daily.

3)     Zen Mind (Nutracology) - Contains GABA 550 mg which keeps the mind calm during times of high stress. Gives the body a calm, focused & alert feeling. 1 to 2 capsules daily.

4)     Nusera (Metagenics) - God's Valium! Just chew one at times of severe stress or anxiety attack. Use during any anxious episode.

5)     Rhodiola - Stress adaptogen & improves ability to handle stress. Improves stamina and mood. 1 capsule per day with a meal.

6)    Phosphatidylserine - During times of stress, PS 100 lowers cortisol levels during the night! 1 daily.

 

ADRENAL SUPPORT

 

1)     Isocort  (Bezwecken) Can really help in severe cases! Isocort is a freeze-dried form of cortisol. 2 pellets 3 times daily.

2)     Adrenal C Formula (Dr James Wilson) - Loaded with Vitamin C! Best "C" on the market: 2:1 ratio of bioflavonoids: ascorbate. For people who are recovering from adrenal fatigue. 1-3 caplets per day.

3)     Adrenal Rebuilder (Dr James Wilson) - Designed to support and help rebuild adrenal glands. Multi-glandular. 1-2 caplets with each meal and one at bedtime.

4)     Super Adrenal Stress Formula (Dr James Wilson) - Contains 5-HTP! Replenishes adrenals quickly. Keeps the body calm, steady and energized. Also great for low thyroid. 1-3 caplets per day.

5)     Adrenal PX DHEA (Restorative Formulations) - Everything you need in one product! Contains Pantothenic Acid (B5), Pregnenolone, DHEA, Magnesium and Ashwaganda Root. 1-3 Capsules daily.

6)     Rhodiola - A powerful adaptogen! Rather than over-stimulating the adrenals, like caffeine does, adaptogens actually support proper function and help the adrenals produce cortisol in natural patterns. 1 capsule per day with a meal.

 

THYROID

 

Both of these are  Dr. James Wilson formulations:

 

1)     Thyro-Balance (Dr James Wilson) LOVE IT! Liquid form. If you are taking thyroid medication, but still have signs and symptoms, Thyro-Balance can help you! If you are stressed, lack sleep, use birth control pills or are in peri-menopause or menopause, you need to nourish your thyroid to feel great! You only need 3-4 drops (in water or not acidic juice) a day to feel the benefits!

2)     Thyrocare (Restorative Formulations) Pill form. Can be used with thyroid medications. Great for people with hypothyroid or sluggish thyroid. Can really help improve fatigue. 1 capsule twice daily, with or without food.

 

VAGINAL DRYNESS / VAGINAL ATROPHY

 

1)     Ostaderm-V  (Bezwecken) 80% Estriol, 20% Estadiol. ½ TSP= 2 mg Estrogen & 65 mg of progesterone. Apply on the vaginal area twice daily.

2)     E3 Vaginal Suppositories - For immediate results! 2 mg Estriol. Women noticed a difference in just 2 days! Estriol can be useful in reducing vaginal dryness and also thickening skin in vaginal area in a matter of a few days or weeks. Insert one suppository nightly for one week. The second week, use every other night. After that use 1-2 a week if needed.

3)     Natural Source Vitamin - Can be very helpful for vaginal dryness. Just pop a softgel with a pin, and insert.

4)     Super EPA Fish Oil - Keeps your body "oiled" systematically. 1 softgel 2-3 times daily with meals.

 

HOT FLASHES

 

1)     Estrovera  (Metagenics) Does not contain any forms of estrogen. Extract of rhubarb has been shown to reduce the number of daily menopausal hot flashes. Clinically effective dose in just 1 tablet. Many women noticed a significant decrease in the number of hot flashes in just 4 weeks. Take one tablet daily.

2)     Flash Pause Crème (Better Health Naturally) Specifically formulated to help you with those "straggler" hot flashes! Contains progesterone, Vitamin B-12, Black Cohash, Red Clover, Evening Primrose Oil & Dong Quai. Use Crème as needed during periods of flashing or anticipated flashing (1/4 tsp)

3)     Menosense (Natural Factors) Natural menopause formula for hot flashes & night sweats.  Contains Don Quai, Chasteberry, Black Cohosh, Gamma Oryzanol, and Hesperidin. These ingredients work together to halt hot flashes, night sweats and mood swings. Helps lowers cholesterol, vaginal dryness and much more! 2 capsules at breakfast.

4)     Pycnogenol - Pine Bark scientifically improves hot flashes! A double-blind, placebo-controlled study reported that women taking Pycnogenol reported significant improvement in hot flashes, depressed mood, memory & concentration, , anxiety, sexual desire and sleep problems. Contains 25 mg of French Maritime pine bark extract. 1-2 capsules daily.

 

Recognize yourself in any of these categories?

 

You can pick one or two supplements and get started.

It is NOT expensive to nourish your hormones & your brain.

You and I can be as vital as those 70 year old researchers,  scientists and doctors that I met 20 years ago.  Let's do it!

 

Blessings,

 

Barbara

 

To be continued . . . Watch for Part 2

 

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