Supplements

[kelownagirl]

Just curious what supplements, if any, you ladies take. I usually don't take any but I know I should be taking some calcium, and hear good stuff about omega 3 etc. I have some good all purpose multivitamins that dh takes. And does anyone take glucosamine?

[KnottedYet]

Morning: calcium, aspirin, vit B12

Evening: calcium, multivitamin, vit E or Vit C

I like taking my multivit in the evening because it doen't upset my stomach then.

[Bluetree]

Morning:
Two Calcium-Magnesium caps
One Multi-Vitamin w. iron supplement
Two Glucosomine-Chondroitin & MSM caps
One Omega-3 tablet
Three cups of half-caff coffee, pref. the Kona stuff

Evening:
One Calcium-Mag cap (1000mg/500mg daily total)
Two Glu-Chon-MSM (1500mg/1200mg/1000mg daily total)
Second multi-vitamin w. iron (only if I'm having my period)

I find that Glucosamine has really helped my knees when I run. I wish supplements weren't so darn expensive!

[DarcyInOregon]

I think it is important for people who bike a lot to take additional supplements. My understanding in reading some very good books written by sports doctors regarding bicyclists is that when we bike we sweat a lot, along with the muscle exertion, and we lose a lot of minerals and such just through the sweat, let alone the muscle exertion. There are some very good books written that tell us when we should eat before a bike ride and how soon we should eat after a bike ride, just so the body has enough nutrients to carry through the ride and to assist the muscles in recovery after the ride. It isn't just about eating during a ride.

I take supplements and I am pretty healthy for my age. I mentioned in another thread that my bone density test showed that my bone density is at the highest range for females my age, and that my risk for getting OS and bone fractures at this time of my life is zero. Not only that, I have arthritis in my spine, a condition that cripples many people, and you can't even tell, because I am pain free and I am not hunched over. Additionally, the doctor told me several years ago (pre-biking) that I was diabetic, and with diligent study and focus on my nutrition and exercise, the doctor believes I may be one of the few people who has reversed the disease, or the control of the disease is so good there are zero symptoms. I reversed my hypertension, which came about from the stress of caring for an invalid husband. And my cholesterol is unbelievably low, hovering between 110 and 120, with all factors of the cholesterol in the healthy range.

I take a lot of supplements, as I mentioned. I won't list them all. I've taken chondroitin/glucasamine for around 15 years, for the arthritis. The orothopedic surgeon who diagnosed me years ago said I would be back before him begging to have my disks fused together because my pain would get so bad. Nope. No pain. Just a bit stiff in the morning. Additionally, I take microlactin to assist the c/g.

I take three things for the bone density. I take Osteo Renew twice a day, because it is calcium with a high absorbsion rate, and it has the additional supplements to aid in absorbsion, such as the B vitamins, mag, D, and so on. I take ostivone, which aids the body to continue building bone density. I take another bone supplement that helps the other two supplements absorb better. I've been taking the bone supplements for years because of my sisters and my mom having OS.

I take a multi B vitamin along with folic acid, because of high homocysteine levels being a problem in my family. Therefore I have homocysteine levels in the normal range.

I take a regular multivitamin. I take the omega fish oils and I have real low cholesterol. I take oat bran pills to make sure the cholesterol stays low. There is some stuff I take that helps keep the insulin sensitive. Everything I take is focused on the genetic history I have from my family and that is 1)cardio, 2)arthritis, 3)bone density, 4)blood pressure and 5)blood sugar.

One of the odd side effects I've noticed over the years is I heal real fast. For example I get a deep scratch on my arm from a rose bush (I won't say from one of my kitties) and within a few days I can't even see where the scratch was.

My advice is to look to your genetic history and any current abnormal lab numbers you may have, and take supplements to assist in either not getting the problem or to aid in minimizing the problem.

[KnottedYet]

Darcy - I find it very interesting that much of what you are controlling with supplements are also symptoms of gluten intolerance/celiac disease.

If my celiac flares up on me this spring like it did in the spring the last two years I'm hoping to get immediately to an ND to get blood panels done. I'm hoping there's something simple I can supplement, rather than some big exciting thing to deal with!

[matagi]

I take glucosamine with chondroitin (family history of arthritis and early symptoms in my little fingers, now all gone thank goodness) and evening primrose oil (for hormone induced breast pain).

[anakiwa]

I attempt to eat as healthy a diet as possible (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, occassional fish etc). Unless I develop a particular deficiency or need something to treat a particular problem I don't see any reason to take supplements (in many cases all they do is make for expensive urine).

[kelownagirl]

One of the odd side effects I've noticed over the years is I heal real fast. For example I get a deep scratch on my arm from a rose bush (I won't say from one of my kitties) and within a few days I can't even see where the scratch was.

My advice is to look to your genetic history and any current abnormal lab numbers you may have, and take supplements to assist in either not getting the problem or to aid in minimizing the problem.

Thanks for your detailed response, Darcy. It's iinteresting to see what everyone is taking. I don't know if my mom was osteoporosis or not - she does have rheumatoid (sp?) arthritis though. She's 70 and very active, runs 3 times a week, skis 2 times a week, square dances etc.

Anyway, I DON'T heal very fast, and get scars so easily. Maybe supplements will help.

[Eden]

I've never taken glucosamine/chrondroiten myself, but if I start to get arthritis or joint pain I sure will. I used to give it to my elderly cat and it made a huge difference in what he could do. He went from having trouble just walking around to being able to get up on the couch again. Made me a believer.

[DarcyInOregon]

If anybody starts to take chondroitin/glucasamine, remember that it takes up to 3 months before it shows in the body. In the first weeks you need to take a higher dosage, then you taper it down. And then you need to keep taking it, and not talk yourself into stopping for reasons of inconvenience or cost.

When I was first diagnosed with the arthritis in my spine, my primary physician told me to take it, that I would be happy with the long-term results, and to always take it. The prescription medicines for arthritis are scary, and many of them are so powerful they have proven to cause blood disorders and other serious medical problems. VIOXX was taken off the market completely.

With regards to those who might dismiss taking supplements because there is a school of thought that say we excrete most of we ingest, there are an equal number of medical doctors who agree that some people do better with supplements. As we age, we can see the effects of the aging in the wrinkles we acquire, the gray hair, and the body slowing down. The aging is going on inside our bodies too, though we can't see it. One of the aging effects is that our bodies can't absorb nutrients as effectively from the food we eat, that our capacity to utilize the nutrients in the digestive tract diminishes. Therefore, supplements taken wisely can assist the body in getting enough of specific nutrients.

I know it works for me. I have 5 brothers and 2 sisters. The siblings who ate poorly, who didn't exercise, and who didn't understand the consequences of having high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high blood sugar, high CRP and high homocysteine levels are all suffering serious health problems. The difference between me and them is I stayed on top of getting my lab tests done regularly, and understanding the results of my tests. When I got my first impaired numbers I took proactive steps to reverse the numbers into the low healthy ranges again.

My goal in life is to live into my 90s, active and healthy, and to be able to walk and bike and travel and do everything I love. I refuse to let myself get crippled with aging diseases that can be prevented or minimized with the appropriate nutrition and exercise.

[Velobambina]

Morning--
Gluco/Chron/MSM
Biotin
Fish Oil pill

Dinner--
Multi-vitamin w/iron
Gluco/Chron/MSM
Fish Oil pill

I take the Gluco as a preventative and would bet dollars to donuts that it & strength training helped me recover quickly from an elbow fracture a few years ago.

Since I consume a lot of dairy (yogurt, skim milk), I don't take calcium.

Biotin keeps my hair and nails strong, in case anyone's wondering.

[LBTC]

Morning:

Glucosamine (TMJ syndrome. I can tell it works whenever I run out and go a few days without it, the jaw pains increases)

Evening Primrose oil. I get "moody" without it

Omega 3 (I used to take 3-6-9, but recently learned that 3 has anti inflammatory properties and 6 has inflammatory properties. since I now know I have inflammatory bowel disease, I'm only take 3 now)

Panax Chinese Ginseng. I need energy from somewhere

Slippery Elm. soothes the digestive tract

Vit C. Crohn's means I'm cooking my vegetables now, which means some vitamins are lost...

If my muscles are sore from an intense workout, calcium/magnesium

Evening
Glucosamine
Omega 3
slippery elm
Vit C
cal/Mag

I used to take feverfew to reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines. I'm lucky that I seem to be going through a spell without migraines, because I can't seem to find feverfew!

I'm seeing a naturopathic doctor a week from monday. my supplement regime may change....

I had one 'natural healer' of some description, tell me that the supplements I was taking were not being broken down in my digestive system so I wasn't getting anything out of them. I didn't completely believe her!

I also generally take way less than the recommended dosage. My tolerance for drugs seems to be pretty low, so I apply the same logic to the supplements.

Your mileage my vary,
~T~

[Bluetree]

I am pretty devoted to my supplement/vitamin regimen now, too. I've never been one with allergies or health issues, but when I hit 30 I found myself becoming increasingly lactose intolerant. A few years ago, I also started becoming fructose intolerant! :( I love fruits, but more than two or three orange or apple slices will have me doubled over with stomach cramps. I've added organic digestive enzymes to my diet, but it only helps a little bit.

I've added the Glucosamine as a preventative, since my tri training has me doing a lot more running, and so far so good!

[equus123]

Suppliments: I take a multi-v and 3 omega-3 fish oil pills in the morning.

Energy mix during training: Cytomax Cool Citrus. Doesn't have all the sodium but I like adding salt to many foods so it's all good.

[SalsaMTB]

Morning:

Glucosamine (TMJ syndrome. I can tell it works whenever I run out and go a few days without it, the jaw pains increases)

~T~

Interesting. Is this a common supplement taken for this problem? My DH has terrible TMJ. He can't bite into apples, eat anything hard, etc. Are there any negative effects of taking something like this on a long-term daily basis? Is this something that would have to be taken forever?

[KnottedYet]

Does your DH have a nightguard/bite splint? There are physical therapists who work on TMJ, too.

I haven't tried gluco-chondroi for my TMJ yet. My mom swears by it for her joints in her hands. She takes it every night. I think it's a long-term thing.

[kelownagirl]

Wow, glucosamine for tmj?! Yay! I started taking it this week. Didn't know it might help my jaw pain.

[LBTC]

Nightgaurd/bite guard works for some people - doesn't work for me. Makes my jaw lock up! :eek:

Glucosamine relieves some of the stiffness and pain, and reduces the clicking sounds a little. If I run out, after a couple of days, it hurts more and sounds worse, so I can only assume the supplements help.

I've heard they are safe to take long term, but, as with all things, you should always see if they are contraindicated with any medication you're taking.

When I used to get severe headaches brought on by muscles spasms around my jaw from the TMJ problem, calcium magnesium was the best pain management tool because of its muscle relaxant properties.

When I do a lot of yoga and good stretching, the TMJ pain is usually a bit reduced. I have had a massage therapist work on it. The muscles are very small, so it does not take a lot of work to feel it. If I spend just a few minutes doing the massage I learned, it feels a lot better and I have much better mobility. I usually forget, though.

I eat pizza with a fork, only eat an apple if I've cut it into bits, only eat sandwiches with soft bread, or wraps - I can't bite into a bagel sandwich without pain - and I never chew gum. All of that seems to help a bit.

Okay, my favourite tv show is on tonight. I will massage while I watch. Thank you for the reminder!

Hugs and butterflies,
~T~

[GLC1968]

I attempt to eat as healthy a diet as possible (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, occassional fish etc). Unless I develop a particular deficiency or need something to treat a particular problem I don't see any reason to take supplements (in many cases all they do is make for expensive urine).

I agree with this whole-heartedly!

I take 1/2 a multi vitamin during cold/flu season to cover any dietary 'holes' and omega-3 when fresh cold-water fish is expensive. I also started taking g/c when I upped my cardio pretty significantly a few years back for my knees/ankles. Then I found that it also helps with my TMJ and my old elbow injury (the pain escalated when I went off it, so I had to ramp up again).

Morning:
1000 mg Omega-3 (either flax or fish - I alternate)
1/2 a multi-vit dose
glucosamine/chondroitin

Evening:
repeat minus the multi-vit

[bmccasland]

I guess I'm a light weight for OTC stuff - multivitamin and calcium

I tried the gluco-chondri, but it didn't to a thing for me. My Doc had suggested I try it, buy a bottle, but if I didn't feel anything better in my knees (which were bothering me at the time) don't waste money on a second bottle. According to him, it works for some folks, but not all. At the time I was doing Ti-bo, so I gave that up instead and took up cycling. At least the knees are better :o - unless you consider the IT Band issue.

My dog on the otherhand did improve with gluco-chondri. And hers came in beefy chewies.

We won't go into Rx... I like to breathe, I like not having migraines, and "the change of life" isn't much fun either.

[VeloVT]

Multivitamin
Calcium
Extra Vit D and Vit C
Glucosamine & Chondroitin
Flax seed oil
baby aspirin

I think that's all right now, split up into morning and evening doses. It seems like a lot of pills to swallow! Glad to see it's not too far off the norm, here.

I'm training for a marathon (in May) and I think the glucosamine has really helped keep my knees going. I'm up to about 50 mpw and no injuries or knee issues yet (and I have had knee issues in the past). Also my sister has some mild lingering joint mobility issues from a stress fracture in her hip a few years ago, and she swears by glucosamine. I'm a believer...

[ChickWithBrains]

I take calcium, because I know I don't get enough in my diet. And I take a multivitamin with folate, because I'm eyeing getting preggers and want to have good stores before even trying to conceive. Everything else I get (prolly in excess!) in my diet. I take cheap@$$ generics from reputable companies -- and I think my biggest nonvitamin simple solution is washing my hands a LOT during viral season (which, for me in an ER seeing kids, is *all*year*round*)!

[Pika]

I am trying to be more consistant with these- I hate swallowing pills- so it is a struggle- my most favourite supplement though is a juice( yae! easier for me)
1) Ningxia Red - it is a supplement that is made of wolfberries- +++high in antioxidants- in Chinese medicine it is great for your liver meridian- energy galore:)
1a) cod liver oil- 1tbs
2) alpha lipoic acid
3)CoQ-10- yae a chewable:)
4) multi vitamen- these I find hard because they are huge!!
I have not been consistant with glucosamine and chondroitin- so I am unable to comment on its effectiveness for me.

I really do notice a change when I don't have the Ningxia- I use it to chase the codliver oil I take- 1tbs/day- thankheavens they make it now with literally no smell or taste- even so the texture is gross so the juice helps:)

[Wahine]

Pika!!

Where'd you get the wolfberry stuff?

[Pika]

Wahine:)
same company that makes the essential oils that I use- Young Living- I'll send you some info- It is expensive but for me it is the one thing I notice when I don't take it- and dried wolfberries on their own... well not so palatable.

[lesliejo]

I was looking for some advice.
I am riding in a local ride this weekend, signed up for the 60 mile ride.
I always start out with a good breakfast, balance of protein and carbs, but at about 30 I start to drag. I have a hard time eating while I ride, gives me a stomach ache, even the Luna Bars. Any ideas? I haven't tried any of the powders added to my water....maybe that is the route to take?
Thanks for your help!

[JenLeath]

I attempt to eat as healthy a diet as possible (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, occassional fish etc). Unless I develop a particular deficiency or need something to treat a particular problem I don't see any reason to take supplements (in many cases all they do is make for expensive urine).

I have to agree with this. I take calcium and glucos/condroit. I love fruits, veggies, fish and any kind of meat. They say if your meals are colorful and clean (meaning whole foods) then you should be getting most of what you need. Your body absorbs vitamins and minerals better from food. Also, there are so many the block the absorbtion of the others that it's too much to keep track of :confused: .

[Bikingmomof3]

I take very little, since most I get from my daily foods.

Multi-vitamin
Daily aspirin (a perk to having a stroke. :rolleyes: )

[surgtech1956]

I take 2 Calcuim w/D in the morning. Thats it. I sort of gave up coffee, since January 1st - only had 1 cup of coffee. I think the coffee was making the 'hot flashes' worse/more often. Maybe I should be taking a multi too. Those of you that are over 50 - do you take the multi that is for 'silver'???? Do you think taking a B vit is better than taking a multi? I've tried the black chohash for the hot flashes, didn't seem to do anything.

[Kitsune06]

3x/wk I take a multivite w/ calcium and iron.

[alpinerabbit]

Just the occasional Magnesium because I cramp easily, during swimming or at night, and because I had extrasystoles when I started exercising for real a year ago.

Sometimes a Multivitamin in the form of a fizzy tablet.