Supplements

[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!

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 - 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 .

[Bikingmomof3]

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

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

[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.