Supplements and Other Enhancements

[donna]

I apologize if this has been posted recently - I was unable to locate a thread on the subject.

First, I am asking this for educational purposes. From the knowledge you have on the subject, what is your opinion?

On the subject of other dietary enhancements such as herbs and other natural pharmaceuticals, I have NO information or training. I stay away from them because of this lack of knowledge. I understand (from Joannie Greggins show) that because there is absolutely no controls on herbs that you could end up buying 100% useless products.

Supplements - I'd be hesitant to give up the supplements I use. My early 20's were very ill years - chronic appendicitis, chronic female trouble. I started to study everything I could get my hands on about nutrition and illness. I'm happy to say that with a fitness program, (fairly) good nutrition and I believe supplementing for my special needs has helped me maintain almost optimum health. I also use a supplement company that uses no starch, fillers or sugar.

What are your thoughts on the subject?

Donna

 

[competition bound]

Hi Donna!! I'm all in favor of supplements to a point. I believe in and take everyday, protein powder, fat burners, multi vitamin, and herbal tea. I don't get into buying a bunch of herbs. My teas are echinachea (sp?), I know I spelled that wrong without looking at my box, ginger, and chamomile. That's all I take, and like you, I feel that they help me feel great.
I don't believe women should mess with andro products. I don't think men should mess with them either, but hey, I ain't gonna hold it agaisn't em'!
Ok, Those are my views.
Aimee

 

[murph]

I Use Some...Supplements

Co-Enzyme Q-10, glucosamine chondroitin,natural E, soy, calcium (which supplements the yogurt and ice cream I eat, anyway). I truly believe these supplements help me in many ways.... Murph

 

[KathyH]

Hi Donna! I was on certain supplements from AST and Optimum. Was also on fat burners. Why don't I take them now? Because they're bad for you. Yes it cut my bodyfat but I sometimes think at what cost really? Have I damaged my body now? Then I was approached by Janis Saffell who's on Bodywise products. I checked out their website thoroughly and after much deliberation decided to try the Right Choice AM/PM pills and the Workout Formula. Also tried their protein powder. Excellent products. The best that's out there. Packed with a lot of nutrients. You can however derive the same results just by eating and drinking plenty of water but for me my tote bag that I take to work would look like a suitcase!! Way too much food to pack up. I'm no expert but be very leery about products. Many of them contain aspartame which is extremely bad for you. I'm always on a quest to cut my bodyfat even further but through these products I mentioned above this is the best I've found. Just be cautious whatever you try. Well, enough said. Take care, Kathy

 

[donna]

I just wanted to add one more thing to this discussion. I am leary of the way food is processed these days which is another reason I am hesitant to give up my supplements. I read one article about todays foods that stated if humans were trying to recover all the nutrients they needed from food, we would have to eat massive amounts of food.

As I stated previously, I tried to customize my supplements to my particular needs. In addition to my multi vitamins, I add E, B and calcium citrate for the post-menopausal me - 500 mgs C for the me that catches colds and other viruses - you get the idea. I had to study my own health and then supplement accordingly.

Supplementing does take a great deal of reading. I've lost count of how many books we have on nutrition. However, I think it has helped me enjoy very excellent help.

Of course, I have also had people tell me may as well be burning my cash in the fireplace! Thanks for your input.

Donna

 

[rhbrand]

I use a certain amount of supplements. I also try to use companies that have good reputations.
Here's what I take:
Multivitamin
Vitamin C
Calcium (when I have days I don't get enough milk)
Echinachia when I feel illness coming on
Valarian at bedtime
I drink a protein shake on my weight training days.

And I do take a fat burner, but one without Ephedra or Ma Huagh
I also have read several books, and I've done research on the internet about all the types of herbs, and other supplements. If after more research I find something eles,I might try another herb or vitamin.

 

[Marnie]

Hi - my two cents...

The only supplements I take are calcium (I don't eat dairy), a multivitamin for women, and soy protein on weight training days. I eat organic fruits, vegetables, eggs, chemical-free chicken & fish. No meat or dairy. In my very humble opinion, there isn't enough research on the long term effects of supplements such as ephedrine, creatine, glucosamine etc, and I'm not willing to experiment. I just don't trust anything that the FDA hasn't approved through clinical trials. As far as ephedrine and ephedrine/caffeine combo's: the fact that people have died using this stuff is enough to keep me away.

 

[Bobbi]

I take a prenatal vitamin because of the added iron since I rarely consume red meat. I take natural vitamin E and selenium (antioxidants) fairly regularly. I sometimes take glucosamine (for joints) but not with condroitin, which, I read has not been proven effective. I will also use echinachia and zinc when I feel a cold coming on. I don't take anything daily though, jsut occasionally.
Bobbi

 

[mogambo]

I take a horse-pill size multi, DHEA in cycles, melatonin at bedtime, vitamin C powder in my water, extra iron, calcium, E and occasional B-12. I use green tea, avoid dairy, don't eat meat, and eat very clean, much organic. I use herbs only medicinally, unless you count putting herbs and spices in food, and have read about them for years and years.