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I thought I would re-post an old post from my favorite posts.
As alot of you know, who follow me on Twitter, I am a vegetarian. I don't eat meat, bread, eggs, milk, pasta or anything carbonated. I have had this kind of diet for 13 years now. About 10 years ago I started taking vitamin supplements, just a few. Then as I learned more about vitamins & dietary supplements over the years, I added more.
Some of you have heard me talk about how many pills I take a day and have seemed shocked. OMG you take HOW MANY pills?!?
If you have ever read any of Suzanne Somer's books on health/nutrition/supplements, BREAKTHROUGH or her newest one, which I recommend everyone read Knockout: Interviews with Doctors Who Are Curing Cancer--And How to Prevent Getting It in the First Place You will see she takes WAY MORE pills than I ever will take. However, alot of hers are enzymes and bio-identical hormones. I don't take either of those things, yet. She has had cancer and she has consulted with numerous cancer specialists who are treating & preventing cancer, and she has based alot of what she takes on the advice of these doctors.
I found one of what I consider my most important supplements in her book. Curcumin. It's a turmeric supplement.
But, I thought I would break it down for you, exactly what I take, how much of it I take, and what it's for. That way y'all can see, I do have a plan for my health and not just taking pills to be taking them. I don't try to tell anybody else that they need to take what I take. I am not trying to convert anybody over to taking supplements or being super health conscious. But I would strongly advise you, if NOTHING ELSE at least take a good mutli-vitamin every day. It takes 10 seconds to do it and can make a world of difference to your health.
I will tell you this, and it is not something I widely shout out to the Internet. I have (Systemic) Lupus. And ever since I started taking my regiment of supplements, I have lived symptom free. No joint pain, no additional lung lesions. I had hair loss and it hasn't grown back much but there's no supplement for that.
Here's how it breaks down. I take 36 pills a day. 31 vitamins & dietary supplements and 5 prescription pills. There's a total of 27 different vitamins & supplements and 4 prescriptions. Some pills I take more than 1 of (duplicates) every day.
Here's what I take and what it's for:
Vitamin C 1000mg 3 a day-
Vitamin C is one of the safest and most effective nutrients, experts say. It may not be the cure for the common cold (though it's thought to help prevent more serious complications). But the benefits of vitamin C may include protection against immune system deficiencies, cardiovascular disease, prenatal health problems, eye disease, and even skin wrinkling.
Royal Jelly 500mg 1 a day-
Common associated benefits of royal jelly include:
More energy
Healthier skin and hair, more youthful appearance
Strengthened immune system, more resilience to colds/flu and other* illnesses that attack the immune system.
Reduced feelings of stress or reaction to stress
Curcumin 500mg 1 a day-
Curcumin has stimulated an increase in research with several hundred research studies over the past 10-20 years examining its role in the treatment and prevention of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and inflammation.
Potassium 99mg 1 a day-
Potassium is an electrolyte (a substance that maintains your body's fluid levels), this mineral helps regulate blood pressure and heart function. Research shows that increasing your potassium intake can lower your blood pressure.
Magnesium 400mg 2 a day-
It plays a big part in keeping the heart healthy, making sure bones are strong and helping the body absorb other important minerals such as calcium and potassium. Magnesium supplementation also helps people with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease maintain adequate magnesium levels which is especially important for these patients. Magnesium is also important to women who are pregnant, experience menopause or are at risk for osteoporosis. Getting the right amount of magnesium daily can help prevent leg cramps, migraines and fatigue.
Calcium 400 mg (w/500 i.u of Vit D) 2 a day-
It aids in the formation and maintenance of bones. It helps to contract muscles and helps regulate the contractions of the heart. It plays a role in the transmission of nerve impulses and in blood clotting. Calcium is involved in the stimulation of contractions of the uterus during childbirth and in milk production. It also regulates the secretion of various hormones and aids in the functioning of various enzymes within the body.
Fish/Flaxseed/Borage oil 2 a day-
Healthy for cells, muscles, nerves and organs!
May alleviate symptoms of PMS and menopause.
EFA's are endorsed by the American Heart Association as beneficial for the heart.
Best formula containing fish oil, flax seed oil, and borage oil.
An excellent source of omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9 essential fatty acids.
Supports the normal and healthy functions of the heart, joints, and brain.
Super Juice (supplement that has 27 fruit & vegetable extracts) 2 a day-
Daily Multi-Phyto Nutrient Formula. Each cold processed, enzyme active caplet supplies 32 phyto-nutrients from 27 vegetable and fruit juice extracts. Just 2 SuperJuice™ caplets give you the benefit of 32 phyto-nutrients and enzymes from 27 vegetables and fruits.
Echinacea (with goldenseal 450mg) 450mg 2 a day-
Echinacea is best known for its immune enhancing ability, but has proven very effective in many other areas as well.
Colds, coughs and flu and other upper respiratory conditions
Enlarged lymph glands, sore throat
Urinary tract infections
Other minor infections
May help combat herpes and candida
Wounds, skin regeneration and skin infections (external use)
Psoriasis, eczema and inflammatory skin conditions (external use)
Echinacea stimulates the immune system and it promotes T-cell activation while it increases the activity of the immune system.
Red wine extract 60mg 1 a day-
Scientists believe the key to the healthful benefits of red wine lie in the antioxidants, or flavonoids. Flavonoids help to reduce the production of LDL, low density lipoprotein - sometimes referred to as "bad" cholesterol. They also have the effect of increasing HDL, high density lipoprotein, the so-called "good" cholesterol. These combined effects help to prevent blood clots and improve the lipid profile overall.
Some researchers claim that the positives of drinking red wine go beyond cardiovascular benefits. A number of studies have discovered that an antioxidant concentrated in the skin of the grape, resveratrol, may actually help inhibit the growth of cancerous tumors. Research into the properties of resveratrol also indicates that it may be helpful in the formation of nerve cells, and so could potentially be a factor in the treatment of neurological diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
Korean Ginseng 100mg 1 a day-
Studies of Western herbal medicine show that panax ginseng's ability to regulate the immune system can assist in the prevention of colds, flu, and some forms of cancer. Case studies show that panax ginseng may also be effective in lowering the sugar content in the blood and and lower cholesterol levels. Consequently, panax ginseng may prove beneficial when used in connection with type 2 diabetes and when used by those suffering from high cholesterol. All the potential uses of the ginseng root have not been fully explored; however, in both laboratory studies of humans and animals, panax ginseng proved successful in relaxing the muscles of the lungs. By relaxing the muscles of the lungs that control the airway, ginseng may be able to provide some relief for symptoms associated with asthma, constriction of the airways, and other lung diseases. Further studies show that a combination of panax ginseng and gingko may increase memory capacity and enhance the thinking processes. However these are only suggested effects that are not supported by clinical evidence.
Green Tea Extract 315mg 1 a day-
In traditional Chinese and Indian medicine, practitioners used green tea as a stimulant, diuretic (to promote the excretion of urine), astringent (to control bleeding and help heal wounds), and to improve heart health. Other traditional uses of green tea include treating flatulence (gas), regulating body temperature and blood sugar, promoting digestion, and improving mental processes.
Green tea has been extensively studied in people, animals, and laboratory experiments. Results from these studies suggest that green tea may be useful for the following health conditions:
Atherosclerosis, high cholesterol, cancer, IBD, diabetes, liver disease, weight loss.
Garlic 1000mg 2 a day-
Modern science has shown that garlic is a powerful natural antibiotic, albeit broad-spectrum rather than targeted. The body does not appear to build up resistance to the garlic, so its positive health benefits continue over time.
Healthy Antioxidant
Studies have shown that garlic - especially aged garlic - can have a powerful antioxidant effect. Antioxidants can help to protect the body against damaging "free radicals".
D3 5,000 i.u 1 a day-
The major biologic function of vitamin D is to maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin D aids in the absorption of calcium, helping to form and maintain strong bones. Recently, research also suggests vitamin D may provide protection from osteoporosis, hypertension (high blood pressure), cancer, and several autoimmune diseases.
Iron 65mg 1 a day-
Iron is anti cancer
It boost the body's energy level and as a result will improve physical performance.
Improves the body's immunity
It encourages restful sleep and prevent insomnia
It also helps in preventing difficulty in learning among children
B-12 500mcg 1 a day-
Some of the benefits of B12 are that it may help pernicious anemia. The vitamin is also used to treat high homocysteine (an amino acid made from proteins that build up and can lead to heart disease) levels, heart disease, chronic fatigue system, and male infertility. Diabetes, bursitis, depression, psychiatric disorders, and osteoarthritis could also benefit from B12.
Other conditions that can be treated are sleep disorders, memory loss, Alzheimer’s disease, tendonitis, and immunosupression. Aids can also benefit from supplementation with B12 according to various studies. Other conditions that B12 may benefit, include Irritable bowel syndrome, asthma, and allergies. It may also prevent nerve damage and maintain fertility.
Sulforaphane (broccoli extract) 400 mcg 1 a day-
The major advantage of sulforaphane is its potential benefit
in cancer prevention. Sulforaphane is an anti-cancer,
anti-diabetic, and anti-mircrobial compound. Sulforaphane
can be found in cruciferous vegetables such as brussel
sprouts, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, bok choy, kale,
collards, broccoli sprouts, Chinese broccoli, broccoli raab,
kohlrabi, mustard, turnip, radish, rocket, and watercress.
Alpha Lipoic acid 300mg 1 a day-
Helps to reduce the blood sugar levels in diabetics and to balance sugar levels in non-diabetics. It also helps to reduce glycation; in other words, the damage that sugar does to our body, including accelerated aging.
Some studies have found that it may be beneficial in the treatment of glaucoma.
It helps the liver regenerate, especially in the treatment of liver degeneration because of damage from excessive consumption of alcohol.
It may help in the prevention and treatment of cataracts.
Helps to balance the level of cholesterol.
Helps in the case of cardiovascular problems such as hard arteries.
It helps to improve the efficacy in our bodies of other nutrients such as vitamin C and E.
It may help to detox your body.
It is a powerful antioxidant.
Helps to prevent brain damage in older people
E 400 i.u 1 a day-
Promotes heart health.
Promotes respiratory health.
Helps with normal PMS symptoms.
Supports circulation.
Supports prostate and breast health.
Is good for your brain.
May help hot flashes in menopausal women.
Grape seed extract 50mg 1 a day-
Prescribed by doctors in Europe for a variety of vascular disorders, grape seed extract is of some benefit to heart and cancer patients, when the food supplement is administered regularly. Grape seed extract also helps to reduce or eliminate the symptoms of leg cramps, varicose veins, diabetes, numbness in the extremities – an even the effects of impotence, since this food supplement is designed to improve the body’s blood flow.It works similar to Yohimbe Supplements for low Libido.
Other benefits of grape seed extract are in the areas of endometriosis, since the effects of this can be inhibited by the food supplement’s ability to provide antioxidants that can also invade the membranes of the body. Brain cells may also be protected from certain forms of damage (known as free radical damage) when grape seed extract is administered.
Biotin 5mg 1 a day-
Biotin, one of the B-complex vitamins, is essential to healthy skin and proper functioning of the intestines and nervous system. Most adults get enough biotin through a healthy diet and do not require additional supplements.
Biotin is essential to healthy skin because it helps with proper fat production. It also ensures the body has enough energy through its role in metabolizing sugar.
K2 1 a day-
Vitamin K2 cleans calcium deposits from your arteries and deposits it in your bones, and you have most likely never heard of it? It's almost like the old good news/bad news jokes. The good news is Vitamin K2 has been clinically proven to provide extraordinary benefits for bone health and cardiovascular health, plus it is a powerful anti-oxidant and some emerging science indicates it might help your joints and intestinal health.
I also take a women's multi vitamin for women over 45. Although I am not 45 yet, it had additional minerals and additives I wanted in my multi.
That's it folks. That's everything I take, how much and what they are all for. What they do. Maybe it gave you some insight into why I take all this stuff and maybe it gave you some ideas of supplements you might want to take yourself. Your good health is all that's keeping you alive. If you don't take it seriously, who will?
I may spend $200 or more a month on vitamins & supplements (and protein bars) but most of you spend more than that going out to eat and on junk food. It's all about priorities and what's more important to you in the long-term.
As mentioned above, something else I do spend money on is protein bars. Since I don't eat meat, I try to supplement with "Pure Protein" brand strawberry protein bars. They have less than 200 calories and have 19 grams of protein. About equal to the amount of protein in a small chicken breast. I eat 2 of those a day. I can't do the protein shakes. It's too much trouble and most protein shake mix is nasty. My husband uses some that is good and tastes like a shake but it is very expensive. I will just stick with my small protein bars. I eat them in addition to my food, not in place of my food.
Sorry about this post being so long. If you actually made it all the way down to the bottom and are reading this, KUDOS to you. I probably would have gotten bored about half way down and stopped reading.
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