Posted by Bryn on March 9, 2007, at 21:38:13
In reply to Nice to meet you!, posted by Meri-Tuuli on March 8, 2007, at 13:59:33
Hi, Meri.
Thanks for the kind welcome!
I'd be happy to share what I'm taking, though it is a bit long. Some people might classify some of these things as "food," others as "supplement." I will include them here in my list since I use them for their therapeutic effects.
-Multivitamin (obvious, right?)
-Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc. Taken separately from the multivitamin.
-Kelp, dried -- for potassium iodide and associated minerals. Helps keep my body temperature up (thyroid) and helps my hair/nails grow. When I take it regularly, it also helps prevent long menstrual cycles (most likely due to a slow thyroid.)
-Flaxseed and Evening Primrose Oil Blend. I've read several entries about others advocating fish oil, but I've used Flax Seed Oil for my Omega-3s, I like it and it seems to work when I use it. Do you know if I am missing something by using Flax instead fish oil? I notice a mental health benefit when I take it as it seems to keep my tendency to ruminate in check. Plus, my skin is softer and it helps my joints. The Evening Primrose Oil addition is new; I'll let you know how it works.
-Cat's Claw - For an immune system boost. I had low WBC counts and I was able to raise the count significantly (well within the normal range) after taking it for a couple of months.
-CoQ10 Enzyme - Whenever I remember, since I have a tendency toward irregular heartbeat.
-Hawthorn Tincture - For the same reasons above and for circulation problems (varicose veins and Raynaud's). Works great when I use it regularly. I highly recommend this herb.
-DMG + B Complex. I got the DMG on a good sale and am now taking it in an effort to fend off a flare of ME/CFIDS.
-Red Marine Algae - Related to above. There is research that demonstrates that this helps cells form resistance to herpesviruses. Since many theorists believe that ME/CFIDS might be in part caused by a herpesvirus, I take this when I experience a decline in my health. After taking this for a few months, the "crimson crescents" associated with ME/CFIDS went away and have not returned.
-Extra Vitamin C, Green Tea, Nettles and Bioflavinoids (from fresh fruit or tabs) - for allergies, on an as needed basis.
-Other stuff: ginger in tea for circulation and stomach soothing; peppermint and licorice tea for stomach soothing. Ginko leaf tea for mental focus, allergies. All on an as needed basis.
It sounds excessive, doesn't it? I haven't had effective treatment from allopathic medicine and I'm too controlling to put my health completely into the hands of another. :) Therefore, I am always tweaking my regimen, experimenting with herbs (very easy to come by where I live -- many can be foraged) and quality supplements that fit in my budget.
I am always open to suggestions. Are you taking a break from supplements in order to give your body a rest or because you are feeling healthier? I'd be interested to know what has worked for you.
Peace,
Bryn
poster:Bryn
thread:739277
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20070201/msgs/739656.html