Need Help Choosing Nutritional Supplements/Alternative Medicine

Instead of looking to nutritional supplements you need to look at your diet. A balanced diet is good but some of the foods may not be right for you. If you have frequent gas and bloating that means you are not tolerating something you are eating/drinking. Cut out carbonated beverages, limit chocolate and caffinated drinks and see if that helps. If it does not then try the elimination diet...cut out one type of food for at least 3 days (better for a week). For example, no gluten (wheat, rye,oats & barley), then dairy, etc.. Keep a food journal and note your GI symptoms and how you feel in general (tired, etc.). Try to read Dr. Oz's "You on a Diet" it explains a lot. You may have a food intolerance. Good luck.

Your symptoms sound like a milk allergy to me. Try leaving dairy products out of your diet for a month and see if you improve. Also make sure you get out in the fresh air and sunshine everyday for at least 15 minutes. This will strengthen your immune system. I doubt that you need vitamins. AF

Hi, K., Have you ever heard of Melaleuca? Their vitamin/supplement line was found to be the most effective on the market in independent research. I could go in to a lot of detail, but it might be overload for the site! You can check it out at melaleuca.com/oligo. I'm also happy to speak with you in this regard. They also have a supplement that has helped countless folks with IBS, GERD, etc. All of Melaleuca's products are backed by real science and research, which as a nurse, I'd assume is important to you. I work with many nurses, and also a clinical nutritionist. Feel free to contact me for more info. I'm happy to help! Good luck! N.

K., I am right there with you. I am also getting ready to turn 33 but I have a list of medical conditions. I was diagnosed with double ulcers and under-developed lungs over the past two years. I also have severe allergies, psoriasis and hypoglycemic along with a few other conditions I won't name. Right before I was diagnosed, my sister got involved with Shaklee Corporation. I told her of my symptoms and all the tests the doctors were running. She did a wellness profile on me to see what I was missing in my diet and put me on a program. When my doctor finally figured out what was wrong with me, we discussed my options. The prescriptions he would have put me on permanently would have cost in excess of $200 a month after insurance. I did try the prescriptions for a month but found my vitamins worked better. When I told him what Shaklee vitamins I was taking, he said I wouldn't need the prescriptions. I am saving hundreds of dollars by taking all natural vitamins. My husband was so impressed by this that he did an investigation on the company and its products. After researching it for a year, he became a distributor. We are both much healthier and now I can run my accounting practice, keep up with my two kids, do church projects, volunteer for school and scouting events and still have time for my husband. I love my energy shakes! Please feel free to contact me for any more information or if you want I can set up a time to do a wellness profile. No matter which products you choose, it is good to know what you need. Best of luck.

P.
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Have you been tested for a gluten sensitivity? It sounds JUST like it. You may want to check it out.

Melaleuca has the most available/soluble vitamins on the market right now. In addition to scientific tests that prove they are 85% better than Centrum/One A Day in that regard, they also generate 75% less free radicals within your body. They specifically have been tested against all the major vitamins out there.

Out of all the vitamins out there, their delivery technology is the closest to a "plant". Since you are an RN, you would probably appreciate a scientific overview and look at all the tests and independent verifications, etc. I believe this was also just published some big scientific, free radical publication. Here is a link for you to check out. http://www.melaleuca.com/ps/index.cfm?f=ps.contentPage&am...

If you are interested, I will hook you up with an overview of these supplements from a medical perspective. I have to check, but I believe next week, a friend of mine that is a nutritionist is doing some talks. If this is something you are interested, just e:mail me and I can dig up the phone number (or location depending upon your preference).

Personally, until I started with their vitamins, I never really felt a difference. Both my husband and I notice an "improvement" in sleep and energy levels.

Feel free to contact me. L.

I wanted to also add. I had great success working with a holistic nutritionist to really improve the quality of my food plan. This 2nd step also helped to improve my sleep patterns and energy even further. I can dig up her name/number too if that would be helpful.

K.,
Already being an RN, you have seen a lot I am sure. I have been buying Thorne products now for over a year. Their website is www.thorne.com. They are all natural, non-allergy (meaning no corn, no wheat, no soy...) products with only the best ingredients. You have to login to see their products but it does not mean anything to do so. I am a little concerned though that you mentioned the bloating, gas and stomach discomfort. I had the same problem for years and two years ago went on a gluten-free diet and no longer have any of that. You may look into it. It has improved my overall health 100 times. My energy level is up, I know longer have acne anywhere on my body, no more headaches, I lost weight, I no longer have aches and pains. I am only, and I say that smiling!, 37 but I had all that with the stomach discomfort and no longer have that if I do not eat any wheat, rye or barley. There are so many alternatives now. That is just something to think about. I hope I have been a help. A.

K.,

Wow, your story sounds so much like mine I had to look at the name to make sure I didn't write it. I too have a clean bill of health when visiting the doctor, but often felt like a wet wash cloth throughout the day.

I do have high cortisol levels and sinus problems for which I take fish oil. Fish oil has so many health benefits and I now don't have to take my Clairiton.

For my gas and bloating, now this had gotten out of hand; to the point my five-year old daughter couldn't stand to be in the room with me or my family in the car with me. I couldn't even stand to go to bed with myself, to tell the truth. After eating my stomach would swell like I was 7 months pregnant. I was literally miserable.

I was at the chiropractor one day and picked up a magazine article that talked about natural remedy for IBS. During that time I was also being tested for celiac disease because I thought I was allergic to wheat. It talked about a supplement TRIPHALA. I tried it less than a month ago and I feel like a new women. In combination with not eating white bread or milk, it has worked wonders for my bloating and I can't remember the last time I had a bout with gas. I also take a probiotic for digestive health.

I order my Triphala at iherb.com. Nature's Way brand. The fish oil I pick up at the grocery store in capsule form and the probiotic at the local pharmacy.

Good luck,

M.

Hi K.,

My name is U. and I am a Postmaster, US Postal Service.
I can understand what you mean. I was just like you, not long ago. We as a postal employee, spend a lot of time on our feet. When I got home, I was just exhausted. Last November I was introduced to OPC-3, Mutivitamin, and Aloe Juice by my customer. Now I love how I feel in the afternoon and evening. The nutrition I would like to recommand you is OPC-3, which is Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins. Because I've benefitted so much from it, I became the distributor of the company. Here is the website with more information. http://www.marketamerica.com/U./index.cfm?action=shopping...
My fellow postmaster also loves the result from it.
Hope you will find the one works for you.

K. ~

I encourage you to get in touch with Maribeth Crooks, another mom/RN listed on this site who can help you choose nutritional supplements and products from Arbonne, a 27 year old company with over 400 amazing result-oriented botanically based health and wellness products. To reach Maribeth, call her on ###-###-#### or email ____@____.com (www.mbcrooks.myarbonne.com). Her link to her Mamasource page is

http://www.mamasource.com/business/11267048559045771265

I swear by Arbonne's hybrid vitamins! I noticed a difference in my energy levels within just of couple of days. The products are safe, affordable and give results that you can feel and see. Maribeth is a delight to work with on your quest to feel and look better, and she embodies the vitality that Arbonne promises and delivers.

Please give her a call. You'll be gald you did!

Here's to a healthy, vibrant YOU!

C. M.

K.,

I have tried many supplements throughout the years and I found a compnay that has supplements that really do work. Melaleuca. Last august they introduced a new system to get the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to where they are needed. It's pateneted and is the highest quality and scientifically proven to deliver the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to your body, unlike the other vitamins on the market. I have been taking them now for several months and i can tell if I forget to take them even for one day. You can check them out at wwww.melaleuca.com. When you compare the amounts of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants found in the store brands and those in the Melaleuca version, there is such a huge difference in the per unit cost.
if you have more questions you can e-mail me or one of the other people who talk to you about Melaleuca, the Wellness Company.

Dear K.,
Oh, my gosh! I felt just like you do now, only nine years ago! I was tired all the time and I would walk into the health food store (or the vitamin section of any store) and simply wonder what to take, how much to take, whether everything they said was in such-and-such supplement was really there, whether it would do anything for me, whether there would be a contraindication, etc. Bottom line: I felt confused just like you do now!
Even when the doctor I worked for at the time (back in 2000) introduced me to a product he thought I would benefit from, I was so jaded by everything 'out there', that I would not give it my attention even though he was a doctor. He persisted, however, telling me, "J., I know how you feel, but this is so different! Please just listen to this tape!'
I finally did (listen), if only to get the doctor off my back. Afterwards, I had to eat 'humble pie' because I felt I must THANK him for being perseverent with me! What was explained on that tape totally changed my perspective and understanding!
What this doctor had introduced me to was the power of whole food nutrition via Juice Plus+, 17 fruits, veggies and grains, juiced, but all the sugars, sodium and gluten removed, and air-dried in order to retain the enzymes, then made into a powder and placed inside capsules (also in chewables and gummies) making it easy (and tasteless) to take! A simple way to make sure I was getting my 7-13 US Govt recommended fruits and veggies each and every day!
Remember my questions when I was looking at the health food store for what to take? Well, what answered my questions and gave me every confidence in the world to take Juice Plus+ in the first place was the fact that it had/has 13 independent, peer-reviewed and medical-journaled published studies, specifically done on it (primary research), even done at prestigious universities and hospitals like Georgetown, UCLA, Vanderbilt and Yale!
When I took a look at the research, that was 'it' for me! I could not walk away! I had never found a product with so much gold-standard research specifically done on it alone! What I discovered were five studies showing heart health biomarker improvements, two showing immune health biomarker improvements, two showing cancer prevention health biomarker improvements and so much more!
The study that totally spoke the most to me was/is the DNA study in which it was shown that after 80 days use of Juice Plus+, there was a 66% repair factor of previously damaged DNA (the building block of all of our cells)!!!!!! WOW!
One other thing I did to discover whether this product was worth my monies (or not) was to go to three different grocery stores and purchase all 17 fruits, veggies and grains (that are in Juice Plus+) to see whether I would save money by doing so. Well, I went and purchased the smallest amounts possible and found myself spending each and every time, the same amount of monies: $20 - $25!!!!
Conversely, I saw that Juice Plus+ would cost me $1.45 a day! What a savings! I realized that I could get 13-17 days worth of produce via Juice Plus+ versus just a few days with that $20-$25!!!
Since then, I have taken Juice Plus+ consistently for eight and a half years, experienced dozens of health benefits and have decided I will take it for the rest of my life! Why? Because I cannot do for myself, conveniently, cost-effectively and, most importantly, nutritionally, for what Juice Plus+ does for me!!! It's that outstanding! :)
I am a rep, so if you would like some info about Juice Plus+, respond with your mailing address. You can email it to me, if you prefer, at ____@____.com or ____@____.com. (By the way, if you decide you want to order Juice Plus+, it doesn't matter where you live; Juice Plus+ is drop-shipped direct to each customer by UPS, DHL and the regular postal system. I have customers all over the country and around the world. We ship to 21 countries in all).
I hope my letter has been a blessing to you! :) Let me know how I can be of further help! By the way, you can also visit my website at www.jpjenn.com.
Blessings!
J. F.

Hi K.,

Try this link: www.trilogyonline.com/mariewolters this is Trilogy Product List click on the People Tab they have all natural nutritional supplements and Fish Oil (IFOS 5-Star Rating). They are also having a Clearance Sale Save up to 70% SALE. Also if you have pets that have a Pet Tab every thing they have is All Natural and they have an excellant rating.

look into the Candida cleanse. OR any simple colon cleanse can help.

If you havent done one before - be ready and for the first few days be ready for a lot of "elimination"!!!

THEN look into PRObiotics - they replenish the good bacteria in your colon - which really is the source of all energy, illness, etc.

Hi Kelly,
My name is M. Wyatt and I am an Independent Reliv Distributor. Reliv is a food science company that focuses on soy based nutritional supplements and functional foods. I like you used to have constant allergies and sinus infections. Since starting on our products 8 years ago I have only had 1 sinus infection and my allergies rarely flair up. I have also had great results with increased energy and used our products as prenatal vitamins for 2 pregnancies. My oldest child has hydrocephalus and while I was pregnant his ventricles went from 2x the size they should have been to almost normal after I started taking our kids supplement. My children have been on it since they were born and are rarely sick.
Reliv is a great company that has been around for 20 years and takes all of the guess work out of nutrition. You just drink 2 shakes a day and get 72 different vitamins, herbs, and phytonutrients in a synergistic form. Reliv products are safe and effective and they have even put many of our products through clinical trials to prove it. All of our products come with a 30 day money back guarantee. It also provides a great home based business opportunity. If you would like to hear more about it I can be reached at ###-###-#### (cell) or 866-251-9045 (pre-recorded information). I look forward to hearing from you soon!

M. Wyatt
Independent Reliv Distributor

K.,
You can go broke buying lots of supplements that may or may not help, and many which can hurt you. I worked for years at a health food store and had many customers taking pills for every conceivable thing, many taking mega-doses of vitamins that can harm the body. I take a good multivitamin, a calcium citrate and magnesium supplement, fish oil occasionally to increase my Omega3 intake, and occasional probiotics. I also try to eat lots of organic yogurt and maintain a balanced diet. I agree with other posters that you should get tested for celiac disease (gluten intolerance). It is grossly underdiagnosed in our society. Or simply try cutting gluten out of your diet for a few weeks to see how you feel. Freeing yourself from too many processed carbs in the process will make you feel better anyway. You may also be slightly lactose intolerant. If you are drinking milk, stop. Drink Kefir and other good-quality yogurt-based dairy instead. At least switch to Lactaid or soymilk and see if you notice a difference. If you've taken antibiotics recently, buy a refrigerated probiotic (acidophilus, etc). Your gut flora is so important to your overall wellbeing, immune system, etc. For your sinuses, nothing works better than nasal/sinus irrigation with simple saline. Get a nettipot if you can't figure out a way to do it yourself. Sinus sufferers swear by this. I've had to do it for every cold since I was pregnant and nursing and could not take decongestants. I also suggest you cut all artifical sweetners out of your diet, especially Nutrasweet (aspartame) which turns into formaldehyde in your body. If you are a Diet Coke addict, this could be your sole problem! Many people also report allergic-type rections to Splenda, so read your labels - it's hidden everywhere. Best of all, buy a gym membership instead of lots of supplements. I didn't exercise for more than a year after having my second child and felt lethargic all the time. I just joined a gym and feel 100% more energetic after just two high-intensity, sweaty workouts. If all else fails, dark chocolate and high-antioxidant white and green tea are healthy treats! For additional tips, I like the newsletter I receive on-line from www.mercola.com

K.,

Do you work out at all other than the running around you might do at work? I would not recommend Malelueca, it is extremely expensive and you can get the same products in a store for half the price. I would recommend looking into the gluten sensitivity though. As far as natural remedies, try Fresh Minced Garlic in your food and/or onions. Coconut works well too with boosting the immune system and helping with abdominal issues. I stopped taking multivitamins because there is too much in them for me. I just eat a lot of veggies and fruits and a well balanced diet and drink a lot of fluids. Hope this helps. God Bless

Hi K. --

My husband and I have 9 children. After our 8th was born when I was 35, I started to experience a lot of the discomfort that you mention. After our 9th came along last year, it only got worse, plus I started having back problems. A friend stopped by and gave me some Xango, juice made from the whole fruit mangosteen. I literally rolled my eyes, thoguht she was crazy, but my husband made me take it. In 3 days, my stomach issues cleared up and I had so much more energy. In 2 weeks, my back pain went away. After I finished the case, I didn't buy any because we were on a tight budget. All of my issues came back. My friend brought me another case (she's a VERY GOOD friend!!), and everything cleared up again. It was obvious that this was something my body needed, so we made the decision to make room for it in the budget. I can't gaurantee that you'll have the same results, all I can say is try it, it may help you. My husband and I became distributors so we can buy it wholesale (lots cheaper), and there's no obligation to sell anything. Let me know if you want more info. You can check out their website at www.xango.com.

Yes, there is a lot of information, both good and bad on the web. As a nurse, you would be average if one of your "fruits" of the day is Mountain Dew. (Hope you are laughing). The first thing for fatigue is give up all caffeine. Teechino makes a good substitute if you are a coffee drinker. If it is soda, just start mixing with caffeine free and cut down the amount of caffeinated until it is 0, then cut out the soda all together. You are probably acidic (most Americans are). Your diet needs to be alkaline. The standard diet recommended by conventional medicine is the government diet that is based on their highest paying lobbiests, the grain and dairy industry. Read The China Study for more info on that. You need a good liver/kidney cleanser. Ichol works for that. I have prescribed cleansing remedies for 6 years and have had good results. You can check out my web site at www.sevenpillarstotalhealth.com.

L. Cheek

Hi K., I too am an Independent Reliv Distributor...although not for very long. I began buying the product for my infant who has special needs. At the end of November I began using it myself along with including my husband and other children. I went through a cleanse and I had a sinus infection that seemed to last a long time, however I wasn't on antibiotics and it wasn't so bad...I was killing the infection with nutrition. Reliv like Mindy W said is tried and tru and it starts to work and absorb within the body as little as 15 minutes. I'm sold...there are so many good things out there but for me Reliv is complete it has more than the others a fullness of nutrition so to speak verses just some of the goodness. You can check out their website at www.reliv.com and read up as well. Good luck, I know how it is just feeling blah, but it's helped me and my family and the stories are endless of how wonderful this product has helped individuals...I am sure Mindy could give you more insight, and since she introduced you to it I'd say it's worth looking into!