WaterLily Posted November 17, 2011 Share Posted November 17, 2011 I know nothing about supplements but I want to try some zinc for acne. Does it matter where I buy it or what brand it is? I'd rather not spend more than necessary so I thought I'd just check Walmart or Target... but of course I don't want to waste money on something that isn't as good, won't be absorbed well, etc. Any advice? I'm aslo interested in trying some other supplements like magnesium, turmeric, and 5-HTP for example. How do I know if the supplements will be ok together? It's overwhelming! :) Thank you!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandra in FL Posted November 17, 2011 Share Posted November 17, 2011 I know nothing about supplements but I want to try some zinc for acne. Does it matter where I buy it or what brand it is? I'd rather not spend more than necessary so I thought I'd just check Walmart or Target... but of course I don't want to waste money on something that isn't as good, won't be absorbed well, etc. Any advice? I'm aslo interested in trying some other supplements like magnesium, turmeric, and 5-HTP for example. How do I know if the supplements will be ok together? It's overwhelming! :) Thank you!!! This type of zinc is absorbable. Don't know how much you need for acne though. If the other supplements are for acne, try Carlson's Fish Oil (lemon-flavored - 1 -2 teaspoon/day depending on weight). 15 mg (RDA) - http://www.iherb.com/Jarrow-Formulas-Zinc-Balance-100-Capsules/278?at=1 30 mg - http://www.iherb.com/Now-Foods-L-OptiZinc-30-mg-100-Capsules/738?at=1 http://www.iherb.com/Carlson-Labs-The-Very-Finest-Fish-Oil-Lemon-Flavor-16-8-fl-oz-500-ml/2796?at=1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Negin Posted November 17, 2011 Share Posted November 17, 2011 Not much time right now and probably not until either later today or tomorrow morning. I have lots of info on supplements and will be happy to post them here. Here's my info on zinc. Usual dose: 25-50 mg per day DO NOT TAKE MORE THAN 100 mg Use zinc gluconate lozenges or OptiZinc for best absorption L-OptiZinc is a patented form of bio-available zinc – bio-available means best absorbed Don't take it on an empty stomach or it could make you nauseous. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WaterLily Posted November 17, 2011 Author Share Posted November 17, 2011 Thanks for the feedback so far! Ok, I'll look for OptiZinc or the lozenges. It would be great if I could find them at Walmart/Target or maybe the drug store. (The other supplements I mentioned weren't for acne. Those are for other things I'm dealing with - pms, headaches and muscle aches (TMJ), etc.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WaterLily Posted November 17, 2011 Author Share Posted November 17, 2011 I'm looking around online before heading out to the store tonight.... what is "chelated zinc" and "Zinc as Gluconate" ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Negin Posted November 18, 2011 Share Posted November 18, 2011 I'm going to include all the info I have. The supplements you listed should be fine together. I take those and more. Yes, it can be overwhelming at first. Read the info slowly and add them gradually if you wish. WHAT I LIKE TO AVOID Many “one-a-day†formulas - Theragram-M, Geritol, Centrum usually: • Have such long ingredient lists (a red flag for me!) with synthetic coloring, waxes, and other undesirable ingredients – this is my main reason for avoiding them • Are too low in potency – most one-a-day formulas cannot possibly give you high enough potencies of nutrients. There simply isn’t enough room to pack a lot of nutrients into a single capsule. Do be aware that a good multivitamin and mineral formula requires that you take it in larger quantities – from 3-6 capsules daily. This may seem like a lot, but it’s not. When it comes to herbs, and often minerals and vitamins, most of the time, the quantity and potency is so very, very low, that it really isn’t going to do anything much at all. I prefer to research all the brands and see which has the highest dosage, or I have found that I may need to double or triple the dose. I have to admit that due to financial constraints, I seldom do this these days, unless I'm focusing on a specific health concern. I do believe that nutrition (healthy diet) is first and foremost. • Are often poorly absorbed Anything that is multi-marketed. Supplements from multi-marketed companies are obviously going to cost much more. The supplements may be good, but remember that you’re paying for a wealth system that may play on people’s greed. Any supplement (usually they are minerals) that has the word “oxideâ€. The oxide form of any is the cheapest source of that mineral. Most of the cheaper brands include oxide to cut down on costs, but these brands do our bodies no good, since they’re barely absorbed. Any supplement that has vitamin E as dl-alpha – dl-alpha is synthetic and junk. Any supplement that has calcium carbonate – ditto, as above Most brands at Walmart, Costco, etc. But this doesn’t always apply. Some brands at these larger stores are fine. You'll have to do your own research to know. Just because the supplement is sold at Walmart or Costco does not that it’s necessarily bad. You need to look at the ingredients. are the same. WHAT I PREFER Bio-available when possible – these are best absorbed. Many bio-available forms are patented and identified on the label. Anything with a short ingredient list – no soybean oil, no sugar, starches, colorings, soy, etc. – the less things in it, the better! With vitacost, you can click on side bar buttons to say that you're looking for something without soy, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Negin Posted November 18, 2011 Share Posted November 18, 2011 MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE – IF I COULD If I lived in the U.S., I would try my utmost to get as much as I could from Standard Process - which you have to buy from an alternatiave health care practitioner. Standard Process is wonderful. But they don't have every single supplement. They're very specialized. ALKALIZING MULTI VITAMINS AND MINERAL SUPPLEMENTS Most of us have systems that are overly acidic. Working towards a system that is balanced or more alkaline is the key to overall health. These supplements are said to be very good for alkalizing the body. • http://www.auntiegs.com/index.php 12 Systems Synergistic Multiple – one tablet per meal • Vita Lea (Shaklee) – one tablet with each meal • Bio Strath – One teaspoon with each meal or tablet as indicated – I saw it on vitacost AFTER THAT I prefer searching for good brands on vitacost or amazon – reading reviews, and looking at brands. The following are brands that I like and trust: Carlson’s Nature’s Way Twin Labs KAL Enzymatic Therapy Green Magma – for green, alkalizing drink Solgar Source Naturals Rainbow Light Solaray NOW Swanson UniKey (do a google search) New Chapter Organics Brands I've heard good things about, but have not yet tried, and don’t yet know enough about: Aerobic Life Products Blue-Green Algae Country Life Darwin’s Gaia Herbs Health from the Sun Jarrow Kyo-Green Member’s Mark Metagenics Nature’s Plus Nature’s Sunshine Nordic Naturals Planetary Formulas Pure Encapsulations Puritan’s Pride Shaklee Trace Minerals Research Vitamin World Zone Perfect Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Negin Posted November 18, 2011 Share Posted November 18, 2011 Now, although I have info on many minerals and vitamins, I'll only include info on the ones that you requested. MAGNESIUM Magnesium is a key mineral that many are deficient in. Anything that is tight, irritable, crampy, and stiff -- whether it is a body part or an even a mood -- is a sign of magnesium deficiency. Magnesium and many other minerals are best absorbed when they are bound to an acidic carrier such as citrate, aspartate, picolinate, or amino acid chelate. The most absorbable forms are magnesium citrate, glycinate taurate, or aspartate, although magnesium bound to Kreb cycle chelates (malate, succinate, fumarate) are also good. Avoid magnesium carbonate, oxide, sulfate, and gluconate. They are poorly absorbed (and the cheapest and most common forms found in supplements). If I see these in a multi, I avoid it. Side effects from too much magnesium include diarrhea, which can be avoided if you switch to magnesium glycinate. People with kidney disease or severe heart disease should take magnesium only under a doctor's supervision. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Negin Posted November 18, 2011 Share Posted November 18, 2011 TIPS ON TAKING THEM My naturopath friends have always told me is that it's good to take 2 days off most or all of your supplements every week, preferably any two days that are back-to-back. So, if you need to take them on weekends. Fine. You could try skipping them on any other 2 days of the week. Another thing I do, based on what I have read and played around with - is take a break from some supplements for an entire month. Not all. Just some. They work so much better for me, when I get back on them - 5-HTP, Melatonin, even probiotics, whatever you want or think that your body could do well to take a break from in order to be more effective. The body sometimes becomes overly efficient and not challenged by supplements. That’s why taking a break and going back on them, in my opinion and experience, helps them to become much more effective. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Negin Posted November 18, 2011 Share Posted November 18, 2011 All the info that I have on zinc - and yes, it can help with acne and skin conditions. Zinc is an antioxidant mineral that is essential for: Ovulation – deficiencies have been linked to spontaneous abortion and toxemia in pregnancy Enhances the action of vitamin D in preventing osteoporosis Useful in fighting off colds and the flu Women with PMS are low in zinc, and its deficiency may lower production of the hormone progesterone Helping curb sugar cravings and blood sugar imbalances - As an insulin potentiator, zinc is useful in managing Type 2 diabetes. Aiding digestion Protecting the body from stress Rejuvenating the powerhouse of the immune system, the thymus Helps to halt and reverse cataract growth Protects and strengthens hair and may help with hair loss 25-50 mg per day DO NOT TAKE MORE THAN 100 mg Use zinc gluconate lozenges or OptiZinc for best absorption L-OptiZinc is a patented form of bio-available zinc – bio-available means best absorbed Don't take it on an empty stomach or it could make you nauseous. Found naturally in: Wheat germ, oysters, pumpkinseeds, chicken breast, eggs, crab, turkey, lentils, barley, yogurt Zinc is required by the brain in order to produce GABA, a compound that eases anxiety and irritability. Without sufficient zinc, some antioxidants can’t respond and function normally. Zinc is often low as we age because of reduced intake and absorption. Zinc is a mineral essential to the very metabolic processes required for mercury elimination. Support your adrenal glands – an adrenal supplement is essential if you’re stressed out (and a yeast infection is certainly stressful). Also pay attention to your copper-zinc balance. Zinc deficiency and copper biounavailability are also factors in yeast overgrowth. UNI KEY Female Multiple is a copper-free multivitamin-mineral supplement especially created for women with both iodine and zinc to support endocrine function and the immune system. A lack of vitamin B6 and zinc can contribute to progesterone deficiency—a deficiency common in women. These nutrients are notoriously absent in today’s diets due to food processing, too many sugary foods, and fast-food consumption. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Negin Posted November 18, 2011 Share Posted November 18, 2011 All the info I have on turmeric. CURCUMIN, AKA TURMERIC Powerful antioxidant Anti-aging properties Most powerful natural anti-inflammatory #1 anti-cancer spice To be assimilated by the body, turmeric must be mixed with black pepper and dissolved in olive, canola, or linseed oil. All of us should regularly consume a teaspoon (some say a soup spoon!) of turmeric every day, with a generous pinch of pepper and olive oil. You can use it in your salad dressings, cooking, vegetables, and soups In store-bought curry mixes, turmeric represents only 20% of the total, so it’s better to obtain turmeric directly Because powdered turmeric is a powerful blood-cleansing herb, don’t overdo it. Research has shown that turmeric in capsules is poorly absorbed by the digestive system. When turmeric is not mixed with pepper or ginger, it does not pass the intestinal barrier. Pepper increases the body’s absorption of turmeric by 2000 percent CAUTION: Some brands of turmeric powder and supplements have been found to be contaminated with heavy metals themselves. Make sure to obtain a high quality brand. ANTI-CANCER PROPERTIES Turmeric is the #1 anti-cancer spice Turmeric and piperine (black pepper) can limit the growth of stem cells for breast cancer -- the cells that conventional treatment have the hardest time eliminating. Has been shown to inhibit growth in a large number of cancers – colon, prostate, lung, liver, stomach, breast, ovarian, brain, and leukemia It inhibits angiogenesis and forces cancer cells to die (through the process of cell suicide known as apoptosis) Indians have much lower cancers overall – despite their exposure to numerous carcinogens in their environment, often on a worse scale than in the West Studies have shown that it can kill off cancer cells, even within 24 hours! CAUTION: Note that it is often safest to avoid turmeric during chemotherapy as well as a three days before and after the treatment. This is because it can – rarely, but it can – interfere with some chemotherapy treatments and reduce their benefits. Turmeric regulates estrogen receptors, and helps the body eliminate carcinogens. ALZHEIMER’S AND COGNITIVE DECLINE May reduce the buildup of beta-amyloid proteins in the brain, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease India consumes the bulk of the turmeric produced in the world. They have one-third the rate of Alzheimer's than does the United States (which affects half of Americans over 85) PROTECTS LIVER Regular consumption of turmeric has been shown to protect against fewer lesions of the liver Turmeric acts specifically on bile and also has significant anti-inflammatory properties FIGHTS TOXIC MATERIALS Other studies have suggested that turmeric may actively fight the toxic effects of heavy metals (such as mercury); certain pesticides (especially those that simulate the effect of estrogens); and several other chemical toxins present in our modern environment. ANTI-INFLAMMATORY Powerful anti-inflammatory Some studies suggest it works to ease the pain of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis It may also help with other inflammatory conditions, such as tendinitis, and it may even protect your heart Effective and healthier alternative to many pain medications – Advil, Motrin, Rx drugs IMPROVES DIGESTION Safe and effective digestive aid TURMERIC blocks the mechanisms that break down bone as you age. Turmeric also prevents arthritis by stopping the action of a protein that triggers joint inflammation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Negin Posted November 18, 2011 Share Posted November 18, 2011 5-HTP Helps with: • Sleep problems – quality and duration • Emotional eating and evening cravings – helps suppress appetite • Anxiety and depression as it increases serotonin levels • Melatonin production • Serotonin production • Prevents migraines after using for 2-3 months Best if taken sublingually - opening the capsule and pouring the contents on your tongue. Try to avoid eating or drinking anything for 20 minutes before and after taking it. No more than about 3 capsules a day – can safely take up to 400 mg per day – although most need less. Loses its efficacy if taken every single day – best if you take breaks – sometimes alternating days – and sometimes take a break for an entire month or so It may take 1-2 weeks to notice any effects and up to 6 weeks to notice the full benefits. Be cautious about taking this if you’re on anti-depressants Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WaterLily Posted November 18, 2011 Author Share Posted November 18, 2011 Wow, wow, and wow! lol! Thank you so much for all this info! I will certainly read this over several times and take notes and/or print it. I'm excited to get started on some supplements and hopeful that it might make a difference. Thanks again! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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