My Amazing Medicine Cabinet of Supplements (still
working on adding things in my spare time)
Lately I've found most of my time has been in researching different
supplements. I retired Pepto-Bismol and Aspirin and all those normal things and
found that mother nature may have better solutions for us all than a brand name
on a shelf. I seem to find a new one every week with healing abilities I
never knew about before.
Magnesium.
The most miraculous mineral there is. Reduces muscle cramping (especially
in the legs). Helps to flush out Cipro from your system. Loosens
stools so be forewarned it will take time to adjust to, especially if your body
is very deficient. Most people are magnesium deficient without even
knowing it.
Malic Acid. Works with
Magnesium and helps in better absorption of Magnesium. Helps with
Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue, Muscle Pain.
Vitamin C (soluble Emergen-C). It's
just plain good for you. Helps bring you back from colds. Boosts the
immune system.
Benfotiamine (a derivative of Vitamin B1).
Has an amazing beneficial effect on general nerve health, sciatica,
neuropathy, retinopathy, nephropathy, polyneuropathy, peripheral neuropathy
(PN), shingles, herpes zoster, fibromyalgia, general ageing, other nerve
conditions, vascular health, blood pressure and coronary health for diabetics
and non-diabetics alike. Between this and Methyl B-12, it stopped the
intense dizziness symptoms that developed.
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid).
This amazing member of the B-family was something I discovered years ago when I
had terrible acne. Don't bother with lotions, this really works.
Recently I've discovered it's very important in Thyroid health. The name
pantothenic acid comes from the Greek word pantos, meaning "everywhere,"
referring to its wide distribution in most plants and animals. Vitamin B5
plays a supporting role in the secretion of hormones, such as cortisone. In so
doing, Vitamin B5 assists body metabolism, wards off body allergies and helps
keep the skin, muscles, and nerves in optimum condition.
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine). Vitamin
B6 is important in keeping the lymphoid glands healthy. Lymphoid glands
produce white blood cells, which are responsible for fighting infection and
protecting the body from harmful germs and bacteria. Vitamin B6 is helpful
in the treatment of thyroid problems. Vitamin B6 is also responsible for
protein metabolism and cellular growth, all of which are important for the
growth of a healthy immune system.
Folic Acid (Vitamin B9). Folic
acid in the diet or as a supplement catalyzes the production of T-cells, which
increase immunity. It is known that the number of T-cells in the body decreases
with age. The incidence of thyroid problems, particularly hypothyroidism, also
increases with age (by age 60, one in five women will suffer from a thyroid
deficiency). A coincidence? More likely folic acid can strengthen the immune
system and be helpful in the treatment of thyroid problems.
Methylcobalamine (Methyl B-12). Neuropathy has been found
to be caused and made worse by deficiencies of vitamin B12 in the body. Vitamin
B12 supports the sheathing that protects nerve cells and has shown in studies
that it promotes the regeneration and growth of nerve cells. In the past
it has been difficult to remedy this deficiency. The reason for this is that
while vitamin B12 is readily stored by the body, it is not readily
absorbed by the body. For this reason
much larger amounts have been used in supplementation, but even large oral
dosages have not been an adequate solution. The solution is
Methylcobalamine (called Methyl B12). This is the form of vitamin B12 that can
be directly utilized by the body and is available in the quantities
nutritionally needed by the body to repair itself. Methyl B12 can be taken
orally and is immediately available to the body much like injectable vitamin
B12.
Bromelain. Derived from the
pineapple plant, is one of a group of proteolytic enzymes (enzymes capable of
digesting protein). Bromelain is particularly useful for reducing muscle and
tissue inflammation and as a digestive aid. Supplements are made from enzymes
found in the pineapple stem.
Bromelain is believed to be an effective blood thinner and
anti-inflammatory that works by breaking down fibrin, a blood-clotting protein
that can impede good circulation and prevent tissues from draining properly.
Bromelain also blocks the production of compounds that can cause swelling and
pain. When inflammation is reduced, blood can move more easily to a traumatized
area, alleviate pain, and help healing. Works for some headaches
(blood-pressure headache, hormonal headache). Help to alleviate chronic
bronchitis, respiratory allergies, and sinusitis. A safe and effective
alternative to aspirin. Despite the fact that
routine aspirin use causes at least 13,000 deaths each year from sudden
bleeding, that it's implicated in causing some of the 31,000 deaths each year
from pancreatic cancer, and that for as many as
40 percent of those who use it for its purported ability to reduce the
risk of heart attacks and stroke are actually more susceptible to these adverse
events with aspirin than without it, many people are
afraid not
to take aspirin. Bromelain offers a safe and natural alternative.
Marshmallow.
My mother suffered from internal hives as a reaction to the drug
Lisinopril. This was the one thing that brought done the pain,
inflammation and bloating. Marshmallow
is a native of most countries of Europe, from Denmark southward, and is
found in the western U.S. It grows in salt marshes, in damp meadows, by the
sides of ditches, by the sea, and on the banks of tidal rivers. Marshmallow has
been utilized for thousands of years for its healing properties as an herbal
remedy. Primary chemical constituents of Marshmallow include mucilage,
polysaccharides, flavonoids, asparagine, tannins, lecithin, and pectin. The
great demulcent and emollient properties of Marshmallow make it useful in
inflammation and irritation of the alimentary canal, and of the urinary and
respiratory organs. Recently, Marshmallow has been used as an expectorant to
treat a variety of upper respiratory problems. Marshmallow contains large
amounts of vitamin A, calcium, zinc and significant amounts of iron, sodium,
iodine, and B-complex. Like slippery elm, Marshmallow reduces inflammation and
has a calming effect on the body. The active constituents in Marshmallow are
large carbohydrate molecules, which make up the mucilage. This smooth, slippery
substance can soothe and protect irritated mucous membranes. Although
Marshmallow has primarily been used for the respiratory and digestive tracts,
its high mucilage content may also provide some minor relief for urinary tract
and skin infections. Marshmallow's mucilage content helps soothe inflamed
tissues, often caused by bronchitis and asthma. Marshmallow also relieves
dryness and irritation in the chest and throat, usually brought on by colds and
persistent coughs. Marshmallow has been known to relieve indigestion, kidney
problems, urinary tract infections, and even external skin wounds such as boils
and abscesses.
Milk Thistle. A member of the
sunflower flower, its black seeds are harvested for medicinal use. The
active ingredient within these seeds is called silymarin, which is where the
therapeutic benefits lie. One of the main benefits is its antioxidant
ability, which is more potent than most vitamins. Antioxidants are able to
remove toxic chemicals called free radicals from the body. These free
radicals cause cell damage which is the root of disease and premature aging.
Perhaps the most important milk thistle benefits are its effects on the liver.
The liver is one of the most important organs in the body, breaking down
nutrients and cleaning the body out. Milk thistle detoxifies the liver as well
as protects it against damage from toxins, alcohol and other negative effects.
Milk thistle benefits the liver in other ways as well: it promotes regeneration
and repair of liver cells, reverses liver damage and is very helpful in the
treatment of hepatitis and cirrhosis.
More to come:
Glucosamine Sulfate
MSM
L-Carnatine
R-Lipoic Acid
D3
Borage Oil
Grape Seed Extract
Serrapeptase
Silica.
Melatonin
Valerian
Fenugreek
Iodine