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Aside from my Flinstones chewables, I've never tried dietary supplements until recently. I was wondering if you guys would like to share your personal experiences.
So far I've tried:
Melatonin: A great way to fall asleep. Usually I only need a very small time-released dose and I'm out for the night. No side effects at all once you figure out the correct dose for your body.
Ginkgo Biloba: I have absolutely no idea if it is working. A recent study reported that Ginkgo Biloba really does not increase the brain power of normal people. When I first took it, I had terrible nightmares. I attribute it to the increased bloodflow to my brain. Either that or Gingko makes you insane.
NADH: A coenzyme form of vitamin B3, it supposedly gives you increased energy by raising your metabolism. I've taken it for three weeks now and have not really noticed a difference. This supplement is expensive as heck and I'm not sure it is worth it.
THEANINE: An amino acid extracted from tea leaves, it supposedly helps your brain generate alpha waves, putting you at an alert but relaxed state. I just ordered this supplement and have not tried it yet. Several websites claim that Japanese government allows theanine to be added to all foods except baby food. So I figure it should be safe enough to try.
I know life's problems cannot be solved by magic pills. But sometimes, I just can't resist giving them a try. Posts: 4116 | Registered: Apr 2002
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I use a tiny amount of melatonin, every now and then, to fall asleep. Worst side effect so far is that it makes me very light sensitive.
Posts: 13123 | Registered: Feb 2002
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I like melatonin...it's also very good for overseas plane flights...for those of us who simply cannot fall asleep in terribly cramped seats with our legs curled up in front of us while we're trying not to be motion sick.
I've tried St. John's Wart before...it just makes me wake up very, very calm. I'm not sure why.
Of course, my favorite thing to take isn't a supplement at all, really. It helps my head not hurt. And for some reason, seems to fix nausea, too. Oh, Aleeve. *wanders off to search for bottle*
Posts: 9057 | Registered: Nov 2000
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Hmm, I take 1)One-A-Day Women's vitamins, and a 2)cranberry supplement daily. I sometimes take 3)glucosamine and should get in the habit of taking that daily for my neck but haven't really managed to.
My favorite supplement is 4) Valerian Root for muscle relaxation. It works as well as a lot of prescription muscle relaxers and also puts you to sleep. I like it better than 5)Melatonin though if I'm really having a bout of insomina I will take the melationin. I've tried 6) Kava Kava for similar reasons but it makes my face break out.
We also have 7)zinc and 8) echinacea around the house. Once again I should take them during cold and flu season but mostly forget.
I also have 9) Flax Seed oil supplement. However I don't actually take that. I give it to my dogs, it helps their coats immensely. It is similar to fish-oil but doesn't leave the dogs smelling fishy. The puppy also gets glucosamine for her joints because she has grown so fast.
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My dad takes glucosamine and it did wonders for his aching joints. I'm only 28 but I'm already getting creaky jonits thanks to years of running. I think I will give glucosamine a try...
Posts: 4116 | Registered: Apr 2002
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Actually the best joint supplements are the ones that are a combination of glucosamine, MSM and chondrictin in one pill. They are also the most expensive. <grin>
I have been taking a vit C pill (with echinacea) simply for psychosomatic reasons. The creeping crud (scientific name!) has been going around lately, and I uploaded maximum C dosage in an effort to escape it. I was too late, but I think I did lessen the effects of it. I always thought I was taking the Vit C to make myself feel as if I am doing something, rather than just laying around, hacking stuff up. Hmf.
Now I want to try a supplement!
Posts: 1545 | Registered: May 2002
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I don't take melatonin because it only takes the body about three days to make it need more to have the same effect.
Posts: 11017 | Registered: Apr 2003
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