Supplement HELP, please

SherrysLife2012

I'm so confused over what/which supplements to take....I watch Dr. Oz and if I took all the supplements he recommends from day to day I'd probably be dead, one day its this, the next day its that. So I figured I'd ask on this forum if anyone takes supplements they recommend. I'm diabetic, under active thyroid, fatty liver and stage 1 kidney failure....just to name the most important health issues I have. I know I need a multi-vitamin, as I was raised on junk food and to this day don't eat that great, but is there any other health benefit supplement anyone would recommend to help with health and weight loss?? I just feel I need something and don't know where to start, when I ask my doctor she just yells at me to lose weight...eat less...blah..blah...blah. I know there is no magic pill, just looking for a good supplement. I also have no health insurance, therefore surgery is not an option to save my life, thought I'd add that before anyone suggests it. I have feet and knee issues, so I only get pool exercise when I can get to the gym. Some days I just feel like a hopeless cause.

Thanks,
Sherry

stephaniej05

Go into your local Complete Nutrition. The staff there has helped me nail down what I need better then any other supplement store I've shopped at. EVER.

sandhillcrane

I can say this, I take konjac root after seeing it on Dr Oz and I think it works. It is a capsule. It helps you feel full and I think the best part is that it is fiber which I am usually low on. I also use lots of ground cinnamon on sliced apples. It is supposed to be good for metabolism. I really love it which is the main reason I eat it! :drinker:

Chubbasmommy

Chromium helps to speed metabolism. but honestly ...and not to sound mean...the bigger you are the easier it is to lose weight in the beginning. you can do the same amount of cardio as a "skinny" person and burn twice as many calories because your body is working harder. also i have tried the acai berry and colon cleanse thing ....it helped a little. but definitely chromium and a multi vitamin

SergeantSunshine_reused

Dr Oz is an example of who NOT to listen to.

Fish oil and a multivitamin = win

Rubie81

Supplements that I take:
Vitamin D, Fish Oil, Vitamin E, Chromium, Magnesium and Niacin---wow, that's a lot, yikes!

sailorsiren13

you can ride a bike to begin with as well as the pool at the gym the recumbent bike go slow on the treadmill....every step you take is a step to a new you....sorry i subscribe to all sorts of things on facebook to keep me motivated ....most of all know its going to take time it's a marathon not a sprint. and Good Luck You Can Do It!!!

led6777

A great place to start would be with a vitamin B complex. Great for energy, metabolism, etc.

I take the following every day: multivitamin, b-complex, niacin 500mg, evening primrose oil, sea buckthorn capsule, irvinga capsule

bmreed0920

I went to CVS and got their brand of Diabetic Daily Multi Vitamin pack. I take it everyday in the mornings. It has helped me a lot.

NikkiPsuedoDupuis

I take a few too:

Vitamin D (Winter in Canada = little to no sunlight lol)
Multi Vitamin
A Greens supplement (I hate seaweed, easier in a capsule
Fish Oil
B Complex (Poor choice of multi for me, it didn't have B vitamins, next time I'll combine the two)

I have IBS so I also take a fiber supplement, something I suspect I won't need much longer since I've started eatting a lot more fruit and veggies.

I agree with stopping by your local Nutrition store also, they can give you a lot of info, especially with treating specific ailments, though if I'd have bought everything they'd suggested to me, I'd have left mine about $1000.00 poorer lol.

Good luck!!!!

Pebble321

With those specific health issues, the last thing you should be doing is taking random supplements that you've seen on TV.

Ask your doctor which ones you actually need and avoid everything else - you don't want to put an unnecessary burden on your kidneys and liver, it sounds like they are already in trouble.

And if your own doctor doesn't tell you to take any, why on earth would you be taking advice from strangers on the internet???

mittensofdoom

Sherry,

Given your medical conditions it is important that talk to your doctor about what you plan to take. Certain supplements and herbal or over the counter supplements can interact with your medications. If you feel like your doctor isn't answering your questions about supplements clearly, find another doctor. There's little reason to stay with your physician if you don't feel you have a good working relationship.

The standard American diet is fairly high in nutrients because many packaged foods are fortified with various vitamins. Honestly, the best thing you can do for yourself is lose weight and increase physical activity. Weight loss will improve your diabetes (assuming you are type II), cholesterol, blood pressure and fatty liver disease. This will do more for your health than any supplement and theoretically, it's free. There is no miracle pill or powder that is going to improve your health as much as exercise and reasonable diet. I know it's difficult to make good choices when we are surrounded by bad foods but you can control your environment. Don't bring unhealthy food into your house. I have a patient who's overeating is such a problem she goes grocery shopping EVERY morning and buys her food for that day so she won't overeat. For some people, this is what it takes. But the bottom line for most of us is, if it's in your house, you will eat it but most of us have the willpower to stop from jumping in the car, driving to the store and getting that pint of ice cream. I don't mean to sound preachy but it drives me bananas to watch people waste money on supplements with no proven benefit when walking an hour a day will do infinitely more good.

Best of luck.

BigDaddyBRC

Sherry,

Given your medical conditions it is important that talk to your doctor about what you plan to take. Certain supplements and herbal or over the counter supplements can interact with your medications. If you feel like your doctor isn't answering your questions about supplements clearly, find another doctor. There's little reason to stay with your physician if you don't feel you have a good working relationship.

The standard American diet is fairly high in nutrients because many packaged foods are fortified with various vitamins. Honestly, the best thing you can do for yourself is lose weight and increase physical activity. Weight loss will improve your diabetes (assuming you are type II), cholesterol, blood pressure and fatty liver disease. This will do more for your health than any supplement and theoretically, it's free. There is no miracle pill or powder that is going to improve your health as much as exercise and reasonable diet. I know it's difficult to make good choices when we are surrounded by bad foods but you can control your environment. Don't bring unhealthy food into your house. I have a patient who's overeating is such a problem she goes grocery shopping EVERY morning and buys her food for that day so she won't overeat. For some people, this is what it takes. But the bottom line for most of us is, if it's in your house, you will eat it but most of us have the willpower to stop from jumping in the car, driving to the store and getting that pint of ice cream. I don't mean to sound preachy but it drives me bananas to watch people waste money on supplements with no proven benefit when walking an hour a day will do infinitely more good.

Best of luck.

THIS IS THE BEST SUGGESTION HERE.
No one should go to anyone other than a medical Doctor for recommendations on supps. You will most likely need to do a blood panel to ensure your chemical balance is needing enhancement. Any other suggestion beyond your doctor is complete foolishness

SherrysLife2012

Thank you everyone for your insights, I like to research everything before doing anything and I like to hear what works for others. I will try to ask the doctor again, but she doesn't really let you ask more than one question, she doesn't have time and without health insurance, I have to take what I can get.

Thanks again,
Sherry

sandhillcrane

Dr Oz is an example of who NOT to listen to.

Fish oil and a multivitamin = win

Thanks for your words of wisdom. He IS a cardiologist/surgeon

tiedye

I would consult a nutritionist or physician. I know you don't have health insurance, but due to your many medical conditions it's important not to take something that will affect blood sugar or kidney function. Before starting a supplement program it's really important to consult a medical professional, buy quality products and not waste your money as well. Good luck!

tiedye

Also meant to add, glucerna is a shake for individuals with diabetes that has substantial protein content, fewer carbs than other shakes, and vitamin and mineral supplementation. You might want to look into that too.

surfergirlpuppy

Don't rule out Iodine and Chinese Medicine.

And I take HCG by IM injection. I'm on the HCG diet as outlined in the book "Pounds and Inches" by Dr. Simeon.

also:The Weight Loss Cure They Don't Want You to Know About by Kevin Trudeau is great. He talks about the supplements he loves and ones he takes and why.

Rayman79

@ sandhillcrane

Dr Oz is also a massive sellout who is making huge amounts of money flogging products on his show. Add that to the fact that he has a regular show to fill, and there is only so much 'real' advice you can give people before you have to start repeating yourself... or start pushing fads and gimmicks as he does.

Just because someone has a medical degree does not automatically make them the font of all knowledge and a person to be put on a pedestal!

SergeantSunshine_reused

Dr Oz is an example of who NOT to listen to.

Fish oil and a multivitamin = win

Thanks for your words of wisdom. He IS a cardiologist/surgeon

So a surgeon is now a nutrition specialist? No.

surfergirlpuppy

@ sandhillcrane

Dr Oz is also a massive sellout who is making huge amounts of money flogging products on his show. Add that to the fact that he has a regular show to fill, and there is only so much 'real' advice you can give people before you have to start repeating yourself... or start pushing fads and gimmicks as he does.

Just because someone has a medical degree does not automatically make them the font of all knowledge and a person to be put on a pedestal!

I totally agree. I know doctors that don't have a clue. You know what they call someone who barely passes final medical exams....Doctor.

leahayliffe

I take the multivitamin one a day for women, vitamin C & D, and Omega 369

mittensofdoom

@ sandhillcrane

Dr Oz is also a massive sellout who is making huge amounts of money flogging products on his show. Add that to the fact that he has a regular show to fill, and there is only so much 'real' advice you can give people before you have to start repeating yourself... or start pushing fads and gimmicks as he does.

Just because someone has a medical degree does not automatically make them the font of all knowledge and a person to be put on a pedestal!

I totally agree. I know doctors that don't have a clue. You know what they call someone who barely passes final medical exams....Doctor.

It's true, there are many studies proving that strangers on the Internet know more than professionals with 12+ years of higher education and training.

maab_connor

i would suggest Omega3 and CoQ10 - the two together help internal organ function. talk to your doctor about dosages and brands. there are a LOT of brands out there and most of them are crap. i have found ProCaps Labs and i love that brand, but TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR before you buy anything.

Rayman79

It's true, there are many studies proving that strangers on the Internet know more than professionals with 12+ years of higher education and training.

Let's just get this straight, I am in NO WAY saying you shouldn't seek professional medical advice, or follow their recommendations.

If you actually read my post it is very clearly focused on Dr Oz, and the fact that he is more focused on commercialism than providing sound medical advice (afterall, how can you give adequate advice to millions of distinct individuals in a mass media format?)

One of the most valuable assets of the human mind is that we have the ability to apply rational thought, and to question things (at least most of us have that ability...). Don't take something as gospel just 'cos a guy in a lab coat tells you it is true. Question things, assess things and make sound rational decisions based on science, evidence and rational thought.

MomDupuis

I understand the no health benefits part of your concerns as I am self employed and have no benefits.

In Ontario we have Telenurse through the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. Which provides Free Access to a Registered Nurse — 24 Hours a day, 7 days a Week.
Now help is close at hand. You do not need to provide your health insurance number and all information is confidential. It doesn't hurt to call. 1-866-797-0000.

Our local wellness centre (my doctor's office plus) also has a dietician we can arrange to see - usually at no cost.

So if your doctor doesn't have time for you I suggest searching for similar programs near you AND contacting your ombudsman about poor service provision by your physician.

smoochums

I agree talking to your doctor is best. BUT I also was intrigued with Dr. Oz's recommendations. I already take fish oil, a multi, and chromium. I added (after watching Dr. Oz) L-Carnitine and rasperry ketones. I tried the Konjac root, but it gave me killer gas, so I quit that fast. It did make me feel fuller, but I was bent over with bloating. That didn't happen to my friend, so I guess just something with me. I have not tried the carb blockers, because these supplements are not cheap, and I'm at my limit financially.

Without a doubt I have TONS more energy with the L-Carnitine. I REALLY see a difference when I don't take it. It gave me a headache the first day at 500mg. That leveled off. I now take 1000mg in the morning. DO NOT take it late in the afternoon. If I take it past 2pm, I cannot get to sleep. This stuff has really boasted my energy level. You should not take this if you have every had seizures, according to my doctor.

I take 100mg of rasperry ketones before every meal. The biggest thing I noticed here was my sugar cravings. I crave sugar like crazy. (yes type 2 diabetic) I literally can eat cake with icing all day long. After several days on the rasperry ketones, my sugar cravings were almost gone. At first I wasn't sure if it was the rasperry ketones or something else. Then 3 weeks into this I ran out of them. GNC was out, and I had to wait a week to get more. By the second day, my walk past the bakery was like walking on hot coals. I broke down, and "slipped" that week. Once I got them back in my system, I had no interest in sweets.

Keep in mind these are just my experiences, and I am nobody. I just thought since you asked, I would share. I am not a doctor, and I don't know how much weight I have lost yet. I'm not weighing in until 2/1. My sugar counts have gone down a lot, but I am eating better so it could just be that. Good Luck! Laura

SherrysLife2012

Thanks again everyone!! I love reading all the responses. I wouldn't do anything without a ton of research and will try to get information out of my doctor. But I sometimes feel my doctor or other doctors I've been with, don't always look at your records and just blurt out to take whatever....for example...I'm allergic to Keflex, its in all my records and yet last year my doctor prescribed it to me and I had to remind/tell her again, that I'm allergic to it. Also...and this is a bit of TMI, I had to have my ovaries removed 4 years ago and yet to this day my doctor still asks me when my last period was and when I tell her May 2008, she asks why, I tell her about the surgery and then she says..........you won't believe this, but its true.......I know you had your ovaries removed, but why are you not having a period. Ummmmm.....LOL.....ok. Anyhow, I guess I just don't totally trust doctors either, so I like to research and ask others opinions on what works for them.

Thanks again,
Sherry

714rah714

With the your medical history, I would go to the doctor, have him do some blood work, and he'll tell you if need to take any supplements.