Supplement HELP, please

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:

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

Fish oil and a multivitamin = win

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!!!

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.

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???

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

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

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.

@ 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!

@ 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.

@ 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.

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.

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

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.