View Full Version : Supplements, Nutrition, Health, and Recipes for Health
I am hoping to start a discussion around the topic of using supplements, getting the proper nutrition we all need, healthy recipes and and whatever general health issues you feel like talking about.
I personally like to try to address health issues naturally, if possible, by using supplements and trying to get the proper nutrition my body needs through food, although it is very challenging for me to eat properly. I hope to gain some insight into how others are taking care of themselves here and hope we can all learn from one another. Pharmaceuticals are my last option personally, because they all seem to have some pretty serious side effects.
I enjoy cooking and hope to get some "good for you" recipes posted here from everyone and some that are just good for the soul.
If you have anything to add or ask, please post. I look forward to seeing what everyone has to say.
Well, I saw a TED lecture yesterday that talked about how to eat to heal your mitochondria (which can be terribly damaged by alcohol). It calls for 3 cups each of green leafy vegetables (kale, etc.), colorful food (beets, carrots etc.), and 3 cups of sulfurous (cruciferous, broccoli, cauliflower, onions, etc.). I don't think I have it in me to go quite that far, but the woman (physician) giving the lecture evidently healed herself from Multiple Sclerosis.
Molly
12-06-2011, 05:00 PM
Wow! I think I could make some excellent blender juice out of that vegie combo.
For most of my life, meat was the star of the meal and vegetables and fruit were lucky to make it to the show. I'm trying to flip that and start eating a predominately plant based diet. Everything I read says this will reverse heart disease, diabetes, weight loss, and a whole list of other issues. I'm trying to incorporate more beans into my diet as a good source of protein in place of meat. Here is a recipe I'm trying today:
Vegetarian Tacos
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 tsp chili powder
Salt
1 can black beans, 15 to 19 oz, or your favorite beans, drained and rinsed
2 roma tomatoes, diced
1/4 cup cilantro leaves, chopped
8 (6 inch) flour tortillas (use corn if you prefer)
3 cups thinly sliced romaine lettuce
1/2 cup shredded Monterey jack or mild cheddar cheese
1) Saute onion, pepper, chili powder and 1/4 tsp salt until tender. Stir in beans, tomatoes, and cilantro and cook 3 to 4 minutes until heated through, stirring occasionally.
2) Place tortillas between paper towels on microwave safe plate, heat 10 to 15 seconds to warm and make pliable.
3) To serve, divide romaine lettuce and bean mixture among tortillas, top with cheese and enjoy.
Pretty simple and sounds good to me. I'm serving it with brown rice, salsa, and baked tortilla chips.
In terms of supplements - if you are thinking of taking Sam-E, there are pretty strong recommendations (even from manufacturers) to be sure and take it in combination with Folic Acid and B6/B12. A super vitamin B-complex usually covers that - the issue is that taking medium to high levels of Sam-E without this can cause a build-up of potentially damaging insoluble byproducts.
I love eating vegetarian - although, give me a steak/lamb/pork anyday. I read somewhere that tumeric is good for the liver and mustard greens, so I make indian food with a mix of spinach-mustard greens and other dark greens.
The only supplements I take are fish oil and niacin for cholesterol. Otherwise, I focus solely on a healthy diet which contains signfiicant portions of vegetables and fruits and healthy sources of protein. Much of my diet is inspired by east Asian food, which is easy, quick, and cheap to prepare.
I take several supplements and have some on hand for different issues. Daily I take a great multivitamin, fish oil, milk thistle, saw palmetto, baby aspirin, calcium and magnesium, vitamin D, and a probiotic.
Mel, turmeric is great for lots of things including as you said the liver, plus it helps with pain and inflammation. In India, there are very low incidences of Alzheimer's, and it is attributed to the curcumin in turmeric. Also Indians have much lower rates of coronary heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
The food we eat has a significant effect on our health, and our nutrient depleted soil doesn't always provide all the nutrition our bodies need, thus the need to supplement. In the winter, most of us don't get the vitamin D we need daily from the sun. The general rule of thumb is that anyone in the U.S. that resides north of Atlanta needs to supplement. You can ask your doctor to test your levels or you can find tests online.
The food in the US doesn't provide adequate nutrition because most people eat foods that are poorly balanced nutritionally, over processed, high in fats and salt, and made up of synthetic ingredients. Food portions are almost always too large. Unfortunately, marketing has turned eating into entertainment rather than a critical component of health.
Although I agree the average Americans diet is poor, in has been known for many years that the soil in which crops are grown has been stripped of it's nutritional value. In 1936, the US Senate was presented with the results of a scientific study it had commissioned on the mineral content of our food. The results demonstrated that many human ills could be attributed to the fact that American soil no longer provided the plants with the mineral elements which are so essential to human nourishment and nutritional health. That was 75 years ago, and commercial farming practices do not sufficiently rotate crops, they have genetically modified crops, and use highly toxic pesticides and herbicides.
Here is a conclusion from a famous soil scientist:
Mineral nutrient depletion continues to be a problem in U.S. farm, forest and range soils. This depletion is caused by natural processes, such as weathering and erosion, particularly in the sensitive soils of the southeastern United States. More significantly, throughout the United States, human accelerated depletion is caused by the production of high yield crops and livestock grazing. Those activities cause nutrients to be removed and organic matter to be depleted from the soil's natural cycling system. Moreover, when commercial growers attempt to replenish the soils of only some mineral nutrients by fertilization they may exacerbate mineral nutrient imbalances. While methods exist to replenish the soil of its mineral nutrients there is a relative lack of knowledge on how to identify all deficiencies and to fully correct them. In addition, the lack of an economic incentive to implement long term, soil-building solutions perpetuates the relative fragility and inconsistency of US soils' nutrient supplying power.
Michael Karr, Ph.D.
ARCPACS Certified Professional Soil Scientist
This is one of the reasons I believe it is prudent and necessary to supplement even the most responsible of diets. Dr. Weil recommends reasonable supplementation at a minimum of vitamin D, fish oil, and a multivitamin, plus calcium and magnesium if over 40. Also, my doctor, my nutritionists, and my research tell me that it is necessary.
kevin2
12-08-2011, 08:26 AM
This is one of the reasons I believe it is prudent and necessary to supplement even the most responsible of diets. Dr. Weil recommends reasonable supplementation at a minimum of vitamin D, fish oil, and a multivitamin, plus calcium and magnesium if over 40. Also, my doctor, my nutritionists, and my research tell me that it is necessary.
Thanks for all of the interesting info. Ken,..very good thread. I am 40 and have always been in really good health (knock on wood) and am in relativly good shape, eat a pretty healthy diet other than I have a real weakness for cheese,..and usually skip breakfast. I have never taken any kind of supliements or vitamins until recently I started taking a 500mg B-12 every day,...which seems to have a positive effect but it's hard to tell. I think I will start also taking a D and the fish-oil which alot of people have mentioned. Do you have any other recommendations?
Kevin, your mom was right when she told you breakfast was the most important meal of the day. It starts your metabolism, hinders the secretion of the hunger hormone ghrelin and release leptin, the satiation hormone. It really can help with the middles age weight gain, even if it is something as small as a piece of fruit or a bowl of oatmeal.
B12 is great for fighting fatigue and is a good place to start. A full spectrum multivitamin with minerals should include B12 and is definitely something to consider. I think Nature's Way Alive without iron is one of the best available for men (pre-menopausal women take with iron). It contains almost everything you need for excellent health.
Fish oil is another supplement everyone should take daily, especially if you are not eating a diet rich in omega 3's. You want to take one that will give you 600 mg of DHA daily. There are plant based omega 3 supplements and krill oil also, but fish oil is the least expensive and most popular. Research has proven it to be beneficial for heart health, cognitive function, reduce inflammation and joint pain, helps with metabolism, eye health, positive mood, plus is associated with lower rates of prostate, breast, and colorectal cancer.
Many nutritionists believe the RDA for vitamin D is way too low and recommend a minimum of 2,000 IU daily. Your doctor can test your levels or you can get a test kit online if you are really curious.
I would suggest you look into milk thistle also. Like everything natural you will get people that say "ah that stuff doesn't work," but I've had multiple doctors tell me it is the best thing available to help with restoring liver function and reducing inflammation of the liver.
I take baby aspirin for my heart, saw palmetto for my prostate, a probiotic for digestive and overall health, and a calcium magnesium supplement for bone health. Just a note, always take calcium at least an hour apart from your other supplements as it can block their absorption. This time of year, I also take St. Johns wort 3x daily for help with mood/SAD and it works great! It takes a couple of weeks to feel the effect of it, as is the case with almost all natural cures, but it is worth it.
If you have any other issues, feel free to send me a PM and I will be glad to assist! There are tons of great natural ways to address many health issues. Hope that helps and talk to you soon.
kevin2
12-08-2011, 11:21 AM
Wow, thanks for the great response Ken. That's exactly what I was looking for,..very nice of you to take the time writing that.
I had my vitamin D checked about 1 1/2 years ago - it was critically low. I don't eat fish, don't really get enough direct sunlight, and while I eat dairy, the fortified stuff doesn't really get you enough. I had to take 50,000 IUs everyday for 2 weeks - since then, I make sure to take vitamin D + Calcium aiming for 2000 IUs a day.
In terms of milkthistle - it is proven to 'save' liver tissue in the presence of certain toxins (natural - shrooms and manmade), but all the clinical data does not show a significant improvement in long-term damage from alcohol abuse. I still take it, because -well it won't hurt.
Hey Kevin, I'm glad to do it, I'm passionate about natural health and have been studying it intensely since 1997. I'll tell you why another day when I have more time. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Mel, I appreciate what you are saying but I must respectfully disagree. Every thing I have read and every expert I've heard has said that it absolutely does regrow liver cells as well as protecting the liver from damage. It is also beneficial for the gall bladder. Dr. Weil discusses this in Spontaneous Healing, where he talks about a patient of his that recovered from cirrhosis of the liver by taking milk thistle.
Also, never take acetaminophen. It is the leading cause of liver failure and problems there is. If you drink and take it, you are compounding the effects!
Thanks Eric for your input. Namaste.
There is so much info here I will have to read again.
I started on Sam-e this week and I will look into the B complex combo although i do take a B12 sublingual each day.
I started on the milk thistle about 2 weeks ago and noticed some changes in my body. I did some research today on side effects and found that it is a mild laxative which explaines the extra restroom trips (sorry, just being honest). Also that as the liver detoxes you may not feel so great but it all subsides. I need to research more but has anyone had the same experiences trying milk thistle.
I take a lot of supplements. I also don't eat meat but not a vegan. I like the idea of turning that vegetable list into a juice. I need to read that again.
Thanks Ken for getting this started and sharing your knowledge on the subject.
So, as I was recovering from a cold, my friends and acupuncturist prescribed me a bunch of stuff, including calcium, magnesium citrate. Evidently there is a ratio of calcium to magnesium that we need... something about calcium preventing the proper absorption of magnesium if there is too much of it or something. Anyway, I had been having some really persistent heart palpitations (alcohol, right?) and noticed that they had stopped right away after I started on the cal mag citrate. When I looked it up, lo and behold, magnesium is listed as a treatment after heart attacks! Who knew?! Anyway, it seems like magnesium is yet another critical element that alcohol depletes, along with b vitamins and I am sure lots of other things.
p.s. My husband though I was a bit of a hypochondriac, because I have a huge shelf full of every possible supplement. I told him, that was me trying not to die from alcoholism! And me trying to be able to keep drinking!
Hi Kat, here is a great article on Sam-e and other related supplements (look towards the end of the article) http://www.doctoroz.com/media/print/11147
Ruth, I can relate to the collection. I've got a large supply of supplements also, but most are for something specific that you only need for a short time to get over something like an upset stomach. I have the ratio for daily calcium dosage: goal 1,200 mg per day, divide into two doses of 600 mg and take with 200 mg of magnesium. If you but a supplement, it may contain vitamin D which also helps with absorption (200 mg also). Your body can only absorb 600 mg at a time, thus the need to divide the dose. Calcium taken alone can cause constipation, which is why you need the magnesium (think Milk of Magnesia). Calcium citrate is the most absorbable form.
Here is a biblio of some of the most recent clinical trials and reviews of those trials on milk thistle - its a mixed bag, and being a nerdy academic - I tend to 'trust' double-blind placebo trials over no doubt true, but still anecdotal information about patient recovery. Again, I hope that it does more than these trials indicate. Also there was a massive study on the regenerative effects of Sam-E specifically for patients with alcoholic liver damage - but it performed no different than the placebo. I still take it. Hope springs eternal.
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/milk-thistle-000266.html
Thanks, Mel. A very helpful article.
Hey Dragonfly, good to see you and I'm glad the thread got reopened too. I like apple cider vinegar for my stomach issues.
I was reading today and stumbled upon this http://news.harvard.edu/gazette/2005/05.19/09-kudzu.html
Has anyone heard of taking kudzu to combat urges? I thought the results of this Harvard study sounded promising. If you have taken it, I would love to know what your experience was before I try it. If not, I guess I'll be the guinea pig.
Another interesting thing is that apple cider vinegar (20%) can be used as effective weed control for organic gardening. Just spray it on with a bottle sprayer. How much do you use for the stomache issues?
I drink 1 ounce and chase it with a glass of water. I use the Bragg brand form the health food store which has "the mother" in it, and in their book on ACV they suggest making a cocktail of 1 ounce ACV, 8 ounces water, and 1 tablespoon honey. They also have a website with recipes and info, can be used as a salad dressing as well. It's good for alkalizing and really helped me with stomach issues that were probably/definitely caused by drinking.
I'm considering a different kind of 'cleanse' for the new year - going gluten and lactose free for at least one month. I'm thinking that it might be enlightening to do one at a time (no gluten - see how I feel / what is different, then lactose - again check out what my body does). But I think it makes best sense to not teeter-totter. For the gluten-free - I am a big fan of eating cuisines and food products that are naturally free of gluten, no 'fake' bread, pies or cookies. Rather, southeast asian, latino-mexican, and indian (minus the yogurt and clarified butter). I'm a bread - cheese - milk - flour - pasta kind of person, so this will be hard but I have an idea that this might help with overall health/energy and maybe with cravings.
Or, I might go insane and eat an entire loaf of bread-brie in the first week all in one sitting. We'll see.
Ken1, what do you know about things to get the thyroid working properly? I cannot find any research on the thyroid about it ever getting better or ways to improve it.
Eric, the old school treatment for thyroid was dessicated thyroid, which is derived from pig thyroid, but I have no experience with it and can't say one way or the other if it works. The most common supplement for it is iodine derived from sea kelp, plus selenium and EFA's. Here is an article I found that talks a little about it: http://www.thyroid-info.com/articles/topsupplements.htm#essentialfat
If you suspect you have trouble with your thyroid, it is really best to talk to a MD or NP about it so they can test if your thyroid is functioning properly. There are prescription medications available and thyroid problems are fairly common, so most MD's are familiar with it. Sorry, I wish I could be more helpful.
I forgot to mention, I watched a PBS special by this doctor this morning: http://www.drfuhrman.com/
Very interesting, talked about detoxing the body and how if you provide the right fuel, your body can do an amazing job healing itself. Two things he stressed, 1) Make a salad the main part of the meal and 2) eat "GOMBBS" to heal-greens, onions, mushrooms, beans, berries, seeds.
I just signed up for his newsletter, hope you all check it out.
Thanks, Ken. I have been having it treated for sometime. It was diagnosed at a sub-clinical level which previously would have remained untreated. The current treatment is inexpensive, but after problems with insurance companies and travel overseas, I'd like to see if it would improve to the point I don't need medication. I am amazed (but not really surprised) that there has been no research on whether it ever gets better by itself, especially through lifestyle changes, or if there are alternative treatments. Nothing. I did find one research paper that shows changes in thyroid functioning in acloholics after they abstain and another article that makes a possible link between alcohol intake-damage to the pituitary gland and thyroid functioning. Nothing, though, on whether it ever gets better. You'd think someone would want to know about this. I am especially concerned (and skeptical) because thyroid disease seems to only have recently become common whereas previously it was mainly associated with pregnancy, radiation treatment, and some other cause. Anyway, thanks for the info and I'll check out the links now.
Eric, your note made me dig into a little more into thyroid issues and I found a few things that may be helpful or that you may already know, but thought I would share what I learned. First, I found the recurring theme of detoxifying your system and cleaning up your diet. I know you eat healthily, but some suggested raw diets, vegan diets, and even getting toxic chemicals and cleaning products out of your home. Second, I kept seeing the term endocrine disruptors, such as pesticides and BPA, that are possibly the reason why it is becoming so widespread. The articles I read suggested 50 million Americans diagnosed and many millions more probably undiagnosed. I'm listing some of my sources below.
http://www.myhealthiestlife.com/2011/06/can-you-heal-your-thyroid-naturally/
http://thyroidu.com/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endocrine_disruptor
Interesting stuff, I bet we all need to look into this as recovering alcoholics!
Thanks, Ken. Lots of new interesting things to look through. I would love to do a detox, but it is so hard with young kids around. For some reason, kids don't seem to like warm lemon water mixed with cayenne for lunch and dinner! Alcohol screws up just about everything in the body to some degree. Recovering alcoholics will never run out of new health issues to investigate. I just wish I had known about it on the front end of my drinking career.
Dragonfly, so right about the processed food - part of what I want to do with the gluten/lactose free experiment is to cleanse, but I think that eating the highest quality (in terms of nutrients, etc.) is essential no matter what. I'm in a place where eating that local, nutrient-rich, non-processed stuff is possible . . . even in the dark, freezing depths of winter.
Ah, and the dreaded thyroid - glad to see the articles,etc. and it makes sense, I've always found this to be a weird coul-de-sac in terms of medical research. Thanks!
I found an interesting article on thyroid function and alcohol withdrawal. It is a scientific paper, so it is a bit heavy in parts, but the discussion beginning on page 4 of the pdf is quite interesting. It reports that decreased thyroid functioning is a common characteristic among alcoholics. There is also some discussion of whether this gets better during abstinence, but with a wide range of findings. Enjoy: http://alcalc.oxfordjournals.org/content/41/5/515.full.pdf+html
And another older article shows improved drinking patterns in alcoholics when hypothyroidism was treated: http://jcem.endojournals.org/content/20/4/609.short
I have to say that without being sober, I could not have followed the discussions in these articles.
Eric, there are all kinds of detox programs that are not the master cleanse, which I think is crazy and dangerous anyway. There are plenty of detox products at The Vitamin Shoppe or health food store. Check out Renew Life or just do a juice cleanse for a couple of days where you make a green drink for breakfast a salad for lunch and veggies for dinner. The point being to avoid processed foods and meat for a couple of days. I do something like that when I need a "jump start" and it seems to help. Also thanks for the articles.
Just joined today, what a great discussion on supplements and health in a place I didn't expect to find it! The use of that new-found energy and clearer thinking, from not drinking, to focus on ways to repair the past damage and improve our bodies and minds is wonderful. I have learned quite a bit from the links and information here, thanks!
As a side note, I added Sam-e (expensive! I watch for the Walgreens two for one deals) a few weeks ago and a difference for me is a substantial reduction in stiff and sore joints from exercise. I do notice some mood improvement but that is not as quantifiable to me as the pain-free feeling getting out of bed in the morning.
Here is another interesting new health related twist (new to me at least): http://beyondthecurtain.wordpress.com/2011/04/03/microwaved-water-kills-plant-in-home-grown-experiment/
Jay, glad you like the discussion. Given that alcohol affects nearly every organ and ever aspect of health, we should have no problem coming up with topics for this thread.
Dreamweaver
12-18-2011, 08:10 PM
I've always been skeptical about the microwave (Dragonfly btw, new alias) I rarely use it, especially when they started warning people to not stand directly in front of it when in operation, or to allow 5 seconds before opening the door...
Thanks for the articles of the thyroid, I've been doing alot of research on the topic in the last 6 weeks and if I can get things back to being reset on my own without the use of prescription meds, I'm all for that. Not saying that meds don't have their place, they do, but I think too many of us are being over prescribed with meds and it's only putting a bandaid on the issues, not really fixing them.
I have a history of cancer in my family and worry that my past alcohol consumption may have put me at a higher risk. In an effort to combat what I have done to myself, I'm constantly looking for information on cancer and the best ways to fight it. The first thing I found was to take a daily antioxidant, I'm taking 200 mg of grape seed extract daily. I know there are many other great antioxidants, such as green tea, resvertrol, astaxanthin, etc., anybody else taking anything or have any information on them?
The other thing I'm doing is cleaning up my diet. I used to eat whatever garbage was available, fast food, processed food, etc. You know how it is, we're all busy and it's so easy to just grab whatever is in front of you. I love sandwiches and could eat one everyday, but I have read that eating processed lunch meat only once per week greatly increases your risk of cancer! Anyway, I found some great articles on cancer and diet that I hope you take a moment to look through. If anyone has anything to share about cancer, I certainly would like to hear about it. Articles, books, or just your experiences would be greatly appreciated.
http://www.prevention.com/food/food-remedies/edible-healing-food-cures-cancer
http://www.askdrsears.com/topics/family-nutrition/anticancer/12-dietary-changes-will-lower-your-cancer-risk
http://www.helpguide.org/life/healthy_diet_cancer_prevention.htm
http://www.webmd.com/diet/guide/antioxidants-your-immune-system-super-foods-optimal-health
Dreamweaver
12-19-2011, 09:38 AM
Good deal to be on top of things, yet, don't overthink it just cause your family has a history of it. Thinking too much about it can attract it to your life.
You are right, our words and thoughts have power. However, I think it is also good to know what you are up against in order to strengthen your defenses for a long and happy life.
I know a lot of people talk about insomnia, chamomile tea (or caps) works great! Here is an article titled "Chamomile helps with anxiety, sleeplessness and depression" and sites double blind studies to support their claims. Here's the link:
http://www.naturalnews.com/034454_chamomile_anxiety_depression.html
Dreamweaver
12-21-2011, 12:50 PM
I agree with the chamomile tea to unwind at night with. I sleep much better at night than I did unwinding with a glass, or two, or bottle of wine.
I recently tried a new brand called Mighty Leaf Tea, and I'm smitten with all the flavors I've tried so far (I do drink a caffeinated tea in the morning, green tea in the afternoon and the chamomile for the evening) The silken biodegradable pouches and wonderful flavor and aroma, makes drinking tea an indulgence and way to take a 10 minute break and just enjoy :)
Sally
12-29-2011, 05:06 AM
Hi there - this past month I have begun to experience pain in my feet - It is usually when I first get up in the morning, I feel like a 90 year old trying to get out of bed. After awhile it disapates, but it still hurts to walk sometimes throughout the day. Has anyone else experienced this? I am thinking maybe it is plantar fasciatius?? I never had this problem while drinking - do any of you think it is due to no longer having alcohol in the mix? Any comments or thoughts would be welcome. Thanks. (p.s. I am not overweight, though could stand to lose 20 lbs) Maybe it is just old age creeping in LOL
Allyson
12-29-2011, 06:29 AM
Where in the feet? I've had p.f. and the symptoms are very distinctive. Pain worse in the am is part of it. Also antihormonal medicines for breast cancer cause foot pain and feeling like you're 90 when you're not, but I don't think that's your situation.
Samantha
12-29-2011, 06:47 AM
Ken how are you doing? I have not seen you for a bit here! Just checking in. Love your posts on good health tips.
Allyson
12-29-2011, 04:28 PM
Hmm. Sally. It sounds like it might plantar facsiatius. You might look on the Runners World site (even if you're not a runner) for good tips on home treatments. Mine went away after a few months without me having to see a doctor. Some things I remember doing include: never going barefoot (now I do all the time but if you have pf it makes it worse), icing, stretching (flex foot). Some people also massage by rubbing the heel on an icy golf ball. There's also the option of using a Straussberg sock (OTC contraption) at night to keep the foot flexed while you're sleeping. Keeping shoes right by the bed and putting them on even before you put any weight on your feet can really help. Good luck!
A great article on natural ways to treat lots of common ailments: http://www.herbcompanion.com/Health/Great-Natural-Remedies-Herbs-for-your-Medicine-Cabinet.aspx Hope you get a chance to check it out.
nomoredayones
02-19-2012, 07:58 AM
Just a note, always take calcium at least an hour apart from your other supplements as it can block their absorption. [QUOTE=Ken1;8847]
Thank you for all this helpful information! I have been taking my calcium supplement with all my other supplements. I had no idea it affected the absorption of other supplements.
kctigger
03-30-2012, 05:40 AM
I've heard that l-glutamine can help with cravings and also help with energy. Does anyone know, if this is reliable?
Laura Tudor
04-02-2012, 08:14 AM
l-glutamine is an amino acid, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glutamine
As with anything, it is much better to eat nutrient rich foods, instead of taking supplements (in school these were called "expensive urine" supplements). Most supplements are rejected by your body as it releases any overages. Foods high in l-glutamine are: beef, chicken, fish, eggs, milk, dairy products, wheat, cabbage, beets, beans, spinach, and parsley.
kc, your post made me do some thinking. Alcohol and sugar stimulate our brains to release dopamine, so I started looking through my books for natural ways to stimulate our brains to release dopamine. Turns out their are many natural ways including the foods Laura listed above, but there are many supplements as well. L-glutamine is one of the several listed, as well as GABA, L-Theanine, L-taurine, 5-htp, l-tyrosine, chromium picolinate, vitamin C and B vitamins. Google "supplements to stimulate dopamine" and "natural ways to increase dopamine levels" to find out dosages, safety, and contraindications and make your own decision.
I can tell you that GABA will help with insomnia and mood from personal experience. Some people like SAMe for mood as well, but it did not help me. Valerian root and melatonin help with insomnia, but some get a "hangover" from melatonin, basically it can make some people a little irritable the next day if you take too much.
Go find a book named "Prescription for Nutritional Healing" for a great overall look at supplements for treating many health conditions naturally, you can get used copies on Amazon for $.01 plus shipping or from your library. It is one of the best and very informative.
Dreamweaver
04-06-2012, 03:40 PM
Thanks for the information Ken :)
furguson
08-28-2012, 01:58 AM
Totally agree with that"The only supplements I take are fish oil and niacin for cholesterol. Otherwise, I focus solely on a healthy diet which contains signfiicant portions of vegetables and fruits and healthy sources of protein. Much of my diet is inspired by east Asian food, which is easy, quick, and cheap to prepare."
Powered by vBulletin™ Version 4.1.3 Copyright © 2013 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.