Supplements For Thought!

I recently rediscovered supplements and how fantastic they make me feel. They have given me more energy and just helped stabilize my energy levels and health. So I thought I would share with you some of the supplements that I have incorporated into my life….I do not recommend them for everybody, however, I always wondered what to start with and these are a few that I discovered through friends, doctors, healers and others that had some amazing wisdom to share with me.

PLEASE NOTE: I am not a doctor, nor do I play one on TV, so these are just some that work for me. If you are considering using supplements and/or are on any other medications, you might want to check in with a doctor or your naturopathic doctor to learn more and see how they might affect you or interact with your current regimen.

Cayenne – Cayenne is great for helping with stomach and overall digestive health. One thing that is counterintuitive is that it helps with ulcers. My recommendation is to start with a lower heat index (like 40,000 units and work your way up). Some more information can be found at: http://www.cayennepepper.info/health-benefits-of-cayenne-pepper.html

Cinnamon – Cinnamon is used for colds, gas, nausea, diarrhea, diabetes, indigestion and painful menstrual cycles. It helps balance blood sugar levels if taken in capsule form (if it hits the saliva that undoes these benefits) and is believed to improve circulation, vitality and energy levels. http://altmedicine.about.com/od/cinnamon/a/cinnamon.htm and http://www.homeremediesweb.com/cinnamon_health_benefits.php

Turmeric – Turmeric is an ayurvedic herb that has been used over the centuries for its healing properties. It is known for its anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. It helps circulation and promote liver, heart and digestive health, among many other things. http://www.nutritional-supplement-educational-centre.com/turmeric-benefits.html

Rhodiola – Rhodiola is an herbal remedy that helps regulate your glandular and endocrine system, minimizing the effects of stress and almost acting to disable your from reacting to stress. It also helps with migraines, heart problems and supports natural weight loss. http://www.herbalremedies.com/readmorabamh.html and http://www.yourbodycanheal.com/herb-rhodiola-rosea.html

Ashwagandha (Winter Cherry) – has a tonifying effect that helps your body equilibrate and come into balance. So if you have some hormones that are overstimulated and others that are under stimulated, it helps to bring them back into balance. It also helps with immunity, energy, helps your nervous system, endocrine and cardiovascular systems. Because it can be relaxing, it is best to take at night. It is also an antioxidant and anti stress and supports fertility. http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-ashwagandha.html

Probiotics – Probiotics are a healthy type of bacteria that are known for promoting digestive and overall health. Probiotic help multiply friendly or good bacteria in your system. One important thing to note, when you are taking probiotics, it is best to eat healthy when you are dosing up on probiotics so the bacteria in your digestive system that multiply are good. Also, if you take antibiotics, it is critical to take lots of probiotics as the “anti biotic” kills good and bad bacteria in your system which can allow for the bad bacteria to grow back in force. When too many bad bacteria are in your system it may cause digestive problems, sluggishness, candida, headaches and more. http://www.health.harvard.edu/fhg/updates/update0905c.shtml and http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/health-benefits-of-probiotics/

Xylitol – Xylitol is a natural sweetener derived from fibrous vegetable and fruit cell walls. In addition to being an amazing sugar substitute, it is also an anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-aging remedy. It is good for your teeth and periodontal health, stabilizes insulin and hormone levels, contributes to weight loss and bone density, and promotes good health. http://www.laleva.cc/food/xylitol.html and http://ezinearticles.com/?Healthy-Benefits-of-Xylitol&id=358103 and http://www.zhion.com/digestion/XYLITOL.html

Evening Primrose Oil – EPO has benefits for your metabolism, cholesterol, premenstrual syndrome, migraines and more. http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-evening-primrose.html and http://www.homeremediesweb.com/evening-primrose-oil-health-benefits.php

One other thing I will say is when you start a supplement regimen, start small. Get used to taking a few and then over time add in others. The last thing you want to do is start strong and then peter off. So keep it simple, pick one supplement to start with, get into the habit of taking supplements with or between meals and then add to those as you become more habituated. The last thing you want to do is have a bad reaction to one and then throw the whole bunch out.

This is just supplements for thought from a resident non-health expert but someone who’s always been fascinated and obsessed with being healthy!

You can find me on Twitter @pilarstella and Facebook at www.facebook.com/pilarstella1