Nutrition is essential to life, but in our modern lifestyle it is commonly necessary to supplement our intake to ensure good health. This is true especially as we age.
How I Supplement My Life
Here I am in my late forties, needing to assist my life with various supplements. The following summarizes what I am consuming and why I am trying each, with some other information splashed in as I go.
Most of the supplements I take are via tablet or capsule, however some are in a tincture or tea.
Omega-3
Omega-3 represents the fatty acids EPA and DHA found in fish, while the fatty acid ALA is from nuts and seeds. According to WebMD and a number of other health-related organizations, Omega-3 Fatty Acids are essential to reducing triglycerides and may help to prevent mental disorders such as Alzheimer’s, Dementia and Depression. Omega-3 supplements can also help with arthritis patients.
L-Arginine
This amino acid is usually created naturally by our own bodies, but as we age less is produced or we simply need more than our body can produce. Arginine helps to relax blood vessels and reduce inflammation. As a result blood pressure and migraine frequency may be reduced, while kidney function could be increased. In some cases it may help with erectile dysfunction due to relaxing blood vessels.
L-Arginine supplements are derived from nuts and seeds, such as sunflower, sesame, peanuts and walnuts, to name a few. Those with nut allergies may want to be cautious with these supplements.
If I take the manufacturer recommended dosage of this supplement, I tend to have looser stool than usual. So, I take half the dosage recommendation.
L-Ornithine
Ornithine is also an amino acid produced by our bodies. It is paired with the Arginine and Lysine in the supplement I take. I’m not absolutely certain what this is supposed to accomplish, other than being an amino acid.
L-Lysine
Yet another amino acid, this is paired with Ornithine and Arginine in the supplement that I take. It supposedly helps with helping calcium absorption, preventing some viruses and reducing the effects of stress and anxiety.
L-Citrulline
Though Citrulline is another amino acid, it is different in that our kidneys convert it into arginine and nitric oxide. As pointed out above, arginine helps with blood vessel health.
As I write this, I begin to think taking the L-Citrulline supplement is redundant of L-Arginine. Perhaps I’ll stop the L-Arginine to allow my kidney to do its job of converting the Citrulline.
DHEA
7-Ketodehydroepiandrosterone (7-KetoDHEA), according to WebMD and a couple other medical organizations, helps boost metabolism, the immune system and memory retention. Of course, along with these statements comes the traditional disclaimers.
Goldenseal
Recently, I discovered Hydrastis Canadensis as a supplement to help upper respiratory issues as a mild decongestant. This is extracted from Goldenseal root, aka yellow root. Good for digestive tract health, this has also been used to boost liver function.
Grapeseed Extract
Just as the name suggests, this is derived from the seeds of red grapes. Grapeseed extract helps to improve blood circulation and reduce cholesterol. It apparently contains a lot of the antioxidants found in wines and grape juice, without the caloric and other side effects.
Hydroxy-tryptophan
5-HTP helps the production of serotonin, which helps elevate mood (similar to an anti-depressant) as well as to reduce anxiety and pain. Some have used this supplement as a mild appetite suppressant.
Our bodies create 5-HTP naturally from tryptophan – yes the amino acid in turkey (and other poultry) that tends to make people sleepy.
Men’s Multi-vitamin
Core vitamins needed for men’s health.
Fenugreek
This one I just started because it is claimed to help improve cholesterol and testosterone levels, but also help to reduce inflammation and stabilize blood sugar levels. The jury is out on this, since I have only been taking this supplement for a few days. I’ll update the article in a couple months.
Coenzyme Q-10 and Cinnamon
Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant that aids in sugar and carbohydrate metabolism. When paired with Cinnamon, this supplement may improve circulation, reduce inflammation and support the immune system.
Glucosamine and Chondroiton
These supplements have mixed results, but reportedly slow the progression of certain arthritis conditions and help with joint flexibility in some arthritis patients. The addition of Methyl sulfonylmethane (MSM) aids with mild pain relief in joints.
Collagen
Collagen makes up a significant portion of our bodies. There are a number of supplements on the market from various collagen sources, including blends. Collagen is often included in a glucosamine formula, but I decided to boost the collagen with an additional supplement for joint and skin health.
Ashwagandha
Also known as Indian Ginseng, Ashwagandha is reported to help our bodies deal with stress. I have a stressful job and I can use some help with that. It also helps reduce inflammation, reduce cholesterol, and boost testosterone level.
Rama Tulsi
Rama Tulsi is a variant of Holy Basil. Like Ashwagandha, it is an adaptogen that I use to help reduce inflammation. It actually is working in conjunction with the Goldenseal to help control my nasal allergy symptoms.
I discovered this one accidentally. As part of my nasal allergies, I tend to lose hearing in my left ear from the inflammation pressure. As I was touring a local organic farm, the guide took us to the holy basil portion of their garden. They suggested we pick a leaf from one of the plants; then instructed to smell it and chew on it. I did that. As they talked about the plant, I continued to chew on the leaf and eventually swallowed the remains. A little further in the tour, I realized I could hear in my left ear. Chewing and digesting that one leaf had helped with my inflammation and opened up the ear.
I have tried a few other types of Tulsi and had mixed results, but the Rama has the most pleasant flavor and seems to work the best for me.
Selenium
Selenium is an element that is an antioxidant, possibly helping with thyroid, immune and mental health. The goal is to complement the Ashwagandha dosage.
Wintergreen
Supporting digestive health and a mild pain reliever, I’m using wintergreen primarily as needed to help manage discomfort caused by my arthritis. A very small dosage in the morning usually gets me through the workday.
Disclaimer
There are risks to taking supplements, especially with other medications, alcohol and smoking. Be sure to advise your physician of all supplements you are taking and be sure to discuss with them your options before starting a supplement regimen.
The information I am providing in this article (and other articles on this site) are provided based on my own research and experience. My findings, and that of many of my sources, have not been evaluated by the FDA. This article is not health advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Always do your own research on nutritional supplements. If you use any of the information provided herein, you are doing so at your own risk. Any application of the material provided is at the reader’s discretion and their sole responsibility.