#I am taking an artificial version of that very hormone! it should be high!!
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tj-crochets · 1 month ago
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Thank you everyone!!! What I am getting from everyone is that blood sugar varies a lot over the course of the day, and while probably not serious if it's not hypoglycemic it's still weird that I'm consistently testing in the fasting range when not fasting, and that I should talk to my endocrinologist about it. Luckily, I have an endocrinologist appointment coming up anyway, which is good because one of the medications I am on is supposed to cause high blood sugar. Like, that's not why I'm on that medication (I'm on it because salt) but it's known to cause both high blood sugar and high blood pressure (by making you retain salt) and I have neither???
Hey y'all! Another weird question for you: How long do you have to fast for a blood sugar reading to count as a fasting blood sugar measurement? Also, does drinking soda (like, full sugar soda) slowly over the time before the blood test count as not-fasting? Asking because I keep testing* in the fasting blood sugar range when I am pretty sure I am not supposed to. Like, two hours after eating a meal when I've been slowly drinking soda the whole intervening time, or half an hour after drinking a whole full-sugar gatorade *with the home blood sugar test thing, not like doctor's office tests. though I test in the fasting range there too? I do know the word for the tester thing but I am brain fogged at the moment
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recessoyster3 · 4 years ago
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Sarms Results Lgd, Sarms Results Before And After
Bodybuilding And Sporting Activities Supplements.
Content
Skin Concern.
Medicines As Well As Supplements.
Api Solutions & Chemical Growth
Why Are People Making Use Of Collagen Peptide Powder Everyday In The Uk?
Day Change Stacks.
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The testosterone-induced muscular hypertrophy is primarily because of a rise in satellite cell and myonuclear number, in addition to increasing the quantity of healthy protein synthesis and inhibiting healthy protein deterioration. Darshan Shah is a young business owner, electronic marketing professional as well as blog owner. He's founder of TheWebReach.com and supplies Digital Marketing services like Search Engine Optimization, Guest Post, Inbound Advertising and marketing as well as a lot more. He likes to help people to expand their company worldwide via his electronic marketing understanding. He's passionate concerning developing blogs and also composes creative web content for the visitors. If you do not have energy in your body, then you can never end up being a body builder, so in the true feeling, it is vital to have energy.
Copper Peptides: Benefits for Skin and Hair Care, and How to Use Them - Healthline
Copper Peptides: Benefits for Skin and Hair Care, and How to Use Them.
Posted: Mon, 26 Oct 2020 07:00:00 GMT [source]
However, provided the potential for high estrogen side effects while making use of ligandrol UK, it is suggested that you purchase anti estrogen supplement. Where Ostarine is just one of the most effective SARMs to consist of in a cutting cycle, LGD has actually shown itself as a good bulking representative. LGD has a half-life varying between 24 as well as 36 hrs so daily application is optimum. Utilizing cardarine for females, as well as which for sarms are the most effective to underpin and natural fitness center regimen. Create fantastic tone, toughness, and also cut fat using a basic women sarms cycle, as well as discover what dose as well as cycle length you ought to be utilizing. For some history details, i have been raising constantly for 3-4 years, gone from lbs at 15% bodyfat. I am doubting whether i should run a cycle of mk-677 due to the fact that research appears to show healing impacts on injuries because of the increased development hormonal agent.
Skin Problem.
This will help increase cardio endurance in order to boost results. Take a look at our sarms pills to buy to get them before the stock ends. S1 has shown a genuine capability to help recover those with debilitating injuries and to quicken injury recuperation. The valuable effects on healing make medical usage extremely appealing. Ostarine can and also will certainly subdue your natural testosterone production in longer, higher dosed cycles, so a serm pct is needed. Ostarine can also create gyno in some customers, so it is advised that you have an ai, like exemestane, handy. The addition of ghrp or peptides in the cycle will minimize the danger of injury.
DNP is a commercial chemical that isn't suitable for human usage. It's extremely toxic and also triggers significant adverse effects, and also has resulted in at least 3 reported deaths. Amongst items that were taken off the market was a steroid product called Celtic Dragon. This product left 2 guys hospitalised with severe jaundice and also liver damage. " Building toughness takes years, not weeks or months. It's an act of discipline and also have to be gained via commitment to tough training and also a good diet." They're legally offered to purchase over the counter along with online. Illegal supplements, consisting of some declaring to be "fat loss" or "slendering", have actually been connected to a small number of deaths.
Drugs And Also Supplements.
These advantages, combined with the very little possibility of negative effects reveal MK677 to be a development medicine. Keep in mind that some comparable experimental medications (such as Cardarine/GW, Ibutamoren/ MK-677, and also YK11) are often marketed as SARMS - they aren't yet are still sometimes included right into SARM heaps. A few of these websites supply prohibited items alongside lawful weight-loss medications, making it really difficult to discriminate. Making use of DNP over a long period of time can cause cataracts as well as peeling off skin, and also might cause damage to the heart and nervous system. DNP is thought to be particularly prominent amongst bodybuilders, who are brought in to its assurances of quick-fix rapid weight management.
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When one takes anabolic steroids, the cells obtain flooded with androgens, as well as all receptors become saturated. As a result, a message is sent to all the body cells that lead to their growth. This might be a benefit to anyone wanting to acquiring muscular tissue, yet it is a drawback at the very same time. In SARMs, a steroidal representative with anabolic task imitates testosterone. It increases lean muscular tissue mass, however without troubling libido as well as expanding the prostate. Additionally, you won't experience loss of hair and other side impacts that anabolic drugs create.
This is much easier than needing to room out as well as keep in mind when to take your dosage every day. Shop Oxytocin Online was initially created to treat and avoid muscle mass wastefulness amongst cancer as well as osteoporosis individuals. It has actually been taken into consideration and wished to be used for protecting against muscle atrophy, cachexia and sarcopnia, and has also been reviewed for use during TRT/HRT. Research studies conducted had a dose of between 5-25 mg per day, with 25 mg being the most common and also reliable dose. MK677 has a 24 hour fifty percent life and also revealed to be ideal endured by rats when fed to them each morning on an empty belly. MK677 has extreme advantages in regards to helping with a much deeper rest. Nevertheless, it can hinder sleep patterns if taken too late at night or too near to bedtime.
Api Services & Chemical Advancement
Dylan - what is the best sarm for recovering from an injury, particularly a reduced leg stress and anxiety crack? The most effective way to boost weight loss and muscular tissue mass is to cycle mk-2866 with an additional sarm like gw throughout the reducing phase.
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The body does not know the distinction between what it develops normally or acquires from SARMs. All it knows is there is an increase is that manufacturing level and it is mosting likely to take advantage of it. On the other hand, using anabolic steroids is mosting likely to cause the body to stop making testosterone. Consequently, the user needs to pile with various other products to try to get it started up again. When they are no more taking the steroids, it is still going to require time for the all-natural production of testosterone to occur once again. Typically, your body controls the manufacturing of androgens to avoid their imbalance.
Why Are People Making Use Of Collagen Peptide Powder Everyday In The Uk?
Stenabolic + growth hormonal agent or andarine s4 + ghrp-6 + cjc-1295 dac to avoid injuries and also accelerate the recovery. 99% Purity Tb500 do not have to appear like an ordinary bodybuilder, health and fitness version or athlete; all you reached do is use a SARM. If you have actually not read about them or require some even more info, this short article will offer you with all the details concerning this medicine. They are careful androgen receptor modulators that show the exact same type of effect as that of androgenic medications, yet the only distinction is that they are a lot more selective in their activity. SARMs are chemically similar to steroids and are additionally as effective in increasing fat loss as well as muscle growth. As much as SARMs advantages are the same to those of anabolic steroids, their discerning activity makes the SARMs negative effects less. It indicates that as soon as you make a decision to use SARMs, you get to bid bye-bye to hormone discrepancy concerns, acne, virilization in females and also prostate troubles that might be caused by the use of some steroids.
Neuropeptides are the most diverse course of signaling molecules in the mind, as well as are associated with a broad range of brain features, including analgesia, reproduction, discovering as well as memory, benefit, food consumption and also more.
Drug items which resemble the results of endogenous peptide ligands are call peptidomimetics.
This on a regular basis up-dated website supplies a run-through of the artificial procedures involved in production of gastrointestinal peptides, and also law of these processes.
They differ from peptide hormones in that they are secreted from neurons and also act in your area on adjoining neurons, whereas peptide hormones are secreted in to the blood by neuroendocrine cells and act at distant websites.
Medicines which block the receptors for endogenous peptide ligands can be peptide or non-peptide particles.
Neuropeptides are small proteinaceous cell-cell signaling particles created as well as released by neurons.
Furthermore, SARMs are harder to discover during drug examinations, which, incorporated with fewer side effects, make them a much better alternative for professional athletes. In order to make the most of the extremely considerable bulking results of LGD4033, a dosage of 5-10mg should be taken daily for 8 weeks. To obtain the very best LGD-4033 results for cutting, a dosage of 3-5mg everyday is recommendedn, commonly for an 8 week cycle. LGD has the capability to bind to the AR with an incredibly high affinity. LGD is typically identified as an ARligand that is tissue discerning. It was initially created to treat muscular tissue throwing away in cancer cells patients, age-related muscle mass loss, in addition to severe as well as persistent ailment. Ostarine has a 1 day fifty percent life, so it's unnecessary to break up your everyday dose.
Day Makeover Heaps.
There are locations that are recommended if you're wanting to acquire SERMS. Since RAD140 is a relatively brand-new supplement, there isn't a great deal of information on the side impacts. Professional research studies have actually revealed that there are no documented negative effects of the supplement. Reggie Johal is the founder of Killer Nourishment, a UK based wellness and supplement shop. Reggie owes much of his comprehensive stamina and also physical fitness expertise to his former occupation as an Excellent Britain American Footballer. The average cycle length is 6 to 10 weeks at a dose range of 10mg to 25mg.
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You can discover more regarding the negative actions of these steroids on this site. As their name says, selective androgen receptor modulators act upon bone and also muscular tissue tissues. By triggering receptors on them, these substances boost the development of new cells. They do not bind to androgen receptors on various other organs in the body This characteristic of selectivity is what identifies SARMs from anabolic steroids.
Yet it's difficult to say whether SARMs can have these side effects on everybody, or possibly they must be left out in only certain situations. However, the concept has actually rarely been gone over outside the USA, which may make some people think. There are those that speak out loudly versus utilizing SARMs, yet many researchers as well as authorities are only enjoying closely.
This makes your body with the ability of battling lots of crucial conditions that you can not picture. With this assistance, you have the ability to obtain even more weight as well as can do a health club properly. Nowadays, every person likes to visit the gym as a result of their principles towards their health and wellness. If your dream is to do bodybuilding, after that in the meanwhile, you require a great deal of diet plans because nutrition is a vital part of making the body. There are several products out there with the assistance of which you can quickly do muscle building as well as reach a great degree.
There are some residential or commercial properties inside this medication that assist in enhancing your power degree. After consuming it, the blood flow of your body improves to make sure that you feel energised. As blood flow boosts, the number of white blood cells inside your body boosts, which develops anti-oxidants.
Does caffeine increase hair growth?
But according to research, the caffeine in coffee can help stimulate hair growth and stop hair loss. One 2007 laboratory study found that caffeine helped block the effects of DHT in male hair follicles. It stimulated hair shaft elongation, resulting in longer, wider hair roots.
There is an expanding industry in sports nutrition supplements readily available on the high road and online. They may likewise look for ways to regulate their hunger when they're attempting to reduce weight as component of a body building diet.
MK677 can be made use of constantly for 1-2 years without any problem of a specific ending up being desensitised to it. Nevertheless, it is always important to recognize the opportunities that could accompany usage. It appears by the listing of advantages that MK677 is highly preferable.
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detailhub88 · 4 years ago
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Exactly How Prohibited Tanning Shots Which Activate Cardiovascular Disease Are Being Offered To Uk Consumers On Ebay.com
Melanotan
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What Is Melanotan I & Melanotan Ii?
Does Phony Tan Protect You From The Sun?
Synthetic Dental Fluid Characterisation: Possibility For Usage As A Referral Matrix In Medicine Screening.
What Are Melanin.
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Another Melanotan Advantages is its ability to promote hair growth. In fact, research studies show that it is capable of promoting hair thickness by three times. However, users of Melanotan should exercise caution because too much of the supplement can lead to skin irritation, dryness and flaking of the skin. There have also been some side effects reported. These include diarrhea, dizziness, nausea, headaches and high blood pressure. As far as these side effects go, they pale in comparison to the benefits.
Melanotan should be used under the guidance of a trained professional. It should be taken according to the directions on the bottle, and you should not take more than the recommended dosage. Using anabolic steroids can be dangerous and can cause a number of other complications. It is vital that you are aware of the risks, so that you do not take the risk. Melanotan Advantages should be known before relying on this product.
The large danger with nasal tanning sprays is that today we simply don't understand a lot concerning them that makes using them possibly damaging.
Since they are still largely untried and unlicensed, a lot is still not known regarding the security risks of utilizing Melanotan 2.
This remarkable tanning peptide serves as a catalyst to stimulate the production of melanin throughout your body.
Consequently, this indicates added biological protection from unsafe UV rays and also a very easy, quick, and safe full-body deep tan for you.
There are many more benefits of Melanotan. These include improved skin and hair appearance as well as a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles. This is also the reason why people prefer to take this vitamin instead of other medicines or cosmetics meant for skin and hair. Furthermore, it also helps improve circulation and strengthens the immune system. All of these reasons make Melanotan Advantages the best choice for those who want to maintain their beautiful hair and skin.
What Is Melanotan I & Melanotan Ii?
As you can see, there are many benefits of Melanotan, but these are just some of the main ones. It is very common for people to use Melanotan for weight loss purposes. company’s site is because Melanotan is known to be one of the most effective supplements that have been created for the purpose of losing weight. If you choose to use Melanotan, it is important to make sure that you are taking it correctly.
How long do nasal sprays take to work?
How long does it take for steroid nasal sprays to work? It takes several days for a steroid spray to build up to its full effect. Therefore, you will not have an immediate relief of symptoms when you first start it. In some people it can take up to two weeks or longer to get the maximum benefit.
Some may argue that if athletes are taking anabolic steroids, then they should not be allowed to participate. I do not agree, and there are many athletes that take Melanotan supplements, and never suffer from adverse side effects. Also, in comparing anabolic steroids to Melanotan supplements, they do have a similarity in that they both elevate your bodily hormone levels. However, there is a huge difference between enhancing physical condition and performing in a sporting competition, which I will address in a moment.
As with all anabolic steroids, Melanotan is known to have its own side effects. Nausea, dizziness, weakness, joint pain, mood swings, headaches, and jaundice are just some of the possible side effects. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is strongly recommended that you consult your doctor before taking Melanotan. There is also some evidence that shows that it may increase your risk of oral birth defects. So, if you are thinking of using Melanotan, talk to your doctor first!
Does Phony Tan Shield You From The Sunlight?
As far as I am concerned, there is no question that Melanotan supplements are anabolic steroids online. This is because HGH is a naturally occurring hormone and therefore can be artificially introduced into an athlete. It would not surprise me if some supplement companies decided to make a synthetic version of HGH. This is why I believe the debate is already over. However, since the supplements themselves are not anabolic steroids, they cannot be banned by the Olympics.
How do you make Melanotan 2 nasal spray?
For Nasal Spray Take your Melanotan vial and pop off the top of the vial to reveal the rubber stopper. Next insert a syringe into the vial/ampule and hold it upside down. Withdraw 40 units (4ml) of water and inject it slowly into the Melanotan vial aiming at the side, not the powder.
It has also been found out that some anabolic steroids reduce the level of the human growth hormone in the body. If too much of an anabolic steroid is taken, there is a high risk of osteoporosis, cataract and even cancer. Even if the level remains within normal limits, the chances of the hair to come back are relatively low. However, if the intake is excessive, there is a risk of heart failure, kidney failure and even heart attack.
Fabricated Dental Liquid Characterisation: Potential For Usage As A Recommendation Matrix In Medication Screening.
The benefits of Melanotan are not the only reasons why people use this product. It is also used by pregnant women to treat their pre-menstrual discomfort and reduce facial swelling and redness. For people with acne, this vitamin E supplement is a great ingredient because it is a powerful antioxidant which has the ability to kill the bacteria present in acne. This in turn leads to improved skin condition and increased facial tone. At the same time, it also works well to get rid of other skin problems such as rosacea and eczema.
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Melanotan has also been known to increase strength. It is commonly known as an anabolic steroid. These are some of the main benefits of Melanotan, but there are others as well. For example, it is known to be able to increase endurance and improve reaction time. This can be particularly useful for athletes and people who participate in extreme sports.
What Are Melanin.
When using Melanotan in a weight lifting program, it helps to ensure that your body is able to reach its full potential. The anabolic steroids that are contained in the product help to promote overall muscle growth. This means that the more muscle mass you gain, the more fat you will burn when exercising.
One of the most common side effects of Melanotan usage is hair loss. The recommended dose is 400 milligrams twice a day but in some persons this dosage is as low as 200 milligrams per day. Hair loss is usually temporary, since the body gets used to the substance. If the user continues to use the supplement regularly, eventually the hair will begin to grow again. This process of replacing the lost hair may take up to six months.
It is also commonly known as "Cellulite". Cellulite is the condition in which fat is stored in specific areas of the body. Melanotan is often known as a weight loss supplement that is able to help people to lose unwanted fat. It is able to do this because it contains anabolic steroids. Anabolic steroids are known for being able to increase energy levels, improve strength and muscle size, as well as reduce the appearance of cellulite.
Melanotan supplements contain a synthetic form of the human growth hormone (HGH). This is a naturally produced bodily hormone, but its levels are depleted during menopause, and it can be depleted even further by aging. Research on animals has shown that melatonin can maintain normal levels of HGH. This research also indicates that melatonin can improve athletic performance, reduce depression, and improve mood and sleep.
The Tanning King.
Melanotan is one of the most effective natural substances for enhancing your looks. Its all natural benefits have made it more popular in the past decade. Now, you can easily find Melanotan and other biological agents online as well as in beauty shops. But Melanotan should only be used properly under the guidance of your doctor because side effects are also possible.
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In addition to helping people lose weight, Melanotan has been shown to improve a person's immune system. It has also been known to help fight off cancer cells. Melanotan has also been shown to improve skin quality and appearance. It has also been proven to help improve the ability of the body to retain moisture.
Melanotan supplements have been in the news quite a bit recently. There has been quite a bit of debate as to whether or not these are actually anabolic steroids. If you search Google for the term, you will find a lot of articles that dispute this claim. I will try to explain the differences between anabolic steroids and Melanotan supplements. Anabolic steroids are simply chemically engineered hormones that are used for athletic performance enhancement.
Melanotan Advantages also includes its ability to prevent hair loss and encourage hair growth. As a result of this ability, Melanotan can help men and women age gracefully. At the same time, it is also capable of promoting hair growth for children who experience alopecia areata or who are suffering from Alopecia Totalis. This is a common form of hair loss, which affects both men and women. Since the supplement has the ability to promote healthy hair growth, it also ensures that it will grow back once the problem has been overcome.
In addition to the benefits for your appearance, Melanotan and other biological agents like Anabolic Steroids are useful for many other reasons. They can help improve your immunity system as they block the production of harmful toxins and free radicals in the body. They improve the production of the bodily hormone, HGH or human growth hormone. HGH is vital for growing children and preventing common disorders like cancer and diabetes. In fact, some online diets recommend using supplements of Melanotan and Anabolic steroids to prevent common illnesses like cancer and diabetes. However, there are scientific evidences to suggest that such supplements may not always be healthy for the body.
Now that you have learned about Melanotan advantages, go ahead and look for yourself. If you decide to try Melanotan, make sure that you get professional help and do not self-medicate. If you think you have an easier time popping a few pills at night, take the easy way out and pop some "safe" pills that are available over the counter. Melanotan is not a miracle drug; you have to know what you are doing. However, if you take care of your body and eat the right foods, Melanotan can be a great aid in losing weight and staying fit.
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drlaurynlax · 6 years ago
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The Ultimate Supplement Guide: How Not to Waste Your Money
This supplement guide will provide reasons why you should take supplements regularly.
Go-To Supplement List
What are the best supplements to take? 
It’s a common question I am asked by clients, looking to maximize their health. 
Many people have no idea about what the best supplements are to take, so they simply consult Doctor Google for suggestions to “cure” a cold, allergies or constipation—only to find hundreds of different recommendations for products they should try. 
They order it. Take it, and…sometimes it works. Often times it doesn’t or they have no clue if it’s really making a difference at all. 
Be warned: NOT all supplements are created equal. 
If you’ve ever wondered if you’re wasting your money or not, look no further. In this article on the best supplements to take, we will review:
What Makes a Supplement “Bad” or Good in the First Place
The Worst Supplements (NOT to Take)
The Best Healing & Maintenance Supplements 
Bad vs. Good Supplements: The Supplement Guide
NOT ALL SUPPLEMENTS ARE CREATED EQUAL
The supplement industry is overwhelmingly filled with hundreds of thousands of products that are unregulated by the FDA. 
Americans spend more than $30 billion on supplements every year—from products on Amazon to diet shakes and bars and fitness enhancements—looking to enhance their health, see “fast results” or perhaps out-supplement the pizza and cocktails they’d prefer to eat instead. 
While some of these formulas are legit, a vast majority are NOT, and you may very well be pooping out those vitamins you spent $50 bucks on Amazon, or wondering if your supplements are actually working. 
Additionally, many vitamins and other supplements simply degrade and lose effectiveness when exposed to excessive heat, light, oxygen in the air, or humidity during shipping and processing alone. 
So should you even take supplements at all?!  Stick with me. 
There are definitely some legit formulas out there, BUT for starters, here’s what you should know about what NOT to take….
MOST SUPPLEMENTS DON’T WORK
Fish Oil Goes Rancid
The vast majority of fish oil supplements on shelves don’t contain the health benefits they claim (Wang et al, 2016) —as many of the formulas go “rancid” in high heat conditions. 
Vitamin D Marketing is Hype
That Vitamin D you’re taking may actually be toxic to your health. Especially if you actually aren’t deficient in the vitamin at all. Many people take the supplement for years after an initial diagnosis of “low Vitamin D”—only to later find out they are “overloaded” with it or their body didn’t actually need it in the first place (they were actually deficient in Parathyroid Hormone—not Vitamin D (Abrams et al, 2005). 
You Pee Out Your Multi-Vitamins
Multi-vitamins may make you FEEL “healthier” because you’re taking a pill with “everything” in it—but many of the nutrients are useless. For instance, Folic Acid in multi-vitamins is the non-absorbable version of Folate (Powers, 2007), and is toxic to your body (Troen et al, 2006). And calcium may  be doing your body more harm than good as it is related to increased risk for “calcification” of your arteries and blood vessels (Lutsey & Michos, 2013). As for the claims that you need a multi-vitamin to “prevent” disease? Bunk. A study (Neuhouser et al, 2009) of 160,000 women taking a multi-vitamin found that “multivitamins failed to prevent cancer, heart disease, and all causes of death for all women. Whether the women were healthy eaters or ate very few fruits and vegetables, the results were the same.”
Iron Supplements Are Dangerous
Low in iron? Your doc may tell you to take an iron supplement, however if you are actually low in Vitamin B or Vitamin A, you may actually NOT be deficient in iron, even if it shows up on your blood work (Allen, 2002) & (Bhardwaj et al, 2015). In addition, if you have digestive issues and low stomach acid, you’re more at risk for ALL nutrient deficiencies. Fix the gut health and you may see iron levels and other labels normalize. Taking iron supplements if unnecessary can send your iron levels overboard.
Most Probiotics Contain Probiotics You Don’t Need
Most supplemental probiotics contain lactic acid bacteria—strains of bacteria most human microbiomes are sufficient in (sometimes even “overgrown” with)—and we don’t need. In addition, lactic acid bacterial formulas have a greater risk of being destroyed during processing and as a result, by the time they get to the capsule or bottle, there’s barely any—if anything—left to house your gut.
A review of 7 studies with more than 1300 citations showed that the use of these popular lactic acid strains made no significant difference on the composition of fecal (poop) bacteria health (Kristensen et al, 2016). Another study showed that 15 out of 16 probiotics on shelves did not contain the probiotics they claimed on the label. (Lewis et al, 2016).
Many products make claims regarding the number of organisms in the product, but these typically refer to the numbers at the time of manufacture, which can be very different from the amount still viable at the time of purchase. Exposure to heat, moisture and oxygen can all negatively affect survival of probiotics. (Kolacek et al, 2017).
Your Protein Powder Doesn’t Really Have Protein
Your favorite protein powder may not actually have any of the protein the label claims at all. Many commercial products on shelves are stocked with additives, filler proteins and chemicals your body doesn’t recognize as “food” and that cause ill side effects—like “leaky gut,” bloating, and constipation. 
…Just to name a few studies.
THE WORST SUPPLEMENTS TO AVOID
Beyond the studies, revealing the downsides of some supplements, it’s also vital to recognize that even with “necessary” vitamins and minerals (such as Vitamin C if you catch a cold or digestive enzymes to ease digestion), NOT all formulas are the same. 
Avoid these 3 things:
Waxy, Shiny Capsules Some companies coat supplements with shellac, wax, and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, to keep the moisture out so the pills have a longer shelf life. While this may be good for preservation, it is not good for you. These coatings can decrease the solubility of a multivitamin tablet or capsule, reducing its ability to readily disintegrate.
Sugar If your supplement has sugar, corn syrup solids, artificial sweeteners or high-fructose corn syrup…run. Far away. Sugar + vitamins is not the medicine you need.
Fillers & Additives Similar to the sugar conundrum, many supplements contain binders and fillers to make the ingredients stick together. The result? Poor disintegration rates for tablets (pills) and capsules in your gut and digestive irritation. 
SUPPLEMENT GUIDE: WHAT SHOULD I TAKE?!
In an ideal world, we’d be able to get all of our nutrients from the foods we eat. 
Unfortunately, this isn’t the case.  Only 1 in 10 Americans eat the recommended number of veggies (3) and fruits (2) every day. 
Not to mention the fact, that even if you do eat your fruits and veggies, many of them are laden with pesticides and chemicals that are not best for our bodies. In addition, our meat and protein sources run a wide gamut. Sustainable proteins are best—reaching for pastured, organic, grass-fed and wild-caught sources as much as possible.
The solution? 
Supplements can help fill the gaps from any nutrient deficiencies we may encounter, as well as help support our overall health as “healing agents” during times of body imbalance. 
Which ones should you take?
There are 2 types of supplements I “prescribe” for clients looking for the right formulas:
Healing Supplements 
Maintenance Supplements
The goal? NOT to remain on TONS of supplements forever. 
Healing Supplements=Short Term Use “Healing” Supplements as short-term solutions for helping bridge the gap to better health, such as taking Oregano Oil when you catch a cold, or Anti-Microbial Herbs to get rid of unhealthy gut bacteria.Maintenance Supplements=Boost Nutrients in Foods
As for Maintenance supplement guide, I recommend a few staple baselines, like a Probiotic and Pre-biotic, just like I recommend drinking water and eating lots of veggies, proteins and healthy fats, to maximize your digestion and the nutrients you get from the foods you eat. 
4 ESSENTIAL PRINCIPLES FOR SUPPLEMENTING
How to know which ones to use and when?This is your ultimate supplement guide!
Use these 4 essential guiding principles to help you rule out what to take and not take. 
Consume nutrients from real, whole foods as much as possible.
Focus on maximizing digestion and gut health. If your gut is unhealthy or “leaky” then you’re not going to absorb your nutrients or vitamins in the first place. (If anything, these are the supplements where I invest my money).
Take nutrients that you are deficient in in their naturally occurring form (as opposed to in shakes, multi-vitamins or fortified foods)
Be picky with what you take. (The cheaper deal is not always the better deal for your body, and instead of asking Doctor Google what to take, consider working with a practitioner to get a custom supplement plan https://drlauryn.com/work-with-me/ built for your body if you’re interested in hacking your health)
ESSENTIAL SUPPLEMENT GUIDE WHEN SHOPPING 
So, now the big question: Which specific supplements are a waste and which ones are must? Use this as your supplement guide.
Here’s a hit list of some of my top go-tos:
HEALING SUPPLEMENTS
Beneficial supplements and herbs for times of imbalance. (i.e. these are not “all the time”) 
Probiotics & Prebiotics
Supplements:
Best probiotics for constipation:
Soil-based organisms (Prescript- Assist, Primal Probiotics, Garden of Life Primal Defense Ultra, ProBiome Rx Leaky Gut)
Transient commensals, like MegaSporeBiotic
E. coli Nissle (Mutaflor)
Lactobacillus plantarum (Jarrow)
Bifidobacteria infantis Align  
Best probiotics for diarrhea/loose stools
Soil-based organisms Soil-based organisms (Prescript- Assist, 
Primal Probiotics,
Transient commensals, like MegaSporeBiotic
Saccharomyces boulardii (Jarrow, Floramyces Designs for Health)
VSL#3
Elixa
Prebiotics 
Sunfiber
Allergies
Cod Liver Oil
Rosita Cod Liver Oil 
 Essential Oils Forget the Vix Vapor Rub, reach for one of these these essential aromatherapy oils instead. Add 4-5 drops of your oil of choice to a diffuser http://amzn.to/2Ebf2wC, and turn it up:
Lemon
Peppermint 
Basil
Eucalyptaus 
Lavender
Allergy Combo: Make a mix with peppermint, eucalyptus and lavender oil. 
Garlic 
GarliActive
Herbal Antihistamine
Histoplex by Biotics Research (Suppressed immunity)
Histoplex AB version (Airborne Allergies)
L-Glutamine
Enteromend by Thorne Research
Liposomal Curcumin
Empirical Labs Liposomal Curcumin  
Oregano Oil
Essential Oil  
or 
Emulsified Oregano Oil Capsules
ADP  
Candibactin-AR  
True Tonic
dChiKitchens  
Spirulina
Now Foods
Quercetin
Quercetin Phytozyme Thorne Research
Zinc
Zinc 30 by Pure Encapsulations
Blood Sugar Balance
Berberine
Thorne Research Berberine
Cod Liver Oil  
Gymnema
Pure Encapsulations  
Fenugreeek
Thorne Research  
Gluco-Supreme (Designs for Health) 
(USE PRACTITIONER CODE: LAURYNLAX at checkout) Balance blood sugar to balance cortisol, and consequently hormones if you have blood sugar imbalances as well.
Magnesium 
Metabolic Synergy (Designs for Health)
(USE PRACTITIONER CODE: LAURYNLAX at checkout) Balance blood sugar to balance cortisol, and consequently hormones if you have blood sugar imbalances as well. 
Prebiotics
Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum  
Probiotics
Soil based organisms, like Primal Probiotics
Vitamin D (test your levels before taking)
Designs for Health, D Supreme
Cold/Flu
Oregano Oil 
An essential oil that is considered to be antibacterial, antiparasitic, antiseptic, antiviral and immune stimulating. Like the fresh herb, Buy as an essential oil and dilute 1 drop with 1 drop coconut oil or extra virgin olive oil and take under the tongue.  To get the full benefits of oregano oil, use a dosage of 50-100 mg oregano oil 4x per day.
Castor Oil
The “windex” of all things wellness, castor oil has the ability to “speed up” healing by increasing white blood cells and the count of T-11 cells (a type of special white blood cells that act like antibodies) produced within the body’s lymphocytes that help kill viruses, fungi, bacteria and cancer cells. Rub the oil http://amzn.to/2zQ8mAk  on pulse and sinus points, and the back of the neck.
Turmeric
A natural anti-inflammatory agent for calming the inflammatory response in the body. Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, is anti-viral and anti-fungal. Use a Liposomal  Curcumin http://amzn.to/2DBZAYG for a supplement formula, or add turmeric spice to recipes, like Turmeric Tea https://autoimmunewellness.com/anti-inflammatory-turmeric-tea/,
Vitamin C
Absorbic acid, of Vitamin C, has long been touted as an “immune booster.” Add a little more to the diet through citrus, strawberries and spinach during illness, and short term supplementation via 1000 mg of Liposomal Vitamin C (Empirical Labs http://amzn.to/2CfDqzm, Seeking Health http://amzn.to/2BZSlK5). Liposomal formulas are more absorbable. 
Elderberry
An essential oil and food linked to decreased cold and flu duration due to antibacterial and anti-infectious qualities. Use organic dried black elderberries (1 http://amzn.to/2CpYDU5, 2 http://amzn.to/2DB8Axo) to consume whole, or make a homemade syrup.
Cortisol & Hormone Imbalances (“Adrenal Fatigue” to PMS)
Women’s Power House: EstroFactors
Women’s support formula for balancing estrogen and progesterone. 
Balance Cortisol: Gaia Adrenal Support http://amzn.to/2DEAdWJOR HPA Balance (Vital Plan): https://vitalplan.com/shop/hpa-balance?utm_medium=aff&utm_source=link-connector&utm_campaign=products&utm_content=hpa-balance Minimize cortisol to support healthy hormones. 
Gluco-Supreme (Designs for Health) http://catalog.designsforhealth.com/GlucoSupreme-Herbal-120-capsules
(USE PRACTITIONER CODE: LAURYNLAX at checkout) Balance blood sugar to balance cortisol, and consequently hormones if you have blood sugar imbalances as well.
Metabolic Synergy (Designs for Health)– http://catalog.designsforhealth.com/Metabolic-Synergy-180
(USE PRACTITIONER CODE: LAURYNLAX at checkout) Balance blood sugar to balance cortisol, and consequently hormones if you have blood sugar imbalances as well. 
Kavinace (Neuroscience) Calms stress and high cortisol signals to the brain and hormones during that time of the month and beyond. https://www.pureformulas.com/kavinace-60-capsules-by-neuroscience.html 
Phosphatidylserine PS http://catalog.designsforhealth.com/Phosphatidyl-Serine-60 (Use code LAURYNLAX) to checkout. 
Vital Adapt. http://amzn.to/2EdPJtD For “low” cortisol and fatigue symptoms. Contains eleuthero, rhodiola, schisandra, ashwagandha, cordyceps, reishi, ginseng, and licorice.
Dysbiosis/Fungal Overgrowth
Activated Charcoal
Integrative Therapeutics https://amzn.to/2JgfZWt
Anti-Biofilm Enzymes
Interfase Plus https://amzn.to/2q9qhyO
Botantical Herbs (Anti-microbials)
Candida AR https://llax.metagenics.com/candibactin-ar
Candida BR https://llax.metagenics.com/candibactin-BR
OR
GI Synergy (Apex) * Must order through a practitioner
OR
Dysbiocide (Biotics)  https://amzn.to/2IvTHig
FC Cidal (Biotics) https://amzn.to/2q8ulPY
Digestive Enzymes
DigesteZymes Digestezyme https://amzn.to/2Ek56zs
Digest 
Carbo G
Emulsified Oregano Oil
ADP by Biotics: http://amzn.to/2F3q9qU 
HCL
Metagest by Metagenics
https://llax.metagenics.com/spectrazyme-metagest-formerly-metagest  https://llax.metagenics.com/spectrazyme-metagest-formerly-metagest 
Monolaurin
Lauracidin https://amzn.to/2GY5g4S 
Ox Bile
Beta Plus by Biotics (1 with each meal) http://amzn.to/2nf35Nc
Prebiotics
Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum https://amzn.to/2E9mXck  
Probiotics
Primal Probiotics http://amzn.to/2kulPrG 
GENERAL BLOATING & CONSTIPATION
Bloating
Atrantil. http://amzn.to/2DBhMlP Distills methane gas production.
Allicin (Garlic). GarliActive by Pure Encapsulations. https://www.purecapspro.com/drlauryn/pe/products/product_details.asp?ProductsID=893 
Digestive Enzymes. Digest by Transformation Enzymes. http://amzn.to/2DT6nRW 
Carbo-G (if you are sensitive to carbohydrates) https://www.amazon.com/Transformation-Enzyme-Carbo-G-90-caps/dp/B00A1RF44Y  
Beta TCP http://amzn.to/2DEBUDt  (if you are sensitive to eating fats—even healthy ones).
Essential Oils Peppermint, Fennel, & Chamomile.
Hydrochloric Acid or Apple Cider Vinegar. Metagest by Metagenics. https://llax.metagenics.com/spectrazyme-metagest-formerly-metagest 
Ginger. A natural de-bloating effect. 
Ginger Pro by Thorne Research http://amzn.to/2Fk4sCK or Ginger Extract  https://www.purecapspro.com/drlauryn/pe/products/product_details.asp?ProductsID=1179 
Liposomal Curcumin
Empirical Labs Liposomal Curcumin http://amzn.to/2GjnpXp 
Prebiotics
Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum https://amzn.to/2E9mXck  
Probiotics
Soil based, like Primal Probiotics http://amzn.to/2kulPrG 
Constipation
Aloe Latex Capsules. A natural laxative effect. Cape Aloe http://amzn.to/2DBWOmJ
Dandelion & Licorice Root Smooth Move tea. http://amzn.to/2DDTEPB Dandelion tea http://amzn.to/2GjvsDE 
  Bitter Herbs: 
AFNG (Byron White) http://www.byronwhiteformulas.com/tag/afng/
Digest (Standard Process) https://www.standardprocess.com/Products/MediHerb/DiGest-Phytosynergist#.WsZO9WaZPwc 
Iberogast http://amzn.to/2DzQ88H
Natural Calm. Magnesium Citrate plus Calcium relaxes digestive muscles. http://amzn.to/2DEwXdX
GI Renew (Designs for Health). A blend or herbals to support elimination. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FH11M4?ie=UTF8
Magnesium 
Ozonated Magnesium (NOW) https://amzn.to/2GAgMnz 
Magnesium Glycinate (Pure Encapsulations) https://www.purecapspro.com/drlauryn/pe/products/product_details.asp?ProductsID=951 
Magnesium Citrate (Natural Calm) https://amzn.to/2JoBSTs 
Peppermint
IB Guard https://amzn.to/2q8N9yF 
Prebiotics (see complete list at beginning)
Especially Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum https://amzn.to/2E9mXck  
Probiotics
Best probiotics for constipation:
Soil-based organisms (Prescript- Assist https://amzn.to/2uQmSur, Primal Probiotics https://amzn.to/2EnobjX, Garden of Life Primal Defense Ultra https://amzn.to/2q5v0BM, ProBiome Rx 
Leaky Gut https://amzn.to/2EmNnao)
Transient commensals, like MegaSporeBiotic https://microbiomelabs.com/products/megasporebiotic/
E. coli Nissle ( Mutaflor https://feelgoodnatural.com/shop/digestion/mutaflor-sale-60-caps-30-days-supply/?c=e6574c964bd7)
Lactobacillus plantarum (Jarrow https://amzn.to/2GxXjno)
Bifidobacteria infantis Align https://amzn.to/2JnhSB0
Prokinetic: MotilPro by Pure Encapsulations. https://www.purecapspro.com/drlauryn/pe/products/product_details.asp?ProductsID=1255 
Vitamin-Electrolyte Blends Ageless Hydro-C https://www.gutsense.org/store/hydro-c-colonic-moisturizer.html 
GERD
HCL Tablets (Metagest)
Metagest https://llax.metagenics.com/spectrazyme-metagest-formerly-metagest 
GI Revive
Designs for Health http://catalog.designsforhealth.com/GI-Revive-Powder (use code DRLAURYNLAX to check out)
Gastro Mend
Designs for Health http://catalog.designsforhealth.com/GastroMend-HP-60
(use code DRLAURYNLAX to check out)
Prebiotics
Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum
Soil Based Probiotics Primal Probioticshttp://amzn.to/2kulPrG
IBS-C (Constipation)
Antimicrobial Herbal Supplements. Biotics: FC Cidal https://amzn.to/2Iz6CjC + Dysbiocide, https://amzn.to/2q94V5E 
Apex: GI Synergy, 
Metagenics: Candida BR https://llax.metagenics.com/candibactin-br + Candida AR https://llax.metagenics.com/candibactin-ar
Bitter Herbs: 
AFNG (Byron White) http://www.byronwhiteformulas.com/tag/afng/
Digest (Standard Process) https://www.standardprocess.com/Products/MediHerb/DiGest-Phytosynergist#.WsZO9WaZPwc 
Iberogast http://amzn.to/2DzQ88H
Natural Calm. Magnesium Citrate plus Calcium relaxes digestive muscles. http://amzn.to/2DEwXdX
GI Renew (Designs for Health). A blend or herbals to support elimination. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FH11M4?ie=UTF8
Magnesium 
Ozonated Magnesium (NOW) https://amzn.to/2GAgMnz 
Magnesium Glycinate (Pure Encapsulations) https://www.purecapspro.com/drlauryn/pe/products/product_details.asp?ProductsID=951 
Magnesium Citrate (Natural Calm) https://amzn.to/2JoBSTs 
Ox Bile. Liver support. Beta Plus https://amzn.to/2JrUNNl. or Bilemin https://amzn.to/2H1OrG8 
Peppermint
IB Guard https://amzn.to/2q8N9yF 
Prebiotic’s
Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum https://amzn.to/2E9mXck 
Probiotics
Best probiotics for constipation:
Soil-based organisms (Prescript- Assist https://amzn.to/2uQmSur, Primal Probiotics https://amzn.to/2EnobjX, Garden of Life Primal Defense Ultra https://amzn.to/2q5v0BM, ProBiome Rx 
Leaky Gut https://amzn.to/2EmNnao)
Transient commensals, like MegaSporeBiotic https://microbiomelabs.com/products/megasporebiotic/
E. coli Nissle ( Mutaflor https://feelgoodnatural.com/shop/digestion/mutaflor-sale-60-caps-30-days-supply/?c=e6574c964bd7)
Lactobacillus plantarum (Jarrow https://amzn.to/2GxXjno)
Bifidobacteria infantis Align https://amzn.to/2JnhSB0
Prokinetic: MotilPro by Pure Encapsulations. https://www.purecapspro.com/drlauryn/pe/products/product_details.asp?ProductsID=1255 
Vitamin-Electrolyte Blends Ageless Hydro-C https://www.gutsense.org/store/hydro-c-colonic-moisturizer.html
For bloating symptoms: Atrantil http://amzn.to/2D750Lz  (2 capsules with meals, diminishes bloating as well)
IBS-Diarrhea 
Antimicrobial Herbal Supplements. Biotics: FC Cidal https://amzn.to/2Iz6CjC + Dysbiocide, https://amzn.to/2q94V5E 
Apex: GI Synergy, 
Metagenics: Candida BR https://llax.metagenics.com/candibactin-br + Candida AR https://llax.metagenics.com/candibactin-ar
AND/OR 
Atrantil. http://amzn.to/2D750Lz 
Bitter Herbs: 
AFNG (Byron White) http://www.byronwhiteformulas.com/tag/afng/
Digest (Standard Process) https://www.standardprocess.com/Products/MediHerb/DiGest-Phytosynergist#.WsZO9WaZPwc 
Iberogast http://amzn.to/2DzQ88H
Butyrate Supplement https://amzn.to/2qaHvwS
GAPS or Elemental diet (specifically for Crohn’s)
Ginger & Ginger Tea.
Peppermint
IB Guard https://amzn.to/2q8N9yF
Prebiotics 
Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum https://amzn.to/2E9mXck 
Probiotics (soil-based)
Best probiotics for diarrhea/loose stools
Soil-based organisms Soil-based organisms (Prescript- Assist https://amzn.to/2uQmSur, 
Primal Probiotics https://amzn.to/2EnobjX,
Transient commensals, like MegaSporeBiotic https://microbiomelabs.com/products/megasporebiotic/
Saccharomyces boulardii (Jarrow https://amzn.to/2JnQ8Mk, Floramyces Designs for Health https://amzn.to/2GEV7Xv)
VSL#3 https://amzn.to/2GAu6s7
Elixa https://amzn.to/2EmTJ9M
IBD (Irritable Bowel Disease)
Active Flare
AIP Diet, GAPS Diet, or Low FODMAP Diet
Antimicrobial Herbs Candida AR https://llax.metagenics.com/candibactin-ar
Candida BR https://llax.metagenics.com/candibactin-BR
OR
GI Synergy (Apex) * Must order through a practitioner
OR
Dysbiocide (Biotics)  https://amzn.to/2IvTHig
FC Cidal (Biotics) https://amzn.to/2q8ulPY
Butyrate 3-4 g. like Body Bio https://amzn.to/2HckdO9 
FMT Fecal Microbiota Transplant
Probiotics (soil based) & Prebiotics
VSL#3 https://amzn.to/2GAu6s7 Elixa https://amzn.to/2EmTJ9M MegaSporeBiotic https://microbiomelabs.com/products/megasporebiotic/ Soil Based: Prescript Assist https://amzn.to/2uQmSur or Primal Probiotics http://amzn.to/2kulPrG Mutaflor https://feelgoodnatural.com/shop/digestion/mutaflor-sale-60-caps-30-days-supply/?c=e6574c964bd7
Prebiotics  Sunfiber https://amzn.to/2E9mXck 
Remission/Maintenance 
AIP Diet, GAPS Diet, or Low FODMAP Diet
Curcumin
BCM-95 (Xymogen) https://amzn.to/2uNMd8i 
liposomal https://amzn.to/2HdWKfR 
Theracurmin (Integrative Therapeutics https://amzn.to/2GEWZTO) 
Colostrum
Tegricel form best; 1.5 g/d (Designs for Health, use code DRLAURYNLAX at checkout) http://catalog.designsforhealth.com/Tegricel-Colostrum-60 
Glutathione
Liposomal form best; 2 tsp per day (Empirical Labs) https://amzn.to/2uOGAqz 
Probiotics (soil based) & Prebiotics
VSL#3 https://amzn.to/2GAu6s7 Elixa https://amzn.to/2EmTJ9M MegaSporeBiotic https://microbiomelabs.com/products/megasporebiotic/ Soil Based: Prescript Assist https://amzn.to/2uQmSur or Primal Probiotics http://amzn.to/2kulPrG Mutaflor https://feelgoodnatural.com/shop/digestion/mutaflor-sale-60-caps-30-days-supply/?c=e6574c964bd7
Prebiotics  Sunfiber https://amzn.to/2E9mXck 
Vitamin D (if low)
Aim for serum level of 40-60 ng/mL
Vitamin D (if low)
Aim for serum level of 40-60 ng/mL
Rosita Cod Liver Oil https://www.corganic.com/products/evclo#592254c4b8e65
Vitamin D (Vitamin D-Supreme by Designs for Health http://catalog.designsforhealth.com/Vitamin-D-Supreme, use code DRLAURYNLAX at checkout)
Leaky Gut
Apple Cider Vinegar. Consume 1 tbsp. in 2-4 oz. of water with meals.
Butyrate Supplementation.  Try: 1 dose Sodium-Potassium Butyrate (not Cal-Mag) http://amzn.to/2HLbku6.
Colostrum. Try: ProSerum whey by Well Wisdom http://amzn.to/2IB3BAb . 1 Serving Daily.
Glutamine. Try: Enteromend by Thorne http://amzn.to/2G89pTm . 1-3 servings daily.
Probiotics & Prebiotics. These two are staples in any gut-loving plan.Best probiotics for constipation: Soil-based organisms (Prescript- Assist https://amzn.to/2uQmSur, Primal Probiotics https://amzn.to/2EnobjX, Garden of Life Primal Defense Ultra https://amzn.to/2q5v0BM, ProBiome Rx  Leaky Gut https://amzn.to/2EmNnao)Transient commensals, like MegaSporeBiotic https://microbiomelabs.com/products/megasporebiotic/E. coli Nissle ( Mutaflor https://feelgoodnatural.com/shop/digestion/mutaflor-sale-60-caps-30-days-supply/?c=e6574c964bd7)Lactobacillus plantarum (Jarrow https://amzn.to/2GxXjno)Bifidobacteria infantis Align https://amzn.to/2JnhSB0 
Best probiotics for diarrhea/loose stools
Soil-based organisms Soil-based organisms (Prescript- Assist https://amzn.to/2uQmSur, 
Primal Probiotics https://amzn.to/2EnobjX,
Transient commensals, like MegaSporeBiotic https://microbiomelabs.com/products/megasporebiotic/
Saccharomyces boulardii (Jarrow https://amzn.to/2JnQ8Mk, Floramyces Designs for Health https://amzn.to/2GEV7Xv)
VSL#3 https://amzn.to/2GAu6s7
Elixa https://amzn.to/2EmTJ9M
Prebiotics  Sunfiber https://amzn.to/2E9mXck
Vitamins A & D.  Try: Cod liver oil—more absorbable than the synthetic formulas of Vitamin A and Vitamin D supplements. I like Rosita Cod Liver Oil https://www.corganic.com/products/evclo#592254c4b8e65 capsules.
Zinc. Try Biotics Aqueous Zinc http://amzn.to/2HN8lBF for 7 days, then switch to a capsule form like this one by Pure Encapsulations https://www.purecapspro.com/drlauryn/pe/products/product_details.asp?ProductsID=1003
Liver & Gallbladder Health
Liver/Gallbladder Support: Beta TCP (Pancreatic Enzymes) http://amzn.to/2DEBUDt  or Beta Plus (Ox Bile) http://amzn.to/2DGzjZG (if you’ve had gallbladder removed). Helps create bile (waste)
Ginger. Cleansing for the liver. Ginger Pro by Thorne Research http://amzn.to/2Fk4sCK or Ginger Extract  https://www.purecapspro.com/drlauryn/pe/products/product_details.asp?ProductsID=1179
Livotrit (Biotics Research) http://amzn.to/2Ee7fhH Contains a blend of liver cleansing herbs: Andrographis, Berberis Aristata, Boehavia, Eclipta, Indian Barberry, Indian Tinospora, Milk Thistle, Picrorhiza, Saccharum Officinarum, Sugarcane, Tinospora Cordifolia.
Muscle Strain/Injury Healing
Turmeric Blend. http://amzn.to/2DEvqEC Anti-inflammatory fighter.
Probiotics. http://amzn.to/2kulPrG Max absorption of nutrients you consume. 
Collagen Protein  http://amzn.to/2DCZBMK & Gelatin http://amzn.to/2DCjCmr
Cod Liver Oil Healthy fatty acids to boost metabolism and regulate blood sugar https://www.corganic.com/collections/supplements/products/evclo-capsules or Vital Choice Fish Oil http://amzn.to/2DTBVHn 
Mood Health 
Vitamin B12: 800 mcg–5 mg/day
DHA: Essential fatty acids boost brain health Vital Choice Fish Oil http://amzn.to/2DTBVHn
HPA Balance (Vital Plan): https://vitalplan.com/shop/hpa-balance?utm_medium=aff&utm_source=link-connector&utm_campaign=products&utm_content=hpa-balance Balance cortisol to support healthy hormones. 
SIBO
Antimicrobial Herbs
Biotics: FC Cidal https://amzn.to/2Iz6CjC + Dysbiocide, https://amzn.to/2q94V5E 
Apex: GI Synergy, 
Metagenics: Candida BR https://llax.metagenics.com/candibactin-br + Candida AR https://llax.metagenics.com/candibactin-ar
Anti-Biofilm
Interfase Plus –https://amzn.to/2q75Ljp
Atrantil: 
Atrantil http://amzn.to/2D750Lz 
Beta TCP or Beta Plus (if no gallbladder)
Beta TCP- http://amzn.to/2DEBUDt 
Beta Plus https://amzn.to/2uOFMSI 
Cod Liver Oil
Rosita Cod Liver Oil https://www.corganic.com/products/evclo#592254c4b8e65
Digestive Bitters
Bitter Herbs: 
AFNG (Byron White) http://www.byronwhiteformulas.com/tag/afng/
Digest (Standard Process) https://www.standardprocess.com/Products/MediHerb/DiGest-Phytosynergist#.WsZO9WaZPwc 
Iberogast http://amzn.to/2DzQ88H
Digestive Enzymes
Digestezymes  http://catalog.designsforhealth.com/Digestzymes-180 (use code DRLAURYNLAX to checkout)
Digest https://amzn.to/2HelVii 
Carbo G https://amzn.to/2IAMopD
HCL
Metagest https://llax.metagenics.com/spectrazyme-metagest-formerly-metagest
Monolaurin
Lauracidin https://amzn.to/2uRjFLh 
Peppermint Oil IB Guard https://amzn.to/2qaLQAa
Prokinetic. Motilpro https://www.purecapspro.com/drlauryn/pe/products/product_details.asp?ProductsID=1255
Soil Based Probiotic
MegaSporeBiotic https://microbiomelabs.com/products/megasporebiotic/ Soil Based: Prescript Assist https://amzn.to/2uQmSur or Primal Probiotics http://amzn.to/2kulPrG
Zinc: https://www.purecapspro.com/drlauryn/pe/products/product_details.asp?ProductsID=1003
Sleep Better
Sleep Remedy.  A combo of Magnesium, Vitamin D and a proprietary sleep blend to stimulate the brain to relax. http://www.docparsley.com/shop/ (don’t take melatonin or magnesium in addition to this)
Melatonin. http://amzn.to/2DDFjme Promotes bette sleep.
HPA Balance. Balances stress levels. https://vitalplan.com/shop/hpa-balance?utm_medium=aff&utm_source=link-connector&utm_campaign=products&utm_content=hpa-balance  
Natural Calm. Magnesium Citrate plus Calcium relaxes body http://amzn.to/2DEwXdX
Acetyl-CH (Apex Energetics) http://amzn.to/2FlkA7c A calamine neuro-transmitter for imbalanced hormones, like cortisol, that influences mood and sleep.
Skin Health
Biotin http://amzn.to/2BwrDaw
Fresh renewed skin is yours. 
Collagen Protein
Vital Proteins https://amzn.to/2q9AZpQ 
Equip https://amzn.to/2JlD9eh
OSsoGoodBones https://www.ossogoodbones.com (use code THRIVE for 10% off)
Niacin (B3) http://amzn.to/2Ef1X5v
Prevents skin dryness and rashes.
HCL https://llax.metagenics.com/spectrazyme-metagest-formerly-metagest 
Vitamin A
Cod Liver Oil 
Healthy fatty acids to boost metabolism and regulate blood sugar https://www.corganic.com/collections/supplements/products/evclo-capsules
Vitamin C
Hydration for the skin. Use short-term supplementation via 1000 mg of Liposomal Vitamin C (Empirical Labs http://amzn.to/2CfDqzm, 
Seeking Health http://amzn.to/2BZSlK5). Liposomal formulas are more absorbable.
Hydro-C https://www.gutsense.org/store/hydro-c-colonic-moisturizer.html 
Vitamin K2. http://amzn.to/2BxuO1H Beneficial for preventing wrinkling and premature aging.
Vitamin E http://amzn.to/2DPEkT5 
Skin healing from scars, breakouts and scabs. 
Silica http://amzn.to/2DQzbKF 
Skin hydration and tautness. 
Zinc Wards off acne flares. http://amzn.to/2nflryT 
MAINTENANCE SUPPLEMENTS
Soil Based Probiotic Quality probiotics that are similar to the probiotics of our ancestors’ microbiome “back in the day”—once found rich in our soil, fruits and veggies. 
Primal Probiotics http://amzn.to/2kulPrG
Garden of Life Primal Defense Ultra http://amzn.to/2DQzkxH
Megaspore Biotics https://microbiomelabs.com/products/megasporebiotic/ 
Prebiotic Necessary to absorb and “digest” your probiotics. 
Sunfiber: http://amzn.to/2Aea3vQ 
Hydrochloric Acid or Apple Cider Vinegar. Metagest by Metagenics. https://llax.metagenics.com/spectrazyme-metagest-formerly-metagest Boost stomach acid. 
Digestive Enzymes Helps break down foods you eat.
Digestezymes- http://catalog.designsforhealth.com/Digestzymes-180
(Use code LAURYNLAX to be able to order)
Cod Liver Oil https://www.corganic.com/collections/supplements/products/evclo-capsules. 
Anti-inflammatory, essential fatty acids, absorbable Vitamin A & D, non-rancid formula. The result? Eased digestion, better brain power and energy.
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fanaticwritings · 6 years ago
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of sunflowers;
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pairing: deviant!connor x deviant!alina (OC)
word count: 3.5k+
warnings: slight angst, insecurities, body image issues, slight body shaming, profanity, but LOADSA fluffy fluff
a/n: This fic is for the amazing @shsl-special-fx-artist​ who was kind enough to commission me! Honestly, I let my heart write this fic because one of the major plot points is something that’s very personal to me. I don’t know if I was able to put my feelings across but I really, really hope you enjoy this! Also, I hope I did your character and request justice!
If you enjoy my writing and have an idea that you’d like to see come to life, consider commissioning me! || buy me a coffee
[note- unbeta’d, all mistakes are my own.]
The Detroit Psychiatric Centre at which Alina worked was one of the biggest care facility for humans and now androids, to have ever been built.
Connor and Alina walked into the huge glass building and the air instantly turned cold and somber. It was a high June afternoon of peak summer and yet, Alina found herself shivering. Flocks of people sat on the chairs at the waiting area, a look of worry and despair etched on their faces. The gloomy mood of the building did little to lift their dull spirits. Alina felt something tug inside of her, a dire wish flashing in her brain. A deep desire to help these troubled humans somehow.
“Which ward?” The HJ300 at the desk asked them.
“73839,” Alina answered promptly.
The patient at the ward was a middle aged man, almost 45 years old, as Alina’s database told her. He had a severe case of drug addiction. Alina was to tend to him for the next four months, after which he would be sent to rehab if there was no improvement.
“Hello, Mr. Geronimo,” she greeted, flashing a sweet smile and walked into the ward, Connor following her close behind.
Mr. Geronimo mumbled something inaudible as he shifted in his chair slowly, a blank expression on his face.
“I am Alina. How are you today, Mr. Geronimo?” she asked kindly.
He mumbled something again, his chin trembling slightly. “Where is it?” he seemed to say and Alina grimaced.
Humans were so fragile, it amazed and troubled Alina greatly. Everything there was to know about them was programmed into her already but they somehow still managed to surprise her at times.
Alina talked to the man for a while, as she tried to understand the extent of his addiction and how to begin his treatment. The man became more and more irritated with every question Alina threw at him. She spoke gently but it didn't seem to make any difference. Connor had to physically contain the man, who suddenly stood up and flung himself at Alina. He was given a sleeping pill then and collapsed almost immediately.
“How do you do this everyday?” Connor asked, softly when Geronimo was rested on his bed.
“It is what I was programmed to do, Connor,” she replied, glancing at the man.
“But you are now deviant, Alina. You could do anything you want,” he said, confusion lining his face.
“Deviant or not, it is still what makes me, me. Taking care of people is something I enjoy doing, it comes to me naturally,” she paused, glancing at Connor.
“Would you do anything other than fight crime?”
Connor's eyebrows furrowed at that. Alina could see that he was thinking hard.
“I suppose not,” he said finally, looking at her.
Alina smiled at that.
“My shift is finished. We should go back to Hank,” she announced after a while and Connor nodded.
They ambled back into the outside world, where everything was a bit lighter and cheery. Everywhere around them humans and androids walked and talked harmoniously, and Alina felt immense happiness course through her.
They decided to walk to the DCPD instead of taking any other sort of transportation. Connor didn't say much on the way, he seemed to be lost deep in thought. It was evident in the way his forehead was all scrunched up and mouth twisted into a slight frown.
One strand of hair curled at his forehead- a trademark characteristic that distinguished him from other RK800 models.
Human emotions… were complex. So much so, that even humans didn't understand the extent of them. When the first AI was created, it had a conscious- the first prototype conscious that would be the foundation for the androids that were built today.
Alina’s model, however, was a bit advanced, in terms of the extent to which she could emulate human behavior. Her brain, which housed her conscious also had artificial glands that released the android version of human hormones like oxytocin-a2. It wasn't a hormone, but a 256-bit code that made her “feel” for those she tended to. It made her tender and gentle- almost motherly in nature.
Since her deviancy, the code had corrupted- or rather morphed into something else that she wasn't obviously programmed to understand. It transformed to make her even more gentle, more understanding of human emotions. That's why she had worked with Hank and Connor to understand deviants and help in dealing with them.
Working with Connor, in human terms, had been life changing. He was specifically built to help the police department but he was the gentlest android Alina had ever met. He was kind, took care of her without being prompted to but was also focused when it came to fulfilling his missions.
Over time Alina began experiencing strange things, like random system errors and regular crashes. All of those happened around Connor and Connor only. She felt more and more inclined towards him- her eyes would always search for him in a crowded room. In her spare time, more often than not, she found herself thinking about him.
It didn't take a genius to figure out that she had developed a sense of attraction towards him.
Still, she was in denial of everything she felt. It confused her immensely and as an android.. she wasn't used to confusion.
Admittedly though, she enjoyed watching Connor and those little, endearing things he did.
Distracted by just how beautiful Connor was looking right now, she didn't see where she was going and bumped into something- someone.
“Sorry,” she mumbled, composing herself. A group of middle-aged men stood before her. As fate would have it, she'd bumped into the burliest of them all.
“Watch where you're going, droid,” the man said, agitated. The tone with which he said 'droid’ was almost offensive. Alina didn't mull over it much though.
“I'm sorry,” she said again, louder and clearer this time. She proceeded to walk away but the man had other plans.
“Fucking droids. Just because you have rights now-,”he raved. He said this in a hushed tone but knew that Alina could very well hear him.
Connor seemed to have finally noticed that something was up and stalked back to Alina’s side.
“What's the problem?” he asked, gentle yet stern.
“Your friend here doesn't realise how huge she is. Could bowl a few people over this 'un,” the man replied, an ugly sneer curling at his lips.
His words stung. Literally stung. Alina could feel her thirium pump beat faster as she struggled to be rational. His words didn't mean anything, then why did she want to crawl into a hole and hide forever?
“There's no need to be so rude, sir,” Connor said calmly but Alina saw his shoulders tense up and jaw clench.
“Don't fucking talk to me like that, you plastic sack of shit,” the man yelled, going against Connor, bumping his chest into him.
Alina was having none of this. Swallowing her anger, she tried to pull Connor away.
“Move over, the elephant’s on a rampage,” the man mocked which made a couple of men in the group laugh.
Alina tried to ignore them and pull Connor away. But Connor didn't budge. His eyebrows furrowed and jaw clenched even harder. In the blink of an eye, the man was being pushed up against a wall and a few good inches off the ground. Connor fisted the man’s collar, slamming him against the wall once more.
“Shut up, you pathetic excuse of a human,” he spat through gritted teeth. The rest of the men in the group had moved away, staring at Connor with wide eyes.
“If you ever, ever talk shit to another android again, I'll make sure you don't have a tongue anymore,” he threatened, giving the man a last, shuddering slam. The LED on the side of his forehead swirled to a dark red.
“Do what you want, scum. I’m gonna call the cops on you and your uglyass girlfriend,” the man spat, his face red and attempted to push Connor away but to no avail. 
Just as Connor raised a fisted hand to punch him, Alina interjected. “Stop! Connor, let him go,” she screamed silently, communicating through the telepathic link that connected all droids.
Connor’s grip on the man faltered as he glanced at her, watching the pained expression on her face and the tremble in her lips.
“We're bigger than this,” she spoke clearly, even though her chest physically hurt as she tried to control herself.
Connor hesitated for a moment before he let the man go, mouth contorted in disgust.
The man, nor the group, dared follow them as they walked away.
Alina didn't have the nerve to look at Connor; she didn't think she'd like what she'd see. She'd never seen this side of Connor before. Never been on missions that involved severe violence. It scared the hell out of her.
That, however, was secondary. Her mind kept going back to the man and his words. Alina was used to this sort of behavior but it fueled her insecurity nonetheless. All the positive emotions she'd manage to gulp down to shove those treacherous thoughts away, vanished as they rounded the corner to her house.
She didn't want to go back to the DCPD, she wasn't stable.
“Alina-,” Connor began as they approached the gates to her apartment. Alina looked up at him, finally. A troubled expression graced his face and his LED flashed a bright yellow.
“I'm truly sorry for what happened,” he said, wringing his hands together.
Alina shook her head. If she spent a second longer here, she wouldn't be able to control herself.
“It's fine,” she mumbled, flashing him a weak smile and turned away.
She heard him call her name as she brisk walked to and up the stairs. In a matter of seconds she was inside her tiny apartment and then in her room, slamming the door of the bathroom behind her.
She slid down against it, as every emotion washed over her, drowning her. Androids couldn't breathe but she was suffocating- her functions failed slightly, the LED on the side of her head burning a bright red.
And then the tears came.
Unless androids willed for the tears to stream out, the artificial saline water would never leave their synthetic skin.
But as the events of what had transpired came back to her, haunting her thought process and shadowing all rationality, she seemed to have lost all control over herself.
“Could bowl a few people over, this 'un.”
She buried her face into her hands, as the tears slid down her cheeks and fell to the ground.
For a while she stayed there, unmoving, sobbing into her arms.
Why was she made this way?
She stood up then and walked over to the mirror in the bathroom. Her reflection greeted her back- a blue tinted, tear streaked face she knew all too well. And hated.
Blonde hair curled over her forehead in bangs that swept towards the right, and a neat bun that the rest of her hair was twisted into.
Closing her eyes, she willed her programming to alter her hair into a light brown that fell down her back in mermaid curls.
They didn't suit her at all.
She tried a bunch of different hairstyles, a million different textures but none framed her chubby face well.
The fault lay in the structure of her body itself, then.
The synthetic layer of her body peeled away, replaced by the standard white-grey plastic alloy.
She had a voluptuous body. It was a part of her structure, something she had absolutely no control over. If she wanted to, she could never change that aspect about herself. 
Why was she so limited? Why was she different from the rest of the Androids?
Why was she the one who had to hear Gavin tease her all the time? Hear countless people mock her physique?
How was any of this fair to her?
The questions pounded through her head and she could not think one possible answer.
It just was.
She wasn't the conventional android.
She was an imperfect mess. An unattractive, bloated mess. It hurt to see androids that were so much more beautiful than her, androids that didn't get to be at the receiving end of the cruelty of some humans. It hurt to see Connor turn back and glance at a passing Android, as they walked together and be completely unaware of her existence.
The shrill sound of her doorbell jerked her from her thoughts. She quickly reactivated her skin, and wiped the tears on her palm.
It was Connor at the door.
“I really do not want to talk right now,” she muttered, looking away and turning to close the door. It was unlike Alina, to shut the door on someone she loved but for the first time ever she felt.. exhausted.
“Alina, please,” was all he said, voice a mere rasp.
Alina pulled the door open a smidge, although her heart wasn't fully into it.
“We need to talk,” he said, walking in, waiting for her to join him after she had locked the door.
Alina settled down on the tiny couch and Connor sat down right beside her, hips touching.
“If it's about today, Connor- I would rather not,” she said, politely. She just couldn't. She couldn't go through it again.
Connor's expression softened.
“I know. But I read your stress levels today, Alina. They were at a 100% when the man..”
Alina looked up at him. She didn't want to tear up again. Not in front of Connor. She wasn't weak, no. She couldn't be weak.
“I want to know what you're thinking,” Connor said, nudging her shoulder. He sounded so gentle, Alina almost gave in. Damn the electricity that surged through her whenever he spoke. Damn the synapses in her brain that sparked brightly at his touch.
“Why?”
Alina didn't want to sound ungrateful. She was glad that Connor was making an effort, but right now her rationality couldn't make sense out of anything.
“You are my friend, Alina. Friends care for each other. I feel.. I must too,” he said softly.
She didn't know what to say to that.
“I didn't want to fight the man today,” Connor said quietly, after a while. “But I felt… this need to protect you and-”
He glanced at her, faltering. “I apologise for my behavior. I seemed to have scared you.”
“It's okay, Connor,” she said, smiling weakly. Connor’s sudden outburst was the least of her worries right now.
“It’s not okay. But..that is not the only reason why I'm here,” he said, voice dropping an octave.
“I sensed utmost discomfort in you when the man was talking. While I understand the reason, I couldn't help but wonder.. why do you let it get to you, Alina?”
There was such genuineness in Connor’s voice, Alina didn't have the heart to be mad at him.
“It's... strange, Connor. I cannot explain the origin of these insecurities, they have no rational explanation. But, perhaps, they exist because they are irrational,” she gulped. She knew that she was not really making sense but then again, what did?
Connor was gazing at her intently, head tilted ever so slightly as he tried to understand her.
He inched closer suddenly, turning to face her. He lifted one arm gently, as the skin on his hand faded to reveal the bare plastic beneath.
“If you can't tell me.. show me.”
“Connor I-”, she began but he cut her off.
“Please.”
Who could say no to those eyes? She held his stare as she lifted her own hand. Her hand stopped before his, as she looked at him hesitantly.
Connor let his fingertips brush against hers and Alina could swear electricity crackled between them.
Connor shut his eyes as he scanned through her memory.
This was huge. Alina was letting herself be completely vulnerable with Connor and yet… she didn't feel afraid. Not in the least.
She could feel - if that was the right word- his presence within her, an experience that was so liberating, Alina was almost overcome with all the new emotions that spilled in her.
Seconds later, Connor pulled away, hand dropping to his knee. He stayed awfully quiet for a moment.  
“Alina,” he spoke gently then, and she glanced at him fleetingly. What was he going to say? He probably knew how much she hated herself. Would he hate what he had seen too?
“I may not be able to fully understand the emotions that you feel but I know,” he paused, reaching out to brush a stray strand of hair behind her ear, “- that you are beautiful.”
Alina couldn't bring herself to look at him. How could she? He was being so kind and yet.. Alina didn't know if she should believe him.
“You may not be like other androids, but it's what makes you, you. You're different, Alina,” he said, lacing his hand through hers.
Alina almost jerked at his touch.
“You're so different and so intriguing,” he said softly. Alina glanced up at him at that. There was something different in the way he was looking at her and Alina felt her thirium pump… flutter. Connor was acting so strange, it confused her.
“Connor what-” she began, but faltered again. She was suddenly incapable of forming sentences. The intensity with which Connor was looking at her wasn't helping either.
“You like roses, am I correct?”
Alina nodded.
“But you also like sunflowers. Why?” he asked, ever so gently. His voice was a soft rasp and Alina would have listened to him speak all day.
“They're both beautiful flowers,” she answered, without hesitation. Now she was genuinely curious. Where was he going with this?
He stayed quiet for a moment, staring into her eyes. She wanted to look away but it was impossible to.
“Then why do you aspire to be a rose when you're a sunflower?” he asked, tilting his head.
Her heart actually missed a beat and a bunch of random errors popped in her brain at his words.
He had called her beautiful and compared her to a sunflower. She had only seen this happen in the movies that the humans made.
“Connor, I-I don't know what to say,” she said quietly, voicing her thoughts. She understood very well what Connor was getting at but it still troubled her greatly. He found her beautiful? Alina?
“You don't have to. I just want you to know, that just because you're different, it doesn't make you any lesser than anyone in this world. You're fairly attractive, you have beautiful eyes and-” he stopped, noticing Alina’s wide eyes.
“I overstepped, didn't I?” Connor said, grimacing and let go of her hand.
Alina regretted it instantly. Had Connor just confessed to her that he found her attractive?
The insecure part of her was screaming “No” and all sorts of ugly things but for once, Alina turned her focus to Connor and Connor only. What the hell was happening?
“Connor d-do you.. feel the same for me... as I do for you?” she asked, hesitant. There was a slight tremor in her voice as if she couldn’t believe her ears. Her Connor? Liked her as well?
Connor looked up at her through his lashes, eyes questioning.
“Every time I'm with you, I feel this surge of energy in my system, these metaphorical sparks at my fingertips- a whirlwind of something in-explainable,” she said so quietly, she wondered if she had said it aloud at all.
And then Connor's voice rang loud and clear inside her head.
“I feel all of that and so much more, Alina.”
Connor didn't spare her a single moment to process his words, before his lips were crashing against hers, frantic and fiery.
Alina knew what kissing was like, her database told her more than she wanted to know about it and yet it felt so strange.
It made her feel like she was floating, the dopamine-a2 and seratonin-a2 in her reaching unprecedented levels. Connor had one hand gently cupping her cheek, and the other clasped around her own, skin once again deactivated. She was completely vulnerable to him once more and there was so much of Connor around her and within her, she thought she was going to combust.
There could not have been a more tender moment between them.
They sat pressed against each other for a while, as the world fell around them.
“Don't ever, let anyone tell you that you aren't beautiful. You are so so beautiful to me,” Connor spoke in her mind, as he continued to nibble at her lips. Alina lost herself in the feel of him against her. 
“I admire you so much, Alina. You are so loving, so kind and so gentle,” he finally said aloud, when they had to break apart. 
Alina gazed up at him through dewy-eyes. 
The way Connor was looking at her right now, the way he had her hand pressed against his chest, made Alina feel as if she really was the most beautiful thing to ever exist.
If Connor could love her as she was, couldn’t she too? All the patients she had worked with ever, flashed in her mind through her boxed memories of them. They had loved her so much. They hadn't cared how much she had weighed. They had told her that when she smiled, she lit up the world.
The universe had it's mix of people. Some didn't agree with her and some did. Some loved her and some didn't. Everyone she had ever met was different than the last.
Your heart is what makes you several times more beautiful, Connor had said. 
There was a lot about the universe Alina had to learn, a lot more she had to discover.
But first, she was going to learn how to love herself for who she was.
a/n: Please, please leave feedback it would mean a lot to me!
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yogurtcut5-blog · 5 years ago
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Food in America compared to the U.K. (Why is it so different?)
Want to know what really opened up my eyes to how food companies exploit us? I spent years investigating the differences between European and American food products, and what I found disgusted me.
A college buddy of mine decided to go live in London for a few years. While she was there, I often had her go to Tesco and other European grocery stores to take pictures of the ingredient lists for me and send me boxes of products. I’d compare them with the same brand of American products side-by-side and saw completely different ingredient lists.
Companies like Kraft-Heinz, Kellogg’s, PepsiCo, and Quaker sell safer, better products oversees while making inferior versions to sell to Americans. The evidence of this runs the gamut from fast food places to boxed cake mix to cereal to candy and even oatmeal— you can’t escape it. This is what set me down the path of advocating for change in the food system and I’ve never looked back. 
Here are 6 American products that are completely different overseas…
Let’s start with McDonald’s French Fries. They make their iconic french fries in the U.K. with a few simple ingredients: potatoes, oil, dextrose, salt—but in the U.S they’re made with “natural beef flavor” and sodium acid pyrophosphate, and are fried in oil laced with the anti-foaming agent dimethylpolysiloxane – the main ingredient in silly putty (1).  They’ve somehow figured out how to cook their fries without all these extra ingredients overseas, so why not here?
Did you know Quaker Oats Strawberries & Cream has ZERO strawberries? In the U.S. Quaker mimics the look and taste of real strawberries by using “Flavored and Colored Fruit Pieces” comprised of dehydrated apples, artificial strawberry flavor, citric acid, and the artificial dye Red 40. It’s a total scam!
Meanwhile in the U.K. Quaker doesn’t even attempt to sell that garbage and doesn’t make any products like this. The closest counterpart they have is a product called “Oat So Simple” that has REAL strawberries in it—light years ahead of the popular U.S. version made with artificial dyes and artificial flavors.
Pick up a bottle of Mountain Dew in the U.K. and you’ll find that it gets its bright yellow color simply from beta carotene (a natural color derived from carrots and other plants). Meanwhile, PepsiCo sells a very different version of Mountain Dew in America. Here in the States, instead of using natural colors to give it a tantalizing look, Mountain Dew is artificially colored with a petroleum-based dye called Yellow #5. Although artificial dyes are common in America, that doesn’t make them okay to eat. They’ve been linked to several health issues and may be contaminated with carcinogens (2). They certainly are not as safe as beta carotene. And it gets worse…
The U.S. version of Mountain Dew contains brominated vegetable oil (BVO) – which is an ingredient BANNED in Europe (3). Way back in 2014, PepsiCo announced they would remove BVO from all of their American drinks following a successful petition by activist Sarah Kavanagh (4). But they still have not removed BVO from Mountain Dew, nearly 5 years later. Meanwhile, they continue to sell BVO-free Mountain Dew in other countries.
You know what you’ll find in almost every restaurant in America? Heinz Tomato Ketchup. Heinz ketchup is GMO-free in the U.K. (5) but full of GMOs and High Fructose Corn Syrup in the U.S., along with lab-produced “natural flavoring” that helps create an addiction to their product (6). Think of this next time you’re dipping your fries in and can’t stop! While Heinz makes a “Simply Heinz” version of ketchup in the U.S. (still with natural flavors but a cleaner ingredient list), why don’t they just make this their regular ketchup? There is no need for the heavily processed version that you’ll find in most restaurants and homes in America.
Both versions of Doritos are horrible, but American Doritos are covered in artificial dyes made from petroleum (Red #40, Blue #1, and Yellow #5). These dyes have been found to be contaminated with carcinogens, such as benzidine (2) In the U.K., these dyes require a warning label that says “May Have an Adverse Effect on Activity and Attention in Children” (7). No one wants to put that on their product! That’s why they don’t use artificial dyes in Doritos overseas and instead color Doritos more simply with paprika extract and annatto. The Doritos in the U.K. are also non-GMO, while the American versions are made with GMO corn contaminated with glyphosate weed killer (8).
At first glance the ingredients in Frosted Flakes in the U.S. and U.K. look nearly identical. The main difference is the addition of the preservative BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) in the U.S. version. Controversial research links BHT to cancer (9) and it’s believed to be an endocrine disruptor that interferes with your hormones (10) BHT isn’t permitted in cereals in Europe, so Kellogg’s reformulated their cereals to sell them legally overseas. Following our 2015 petition to get BHT out of American cereal (11) Kellogg’s removed BHT from several brands (like Rice Krispies), but still use it 4 years later in Frosted Flakes despite selling it BHT-free in the U.K. 
Why don’t these companies just sell the same, safer, products everywhere?
I’ll tell you why. Europe takes a “precautionary principle” approach towards food additives that are potentially risky. They ban or add warning labels to these additives for their citizens. The U.S. takes the opposite approach. It does not remove additives from our food supply until they have been proven dangerous – which can take a very long time and a lot of red tape. This means Americans are literally the lab rats.
The U.S. government allows food companies to largely police itself, deciding which ingredients, chemicals, and additives are “safe” to use in their products (12). This clearly isn’t a wise approach – is it?
If a company can get away with using cheaper ingredients, they will. Given a choice, they’ll always opt for the cheaper flavor enhancer, and the cheaper color additive, and the cheaper preservative, and the cheaper GMO ingredient, even if these cheaper alternatives have a negative impact on our health.
The truth is that nobody is watching out for us. When they tell you they know their processed foods are safe, they are telling you a lie.
I dedicated an entire chapter in my latest book, Feeding You Lies, to this subject because there is so much more you need to know! The food industry doesn’t care about your health, so you really need to. It is now available in bookstores everywhere. 
<![CDATA[ .ctfont font-family: 'Crimson Text', serif; .pre-order-now color: #e81f31; font-weight: bold; .claim-your-bonus-link text-decoration: underline; color: red !important; .preorder-button max-height:44px; .preorder-button:hover, .submit-button:hover -webkit-filter: drop-shadow(2px 2px 2px rgba(0,0,0,0.5)); -ms-filter: "progid:DXImageTransform.Microsoft.Dropshadow(OffX=2, OffY=2, Color='#444')"; filter: "progid:DXImageTransform.Microsoft.Dropshadow(OffX=2, OffY=2, Color='#444')"; .preorder-button.dark-bg:hover -webkit-filter: drop-shadow(2px 2px 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.2)); -ms-filter: "progid:DXImageTransform.Microsoft.Dropshadow(OffX=2, OffY=2, Color='#444')"; filter: "progid:DXImageTransform.Microsoft.Dropshadow(OffX=2, OffY=2, Color='#444')"; .block-font font-style: normal; font-weight: 700; ]]>
ORDER NOW
Feeding You Lies
Available in stores everywhere
If most Americans knew food companies are selling similar products overseas with healthier ingredients, they’d be outraged. I know I am.
Please share this post with all of your friends. Everyone should know how food companies are scamming Americans with inferior products. This will also inspire these companies to do better and sell safer products in the U.S. Don’t believe me? Look what happened to Kraft Mac & Cheese! 
Xo,
Vani
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Source: https://foodbabe.com/food-in-america-compared-to-the-u-k-why-is-it-so-different/
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newstfionline · 7 years ago
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The Liver: A ‘Blob’ That Runs the Body
By Natalie Angier, NY Times, June 12, 2017
To the Mesopotamians, the liver was the body’s premier organ, the seat of the human soul and emotions. The ancient Greeks linked the liver to pleasure: The words hepatic and hedonic are thought to share the same root.
The Elizabethans referred to their monarch not as the head of state but as its liver, and woe to any people saddled with a lily-livered leader, whose bloodless cowardice would surely prove their undoing.
Yet even the most ardent liverati of history may have underestimated the scope and complexity of the organ. Its powers are so profound that the old toss-away line, “What am I, chopped liver?” can be seen as a kind of humblebrag.
After all, a healthy liver is the one organ in the adult body that, if chopped down to a fraction of its initial size, will rapidly regenerate and perform as if brand-new. Which is a lucky thing, for the liver’s to-do list is second only to that of the brain and numbers well over 300 items, including systematically reworking the food we eat into usable building blocks for our cells; neutralizing the many potentially harmful substances that we incidentally or deliberately ingest; generating a vast pharmacopoeia of hormones, enzymes, clotting factors and immune molecules; controlling blood chemistry; and really, we’re just getting started.
“We have mechanical ventilators to breathe for you if your lungs fail, dialysis machines if your kidneys fail, and the heart is mostly just a pump, so we have an artificial heart,” said Dr. Anna Lok, president of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases and director of clinical hepatology at the University of Michigan.
“But if your liver fails, there’s no machine to replace all its different functions, and the best you can hope for is a transplant.”
And while scientists admit it hardly seems possible, the closer they look, the longer the liver’s inventory of talents and tasks becomes.
In one recent study, researchers were astonished to discover that the liver grows and shrinks by up to 40 percent every 24 hours, while the organs around it barely budge.
Others have found that signals from the liver may help dictate our dietary choices, particularly our cravings for sweets, like a ripe peach or a tall glass of Newman’s Own Virgin Limeade--which our local supermarket chain has, to our personal devastation, suddenly stopped selling, so please, liver, get a grip.
Scientists have also discovered that hepatocytes, the metabolically active cells that constitute 80 percent of the liver, possess traits not seen in any other normal cells of the body. For example, whereas most cells have two sets of chromosomes--two sets of genetic instructions on how a cell should behave--hepatocytes can enfold and deftly manipulate up to eight sets of chromosomes, and all without falling apart or turning cancerous.
That sort of composed chromosomal excess, said Dr. Markus Grompe, who studies the phenomenon at Oregon Health and Science University, is “superunique,” and most likely helps account for the liver’s regenerative prowess.
Scientists hope that the new insights into liver development and performance will yield novel therapies for the more than 100 disorders that afflict the organ, many of which are on the rise worldwide, in concert with soaring rates of obesity and diabetes.
“It’s a funny thing,” said Valerie Gouon-Evans, a liver specialist at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine. “The liver is not a very sexy organ. It doesn’t look important. It just looks like a big blob.
“But it is quietly vital, the control tower of the body,” and the hepatocytes that it is composed of “are astonishing.”
The liver is our largest internal organ, weighing three and a half-pounds and measuring six inches long. The reddish-brown mass of four unevenly sized lobes sprawls like a beached sea lion across the upper right side of the abdominal cavity, beneath the diaphragm and atop the stomach.
The organ is always flush with blood, holding about 13 percent of the body’s supply at any given time. Many of the liver’s unusual features are linked to its intimate association with blood.
During fetal development, blood cells are born in the liver, and though that task later migrates to the bone marrow, the liver never loses its taste for the bodywide biochemical gossip that only the circulatory system can bring.
Most organs have a single source of blood. The liver alone has two blood supplies, the hepatic artery conveying oxygen-rich blood from the heart, the hepatic portal vein dropping off blood drained from the intestines and spleen. That portal blood delivers semi-processed foodstuffs in need of hepatic massaging, conversion, detoxification, storage, secretion, elimination.
“Everything you put in your mouth must go through the liver before it does anything useful elsewhere in the body,” Dr. Lok said.
The liver likes its bloodlines leaky. In contrast to the well-sealed vessels that prevent direct contact between blood and most tissues of the body, the arteries and veins that snake through the liver are stippled with holes, which means they drizzle blood right onto the hepatocytes.
The liver cells in turn are covered with microvilli--fingerlike protrusions that “massively enlarge” the cell surface area in contact with blood, said Dr. Markus Heim, a liver researcher at the University of Basel.
“Hepatocytes are swimming in blood,” he said. “That’s what makes them so incredibly efficient at taking up substances from the blood.”
As the master sampler of circulating blood, the liver keeps track of the body’s moment-to-moment energy demands, releasing glucose as needed from its stash of stored glycogen, along with any vitamins, minerals, lipids, amino acids or other micronutrients that might be required.
New research suggests the liver may take a proactive, as well as a reactive, role in the control of appetite and food choice.
Humans are famously fond of sweets, for example, presumably a legacy of our fruit-eating primate ancestors. But to gorge on sugar-rich foods, even in the relatively healthy format of a bucketful of Rainier cherries, could mean neglecting other worthy menu items.
Reporting in the journal Cell Metabolism, Matthew Gillum of the University of Copenhagen and his colleagues showed that after exposure to a high-sugar drink, the liver seeks to dampen further sugar indulgence by releasing a signaling hormone called fibroblast growth factor 21, or FGF21.
The effort is not always successful. For reasons that remain unclear, the hormone comes in active and feeble varieties, and the researchers found that people with a mutant version of FGF21 confessed to a lifelong passion for sweets.
The scientists are searching for other liver-borne hormones that might influence the hunger for protein or fat.
“It makes sense that the liver could be a nexus of metabolic control,” Dr. Gillum said. “At some level it knows more than the brain does about energy availability, and whether you’re eating too many pears.”
The liver also keeps track of time. In a recent issue of the journal Cell, Ulrich Schibler of the University of Geneva and his colleagues described their studies of the oscillating liver, and how it swells and shrinks each day, depending on an animal’s normal circadian rhythms and feeding schedule.
The researchers found that in mice, which normally eat at night and sleep during the day, the size of the liver expands by nearly half after dark and then retrenches come daylight. The scientists also determined the cause of the changing dimensions.
“The total gemish, the total soup of the liver turns out to be different,” he said. Protein production in mouse hepatocytes rises sharply at night, followed by equivalent protein destruction during the day.
Evidence suggests that a similar extravaganza of protein creation and destruction occurs in the human liver, too, but the timing is flipped to match our largely diurnal pattern.
The researchers do not yet know why the liver oscillates, but Dr. Schibler suggested it’s part of the organ’s fastidious maintenance program.
“The liver gets a lot of bad stuff coming through,” he said. “If you damage some of its components, you need to replace them.” By having a rhythm to that replacement, he said, “you keep the liver in a good state.”
Adding to the liver’s repair protocol, Dr. Grompe of Oregon Health and Science University said, is the extreme plasticity of hepatocytes.
He and others have shown that, through their extraordinary ability to handle multiple sets of chromosomes and still perform and divide normally, liver cells become almost like immune cells--genetically diverse enough to handle nearly any poison thrown at them.
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mmjjbbaannkkss · 5 years ago
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2019 December 9-14 Half-week Notes, Vitamin-B
“Let reality be reality.” - Lao Tzu
Finally started B-complex after waking up too early, made me sleep again. I only took niacin during workouts and with fatty foods, but B-comp is for all food types. It’s a vitamin that vegans might be lacking, research implies in mornings B absorbs better, explaining why an empty stomach mid-workout started flushing niacin into circulation. Pre workout powders and drinks for years, like most ppl, but even then not in high levels, and B-comp has a safer level. 
Niacin opens capillaries, causing itching as some even burst, causing heat and metabolism also, but even before my new health-focused life, there were intense moments, hiking or fighting, work or play, leaving mature muscle with more vascular density, vessel amount, and fewer capillary requirements. So wouldn’t itch/flush as much, and larger still, and BMI higher means no capillaries in the fat, so only flushing around the thin skin. 
B vitamins assist energy for cellular or hormonal purposes. Consult a doctor, I’m no doctor. This is my personal diet, grains and greens, work and whey, meat and mattress, that’s my grind. I’m also assuming soy sauce phytoestrogens break down quicker than meat’s estrogen, allegedly block meat-estrogen in the process, and supplies in theory a ‘pre-digested’ protein/amino source. The lower sodium version is literally called “liquid aminos,” and with B my energy is good. 
Don’t eat fiber b4 a workout, it needs water just to digest, and then sits waterlogged until it does, protein bars are high fiber. B might, metabolize sugar faster than you can use it in a session, turning fuel into adipose fat. Implying, meat might make donuts MORE dangerous -- and yet gamer fuel has B plus SUGAR, 30 grams of sugar is heavy like a donut. 
Stomach digests junk food with natural enzymes, not vitamins/minerals, fats and meats burn slower overnight, waking less hungry, unhealthy fat in the blood has to be removed thru filter organs or used as energy, B-something helps with fat-to-energy and is naturally occurring in meats, match that-B to the meat with the highest level, and it calculates artificially leaner, and you might be energized by morning. Or, eat less and less-of unhealthy fats so your blood is purer. 
Superhero blood, not bacon-wrapped donut blood. B is NEVER an alternative to real food, but in a zombie apocalypse, the soy sauce aisle will be empty and you can watch the landscape. 
Do if you do. Don't if you don't.
Week 1 (mixed: heavy-slow, lite-slow) Gauge weight/ability, practice strong reps, try resting between each rep if too heavy. 
2019 Dec 09 Monday
Truck engine won’t fire-up, if only spark plugs, cabling, is a minor issue aside from costs, keeping me from the gym today. The little truck, aka the pickup, battery dead, prolly bad rear brakes, maybe bad transmission. Will likely be w/o gym whole week. 
Already carbed up for workout tho, so to balance, am going to eat eggs and one tortilla, with liquid aminos. Using the breakfast carbs as biotic thermo-catalyst-conducive energy to metabolize the protein (into aminos), and later take a B-supp to improve fat catabolic ‘uptake’ to clean the blood for tomorrow, whichever should happen. And tea/whey. 
Not feeling inspired to do a calisthenic chest day in the bedroom, tomorrow will do taiji, defs walk probz to the bank, talk to the neighborhood mechanic about estimates, and start saving up some poor people money. It’s like regular money, it just hasn’t sprouted yet. 
Likely, the home workout program will develop, replace the laziness, nbd; and should start posting my / ‘the poor people diet’ b/c a clean body and strong mind can do anything. If the inmates can have Instagram broadcasts on burner phones, I can add a menu. 
Moving XVIII-1 to next week, might take a stroll. #Feels If both trucks are fucked, so am I, and mom’s lavish diet will consist of anything I can buy at neighborhood general store and drive-share. // Might anotate something on the walk. Anchor? 
2019 Dec 10 Tuesday
Breakfast, salsa black beans and rice, lunch, ½ tea/whey, dinner, 6 eggs w liq aminos on wheat-ish tortilla, meal4 ½ tea/whey and niacin 500, meal 5?
Lazy day, rearranged room, have a desk at the window, conceptual free top space, put strange files into portfolio, shoes into tiny shoe armoir (bedstand?), and have all shelves emptied, then have a change-of-clothes bag, which should really be in the car. Truck blogs say sparkplug changes are circling $200, which is doable. Weird time to be between gigs holidays w/o backstory. Do the job, check with mgmt, do more, go home, do wtfe. Be early, leave when told. Have 2x20lb plastic sand jugs, maybe some shrugs/rows. 
Not overly heavy weight, quality reps, flex, arms perpendicular to ground (elbows back), pre-fatigue (warm-ups for each exercise), underhand (supine) triceps pulldown prevents leaning when working on triceps,  https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a30170272/the-rock-biceps-triceps-workout/ 
5x5 program, do the exercises, add weight per week if you could do lift last week’s, every six weeks deload, https://www.boxrox.com/how-to-build-muscle-and-strength-the-5-x-5-program-gain/
8 core exercises for abs/obliques, L-sit, frong-crunch, bycycle crunch, running man situp (alt hand oppo leg), rev crunch pulse (lock legs, push heels up), russian twist (it was the borscht), plank, t-cross situp (lay out, v up, left hand right foot) https://www.boxrox.com/8-sit-up-abs-exercises-to-build-a-6-pack-and-strong-obliques-cf/
I want to do cable punches more. 
2 dudes vs the FBI fitness test, 20 pullups @ pace, 30 pushups or more @ pace, 38 situps (1min), 300m sprint (41sec=Ace), 1.5 mile run (9min=Ace) https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a30183134/fbi-fitness-test-bodybuilders-buff-dudes/
2019 Dec 11 Wednesday
Give yourself permission to not be a perfectionist, if it doesn't go well that's okay. Don’t be busy, be productive. Tow truck towed truck, without me, witf. 
2019 Dec 12 Thursday
Truck will be ready today/tomorrow. Battery jumper arrived. Might gym, might not. Will have another carb-up next, and if no gym, whey for the night. Body replaces cells. Everybody goes thru it, and rebuilds. Muscles break down, and then we repair. If you’re not losing your mind, crazy, everyone once in a while, then nothing is changing. This could be comfort. We all have insecurities, we need to be honest about them so that we can better ourselves. It’s time to stretch-out, warm-up, work-on. 
Truck is fixed, let’s go to the gym. 
#4xviii Lite Push tot/lb x ct heavyweight/slow/r3*8(1s/r)
Treadmill 10 >> Shldr Press 507090 >> Cable lat-rear raise 5,5,1010 >> Chest press 8090110130150 >> Pec deck 8s*709090110110 >> Incl smith 100*3 >> Arnld press 3*r8/25 3035404550 >> Cable x-over 15202530 >> Supine tric pldwn 202030 >> Tric pldwn 304050 >> Pullover/down 304050 >> Triceps press 30507090/110130150170190/210/230(240lbs) >> /Abs/Treadmill /
Need more lateral delt practice; posture bad, need stretching; much hurt, very pain, a lot good.
#5xviii Slow/lite Pull  /lbs
Treadmill warmup 11 >> High Row 3x6r /25303550658095 >> Lat Pulldown 3x 6 /45607590 >> 15 of those >> Chin Up neutral 3x 6 /666- >> Smith shrug 3*6/100100100100 >> Low Row 3x 8 /25303550658095100 >> Pec Deck 3x 8 /100*3 forearms >> EZ Curl 3x 10 /supine 20*4 >> ½ Prchr 3x 10 /15*3,30*3 >> ½ hammer 3x 10 /152025 >> Rev-row 4x 10 /40506070- >> ½ lat? 40,55,70 >> Treadmill cooldown /null
Left elbow lat pulldown not far back enough in single sided, need to do all ½; outer lower pecs still sore from yesterday’s tricep press, sit in a chair, push the arms down, sorta like dips; /rest/ lats were tight, from laying around in a bad posture, and hadn’t used foam roller, but doing the ½ pulls brought the back triangle farther down, trained weak spot, made waking up better, laying on concrete should straighten posture, with some stretching, and might improve hunch while opening obliques. 
#6xviii Lite Legs  3x8r/lbs
Treadmill 10 >> Side Bends 3*8r/35*3 >> Body Squat 20,40,60(smith) >> ½ Horiz Press (½ rep) me+10*3 >> Horiz Leg Press 103050 >> L/R Leg Ext 10*3~ >> L/R Leg Curl 30*3~ >> Heel Raise 305070- >> Leg Curl LR 888 >> Push Crunch 405060 >> Lift Crunch /null >> Treadmill cooldown /stairs high knee 15 >> Treadmill cooldown 
Workout; regards of leg extension, could use volume/reps, but partly not lifting hard, not to hurt, but am not pissing myself off, eventually unrealized mad goals where volume sets no adversity, is distance training do; don't skip leg day for a month; indirect object is absurd; front lats little raw; 
I mine is patience. 
0 notes
brian-cdates · 6 years ago
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The Ultimate Supplement Guide: How Not to Waste Your Money
This supplement guide will provide reasons why you should take supplements regularly.
Go-To Supplement List
What are the best supplements to take? 
It’s a common question I am asked by clients, looking to maximize their health. 
Many people have no idea about what the best supplements are to take, so they simply consult Doctor Google for suggestions to “cure” a cold, allergies or constipation—only to find hundreds of different recommendations for products they should try. 
They order it. Take it, and…sometimes it works. Often times it doesn’t or they have no clue if it’s really making a difference at all. 
Be warned: NOT all supplements are created equal. 
If you’ve ever wondered if you’re wasting your money or not, look no further. In this article on the best supplements to take, we will review:
What Makes a Supplement “Bad” or Good in the First Place
The Worst Supplements (NOT to Take)
The Best Healing & Maintenance Supplements 
Bad vs. Good Supplements: The Supplement Guide
NOT ALL SUPPLEMENTS ARE CREATED EQUAL
The supplement industry is overwhelmingly filled with hundreds of thousands of products that are unregulated by the FDA. 
Americans spend more than $30 billion on supplements every year—from products on Amazon to diet shakes and bars and fitness enhancements—looking to enhance their health, see “fast results” or perhaps out-supplement the pizza and cocktails they’d prefer to eat instead. 
While some of these formulas are legit, a vast majority are NOT, and you may very well be pooping out those vitamins you spent $50 bucks on Amazon, or wondering if your supplements are actually working. 
Additionally, many vitamins and other supplements simply degrade and lose effectiveness when exposed to excessive heat, light, oxygen in the air, or humidity during shipping and processing alone. 
So should you even take supplements at all?!  Stick with me. 
There are definitely some legit formulas out there, BUT for starters, here’s what you should know about what NOT to take….
MOST SUPPLEMENTS DON’T WORK
Fish Oil Goes Rancid
The vast majority of fish oil supplements on shelves don’t contain the health benefits they claim (Wang et al, 2016) —as many of the formulas go “rancid” in high heat conditions. 
Vitamin D Marketing is Hype
That Vitamin D you’re taking may actually be toxic to your health. Especially if you actually aren’t deficient in the vitamin at all. Many people take the supplement for years after an initial diagnosis of “low Vitamin D”—only to later find out they are “overloaded” with it or their body didn’t actually need it in the first place (they were actually deficient in Parathyroid Hormone—not Vitamin D (Abrams et al, 2005). 
You Pee Out Your Multi-Vitamins
Multi-vitamins may make you FEEL “healthier” because you’re taking a pill with “everything” in it—but many of the nutrients are useless. For instance, Folic Acid in multi-vitamins is the non-absorbable version of Folate (Powers, 2007), and is toxic to your body (Troen et al, 2006). And calcium may  be doing your body more harm than good as it is related to increased risk for “calcification” of your arteries and blood vessels (Lutsey & Michos, 2013). As for the claims that you need a multi-vitamin to “prevent” disease? Bunk. A study (Neuhouser et al, 2009) of 160,000 women taking a multi-vitamin found that “multivitamins failed to prevent cancer, heart disease, and all causes of death for all women. Whether the women were healthy eaters or ate very few fruits and vegetables, the results were the same.”
Iron Supplements Are Dangerous
Low in iron? Your doc may tell you to take an iron supplement, however if you are actually low in Vitamin B or Vitamin A, you may actually NOT be deficient in iron, even if it shows up on your blood work (Allen, 2002) & (Bhardwaj et al, 2015). In addition, if you have digestive issues and low stomach acid, you’re more at risk for ALL nutrient deficiencies. Fix the gut health and you may see iron levels and other labels normalize. Taking iron supplements if unnecessary can send your iron levels overboard.
Most Probiotics Contain Probiotics You Don’t Need
Most supplemental probiotics contain lactic acid bacteria—strains of bacteria most human microbiomes are sufficient in (sometimes even “overgrown” with)—and we don’t need. In addition, lactic acid bacterial formulas have a greater risk of being destroyed during processing and as a result, by the time they get to the capsule or bottle, there’s barely any—if anything—left to house your gut.
A review of 7 studies with more than 1300 citations showed that the use of these popular lactic acid strains made no significant difference on the composition of fecal (poop) bacteria health (Kristensen et al, 2016). Another study showed that 15 out of 16 probiotics on shelves did not contain the probiotics they claimed on the label. (Lewis et al, 2016).
Many products make claims regarding the number of organisms in the product, but these typically refer to the numbers at the time of manufacture, which can be very different from the amount still viable at the time of purchase. Exposure to heat, moisture and oxygen can all negatively affect survival of probiotics. (Kolacek et al, 2017).
Your Protein Powder Doesn’t Really Have Protein
Your favorite protein powder may not actually have any of the protein the label claims at all. Many commercial products on shelves are stocked with additives, filler proteins and chemicals your body doesn’t recognize as “food” and that cause ill side effects—like “leaky gut,” bloating, and constipation. 
…Just to name a few studies.
THE WORST SUPPLEMENTS TO AVOID
Beyond the studies, revealing the downsides of some supplements, it’s also vital to recognize that even with “necessary” vitamins and minerals (such as Vitamin C if you catch a cold or digestive enzymes to ease digestion), NOT all formulas are the same. 
Avoid these 3 things:
Waxy, Shiny Capsules Some companies coat supplements with shellac, wax, and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, to keep the moisture out so the pills have a longer shelf life. While this may be good for preservation, it is not good for you. These coatings can decrease the solubility of a multivitamin tablet or capsule, reducing its ability to readily disintegrate.
Sugar If your supplement has sugar, corn syrup solids, artificial sweeteners or high-fructose corn syrup…run. Far away. Sugar + vitamins is not the medicine you need.
Fillers & Additives Similar to the sugar conundrum, many supplements contain binders and fillers to make the ingredients stick together. The result? Poor disintegration rates for tablets (pills) and capsules in your gut and digestive irritation. 
SUPPLEMENT GUIDE: WHAT SHOULD I TAKE?!
In an ideal world, we’d be able to get all of our nutrients from the foods we eat. 
Unfortunately, this isn’t the case.  Only 1 in 10 Americans eat the recommended number of veggies (3) and fruits (2) every day. 
Not to mention the fact, that even if you do eat your fruits and veggies, many of them are laden with pesticides and chemicals that are not best for our bodies. In addition, our meat and protein sources run a wide gamut. Sustainable proteins are best—reaching for pastured, organic, grass-fed and wild-caught sources as much as possible.
The solution? 
Supplements can help fill the gaps from any nutrient deficiencies we may encounter, as well as help support our overall health as “healing agents” during times of body imbalance. 
Which ones should you take?
There are 2 types of supplements I “prescribe” for clients looking for the right formulas:
Healing Supplements 
Maintenance Supplements
The goal? NOT to remain on TONS of supplements forever. 
Healing Supplements=Short Term Use “Healing” Supplements as short-term solutions for helping bridge the gap to better health, such as taking Oregano Oil when you catch a cold, or Anti-Microbial Herbs to get rid of unhealthy gut bacteria.Maintenance Supplements=Boost Nutrients in Foods
As for Maintenance supplement guide, I recommend a few staple baselines, like a Probiotic and Pre-biotic, just like I recommend drinking water and eating lots of veggies, proteins and healthy fats, to maximize your digestion and the nutrients you get from the foods you eat. 
4 ESSENTIAL PRINCIPLES FOR SUPPLEMENTING
How to know which ones to use and when?This is your ultimate supplement guide!
Use these 4 essential guiding principles to help you rule out what to take and not take. 
Consume nutrients from real, whole foods as much as possible.
Focus on maximizing digestion and gut health. If your gut is unhealthy or “leaky” then you’re not going to absorb your nutrients or vitamins in the first place. (If anything, these are the supplements where I invest my money).
Take nutrients that you are deficient in in their naturally occurring form (as opposed to in shakes, multi-vitamins or fortified foods)
Be picky with what you take. (The cheaper deal is not always the better deal for your body, and instead of asking Doctor Google what to take, consider working with a practitioner to get a custom supplement plan https://drlauryn.com/work-with-me/ built for your body if you’re interested in hacking your health)
ESSENTIAL SUPPLEMENT GUIDE WHEN SHOPPING 
So, now the big question: Which specific supplements are a waste and which ones are must? Use this as your supplement guide.
Here’s a hit list of some of my top go-tos:
HEALING SUPPLEMENTS
Beneficial supplements and herbs for times of imbalance. (i.e. these are not “all the time”) 
Probiotics & Prebiotics
Supplements:
Best probiotics for constipation:
Soil-based organisms (Prescript- Assist, Primal Probiotics, Garden of Life Primal Defense Ultra, ProBiome Rx Leaky Gut)
Transient commensals, like MegaSporeBiotic
E. coli Nissle (Mutaflor)
Lactobacillus plantarum (Jarrow)
Bifidobacteria infantis Align  
Best probiotics for diarrhea/loose stools
Soil-based organisms Soil-based organisms (Prescript- Assist, 
Primal Probiotics,
Transient commensals, like MegaSporeBiotic
Saccharomyces boulardii (Jarrow, Floramyces Designs for Health)
VSL#3
Elixa
Prebiotics 
Sunfiber
Allergies
Cod Liver Oil
Rosita Cod Liver Oil 
 Essential Oils Forget the Vix Vapor Rub, reach for one of these these essential aromatherapy oils instead. Add 4-5 drops of your oil of choice to a diffuser http://amzn.to/2Ebf2wC, and turn it up:
Lemon
Peppermint 
Basil
Eucalyptaus 
Lavender
Allergy Combo: Make a mix with peppermint, eucalyptus and lavender oil. 
Garlic 
GarliActive
Herbal Antihistamine
Histoplex by Biotics Research (Suppressed immunity)
Histoplex AB version (Airborne Allergies)
L-Glutamine
Enteromend by Thorne Research
Liposomal Curcumin
Empirical Labs Liposomal Curcumin  
Oregano Oil
Essential Oil  
or 
Emulsified Oregano Oil Capsules
ADP  
Candibactin-AR  
True Tonic
dChiKitchens  
Spirulina
Now Foods
Quercetin
Quercetin Phytozyme Thorne Research
Zinc
Zinc 30 by Pure Encapsulations
Blood Sugar Balance
Berberine
Thorne Research Berberine
Cod Liver Oil  
Gymnema
Pure Encapsulations  
Fenugreeek
Thorne Research  
Gluco-Supreme (Designs for Health) 
(USE PRACTITIONER CODE: LAURYNLAX at checkout) Balance blood sugar to balance cortisol, and consequently hormones if you have blood sugar imbalances as well.
Magnesium 
Metabolic Synergy (Designs for Health)
(USE PRACTITIONER CODE: LAURYNLAX at checkout) Balance blood sugar to balance cortisol, and consequently hormones if you have blood sugar imbalances as well. 
Prebiotics
Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum  
Probiotics
Soil based organisms, like Primal Probiotics
Vitamin D (test your levels before taking)
Designs for Health, D Supreme
Cold/Flu
Oregano Oil 
An essential oil that is considered to be antibacterial, antiparasitic, antiseptic, antiviral and immune stimulating. Like the fresh herb, Buy as an essential oil and dilute 1 drop with 1 drop coconut oil or extra virgin olive oil and take under the tongue.  To get the full benefits of oregano oil, use a dosage of 50-100 mg oregano oil 4x per day.
Castor Oil
The “windex” of all things wellness, castor oil has the ability to “speed up” healing by increasing white blood cells and the count of T-11 cells (a type of special white blood cells that act like antibodies) produced within the body’s lymphocytes that help kill viruses, fungi, bacteria and cancer cells. Rub the oil http://amzn.to/2zQ8mAk  on pulse and sinus points, and the back of the neck.
Turmeric
A natural anti-inflammatory agent for calming the inflammatory response in the body. Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, is anti-viral and anti-fungal. Use a Liposomal  Curcumin http://amzn.to/2DBZAYG for a supplement formula, or add turmeric spice to recipes, like Turmeric Tea https://autoimmunewellness.com/anti-inflammatory-turmeric-tea/,
Vitamin C
Absorbic acid, of Vitamin C, has long been touted as an “immune booster.” Add a little more to the diet through citrus, strawberries and spinach during illness, and short term supplementation via 1000 mg of Liposomal Vitamin C (Empirical Labs http://amzn.to/2CfDqzm, Seeking Health http://amzn.to/2BZSlK5). Liposomal formulas are more absorbable. 
Elderberry
An essential oil and food linked to decreased cold and flu duration due to antibacterial and anti-infectious qualities. Use organic dried black elderberries (1 http://amzn.to/2CpYDU5, 2 http://amzn.to/2DB8Axo) to consume whole, or make a homemade syrup.
Cortisol & Hormone Imbalances (“Adrenal Fatigue” to PMS)
Women’s Power House: EstroFactors
Women’s support formula for balancing estrogen and progesterone. 
Balance Cortisol: Gaia Adrenal Support http://amzn.to/2DEAdWJOR HPA Balance (Vital Plan): https://vitalplan.com/shop/hpa-balance?utm_medium=aff&utm_source=link-connector&utm_campaign=products&utm_content=hpa-balance Minimize cortisol to support healthy hormones. 
Gluco-Supreme (Designs for Health) http://catalog.designsforhealth.com/GlucoSupreme-Herbal-120-capsules
(USE PRACTITIONER CODE: LAURYNLAX at checkout) Balance blood sugar to balance cortisol, and consequently hormones if you have blood sugar imbalances as well.
Metabolic Synergy (Designs for Health)– http://catalog.designsforhealth.com/Metabolic-Synergy-180
(USE PRACTITIONER CODE: LAURYNLAX at checkout) Balance blood sugar to balance cortisol, and consequently hormones if you have blood sugar imbalances as well. 
Kavinace (Neuroscience) Calms stress and high cortisol signals to the brain and hormones during that time of the month and beyond. https://www.pureformulas.com/kavinace-60-capsules-by-neuroscience.html 
Phosphatidylserine PS http://catalog.designsforhealth.com/Phosphatidyl-Serine-60 (Use code LAURYNLAX) to checkout. 
Vital Adapt. http://amzn.to/2EdPJtD For “low” cortisol and fatigue symptoms. Contains eleuthero, rhodiola, schisandra, ashwagandha, cordyceps, reishi, ginseng, and licorice.
Dysbiosis/Fungal Overgrowth
Activated Charcoal
Integrative Therapeutics https://amzn.to/2JgfZWt
Anti-Biofilm Enzymes
Interfase Plus https://amzn.to/2q9qhyO
Botantical Herbs (Anti-microbials)
Candida AR https://llax.metagenics.com/candibactin-ar
Candida BR https://llax.metagenics.com/candibactin-BR
OR
GI Synergy (Apex) * Must order through a practitioner
OR
Dysbiocide (Biotics)  https://amzn.to/2IvTHig
FC Cidal (Biotics) https://amzn.to/2q8ulPY
Digestive Enzymes
DigesteZymes Digestezyme https://amzn.to/2Ek56zs
Digest 
Carbo G
Emulsified Oregano Oil
ADP by Biotics: http://amzn.to/2F3q9qU 
HCL
Metagest by Metagenics
https://llax.metagenics.com/spectrazyme-metagest-formerly-metagest  https://llax.metagenics.com/spectrazyme-metagest-formerly-metagest 
Monolaurin
Lauracidin https://amzn.to/2GY5g4S 
Ox Bile
Beta Plus by Biotics (1 with each meal) http://amzn.to/2nf35Nc
Prebiotics
Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum https://amzn.to/2E9mXck  
Probiotics
Primal Probiotics http://amzn.to/2kulPrG 
GENERAL BLOATING & CONSTIPATION
Bloating
Atrantil. http://amzn.to/2DBhMlP Distills methane gas production.
Allicin (Garlic). GarliActive by Pure Encapsulations. https://www.purecapspro.com/drlauryn/pe/products/product_details.asp?ProductsID=893 
Digestive Enzymes. Digest by Transformation Enzymes. http://amzn.to/2DT6nRW 
Carbo-G (if you are sensitive to carbohydrates) https://www.amazon.com/Transformation-Enzyme-Carbo-G-90-caps/dp/B00A1RF44Y  
Beta TCP http://amzn.to/2DEBUDt  (if you are sensitive to eating fats—even healthy ones).
Essential Oils Peppermint, Fennel, & Chamomile.
Hydrochloric Acid or Apple Cider Vinegar. Metagest by Metagenics. https://llax.metagenics.com/spectrazyme-metagest-formerly-metagest 
Ginger. A natural de-bloating effect. 
Ginger Pro by Thorne Research http://amzn.to/2Fk4sCK or Ginger Extract  https://www.purecapspro.com/drlauryn/pe/products/product_details.asp?ProductsID=1179 
Liposomal Curcumin
Empirical Labs Liposomal Curcumin http://amzn.to/2GjnpXp 
Prebiotics
Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum https://amzn.to/2E9mXck  
Probiotics
Soil based, like Primal Probiotics http://amzn.to/2kulPrG 
Constipation
Aloe Latex Capsules. A natural laxative effect. Cape Aloe http://amzn.to/2DBWOmJ
Dandelion & Licorice Root Smooth Move tea. http://amzn.to/2DDTEPB Dandelion tea http://amzn.to/2GjvsDE 
Bitter Herbs: 
AFNG (Byron White) http://www.byronwhiteformulas.com/tag/afng/
Digest (Standard Process) https://www.standardprocess.com/Products/MediHerb/DiGest-Phytosynergist#.WsZO9WaZPwc 
Iberogast http://amzn.to/2DzQ88H
Natural Calm. Magnesium Citrate plus Calcium relaxes digestive muscles. http://amzn.to/2DEwXdX
GI Renew (Designs for Health). A blend or herbals to support elimination. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FH11M4?ie=UTF8
Magnesium 
Ozonated Magnesium (NOW) https://amzn.to/2GAgMnz 
Magnesium Glycinate (Pure Encapsulations) https://www.purecapspro.com/drlauryn/pe/products/product_details.asp?ProductsID=951 
Magnesium Citrate (Natural Calm) https://amzn.to/2JoBSTs 
Peppermint
IB Guard https://amzn.to/2q8N9yF 
Prebiotics (see complete list at beginning)
Especially Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum https://amzn.to/2E9mXck  
Probiotics
Best probiotics for constipation:
Soil-based organisms (Prescript- Assist https://amzn.to/2uQmSur, Primal Probiotics https://amzn.to/2EnobjX, Garden of Life Primal Defense Ultra https://amzn.to/2q5v0BM, ProBiome Rx 
Leaky Gut https://amzn.to/2EmNnao)
Transient commensals, like MegaSporeBiotic https://microbiomelabs.com/products/megasporebiotic/
E. coli Nissle ( Mutaflor https://feelgoodnatural.com/shop/digestion/mutaflor-sale-60-caps-30-days-supply/?c=e6574c964bd7)
Lactobacillus plantarum (Jarrow https://amzn.to/2GxXjno)
Bifidobacteria infantis Align https://amzn.to/2JnhSB0
Prokinetic: MotilPro by Pure Encapsulations. https://www.purecapspro.com/drlauryn/pe/products/product_details.asp?ProductsID=1255 
Vitamin-Electrolyte Blends Ageless Hydro-C https://www.gutsense.org/store/hydro-c-colonic-moisturizer.html 
GERD
HCL Tablets (Metagest)
Metagest https://llax.metagenics.com/spectrazyme-metagest-formerly-metagest 
GI Revive
Designs for Health http://catalog.designsforhealth.com/GI-Revive-Powder (use code DRLAURYNLAX to check out)
Gastro Mend
Designs for Health http://catalog.designsforhealth.com/GastroMend-HP-60
(use code DRLAURYNLAX to check out)
Prebiotics
Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum
Soil Based Probiotics Primal Probioticshttp://amzn.to/2kulPrG
IBS-C (Constipation)
Antimicrobial Herbal Supplements. Biotics: FC Cidal https://amzn.to/2Iz6CjC + Dysbiocide, https://amzn.to/2q94V5E 
Apex: GI Synergy, 
Metagenics: Candida BR https://llax.metagenics.com/candibactin-br + Candida AR https://llax.metagenics.com/candibactin-ar
Bitter Herbs: 
AFNG (Byron White) http://www.byronwhiteformulas.com/tag/afng/
Digest (Standard Process) https://www.standardprocess.com/Products/MediHerb/DiGest-Phytosynergist#.WsZO9WaZPwc 
Iberogast http://amzn.to/2DzQ88H
Natural Calm. Magnesium Citrate plus Calcium relaxes digestive muscles. http://amzn.to/2DEwXdX
GI Renew (Designs for Health). A blend or herbals to support elimination. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FH11M4?ie=UTF8
Magnesium 
Ozonated Magnesium (NOW) https://amzn.to/2GAgMnz 
Magnesium Glycinate (Pure Encapsulations) https://www.purecapspro.com/drlauryn/pe/products/product_details.asp?ProductsID=951 
Magnesium Citrate (Natural Calm) https://amzn.to/2JoBSTs 
Ox Bile. Liver support. Beta Plus https://amzn.to/2JrUNNl. or Bilemin https://amzn.to/2H1OrG8 
Peppermint
IB Guard https://amzn.to/2q8N9yF 
Prebiotic’s
Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum https://amzn.to/2E9mXck 
Probiotics
Best probiotics for constipation:
Soil-based organisms (Prescript- Assist https://amzn.to/2uQmSur, Primal Probiotics https://amzn.to/2EnobjX, Garden of Life Primal Defense Ultra https://amzn.to/2q5v0BM, ProBiome Rx 
Leaky Gut https://amzn.to/2EmNnao)
Transient commensals, like MegaSporeBiotic https://microbiomelabs.com/products/megasporebiotic/
E. coli Nissle ( Mutaflor https://feelgoodnatural.com/shop/digestion/mutaflor-sale-60-caps-30-days-supply/?c=e6574c964bd7)
Lactobacillus plantarum (Jarrow https://amzn.to/2GxXjno)
Bifidobacteria infantis Align https://amzn.to/2JnhSB0
Prokinetic: MotilPro by Pure Encapsulations. https://www.purecapspro.com/drlauryn/pe/products/product_details.asp?ProductsID=1255 
Vitamin-Electrolyte Blends Ageless Hydro-C https://www.gutsense.org/store/hydro-c-colonic-moisturizer.html
For bloating symptoms: Atrantil http://amzn.to/2D750Lz  (2 capsules with meals, diminishes bloating as well)
IBS-Diarrhea 
Antimicrobial Herbal Supplements. Biotics: FC Cidal https://amzn.to/2Iz6CjC + Dysbiocide, https://amzn.to/2q94V5E 
Apex: GI Synergy, 
Metagenics: Candida BR https://llax.metagenics.com/candibactin-br + Candida AR https://llax.metagenics.com/candibactin-ar
AND/OR 
Atrantil. http://amzn.to/2D750Lz 
Bitter Herbs: 
AFNG (Byron White) http://www.byronwhiteformulas.com/tag/afng/
Digest (Standard Process) https://www.standardprocess.com/Products/MediHerb/DiGest-Phytosynergist#.WsZO9WaZPwc 
Iberogast http://amzn.to/2DzQ88H
Butyrate Supplement https://amzn.to/2qaHvwS
GAPS or Elemental diet (specifically for Crohn’s)
Ginger & Ginger Tea.
Peppermint
IB Guard https://amzn.to/2q8N9yF
Prebiotics 
Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum https://amzn.to/2E9mXck 
Probiotics (soil-based)
Best probiotics for diarrhea/loose stools
Soil-based organisms Soil-based organisms (Prescript- Assist https://amzn.to/2uQmSur, 
Primal Probiotics https://amzn.to/2EnobjX,
Transient commensals, like MegaSporeBiotic https://microbiomelabs.com/products/megasporebiotic/
Saccharomyces boulardii (Jarrow https://amzn.to/2JnQ8Mk, Floramyces Designs for Health https://amzn.to/2GEV7Xv)
VSL#3 https://amzn.to/2GAu6s7
Elixa https://amzn.to/2EmTJ9M
IBD (Irritable Bowel Disease)
Active Flare
AIP Diet, GAPS Diet, or Low FODMAP Diet
Antimicrobial Herbs Candida AR https://llax.metagenics.com/candibactin-ar
Candida BR https://llax.metagenics.com/candibactin-BR
OR
GI Synergy (Apex) * Must order through a practitioner
OR
Dysbiocide (Biotics)  https://amzn.to/2IvTHig
FC Cidal (Biotics) https://amzn.to/2q8ulPY
Butyrate 3-4 g. like Body Bio https://amzn.to/2HckdO9 
FMT Fecal Microbiota Transplant
Probiotics (soil based) & Prebiotics
VSL#3 https://amzn.to/2GAu6s7 Elixa https://amzn.to/2EmTJ9M MegaSporeBiotic https://microbiomelabs.com/products/megasporebiotic/ Soil Based: Prescript Assist https://amzn.to/2uQmSur or Primal Probiotics http://amzn.to/2kulPrG Mutaflor https://feelgoodnatural.com/shop/digestion/mutaflor-sale-60-caps-30-days-supply/?c=e6574c964bd7
Prebiotics  Sunfiber https://amzn.to/2E9mXck 
Remission/Maintenance 
AIP Diet, GAPS Diet, or Low FODMAP Diet
Curcumin
BCM-95 (Xymogen) https://amzn.to/2uNMd8i 
liposomal https://amzn.to/2HdWKfR 
Theracurmin (Integrative Therapeutics https://amzn.to/2GEWZTO) 
Colostrum
Tegricel form best; 1.5 g/d (Designs for Health, use code DRLAURYNLAX at checkout) http://catalog.designsforhealth.com/Tegricel-Colostrum-60 
Glutathione
Liposomal form best; 2 tsp per day (Empirical Labs) https://amzn.to/2uOGAqz 
Probiotics (soil based) & Prebiotics
VSL#3 https://amzn.to/2GAu6s7 Elixa https://amzn.to/2EmTJ9M MegaSporeBiotic https://microbiomelabs.com/products/megasporebiotic/ Soil Based: Prescript Assist https://amzn.to/2uQmSur or Primal Probiotics http://amzn.to/2kulPrG Mutaflor https://feelgoodnatural.com/shop/digestion/mutaflor-sale-60-caps-30-days-supply/?c=e6574c964bd7
Prebiotics  Sunfiber https://amzn.to/2E9mXck 
Vitamin D (if low)
Aim for serum level of 40-60 ng/mL
Vitamin D (if low)
Aim for serum level of 40-60 ng/mL
Rosita Cod Liver Oil https://www.corganic.com/products/evclo#592254c4b8e65
Vitamin D (Vitamin D-Supreme by Designs for Health http://catalog.designsforhealth.com/Vitamin-D-Supreme, use code DRLAURYNLAX at checkout)
Leaky Gut
Apple Cider Vinegar. Consume 1 tbsp. in 2-4 oz. of water with meals.
Butyrate Supplementation.  Try: 1 dose Sodium-Potassium Butyrate (not Cal-Mag) http://amzn.to/2HLbku6.
Colostrum. Try: ProSerum whey by Well Wisdom http://amzn.to/2IB3BAb . 1 Serving Daily.
Glutamine. Try: Enteromend by Thorne http://amzn.to/2G89pTm . 1-3 servings daily.
Probiotics & Prebiotics. These two are staples in any gut-loving plan.Best probiotics for constipation: Soil-based organisms (Prescript- Assist https://amzn.to/2uQmSur, Primal Probiotics https://amzn.to/2EnobjX, Garden of Life Primal Defense Ultra https://amzn.to/2q5v0BM, ProBiome Rx  Leaky Gut https://amzn.to/2EmNnao)Transient commensals, like MegaSporeBiotic https://microbiomelabs.com/products/megasporebiotic/E. coli Nissle ( Mutaflor https://feelgoodnatural.com/shop/digestion/mutaflor-sale-60-caps-30-days-supply/?c=e6574c964bd7)Lactobacillus plantarum (Jarrow https://amzn.to/2GxXjno)Bifidobacteria infantis Align https://amzn.to/2JnhSB0 
Best probiotics for diarrhea/loose stools
Soil-based organisms Soil-based organisms (Prescript- Assist https://amzn.to/2uQmSur, 
Primal Probiotics https://amzn.to/2EnobjX,
Transient commensals, like MegaSporeBiotic https://microbiomelabs.com/products/megasporebiotic/
Saccharomyces boulardii (Jarrow https://amzn.to/2JnQ8Mk, Floramyces Designs for Health https://amzn.to/2GEV7Xv)
VSL#3 https://amzn.to/2GAu6s7
Elixa https://amzn.to/2EmTJ9M
Prebiotics  Sunfiber https://amzn.to/2E9mXck
Vitamins A & D.  Try: Cod liver oil—more absorbable than the synthetic formulas of Vitamin A and Vitamin D supplements. I like Rosita Cod Liver Oil https://www.corganic.com/products/evclo#592254c4b8e65 capsules.
Zinc. Try Biotics Aqueous Zinc http://amzn.to/2HN8lBF for 7 days, then switch to a capsule form like this one by Pure Encapsulations https://www.purecapspro.com/drlauryn/pe/products/product_details.asp?ProductsID=1003
Liver & Gallbladder Health
Liver/Gallbladder Support: Beta TCP (Pancreatic Enzymes) http://amzn.to/2DEBUDt  or Beta Plus (Ox Bile) http://amzn.to/2DGzjZG (if you’ve had gallbladder removed). Helps create bile (waste)
Ginger. Cleansing for the liver. Ginger Pro by Thorne Research http://amzn.to/2Fk4sCK or Ginger Extract  https://www.purecapspro.com/drlauryn/pe/products/product_details.asp?ProductsID=1179
Livotrit (Biotics Research) http://amzn.to/2Ee7fhH Contains a blend of liver cleansing herbs: Andrographis, Berberis Aristata, Boehavia, Eclipta, Indian Barberry, Indian Tinospora, Milk Thistle, Picrorhiza, Saccharum Officinarum, Sugarcane, Tinospora Cordifolia.
Muscle Strain/Injury Healing
Turmeric Blend. http://amzn.to/2DEvqEC Anti-inflammatory fighter.
Probiotics. http://amzn.to/2kulPrG Max absorption of nutrients you consume. 
Collagen Protein  http://amzn.to/2DCZBMK & Gelatin http://amzn.to/2DCjCmr
Cod Liver Oil Healthy fatty acids to boost metabolism and regulate blood sugar https://www.corganic.com/collections/supplements/products/evclo-capsules or Vital Choice Fish Oil http://amzn.to/2DTBVHn 
Mood Health 
Vitamin B12: 800 mcg–5 mg/day
DHA: Essential fatty acids boost brain health Vital Choice Fish Oil http://amzn.to/2DTBVHn
HPA Balance (Vital Plan): https://vitalplan.com/shop/hpa-balance?utm_medium=aff&utm_source=link-connector&utm_campaign=products&utm_content=hpa-balance Balance cortisol to support healthy hormones. 
SIBO
Antimicrobial Herbs
Biotics: FC Cidal https://amzn.to/2Iz6CjC + Dysbiocide, https://amzn.to/2q94V5E 
Apex: GI Synergy, 
Metagenics: Candida BR https://llax.metagenics.com/candibactin-br + Candida AR https://llax.metagenics.com/candibactin-ar
Anti-Biofilm
Interfase Plus –https://amzn.to/2q75Ljp
Atrantil: 
Atrantil http://amzn.to/2D750Lz 
Beta TCP or Beta Plus (if no gallbladder)
Beta TCP- http://amzn.to/2DEBUDt 
Beta Plus https://amzn.to/2uOFMSI 
Cod Liver Oil
Rosita Cod Liver Oil https://www.corganic.com/products/evclo#592254c4b8e65
Digestive Bitters
Bitter Herbs: 
AFNG (Byron White) http://www.byronwhiteformulas.com/tag/afng/
Digest (Standard Process) https://www.standardprocess.com/Products/MediHerb/DiGest-Phytosynergist#.WsZO9WaZPwc 
Iberogast http://amzn.to/2DzQ88H
Digestive Enzymes
Digestezymes  http://catalog.designsforhealth.com/Digestzymes-180 (use code DRLAURYNLAX to checkout)
Digest https://amzn.to/2HelVii 
Carbo G https://amzn.to/2IAMopD
HCL
Metagest https://llax.metagenics.com/spectrazyme-metagest-formerly-metagest
Monolaurin
Lauracidin https://amzn.to/2uRjFLh 
Peppermint Oil IB Guard https://amzn.to/2qaLQAa
Prokinetic. Motilpro https://www.purecapspro.com/drlauryn/pe/products/product_details.asp?ProductsID=1255
Soil Based Probiotic
MegaSporeBiotic https://microbiomelabs.com/products/megasporebiotic/ Soil Based: Prescript Assist https://amzn.to/2uQmSur or Primal Probiotics http://amzn.to/2kulPrG
Zinc: https://www.purecapspro.com/drlauryn/pe/products/product_details.asp?ProductsID=1003
Sleep Better
Sleep Remedy.  A combo of Magnesium, Vitamin D and a proprietary sleep blend to stimulate the brain to relax. http://www.docparsley.com/shop/ (don’t take melatonin or magnesium in addition to this)
Melatonin. http://amzn.to/2DDFjme Promotes bette sleep.
HPA Balance. Balances stress levels. https://vitalplan.com/shop/hpa-balance?utm_medium=aff&utm_source=link-connector&utm_campaign=products&utm_content=hpa-balance  
Natural Calm. Magnesium Citrate plus Calcium relaxes body http://amzn.to/2DEwXdX
Acetyl-CH (Apex Energetics) http://amzn.to/2FlkA7c A calamine neuro-transmitter for imbalanced hormones, like cortisol, that influences mood and sleep.
Skin Health
Biotin http://amzn.to/2BwrDaw
Fresh renewed skin is yours. 
Collagen Protein
Vital Proteins https://amzn.to/2q9AZpQ 
Equip https://amzn.to/2JlD9eh
OSsoGoodBones https://www.ossogoodbones.com (use code THRIVE for 10% off)
Niacin (B3) http://amzn.to/2Ef1X5v
Prevents skin dryness and rashes.
HCL https://llax.metagenics.com/spectrazyme-metagest-formerly-metagest 
Vitamin A
Cod Liver Oil 
Healthy fatty acids to boost metabolism and regulate blood sugar https://www.corganic.com/collections/supplements/products/evclo-capsules
Vitamin C
Hydration for the skin. Use short-term supplementation via 1000 mg of Liposomal Vitamin C (Empirical Labs http://amzn.to/2CfDqzm, 
Seeking Health http://amzn.to/2BZSlK5). Liposomal formulas are more absorbable.
Hydro-C https://www.gutsense.org/store/hydro-c-colonic-moisturizer.html 
Vitamin K2. http://amzn.to/2BxuO1H Beneficial for preventing wrinkling and premature aging.
Vitamin E http://amzn.to/2DPEkT5 
Skin healing from scars, breakouts and scabs. 
Silica http://amzn.to/2DQzbKF 
Skin hydration and tautness. 
Zinc Wards off acne flares. http://amzn.to/2nflryT 
MAINTENANCE SUPPLEMENTS
Soil Based Probiotic Quality probiotics that are similar to the probiotics of our ancestors’ microbiome “back in the day”—once found rich in our soil, fruits and veggies. 
Primal Probiotics http://amzn.to/2kulPrG
Garden of Life Primal Defense Ultra http://amzn.to/2DQzkxH
Megaspore Biotics https://microbiomelabs.com/products/megasporebiotic/ 
Prebiotic Necessary to absorb and “digest” your probiotics. 
Sunfiber: http://amzn.to/2Aea3vQ 
Hydrochloric Acid or Apple Cider Vinegar. Metagest by Metagenics. https://llax.metagenics.com/spectrazyme-metagest-formerly-metagest Boost stomach acid. 
Digestive Enzymes Helps break down foods you eat.
Digestezymes- http://catalog.designsforhealth.com/Digestzymes-180
(Use code LAURYNLAX to be able to order)
Cod Liver Oil https://www.corganic.com/collections/supplements/products/evclo-capsules. 
Anti-inflammatory, essential fatty acids, absorbable Vitamin A & D, non-rancid formula. The result? Eased digestion, better brain power and energy.
The post The Ultimate Supplement Guide: How Not to Waste Your Money appeared first on Meet Dr. Lauryn.
Source/Repost=> https://drlauryn.com/wellness-knowledge/ultimate-supplement-guide/ ** Dr. Lauryn Lax __Nutrition. Therapy. Functional Medicine ** https://drlauryn.com/ The Ultimate Supplement Guide: How Not to Waste Your Money via http://drlaurynlax.tumblr.com/
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clarencebfaber · 6 years ago
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The Ultimate Supplement Guide: How Not to Waste Your Money
This supplement guide will provide reasons why you should take supplements regularly.
Go-To Supplement List
What are the best supplements to take? 
It’s a common question I am asked by clients, looking to maximize their health. 
Many people have no idea about what the best supplements are to take, so they simply consult Doctor Google for suggestions to “cure” a cold, allergies or constipation—only to find hundreds of different recommendations for products they should try. 
They order it. Take it, and…sometimes it works. Often times it doesn’t or they have no clue if it’s really making a difference at all. 
Be warned: NOT all supplements are created equal. 
If you’ve ever wondered if you’re wasting your money or not, look no further. In this article on the best supplements to take, we will review:
What Makes a Supplement “Bad” or Good in the First Place
The Worst Supplements (NOT to Take)
The Best Healing & Maintenance Supplements 
Bad vs. Good Supplements: The Supplement Guide
NOT ALL SUPPLEMENTS ARE CREATED EQUAL
The supplement industry is overwhelmingly filled with hundreds of thousands of products that are unregulated by the FDA. 
Americans spend more than $30 billion on supplements every year—from products on Amazon to diet shakes and bars and fitness enhancements—looking to enhance their health, see “fast results” or perhaps out-supplement the pizza and cocktails they’d prefer to eat instead. 
While some of these formulas are legit, a vast majority are NOT, and you may very well be pooping out those vitamins you spent $50 bucks on Amazon, or wondering if your supplements are actually working. 
Additionally, many vitamins and other supplements simply degrade and lose effectiveness when exposed to excessive heat, light, oxygen in the air, or humidity during shipping and processing alone. 
So should you even take supplements at all?!  Stick with me. 
There are definitely some legit formulas out there, BUT for starters, here’s what you should know about what NOT to take….
MOST SUPPLEMENTS DON’T WORK
Fish Oil Goes Rancid
The vast majority of fish oil supplements on shelves don’t contain the health benefits they claim (Wang et al, 2016) —as many of the formulas go “rancid” in high heat conditions. 
Vitamin D Marketing is Hype
That Vitamin D you’re taking may actually be toxic to your health. Especially if you actually aren’t deficient in the vitamin at all. Many people take the supplement for years after an initial diagnosis of “low Vitamin D”—only to later find out they are “overloaded” with it or their body didn’t actually need it in the first place (they were actually deficient in Parathyroid Hormone—not Vitamin D (Abrams et al, 2005). 
You Pee Out Your Multi-Vitamins
Multi-vitamins may make you FEEL “healthier” because you’re taking a pill with “everything” in it—but many of the nutrients are useless. For instance, Folic Acid in multi-vitamins is the non-absorbable version of Folate (Powers, 2007), and is toxic to your body (Troen et al, 2006). And calcium may  be doing your body more harm than good as it is related to increased risk for “calcification” of your arteries and blood vessels (Lutsey & Michos, 2013). As for the claims that you need a multi-vitamin to “prevent” disease? Bunk. A study (Neuhouser et al, 2009) of 160,000 women taking a multi-vitamin found that “multivitamins failed to prevent cancer, heart disease, and all causes of death for all women. Whether the women were healthy eaters or ate very few fruits and vegetables, the results were the same.”
Iron Supplements Are Dangerous
Low in iron? Your doc may tell you to take an iron supplement, however if you are actually low in Vitamin B or Vitamin A, you may actually NOT be deficient in iron, even if it shows up on your blood work (Allen, 2002) & (Bhardwaj et al, 2015). In addition, if you have digestive issues and low stomach acid, you’re more at risk for ALL nutrient deficiencies. Fix the gut health and you may see iron levels and other labels normalize. Taking iron supplements if unnecessary can send your iron levels overboard.
Most Probiotics Contain Probiotics You Don’t Need
Most supplemental probiotics contain lactic acid bacteria—strains of bacteria most human microbiomes are sufficient in (sometimes even “overgrown” with)—and we don’t need. In addition, lactic acid bacterial formulas have a greater risk of being destroyed during processing and as a result, by the time they get to the capsule or bottle, there’s barely any—if anything—left to house your gut.
A review of 7 studies with more than 1300 citations showed that the use of these popular lactic acid strains made no significant difference on the composition of fecal (poop) bacteria health (Kristensen et al, 2016). Another study showed that 15 out of 16 probiotics on shelves did not contain the probiotics they claimed on the label. (Lewis et al, 2016).
Many products make claims regarding the number of organisms in the product, but these typically refer to the numbers at the time of manufacture, which can be very different from the amount still viable at the time of purchase. Exposure to heat, moisture and oxygen can all negatively affect survival of probiotics. (Kolacek et al, 2017).
Your Protein Powder Doesn’t Really Have Protein
Your favorite protein powder may not actually have any of the protein the label claims at all. Many commercial products on shelves are stocked with additives, filler proteins and chemicals your body doesn’t recognize as “food” and that cause ill side effects—like “leaky gut,” bloating, and constipation. 
…Just to name a few studies.
THE WORST SUPPLEMENTS TO AVOID
Beyond the studies, revealing the downsides of some supplements, it’s also vital to recognize that even with “necessary” vitamins and minerals (such as Vitamin C if you catch a cold or digestive enzymes to ease digestion), NOT all formulas are the same. 
Avoid these 3 things:
Waxy, Shiny Capsules Some companies coat supplements with shellac, wax, and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, to keep the moisture out so the pills have a longer shelf life. While this may be good for preservation, it is not good for you. These coatings can decrease the solubility of a multivitamin tablet or capsule, reducing its ability to readily disintegrate.
Sugar If your supplement has sugar, corn syrup solids, artificial sweeteners or high-fructose corn syrup…run. Far away. Sugar + vitamins is not the medicine you need.
Fillers & Additives Similar to the sugar conundrum, many supplements contain binders and fillers to make the ingredients stick together. The result? Poor disintegration rates for tablets (pills) and capsules in your gut and digestive irritation. 
SUPPLEMENT GUIDE: WHAT SHOULD I TAKE?!
In an ideal world, we’d be able to get all of our nutrients from the foods we eat. 
Unfortunately, this isn’t the case.  Only 1 in 10 Americans eat the recommended number of veggies (3) and fruits (2) every day. 
Not to mention the fact, that even if you do eat your fruits and veggies, many of them are laden with pesticides and chemicals that are not best for our bodies. In addition, our meat and protein sources run a wide gamut. Sustainable proteins are best—reaching for pastured, organic, grass-fed and wild-caught sources as much as possible.
The solution? 
Supplements can help fill the gaps from any nutrient deficiencies we may encounter, as well as help support our overall health as “healing agents” during times of body imbalance. 
Which ones should you take?
There are 2 types of supplements I “prescribe” for clients looking for the right formulas:
Healing Supplements 
Maintenance Supplements
The goal? NOT to remain on TONS of supplements forever. 
Healing Supplements=Short Term Use “Healing” Supplements as short-term solutions for helping bridge the gap to better health, such as taking Oregano Oil when you catch a cold, or Anti-Microbial Herbs to get rid of unhealthy gut bacteria.Maintenance Supplements=Boost Nutrients in Foods
As for Maintenance supplement guide, I recommend a few staple baselines, like a Probiotic and Pre-biotic, just like I recommend drinking water and eating lots of veggies, proteins and healthy fats, to maximize your digestion and the nutrients you get from the foods you eat. 
4 ESSENTIAL PRINCIPLES FOR SUPPLEMENTING
How to know which ones to use and when?This is your ultimate supplement guide!
Use these 4 essential guiding principles to help you rule out what to take and not take. 
Consume nutrients from real, whole foods as much as possible.
Focus on maximizing digestion and gut health. If your gut is unhealthy or “leaky” then you’re not going to absorb your nutrients or vitamins in the first place. (If anything, these are the supplements where I invest my money).
Take nutrients that you are deficient in in their naturally occurring form (as opposed to in shakes, multi-vitamins or fortified foods)
Be picky with what you take. (The cheaper deal is not always the better deal for your body, and instead of asking Doctor Google what to take, consider working with a practitioner to get a custom supplement plan https://drlauryn.com/work-with-me/ built for your body if you’re interested in hacking your health)
ESSENTIAL SUPPLEMENT GUIDE WHEN SHOPPING 
So, now the big question: Which specific supplements are a waste and which ones are must? Use this as your supplement guide.
Here’s a hit list of some of my top go-tos:
HEALING SUPPLEMENTS
Beneficial supplements and herbs for times of imbalance. (i.e. these are not “all the time”) 
Probiotics & Prebiotics
Supplements:
Best probiotics for constipation:
Soil-based organisms (Prescript- Assist, Primal Probiotics, Garden of Life Primal Defense Ultra, ProBiome Rx Leaky Gut)
Transient commensals, like MegaSporeBiotic
E. coli Nissle (Mutaflor)
Lactobacillus plantarum (Jarrow)
Bifidobacteria infantis Align  
Best probiotics for diarrhea/loose stools
Soil-based organisms Soil-based organisms (Prescript- Assist, 
Primal Probiotics,
Transient commensals, like MegaSporeBiotic
Saccharomyces boulardii (Jarrow, Floramyces Designs for Health)
VSL#3
Elixa
Prebiotics 
Sunfiber
Allergies
Cod Liver Oil
Rosita Cod Liver Oil 
 Essential Oils Forget the Vix Vapor Rub, reach for one of these these essential aromatherapy oils instead. Add 4-5 drops of your oil of choice to a diffuser http://amzn.to/2Ebf2wC, and turn it up:
Lemon
Peppermint 
Basil
Eucalyptaus 
Lavender
Allergy Combo: Make a mix with peppermint, eucalyptus and lavender oil. 
Garlic 
GarliActive
Herbal Antihistamine
Histoplex by Biotics Research (Suppressed immunity)
Histoplex AB version (Airborne Allergies)
L-Glutamine
Enteromend by Thorne Research
Liposomal Curcumin
Empirical Labs Liposomal Curcumin  
Oregano Oil
Essential Oil  
or 
Emulsified Oregano Oil Capsules
ADP  
Candibactin-AR  
True Tonic
dChiKitchens  
Spirulina
Now Foods
Quercetin
Quercetin Phytozyme Thorne Research
Zinc
Zinc 30 by Pure Encapsulations
Blood Sugar Balance
Berberine
Thorne Research Berberine
Cod Liver Oil  
Gymnema
Pure Encapsulations  
Fenugreeek
Thorne Research  
Gluco-Supreme (Designs for Health) 
(USE PRACTITIONER CODE: LAURYNLAX at checkout) Balance blood sugar to balance cortisol, and consequently hormones if you have blood sugar imbalances as well.
Magnesium 
Metabolic Synergy (Designs for Health)
(USE PRACTITIONER CODE: LAURYNLAX at checkout) Balance blood sugar to balance cortisol, and consequently hormones if you have blood sugar imbalances as well. 
Prebiotics
Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum  
Probiotics
Soil based organisms, like Primal Probiotics
Vitamin D (test your levels before taking)
Designs for Health, D Supreme
Cold/Flu
Oregano Oil 
An essential oil that is considered to be antibacterial, antiparasitic, antiseptic, antiviral and immune stimulating. Like the fresh herb, Buy as an essential oil and dilute 1 drop with 1 drop coconut oil or extra virgin olive oil and take under the tongue.  To get the full benefits of oregano oil, use a dosage of 50-100 mg oregano oil 4x per day.
Castor Oil
The “windex” of all things wellness, castor oil has the ability to “speed up” healing by increasing white blood cells and the count of T-11 cells (a type of special white blood cells that act like antibodies) produced within the body’s lymphocytes that help kill viruses, fungi, bacteria and cancer cells. Rub the oil http://amzn.to/2zQ8mAk  on pulse and sinus points, and the back of the neck.
Turmeric
A natural anti-inflammatory agent for calming the inflammatory response in the body. Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, is anti-viral and anti-fungal. Use a Liposomal  Curcumin http://amzn.to/2DBZAYG for a supplement formula, or add turmeric spice to recipes, like Turmeric Tea https://autoimmunewellness.com/anti-inflammatory-turmeric-tea/,
Vitamin C
Absorbic acid, of Vitamin C, has long been touted as an “immune booster.” Add a little more to the diet through citrus, strawberries and spinach during illness, and short term supplementation via 1000 mg of Liposomal Vitamin C (Empirical Labs http://amzn.to/2CfDqzm, Seeking Health http://amzn.to/2BZSlK5). Liposomal formulas are more absorbable. 
Elderberry
An essential oil and food linked to decreased cold and flu duration due to antibacterial and anti-infectious qualities. Use organic dried black elderberries (1 http://amzn.to/2CpYDU5, 2 http://amzn.to/2DB8Axo) to consume whole, or make a homemade syrup.
Cortisol & Hormone Imbalances (“Adrenal Fatigue” to PMS)
Women’s Power House: EstroFactors
Women’s support formula for balancing estrogen and progesterone. 
Balance Cortisol: Gaia Adrenal Support http://amzn.to/2DEAdWJOR HPA Balance (Vital Plan): https://vitalplan.com/shop/hpa-balance?utm_medium=aff&utm_source=link-connector&utm_campaign=products&utm_content=hpa-balance Minimize cortisol to support healthy hormones. 
Gluco-Supreme (Designs for Health) http://catalog.designsforhealth.com/GlucoSupreme-Herbal-120-capsules
(USE PRACTITIONER CODE: LAURYNLAX at checkout) Balance blood sugar to balance cortisol, and consequently hormones if you have blood sugar imbalances as well.
Metabolic Synergy (Designs for Health)– http://catalog.designsforhealth.com/Metabolic-Synergy-180
(USE PRACTITIONER CODE: LAURYNLAX at checkout) Balance blood sugar to balance cortisol, and consequently hormones if you have blood sugar imbalances as well. 
Kavinace (Neuroscience) Calms stress and high cortisol signals to the brain and hormones during that time of the month and beyond. https://www.pureformulas.com/kavinace-60-capsules-by-neuroscience.html 
Phosphatidylserine PS http://catalog.designsforhealth.com/Phosphatidyl-Serine-60 (Use code LAURYNLAX) to checkout. 
Vital Adapt. http://amzn.to/2EdPJtD For “low” cortisol and fatigue symptoms. Contains eleuthero, rhodiola, schisandra, ashwagandha, cordyceps, reishi, ginseng, and licorice.
Dysbiosis/Fungal Overgrowth
Activated Charcoal
Integrative Therapeutics https://amzn.to/2JgfZWt
Anti-Biofilm Enzymes
Interfase Plus https://amzn.to/2q9qhyO
Botantical Herbs (Anti-microbials)
Candida AR https://llax.metagenics.com/candibactin-ar
Candida BR https://llax.metagenics.com/candibactin-BR
OR
GI Synergy (Apex) * Must order through a practitioner
OR
Dysbiocide (Biotics)  https://amzn.to/2IvTHig
FC Cidal (Biotics) https://amzn.to/2q8ulPY
Digestive Enzymes
DigesteZymes Digestezyme https://amzn.to/2Ek56zs
Digest 
Carbo G
Emulsified Oregano Oil
ADP by Biotics: http://amzn.to/2F3q9qU 
HCL
Metagest by Metagenics
https://llax.metagenics.com/spectrazyme-metagest-formerly-metagest  https://llax.metagenics.com/spectrazyme-metagest-formerly-metagest 
Monolaurin
Lauracidin https://amzn.to/2GY5g4S 
Ox Bile
Beta Plus by Biotics (1 with each meal) http://amzn.to/2nf35Nc
Prebiotics
Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum https://amzn.to/2E9mXck  
Probiotics
Primal Probiotics http://amzn.to/2kulPrG 
GENERAL BLOATING & CONSTIPATION
Bloating
Atrantil. http://amzn.to/2DBhMlP Distills methane gas production.
Allicin (Garlic). GarliActive by Pure Encapsulations. https://www.purecapspro.com/drlauryn/pe/products/product_details.asp?ProductsID=893 
Digestive Enzymes. Digest by Transformation Enzymes. http://amzn.to/2DT6nRW 
Carbo-G (if you are sensitive to carbohydrates) https://www.amazon.com/Transformation-Enzyme-Carbo-G-90-caps/dp/B00A1RF44Y  
Beta TCP http://amzn.to/2DEBUDt  (if you are sensitive to eating fats—even healthy ones).
Essential Oils Peppermint, Fennel, & Chamomile.
Hydrochloric Acid or Apple Cider Vinegar. Metagest by Metagenics. https://llax.metagenics.com/spectrazyme-metagest-formerly-metagest 
Ginger. A natural de-bloating effect. 
Ginger Pro by Thorne Research http://amzn.to/2Fk4sCK or Ginger Extract  https://www.purecapspro.com/drlauryn/pe/products/product_details.asp?ProductsID=1179 
Liposomal Curcumin
Empirical Labs Liposomal Curcumin http://amzn.to/2GjnpXp 
Prebiotics
Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum https://amzn.to/2E9mXck  
Probiotics
Soil based, like Primal Probiotics http://amzn.to/2kulPrG 
Constipation
Aloe Latex Capsules. A natural laxative effect. Cape Aloe http://amzn.to/2DBWOmJ
Dandelion & Licorice Root Smooth Move tea. http://amzn.to/2DDTEPB Dandelion tea http://amzn.to/2GjvsDE 
 Bitter Herbs: 
AFNG (Byron White) http://www.byronwhiteformulas.com/tag/afng/
Digest (Standard Process) https://www.standardprocess.com/Products/MediHerb/DiGest-Phytosynergist#.WsZO9WaZPwc 
Iberogast http://amzn.to/2DzQ88H
Natural Calm. Magnesium Citrate plus Calcium relaxes digestive muscles. http://amzn.to/2DEwXdX
GI Renew (Designs for Health). A blend or herbals to support elimination. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FH11M4?ie=UTF8
Magnesium 
Ozonated Magnesium (NOW) https://amzn.to/2GAgMnz 
Magnesium Glycinate (Pure Encapsulations) https://www.purecapspro.com/drlauryn/pe/products/product_details.asp?ProductsID=951 
Magnesium Citrate (Natural Calm) https://amzn.to/2JoBSTs 
Peppermint
IB Guard https://amzn.to/2q8N9yF 
Prebiotics (see complete list at beginning)
Especially Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum https://amzn.to/2E9mXck  
Probiotics
Best probiotics for constipation:
Soil-based organisms (Prescript- Assist https://amzn.to/2uQmSur, Primal Probiotics https://amzn.to/2EnobjX, Garden of Life Primal Defense Ultra https://amzn.to/2q5v0BM, ProBiome Rx 
Leaky Gut https://amzn.to/2EmNnao)
Transient commensals, like MegaSporeBiotic https://microbiomelabs.com/products/megasporebiotic/
E. coli Nissle ( Mutaflor https://feelgoodnatural.com/shop/digestion/mutaflor-sale-60-caps-30-days-supply/?c=e6574c964bd7)
Lactobacillus plantarum (Jarrow https://amzn.to/2GxXjno)
Bifidobacteria infantis Align https://amzn.to/2JnhSB0
Prokinetic: MotilPro by Pure Encapsulations. https://www.purecapspro.com/drlauryn/pe/products/product_details.asp?ProductsID=1255 
Vitamin-Electrolyte Blends Ageless Hydro-C https://www.gutsense.org/store/hydro-c-colonic-moisturizer.html 
GERD
HCL Tablets (Metagest)
Metagest https://llax.metagenics.com/spectrazyme-metagest-formerly-metagest 
GI Revive
Designs for Health http://catalog.designsforhealth.com/GI-Revive-Powder (use code DRLAURYNLAX to check out)
Gastro Mend
Designs for Health http://catalog.designsforhealth.com/GastroMend-HP-60
(use code DRLAURYNLAX to check out)
Prebiotics
Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum
Soil Based Probiotics Primal Probioticshttp://amzn.to/2kulPrG
IBS-C (Constipation)
Antimicrobial Herbal Supplements. Biotics: FC Cidal https://amzn.to/2Iz6CjC + Dysbiocide, https://amzn.to/2q94V5E 
Apex: GI Synergy, 
Metagenics: Candida BR https://llax.metagenics.com/candibactin-br + Candida AR https://llax.metagenics.com/candibactin-ar
Bitter Herbs: 
AFNG (Byron White) http://www.byronwhiteformulas.com/tag/afng/
Digest (Standard Process) https://www.standardprocess.com/Products/MediHerb/DiGest-Phytosynergist#.WsZO9WaZPwc 
Iberogast http://amzn.to/2DzQ88H
Natural Calm. Magnesium Citrate plus Calcium relaxes digestive muscles. http://amzn.to/2DEwXdX
GI Renew (Designs for Health). A blend or herbals to support elimination. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FH11M4?ie=UTF8
Magnesium 
Ozonated Magnesium (NOW) https://amzn.to/2GAgMnz 
Magnesium Glycinate (Pure Encapsulations) https://www.purecapspro.com/drlauryn/pe/products/product_details.asp?ProductsID=951 
Magnesium Citrate (Natural Calm) https://amzn.to/2JoBSTs 
Ox Bile. Liver support. Beta Plus https://amzn.to/2JrUNNl. or Bilemin https://amzn.to/2H1OrG8 
Peppermint
IB Guard https://amzn.to/2q8N9yF 
Prebiotic’s
Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum https://amzn.to/2E9mXck 
Probiotics
Best probiotics for constipation:
Soil-based organisms (Prescript- Assist https://amzn.to/2uQmSur, Primal Probiotics https://amzn.to/2EnobjX, Garden of Life Primal Defense Ultra https://amzn.to/2q5v0BM, ProBiome Rx 
Leaky Gut https://amzn.to/2EmNnao)
Transient commensals, like MegaSporeBiotic https://microbiomelabs.com/products/megasporebiotic/
E. coli Nissle ( Mutaflor https://feelgoodnatural.com/shop/digestion/mutaflor-sale-60-caps-30-days-supply/?c=e6574c964bd7)
Lactobacillus plantarum (Jarrow https://amzn.to/2GxXjno)
Bifidobacteria infantis Align https://amzn.to/2JnhSB0
Prokinetic: MotilPro by Pure Encapsulations. https://www.purecapspro.com/drlauryn/pe/products/product_details.asp?ProductsID=1255 
Vitamin-Electrolyte Blends Ageless Hydro-C https://www.gutsense.org/store/hydro-c-colonic-moisturizer.html
For bloating symptoms: Atrantil http://amzn.to/2D750Lz  (2 capsules with meals, diminishes bloating as well)
IBS-Diarrhea 
Antimicrobial Herbal Supplements. Biotics: FC Cidal https://amzn.to/2Iz6CjC + Dysbiocide, https://amzn.to/2q94V5E 
Apex: GI Synergy, 
Metagenics: Candida BR https://llax.metagenics.com/candibactin-br + Candida AR https://llax.metagenics.com/candibactin-ar
AND/OR 
Atrantil. http://amzn.to/2D750Lz 
Bitter Herbs: 
AFNG (Byron White) http://www.byronwhiteformulas.com/tag/afng/
Digest (Standard Process) https://www.standardprocess.com/Products/MediHerb/DiGest-Phytosynergist#.WsZO9WaZPwc 
Iberogast http://amzn.to/2DzQ88H
Butyrate Supplement https://amzn.to/2qaHvwS
GAPS or Elemental diet (specifically for Crohn’s)
Ginger & Ginger Tea.
Peppermint
IB Guard https://amzn.to/2q8N9yF
Prebiotics 
Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum https://amzn.to/2E9mXck 
Probiotics (soil-based)
Best probiotics for diarrhea/loose stools
Soil-based organisms Soil-based organisms (Prescript- Assist https://amzn.to/2uQmSur, 
Primal Probiotics https://amzn.to/2EnobjX,
Transient commensals, like MegaSporeBiotic https://microbiomelabs.com/products/megasporebiotic/
Saccharomyces boulardii (Jarrow https://amzn.to/2JnQ8Mk, Floramyces Designs for Health https://amzn.to/2GEV7Xv)
VSL#3 https://amzn.to/2GAu6s7
Elixa https://amzn.to/2EmTJ9M
IBD (Irritable Bowel Disease)
Active Flare
AIP Diet, GAPS Diet, or Low FODMAP Diet
Antimicrobial Herbs Candida AR https://llax.metagenics.com/candibactin-ar
Candida BR https://llax.metagenics.com/candibactin-BR
OR
GI Synergy (Apex) * Must order through a practitioner
OR
Dysbiocide (Biotics)  https://amzn.to/2IvTHig
FC Cidal (Biotics) https://amzn.to/2q8ulPY
Butyrate 3-4 g. like Body Bio https://amzn.to/2HckdO9 
FMT Fecal Microbiota Transplant
Probiotics (soil based) & Prebiotics
VSL#3 https://amzn.to/2GAu6s7 Elixa https://amzn.to/2EmTJ9M MegaSporeBiotic https://microbiomelabs.com/products/megasporebiotic/ Soil Based: Prescript Assist https://amzn.to/2uQmSur or Primal Probiotics http://amzn.to/2kulPrG Mutaflor https://feelgoodnatural.com/shop/digestion/mutaflor-sale-60-caps-30-days-supply/?c=e6574c964bd7
Prebiotics  Sunfiber https://amzn.to/2E9mXck 
Remission/Maintenance 
AIP Diet, GAPS Diet, or Low FODMAP Diet
Curcumin
BCM-95 (Xymogen) https://amzn.to/2uNMd8i 
liposomal https://amzn.to/2HdWKfR 
Theracurmin (Integrative Therapeutics https://amzn.to/2GEWZTO) 
Colostrum
Tegricel form best; 1.5 g/d (Designs for Health, use code DRLAURYNLAX at checkout) http://catalog.designsforhealth.com/Tegricel-Colostrum-60 
Glutathione
Liposomal form best; 2 tsp per day (Empirical Labs) https://amzn.to/2uOGAqz 
Probiotics (soil based) & Prebiotics
VSL#3 https://amzn.to/2GAu6s7 Elixa https://amzn.to/2EmTJ9M MegaSporeBiotic https://microbiomelabs.com/products/megasporebiotic/ Soil Based: Prescript Assist https://amzn.to/2uQmSur or Primal Probiotics http://amzn.to/2kulPrG Mutaflor https://feelgoodnatural.com/shop/digestion/mutaflor-sale-60-caps-30-days-supply/?c=e6574c964bd7
Prebiotics  Sunfiber https://amzn.to/2E9mXck 
Vitamin D (if low)
Aim for serum level of 40-60 ng/mL
Vitamin D (if low)
Aim for serum level of 40-60 ng/mL
Rosita Cod Liver Oil https://www.corganic.com/products/evclo#592254c4b8e65
Vitamin D (Vitamin D-Supreme by Designs for Health http://catalog.designsforhealth.com/Vitamin-D-Supreme, use code DRLAURYNLAX at checkout)
Leaky Gut
Apple Cider Vinegar. Consume 1 tbsp. in 2-4 oz. of water with meals.
Butyrate Supplementation.  Try: 1 dose Sodium-Potassium Butyrate (not Cal-Mag) http://amzn.to/2HLbku6.
Colostrum. Try: ProSerum whey by Well Wisdom http://amzn.to/2IB3BAb . 1 Serving Daily.
Glutamine. Try: Enteromend by Thorne http://amzn.to/2G89pTm . 1-3 servings daily.
Probiotics & Prebiotics. These two are staples in any gut-loving plan.Best probiotics for constipation: Soil-based organisms (Prescript- Assist https://amzn.to/2uQmSur, Primal Probiotics https://amzn.to/2EnobjX, Garden of Life Primal Defense Ultra https://amzn.to/2q5v0BM, ProBiome Rx  Leaky Gut https://amzn.to/2EmNnao)Transient commensals, like MegaSporeBiotic https://microbiomelabs.com/products/megasporebiotic/E. coli Nissle ( Mutaflor https://feelgoodnatural.com/shop/digestion/mutaflor-sale-60-caps-30-days-supply/?c=e6574c964bd7)Lactobacillus plantarum (Jarrow https://amzn.to/2GxXjno)Bifidobacteria infantis Align https://amzn.to/2JnhSB0 
Best probiotics for diarrhea/loose stools
Soil-based organisms Soil-based organisms (Prescript- Assist https://amzn.to/2uQmSur, 
Primal Probiotics https://amzn.to/2EnobjX,
Transient commensals, like MegaSporeBiotic https://microbiomelabs.com/products/megasporebiotic/
Saccharomyces boulardii (Jarrow https://amzn.to/2JnQ8Mk, Floramyces Designs for Health https://amzn.to/2GEV7Xv)
VSL#3 https://amzn.to/2GAu6s7
Elixa https://amzn.to/2EmTJ9M
Prebiotics  Sunfiber https://amzn.to/2E9mXck
Vitamins A & D.  Try: Cod liver oil—more absorbable than the synthetic formulas of Vitamin A and Vitamin D supplements. I like Rosita Cod Liver Oil https://www.corganic.com/products/evclo#592254c4b8e65 capsules.
Zinc. Try Biotics Aqueous Zinc http://amzn.to/2HN8lBF for 7 days, then switch to a capsule form like this one by Pure Encapsulations https://www.purecapspro.com/drlauryn/pe/products/product_details.asp?ProductsID=1003
Liver & Gallbladder Health
Liver/Gallbladder Support: Beta TCP (Pancreatic Enzymes) http://amzn.to/2DEBUDt  or Beta Plus (Ox Bile) http://amzn.to/2DGzjZG (if you’ve had gallbladder removed). Helps create bile (waste)
Ginger. Cleansing for the liver. Ginger Pro by Thorne Research http://amzn.to/2Fk4sCK or Ginger Extract  https://www.purecapspro.com/drlauryn/pe/products/product_details.asp?ProductsID=1179
Livotrit (Biotics Research) http://amzn.to/2Ee7fhH Contains a blend of liver cleansing herbs: Andrographis, Berberis Aristata, Boehavia, Eclipta, Indian Barberry, Indian Tinospora, Milk Thistle, Picrorhiza, Saccharum Officinarum, Sugarcane, Tinospora Cordifolia.
Muscle Strain/Injury Healing
Turmeric Blend. http://amzn.to/2DEvqEC Anti-inflammatory fighter.
Probiotics. http://amzn.to/2kulPrG Max absorption of nutrients you consume. 
Collagen Protein  http://amzn.to/2DCZBMK & Gelatin http://amzn.to/2DCjCmr
Cod Liver Oil Healthy fatty acids to boost metabolism and regulate blood sugar https://www.corganic.com/collections/supplements/products/evclo-capsules or Vital Choice Fish Oil http://amzn.to/2DTBVHn 
Mood Health 
Vitamin B12: 800 mcg–5 mg/day
DHA: Essential fatty acids boost brain health Vital Choice Fish Oil http://amzn.to/2DTBVHn
HPA Balance (Vital Plan): https://vitalplan.com/shop/hpa-balance?utm_medium=aff&utm_source=link-connector&utm_campaign=products&utm_content=hpa-balance Balance cortisol to support healthy hormones. 
SIBO
Antimicrobial Herbs
Biotics: FC Cidal https://amzn.to/2Iz6CjC + Dysbiocide, https://amzn.to/2q94V5E 
Apex: GI Synergy, 
Metagenics: Candida BR https://llax.metagenics.com/candibactin-br + Candida AR https://llax.metagenics.com/candibactin-ar
Anti-Biofilm
Interfase Plus –https://amzn.to/2q75Ljp
Atrantil: 
Atrantil http://amzn.to/2D750Lz 
Beta TCP or Beta Plus (if no gallbladder)
Beta TCP- http://amzn.to/2DEBUDt 
Beta Plus https://amzn.to/2uOFMSI 
Cod Liver Oil
Rosita Cod Liver Oil https://www.corganic.com/products/evclo#592254c4b8e65
Digestive Bitters
Bitter Herbs: 
AFNG (Byron White) http://www.byronwhiteformulas.com/tag/afng/
Digest (Standard Process) https://www.standardprocess.com/Products/MediHerb/DiGest-Phytosynergist#.WsZO9WaZPwc 
Iberogast http://amzn.to/2DzQ88H
Digestive Enzymes
Digestezymes  http://catalog.designsforhealth.com/Digestzymes-180 (use code DRLAURYNLAX to checkout)
Digest https://amzn.to/2HelVii 
Carbo G https://amzn.to/2IAMopD
HCL
Metagest https://llax.metagenics.com/spectrazyme-metagest-formerly-metagest
Monolaurin
Lauracidin https://amzn.to/2uRjFLh 
Peppermint Oil IB Guard https://amzn.to/2qaLQAa
Prokinetic. Motilpro https://www.purecapspro.com/drlauryn/pe/products/product_details.asp?ProductsID=1255
Soil Based Probiotic
MegaSporeBiotic https://microbiomelabs.com/products/megasporebiotic/ Soil Based: Prescript Assist https://amzn.to/2uQmSur or Primal Probiotics http://amzn.to/2kulPrG
Zinc: https://www.purecapspro.com/drlauryn/pe/products/product_details.asp?ProductsID=1003
Sleep Better
Sleep Remedy.  A combo of Magnesium, Vitamin D and a proprietary sleep blend to stimulate the brain to relax. http://www.docparsley.com/shop/ (don’t take melatonin or magnesium in addition to this)
Melatonin. http://amzn.to/2DDFjme Promotes bette sleep.
HPA Balance. Balances stress levels. https://vitalplan.com/shop/hpa-balance?utm_medium=aff&utm_source=link-connector&utm_campaign=products&utm_content=hpa-balance  
Natural Calm. Magnesium Citrate plus Calcium relaxes body http://amzn.to/2DEwXdX
Acetyl-CH (Apex Energetics) http://amzn.to/2FlkA7c A calamine neuro-transmitter for imbalanced hormones, like cortisol, that influences mood and sleep.
Skin Health
Biotin http://amzn.to/2BwrDaw
Fresh renewed skin is yours. 
Collagen Protein
Vital Proteins https://amzn.to/2q9AZpQ 
Equip https://amzn.to/2JlD9eh
OSsoGoodBones https://www.ossogoodbones.com (use code THRIVE for 10% off)
Niacin (B3) http://amzn.to/2Ef1X5v
Prevents skin dryness and rashes.
HCL https://llax.metagenics.com/spectrazyme-metagest-formerly-metagest 
Vitamin A
Cod Liver Oil 
Healthy fatty acids to boost metabolism and regulate blood sugar https://www.corganic.com/collections/supplements/products/evclo-capsules
Vitamin C
Hydration for the skin. Use short-term supplementation via 1000 mg of Liposomal Vitamin C (Empirical Labs http://amzn.to/2CfDqzm, 
Seeking Health http://amzn.to/2BZSlK5). Liposomal formulas are more absorbable.
Hydro-C https://www.gutsense.org/store/hydro-c-colonic-moisturizer.html 
Vitamin K2. http://amzn.to/2BxuO1H Beneficial for preventing wrinkling and premature aging.
Vitamin E http://amzn.to/2DPEkT5 
Skin healing from scars, breakouts and scabs. 
Silica http://amzn.to/2DQzbKF 
Skin hydration and tautness. 
Zinc Wards off acne flares. http://amzn.to/2nflryT 
MAINTENANCE SUPPLEMENTS
Soil Based Probiotic Quality probiotics that are similar to the probiotics of our ancestors’ microbiome “back in the day”—once found rich in our soil, fruits and veggies. 
Primal Probiotics http://amzn.to/2kulPrG
Garden of Life Primal Defense Ultra http://amzn.to/2DQzkxH
Megaspore Biotics https://microbiomelabs.com/products/megasporebiotic/ 
Prebiotic Necessary to absorb and “digest” your probiotics. 
Sunfiber: http://amzn.to/2Aea3vQ 
Hydrochloric Acid or Apple Cider Vinegar. Metagest by Metagenics. https://llax.metagenics.com/spectrazyme-metagest-formerly-metagest Boost stomach acid. 
Digestive Enzymes Helps break down foods you eat.
Digestezymes- http://catalog.designsforhealth.com/Digestzymes-180
(Use code LAURYNLAX to be able to order)
Cod Liver Oil https://www.corganic.com/collections/supplements/products/evclo-capsules. 
Anti-inflammatory, essential fatty acids, absorbable Vitamin A & D, non-rancid formula. The result? Eased digestion, better brain power and energy.
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Source/Repost=> https://drlauryn.com/wellness-knowledge/ultimate-supplement-guide/ ** Dr. Lauryn Lax __Nutrition. Therapy. Functional Medicine ** https://drlauryn.com/
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elizabethbgrimes · 6 years ago
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The Ultimate Supplement Guide: How Not to Waste Your Money
This supplement guide will provide reasons why you should take supplements regularly.
Go-To Supplement List
What are the best supplements to take? 
It’s a common question I am asked by clients, looking to maximize their health. 
Many people have no idea about what the best supplements are to take, so they simply consult Doctor Google for suggestions to “cure” a cold, allergies or constipation—only to find hundreds of different recommendations for products they should try. 
They order it. Take it, and…sometimes it works. Often times it doesn’t or they have no clue if it’s really making a difference at all. 
Be warned: NOT all supplements are created equal. 
If you’ve ever wondered if you’re wasting your money or not, look no further. In this article on the best supplements to take, we will review:
What Makes a Supplement “Bad” or Good in the First Place
The Worst Supplements (NOT to Take)
The Best Healing & Maintenance Supplements 
Bad vs. Good Supplements: The Supplement Guide
NOT ALL SUPPLEMENTS ARE CREATED EQUAL
The supplement industry is overwhelmingly filled with hundreds of thousands of products that are unregulated by the FDA. 
Americans spend more than $30 billion on supplements every year—from products on Amazon to diet shakes and bars and fitness enhancements—looking to enhance their health, see “fast results” or perhaps out-supplement the pizza and cocktails they’d prefer to eat instead. 
While some of these formulas are legit, a vast majority are NOT, and you may very well be pooping out those vitamins you spent $50 bucks on Amazon, or wondering if your supplements are actually working. 
Additionally, many vitamins and other supplements simply degrade and lose effectiveness when exposed to excessive heat, light, oxygen in the air, or humidity during shipping and processing alone. 
So should you even take supplements at all?!  Stick with me. 
There are definitely some legit formulas out there, BUT for starters, here’s what you should know about what NOT to take….
MOST SUPPLEMENTS DON’T WORK
Fish Oil Goes Rancid
The vast majority of fish oil supplements on shelves don’t contain the health benefits they claim (Wang et al, 2016) —as many of the formulas go “rancid” in high heat conditions. 
Vitamin D Marketing is Hype
That Vitamin D you’re taking may actually be toxic to your health. Especially if you actually aren’t deficient in the vitamin at all. Many people take the supplement for years after an initial diagnosis of “low Vitamin D”—only to later find out they are “overloaded” with it or their body didn’t actually need it in the first place (they were actually deficient in Parathyroid Hormone—not Vitamin D (Abrams et al, 2005). 
You Pee Out Your Multi-Vitamins
Multi-vitamins may make you FEEL “healthier” because you’re taking a pill with “everything” in it—but many of the nutrients are useless. For instance, Folic Acid in multi-vitamins is the non-absorbable version of Folate (Powers, 2007), and is toxic to your body (Troen et al, 2006). And calcium may  be doing your body more harm than good as it is related to increased risk for “calcification” of your arteries and blood vessels (Lutsey & Michos, 2013). As for the claims that you need a multi-vitamin to “prevent” disease? Bunk. A study (Neuhouser et al, 2009) of 160,000 women taking a multi-vitamin found that “multivitamins failed to prevent cancer, heart disease, and all causes of death for all women. Whether the women were healthy eaters or ate very few fruits and vegetables, the results were the same.”
Iron Supplements Are Dangerous
Low in iron? Your doc may tell you to take an iron supplement, however if you are actually low in Vitamin B or Vitamin A, you may actually NOT be deficient in iron, even if it shows up on your blood work (Allen, 2002) & (Bhardwaj et al, 2015). In addition, if you have digestive issues and low stomach acid, you’re more at risk for ALL nutrient deficiencies. Fix the gut health and you may see iron levels and other labels normalize. Taking iron supplements if unnecessary can send your iron levels overboard.
Most Probiotics Contain Probiotics You Don’t Need
Most supplemental probiotics contain lactic acid bacteria—strains of bacteria most human microbiomes are sufficient in (sometimes even “overgrown” with)—and we don’t need. In addition, lactic acid bacterial formulas have a greater risk of being destroyed during processing and as a result, by the time they get to the capsule or bottle, there’s barely any—if anything—left to house your gut.
A review of 7 studies with more than 1300 citations showed that the use of these popular lactic acid strains made no significant difference on the composition of fecal (poop) bacteria health (Kristensen et al, 2016). Another study showed that 15 out of 16 probiotics on shelves did not contain the probiotics they claimed on the label. (Lewis et al, 2016).
Many products make claims regarding the number of organisms in the product, but these typically refer to the numbers at the time of manufacture, which can be very different from the amount still viable at the time of purchase. Exposure to heat, moisture and oxygen can all negatively affect survival of probiotics. (Kolacek et al, 2017).
Your Protein Powder Doesn’t Really Have Protein
Your favorite protein powder may not actually have any of the protein the label claims at all. Many commercial products on shelves are stocked with additives, filler proteins and chemicals your body doesn’t recognize as “food” and that cause ill side effects—like “leaky gut,” bloating, and constipation. 
…Just to name a few studies.
THE WORST SUPPLEMENTS TO AVOID
Beyond the studies, revealing the downsides of some supplements, it’s also vital to recognize that even with “necessary” vitamins and minerals (such as Vitamin C if you catch a cold or digestive enzymes to ease digestion), NOT all formulas are the same. 
Avoid these 3 things:
Waxy, Shiny Capsules Some companies coat supplements with shellac, wax, and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, to keep the moisture out so the pills have a longer shelf life. While this may be good for preservation, it is not good for you. These coatings can decrease the solubility of a multivitamin tablet or capsule, reducing its ability to readily disintegrate.
Sugar If your supplement has sugar, corn syrup solids, artificial sweeteners or high-fructose corn syrup…run. Far away. Sugar + vitamins is not the medicine you need.
Fillers & Additives Similar to the sugar conundrum, many supplements contain binders and fillers to make the ingredients stick together. The result? Poor disintegration rates for tablets (pills) and capsules in your gut and digestive irritation. 
SUPPLEMENT GUIDE: WHAT SHOULD I TAKE?!
In an ideal world, we’d be able to get all of our nutrients from the foods we eat. 
Unfortunately, this isn’t the case.  Only 1 in 10 Americans eat the recommended number of veggies (3) and fruits (2) every day. 
Not to mention the fact, that even if you do eat your fruits and veggies, many of them are laden with pesticides and chemicals that are not best for our bodies. In addition, our meat and protein sources run a wide gamut. Sustainable proteins are best—reaching for pastured, organic, grass-fed and wild-caught sources as much as possible.
The solution? 
Supplements can help fill the gaps from any nutrient deficiencies we may encounter, as well as help support our overall health as “healing agents” during times of body imbalance. 
Which ones should you take?
There are 2 types of supplements I “prescribe” for clients looking for the right formulas:
Healing Supplements 
Maintenance Supplements
The goal? NOT to remain on TONS of supplements forever. 
Healing Supplements=Short Term Use “Healing” Supplements as short-term solutions for helping bridge the gap to better health, such as taking Oregano Oil when you catch a cold, or Anti-Microbial Herbs to get rid of unhealthy gut bacteria.Maintenance Supplements=Boost Nutrients in Foods
As for Maintenance supplement guide, I recommend a few staple baselines, like a Probiotic and Pre-biotic, just like I recommend drinking water and eating lots of veggies, proteins and healthy fats, to maximize your digestion and the nutrients you get from the foods you eat. 
4 ESSENTIAL PRINCIPLES FOR SUPPLEMENTING
How to know which ones to use and when?This is your ultimate supplement guide!
Use these 4 essential guiding principles to help you rule out what to take and not take. 
Consume nutrients from real, whole foods as much as possible.
Focus on maximizing digestion and gut health. If your gut is unhealthy or “leaky” then you’re not going to absorb your nutrients or vitamins in the first place. (If anything, these are the supplements where I invest my money).
Take nutrients that you are deficient in in their naturally occurring form (as opposed to in shakes, multi-vitamins or fortified foods)
Be picky with what you take. (The cheaper deal is not always the better deal for your body, and instead of asking Doctor Google what to take, consider working with a practitioner to get a custom supplement plan https://drlauryn.com/work-with-me/ built for your body if you’re interested in hacking your health)
ESSENTIAL SUPPLEMENT GUIDE WHEN SHOPPING 
So, now the big question: Which specific supplements are a waste and which ones are must? Use this as your supplement guide.
Here’s a hit list of some of my top go-tos:
HEALING SUPPLEMENTS
Beneficial supplements and herbs for times of imbalance. (i.e. these are not “all the time”) 
Probiotics & Prebiotics
Supplements:
Best probiotics for constipation:
Soil-based organisms (Prescript- Assist, Primal Probiotics, Garden of Life Primal Defense Ultra, ProBiome Rx Leaky Gut)
Transient commensals, like MegaSporeBiotic
E. coli Nissle (Mutaflor)
Lactobacillus plantarum (Jarrow)
Bifidobacteria infantis Align  
Best probiotics for diarrhea/loose stools
Soil-based organisms Soil-based organisms (Prescript- Assist, 
Primal Probiotics,
Transient commensals, like MegaSporeBiotic
Saccharomyces boulardii (Jarrow, Floramyces Designs for Health)
VSL#3
Elixa
Prebiotics 
Sunfiber
Allergies
Cod Liver Oil
Rosita Cod Liver Oil 
 Essential Oils Forget the Vix Vapor Rub, reach for one of these these essential aromatherapy oils instead. Add 4-5 drops of your oil of choice to a diffuser http://amzn.to/2Ebf2wC, and turn it up:
Lemon
Peppermint 
Basil
Eucalyptaus 
Lavender
Allergy Combo: Make a mix with peppermint, eucalyptus and lavender oil. 
Garlic 
GarliActive
Herbal Antihistamine
Histoplex by Biotics Research (Suppressed immunity)
Histoplex AB version (Airborne Allergies)
L-Glutamine
Enteromend by Thorne Research
Liposomal Curcumin
Empirical Labs Liposomal Curcumin  
Oregano Oil
Essential Oil  
or 
Emulsified Oregano Oil Capsules
ADP  
Candibactin-AR  
True Tonic
dChiKitchens  
Spirulina
Now Foods
Quercetin
Quercetin Phytozyme Thorne Research
Zinc
Zinc 30 by Pure Encapsulations
Blood Sugar Balance
Berberine
Thorne Research Berberine
Cod Liver Oil  
Gymnema
Pure Encapsulations  
Fenugreeek
Thorne Research  
Gluco-Supreme (Designs for Health) 
(USE PRACTITIONER CODE: LAURYNLAX at checkout) Balance blood sugar to balance cortisol, and consequently hormones if you have blood sugar imbalances as well.
Magnesium 
Metabolic Synergy (Designs for Health)
(USE PRACTITIONER CODE: LAURYNLAX at checkout) Balance blood sugar to balance cortisol, and consequently hormones if you have blood sugar imbalances as well. 
Prebiotics
Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum  
Probiotics
Soil based organisms, like Primal Probiotics
Vitamin D (test your levels before taking)
Designs for Health, D Supreme
Cold/Flu
Oregano Oil 
An essential oil that is considered to be antibacterial, antiparasitic, antiseptic, antiviral and immune stimulating. Like the fresh herb, Buy as an essential oil and dilute 1 drop with 1 drop coconut oil or extra virgin olive oil and take under the tongue.  To get the full benefits of oregano oil, use a dosage of 50-100 mg oregano oil 4x per day.
Castor Oil
The “windex” of all things wellness, castor oil has the ability to “speed up” healing by increasing white blood cells and the count of T-11 cells (a type of special white blood cells that act like antibodies) produced within the body’s lymphocytes that help kill viruses, fungi, bacteria and cancer cells. Rub the oil http://amzn.to/2zQ8mAk  on pulse and sinus points, and the back of the neck.
Turmeric
A natural anti-inflammatory agent for calming the inflammatory response in the body. Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, is anti-viral and anti-fungal. Use a Liposomal  Curcumin http://amzn.to/2DBZAYG for a supplement formula, or add turmeric spice to recipes, like Turmeric Tea https://autoimmunewellness.com/anti-inflammatory-turmeric-tea/,
Vitamin C
Absorbic acid, of Vitamin C, has long been touted as an “immune booster.” Add a little more to the diet through citrus, strawberries and spinach during illness, and short term supplementation via 1000 mg of Liposomal Vitamin C (Empirical Labs http://amzn.to/2CfDqzm, Seeking Health http://amzn.to/2BZSlK5). Liposomal formulas are more absorbable. 
Elderberry
An essential oil and food linked to decreased cold and flu duration due to antibacterial and anti-infectious qualities. Use organic dried black elderberries (1 http://amzn.to/2CpYDU5, 2 http://amzn.to/2DB8Axo) to consume whole, or make a homemade syrup.
Cortisol & Hormone Imbalances (“Adrenal Fatigue” to PMS)
Women’s Power House: EstroFactors
Women’s support formula for balancing estrogen and progesterone. 
Balance Cortisol: Gaia Adrenal Support http://amzn.to/2DEAdWJOR HPA Balance (Vital Plan): https://vitalplan.com/shop/hpa-balance?utm_medium=aff&utm_source=link-connector&utm_campaign=products&utm_content=hpa-balance Minimize cortisol to support healthy hormones. 
Gluco-Supreme (Designs for Health) http://catalog.designsforhealth.com/GlucoSupreme-Herbal-120-capsules
(USE PRACTITIONER CODE: LAURYNLAX at checkout) Balance blood sugar to balance cortisol, and consequently hormones if you have blood sugar imbalances as well.
Metabolic Synergy (Designs for Health)– http://catalog.designsforhealth.com/Metabolic-Synergy-180
(USE PRACTITIONER CODE: LAURYNLAX at checkout) Balance blood sugar to balance cortisol, and consequently hormones if you have blood sugar imbalances as well. 
Kavinace (Neuroscience) Calms stress and high cortisol signals to the brain and hormones during that time of the month and beyond. https://www.pureformulas.com/kavinace-60-capsules-by-neuroscience.html 
Phosphatidylserine PS http://catalog.designsforhealth.com/Phosphatidyl-Serine-60 (Use code LAURYNLAX) to checkout. 
Vital Adapt. http://amzn.to/2EdPJtD For “low” cortisol and fatigue symptoms. Contains eleuthero, rhodiola, schisandra, ashwagandha, cordyceps, reishi, ginseng, and licorice.
Dysbiosis/Fungal Overgrowth
Activated Charcoal
Integrative Therapeutics https://amzn.to/2JgfZWt
Anti-Biofilm Enzymes
Interfase Plus https://amzn.to/2q9qhyO
Botantical Herbs (Anti-microbials)
Candida AR https://llax.metagenics.com/candibactin-ar
Candida BR https://llax.metagenics.com/candibactin-BR
OR
GI Synergy (Apex) * Must order through a practitioner
OR
Dysbiocide (Biotics)  https://amzn.to/2IvTHig
FC Cidal (Biotics) https://amzn.to/2q8ulPY
Digestive Enzymes
DigesteZymes Digestezyme https://amzn.to/2Ek56zs
Digest 
Carbo G
Emulsified Oregano Oil
ADP by Biotics: http://amzn.to/2F3q9qU 
HCL
Metagest by Metagenics
https://llax.metagenics.com/spectrazyme-metagest-formerly-metagest  https://llax.metagenics.com/spectrazyme-metagest-formerly-metagest 
Monolaurin
Lauracidin https://amzn.to/2GY5g4S 
Ox Bile
Beta Plus by Biotics (1 with each meal) http://amzn.to/2nf35Nc
Prebiotics
Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum https://amzn.to/2E9mXck  
Probiotics
Primal Probiotics http://amzn.to/2kulPrG 
GENERAL BLOATING & CONSTIPATION
Bloating
Atrantil. http://amzn.to/2DBhMlP Distills methane gas production.
Allicin (Garlic). GarliActive by Pure Encapsulations. https://www.purecapspro.com/drlauryn/pe/products/product_details.asp?ProductsID=893 
Digestive Enzymes. Digest by Transformation Enzymes. http://amzn.to/2DT6nRW 
Carbo-G (if you are sensitive to carbohydrates) https://www.amazon.com/Transformation-Enzyme-Carbo-G-90-caps/dp/B00A1RF44Y  
Beta TCP http://amzn.to/2DEBUDt  (if you are sensitive to eating fats—even healthy ones).
Essential Oils Peppermint, Fennel, & Chamomile.
Hydrochloric Acid or Apple Cider Vinegar. Metagest by Metagenics. https://llax.metagenics.com/spectrazyme-metagest-formerly-metagest 
Ginger. A natural de-bloating effect. 
Ginger Pro by Thorne Research http://amzn.to/2Fk4sCK or Ginger Extract  https://www.purecapspro.com/drlauryn/pe/products/product_details.asp?ProductsID=1179 
Liposomal Curcumin
Empirical Labs Liposomal Curcumin http://amzn.to/2GjnpXp 
Prebiotics
Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum https://amzn.to/2E9mXck  
Probiotics
Soil based, like Primal Probiotics http://amzn.to/2kulPrG 
Constipation
Aloe Latex Capsules. A natural laxative effect. Cape Aloe http://amzn.to/2DBWOmJ
Dandelion & Licorice Root Smooth Move tea. http://amzn.to/2DDTEPB Dandelion tea http://amzn.to/2GjvsDE 
 Bitter Herbs: 
AFNG (Byron White) http://www.byronwhiteformulas.com/tag/afng/
Digest (Standard Process) https://www.standardprocess.com/Products/MediHerb/DiGest-Phytosynergist#.WsZO9WaZPwc 
Iberogast http://amzn.to/2DzQ88H
Natural Calm. Magnesium Citrate plus Calcium relaxes digestive muscles. http://amzn.to/2DEwXdX
GI Renew (Designs for Health). A blend or herbals to support elimination. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FH11M4?ie=UTF8
Magnesium 
Ozonated Magnesium (NOW) https://amzn.to/2GAgMnz 
Magnesium Glycinate (Pure Encapsulations) https://www.purecapspro.com/drlauryn/pe/products/product_details.asp?ProductsID=951 
Magnesium Citrate (Natural Calm) https://amzn.to/2JoBSTs 
Peppermint
IB Guard https://amzn.to/2q8N9yF 
Prebiotics (see complete list at beginning)
Especially Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum https://amzn.to/2E9mXck  
Probiotics
Best probiotics for constipation:
Soil-based organisms (Prescript- Assist https://amzn.to/2uQmSur, Primal Probiotics https://amzn.to/2EnobjX, Garden of Life Primal Defense Ultra https://amzn.to/2q5v0BM, ProBiome Rx 
Leaky Gut https://amzn.to/2EmNnao)
Transient commensals, like MegaSporeBiotic https://microbiomelabs.com/products/megasporebiotic/
E. coli Nissle ( Mutaflor https://feelgoodnatural.com/shop/digestion/mutaflor-sale-60-caps-30-days-supply/?c=e6574c964bd7)
Lactobacillus plantarum (Jarrow https://amzn.to/2GxXjno)
Bifidobacteria infantis Align https://amzn.to/2JnhSB0
Prokinetic: MotilPro by Pure Encapsulations. https://www.purecapspro.com/drlauryn/pe/products/product_details.asp?ProductsID=1255 
Vitamin-Electrolyte Blends Ageless Hydro-C https://www.gutsense.org/store/hydro-c-colonic-moisturizer.html 
GERD
HCL Tablets (Metagest)
Metagest https://llax.metagenics.com/spectrazyme-metagest-formerly-metagest 
GI Revive
Designs for Health http://catalog.designsforhealth.com/GI-Revive-Powder (use code DRLAURYNLAX to check out)
Gastro Mend
Designs for Health http://catalog.designsforhealth.com/GastroMend-HP-60
(use code DRLAURYNLAX to check out)
Prebiotics
Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum
Soil Based Probiotics Primal Probioticshttp://amzn.to/2kulPrG
IBS-C (Constipation)
Antimicrobial Herbal Supplements. Biotics: FC Cidal https://amzn.to/2Iz6CjC + Dysbiocide, https://amzn.to/2q94V5E 
Apex: GI Synergy, 
Metagenics: Candida BR https://llax.metagenics.com/candibactin-br + Candida AR https://llax.metagenics.com/candibactin-ar
Bitter Herbs: 
AFNG (Byron White) http://www.byronwhiteformulas.com/tag/afng/
Digest (Standard Process) https://www.standardprocess.com/Products/MediHerb/DiGest-Phytosynergist#.WsZO9WaZPwc 
Iberogast http://amzn.to/2DzQ88H
Natural Calm. Magnesium Citrate plus Calcium relaxes digestive muscles. http://amzn.to/2DEwXdX
GI Renew (Designs for Health). A blend or herbals to support elimination. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FH11M4?ie=UTF8
Magnesium 
Ozonated Magnesium (NOW) https://amzn.to/2GAgMnz 
Magnesium Glycinate (Pure Encapsulations) https://www.purecapspro.com/drlauryn/pe/products/product_details.asp?ProductsID=951 
Magnesium Citrate (Natural Calm) https://amzn.to/2JoBSTs 
Ox Bile. Liver support. Beta Plus https://amzn.to/2JrUNNl. or Bilemin https://amzn.to/2H1OrG8 
Peppermint
IB Guard https://amzn.to/2q8N9yF 
Prebiotic’s
Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum https://amzn.to/2E9mXck 
Probiotics
Best probiotics for constipation:
Soil-based organisms (Prescript- Assist https://amzn.to/2uQmSur, Primal Probiotics https://amzn.to/2EnobjX, Garden of Life Primal Defense Ultra https://amzn.to/2q5v0BM, ProBiome Rx 
Leaky Gut https://amzn.to/2EmNnao)
Transient commensals, like MegaSporeBiotic https://microbiomelabs.com/products/megasporebiotic/
E. coli Nissle ( Mutaflor https://feelgoodnatural.com/shop/digestion/mutaflor-sale-60-caps-30-days-supply/?c=e6574c964bd7)
Lactobacillus plantarum (Jarrow https://amzn.to/2GxXjno)
Bifidobacteria infantis Align https://amzn.to/2JnhSB0
Prokinetic: MotilPro by Pure Encapsulations. https://www.purecapspro.com/drlauryn/pe/products/product_details.asp?ProductsID=1255 
Vitamin-Electrolyte Blends Ageless Hydro-C https://www.gutsense.org/store/hydro-c-colonic-moisturizer.html
For bloating symptoms: Atrantil http://amzn.to/2D750Lz  (2 capsules with meals, diminishes bloating as well)
IBS-Diarrhea 
Antimicrobial Herbal Supplements. Biotics: FC Cidal https://amzn.to/2Iz6CjC + Dysbiocide, https://amzn.to/2q94V5E 
Apex: GI Synergy, 
Metagenics: Candida BR https://llax.metagenics.com/candibactin-br + Candida AR https://llax.metagenics.com/candibactin-ar
AND/OR 
Atrantil. http://amzn.to/2D750Lz 
Bitter Herbs: 
AFNG (Byron White) http://www.byronwhiteformulas.com/tag/afng/
Digest (Standard Process) https://www.standardprocess.com/Products/MediHerb/DiGest-Phytosynergist#.WsZO9WaZPwc 
Iberogast http://amzn.to/2DzQ88H
Butyrate Supplement https://amzn.to/2qaHvwS
GAPS or Elemental diet (specifically for Crohn’s)
Ginger & Ginger Tea.
Peppermint
IB Guard https://amzn.to/2q8N9yF
Prebiotics 
Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum https://amzn.to/2E9mXck 
Probiotics (soil-based)
Best probiotics for diarrhea/loose stools
Soil-based organisms Soil-based organisms (Prescript- Assist https://amzn.to/2uQmSur, 
Primal Probiotics https://amzn.to/2EnobjX,
Transient commensals, like MegaSporeBiotic https://microbiomelabs.com/products/megasporebiotic/
Saccharomyces boulardii (Jarrow https://amzn.to/2JnQ8Mk, Floramyces Designs for Health https://amzn.to/2GEV7Xv)
VSL#3 https://amzn.to/2GAu6s7
Elixa https://amzn.to/2EmTJ9M
IBD (Irritable Bowel Disease)
Active Flare
AIP Diet, GAPS Diet, or Low FODMAP Diet
Antimicrobial Herbs Candida AR https://llax.metagenics.com/candibactin-ar
Candida BR https://llax.metagenics.com/candibactin-BR
OR
GI Synergy (Apex) * Must order through a practitioner
OR
Dysbiocide (Biotics)  https://amzn.to/2IvTHig
FC Cidal (Biotics) https://amzn.to/2q8ulPY
Butyrate 3-4 g. like Body Bio https://amzn.to/2HckdO9 
FMT Fecal Microbiota Transplant
Probiotics (soil based) & Prebiotics
VSL#3 https://amzn.to/2GAu6s7 Elixa https://amzn.to/2EmTJ9M MegaSporeBiotic https://microbiomelabs.com/products/megasporebiotic/ Soil Based: Prescript Assist https://amzn.to/2uQmSur or Primal Probiotics http://amzn.to/2kulPrG Mutaflor https://feelgoodnatural.com/shop/digestion/mutaflor-sale-60-caps-30-days-supply/?c=e6574c964bd7
Prebiotics  Sunfiber https://amzn.to/2E9mXck 
Remission/Maintenance 
AIP Diet, GAPS Diet, or Low FODMAP Diet
Curcumin
BCM-95 (Xymogen) https://amzn.to/2uNMd8i 
liposomal https://amzn.to/2HdWKfR 
Theracurmin (Integrative Therapeutics https://amzn.to/2GEWZTO) 
Colostrum
Tegricel form best; 1.5 g/d (Designs for Health, use code DRLAURYNLAX at checkout) http://catalog.designsforhealth.com/Tegricel-Colostrum-60 
Glutathione
Liposomal form best; 2 tsp per day (Empirical Labs) https://amzn.to/2uOGAqz 
Probiotics (soil based) & Prebiotics
VSL#3 https://amzn.to/2GAu6s7 Elixa https://amzn.to/2EmTJ9M MegaSporeBiotic https://microbiomelabs.com/products/megasporebiotic/ Soil Based: Prescript Assist https://amzn.to/2uQmSur or Primal Probiotics http://amzn.to/2kulPrG Mutaflor https://feelgoodnatural.com/shop/digestion/mutaflor-sale-60-caps-30-days-supply/?c=e6574c964bd7
Prebiotics  Sunfiber https://amzn.to/2E9mXck 
Vitamin D (if low)
Aim for serum level of 40-60 ng/mL
Vitamin D (if low)
Aim for serum level of 40-60 ng/mL
Rosita Cod Liver Oil https://www.corganic.com/products/evclo#592254c4b8e65
Vitamin D (Vitamin D-Supreme by Designs for Health http://catalog.designsforhealth.com/Vitamin-D-Supreme, use code DRLAURYNLAX at checkout)
Leaky Gut
Apple Cider Vinegar. Consume 1 tbsp. in 2-4 oz. of water with meals.
Butyrate Supplementation.  Try: 1 dose Sodium-Potassium Butyrate (not Cal-Mag) http://amzn.to/2HLbku6.
Colostrum. Try: ProSerum whey by Well Wisdom http://amzn.to/2IB3BAb . 1 Serving Daily.
Glutamine. Try: Enteromend by Thorne http://amzn.to/2G89pTm . 1-3 servings daily.
Probiotics & Prebiotics. These two are staples in any gut-loving plan.Best probiotics for constipation: Soil-based organisms (Prescript- Assist https://amzn.to/2uQmSur, Primal Probiotics https://amzn.to/2EnobjX, Garden of Life Primal Defense Ultra https://amzn.to/2q5v0BM, ProBiome Rx  Leaky Gut https://amzn.to/2EmNnao)Transient commensals, like MegaSporeBiotic https://microbiomelabs.com/products/megasporebiotic/E. coli Nissle ( Mutaflor https://feelgoodnatural.com/shop/digestion/mutaflor-sale-60-caps-30-days-supply/?c=e6574c964bd7)Lactobacillus plantarum (Jarrow https://amzn.to/2GxXjno)Bifidobacteria infantis Align https://amzn.to/2JnhSB0 
Best probiotics for diarrhea/loose stools
Soil-based organisms Soil-based organisms (Prescript- Assist https://amzn.to/2uQmSur, 
Primal Probiotics https://amzn.to/2EnobjX,
Transient commensals, like MegaSporeBiotic https://microbiomelabs.com/products/megasporebiotic/
Saccharomyces boulardii (Jarrow https://amzn.to/2JnQ8Mk, Floramyces Designs for Health https://amzn.to/2GEV7Xv)
VSL#3 https://amzn.to/2GAu6s7
Elixa https://amzn.to/2EmTJ9M
Prebiotics  Sunfiber https://amzn.to/2E9mXck
Vitamins A & D.  Try: Cod liver oil—more absorbable than the synthetic formulas of Vitamin A and Vitamin D supplements. I like Rosita Cod Liver Oil https://www.corganic.com/products/evclo#592254c4b8e65 capsules.
Zinc. Try Biotics Aqueous Zinc http://amzn.to/2HN8lBF for 7 days, then switch to a capsule form like this one by Pure Encapsulations https://www.purecapspro.com/drlauryn/pe/products/product_details.asp?ProductsID=1003
Liver & Gallbladder Health
Liver/Gallbladder Support: Beta TCP (Pancreatic Enzymes) http://amzn.to/2DEBUDt  or Beta Plus (Ox Bile) http://amzn.to/2DGzjZG (if you’ve had gallbladder removed). Helps create bile (waste)
Ginger. Cleansing for the liver. Ginger Pro by Thorne Research http://amzn.to/2Fk4sCK or Ginger Extract  https://www.purecapspro.com/drlauryn/pe/products/product_details.asp?ProductsID=1179
Livotrit (Biotics Research) http://amzn.to/2Ee7fhH Contains a blend of liver cleansing herbs: Andrographis, Berberis Aristata, Boehavia, Eclipta, Indian Barberry, Indian Tinospora, Milk Thistle, Picrorhiza, Saccharum Officinarum, Sugarcane, Tinospora Cordifolia.
Muscle Strain/Injury Healing
Turmeric Blend. http://amzn.to/2DEvqEC Anti-inflammatory fighter.
Probiotics. http://amzn.to/2kulPrG Max absorption of nutrients you consume. 
Collagen Protein  http://amzn.to/2DCZBMK & Gelatin http://amzn.to/2DCjCmr
Cod Liver Oil Healthy fatty acids to boost metabolism and regulate blood sugar https://www.corganic.com/collections/supplements/products/evclo-capsules or Vital Choice Fish Oil http://amzn.to/2DTBVHn 
Mood Health 
Vitamin B12: 800 mcg–5 mg/day
DHA: Essential fatty acids boost brain health Vital Choice Fish Oil http://amzn.to/2DTBVHn
HPA Balance (Vital Plan): https://vitalplan.com/shop/hpa-balance?utm_medium=aff&utm_source=link-connector&utm_campaign=products&utm_content=hpa-balance Balance cortisol to support healthy hormones. 
SIBO
Antimicrobial Herbs
Biotics: FC Cidal https://amzn.to/2Iz6CjC + Dysbiocide, https://amzn.to/2q94V5E 
Apex: GI Synergy, 
Metagenics: Candida BR https://llax.metagenics.com/candibactin-br + Candida AR https://llax.metagenics.com/candibactin-ar
Anti-Biofilm
Interfase Plus –https://amzn.to/2q75Ljp
Atrantil: 
Atrantil http://amzn.to/2D750Lz 
Beta TCP or Beta Plus (if no gallbladder)
Beta TCP- http://amzn.to/2DEBUDt 
Beta Plus https://amzn.to/2uOFMSI 
Cod Liver Oil
Rosita Cod Liver Oil https://www.corganic.com/products/evclo#592254c4b8e65
Digestive Bitters
Bitter Herbs: 
AFNG (Byron White) http://www.byronwhiteformulas.com/tag/afng/
Digest (Standard Process) https://www.standardprocess.com/Products/MediHerb/DiGest-Phytosynergist#.WsZO9WaZPwc 
Iberogast http://amzn.to/2DzQ88H
Digestive Enzymes
Digestezymes  http://catalog.designsforhealth.com/Digestzymes-180 (use code DRLAURYNLAX to checkout)
Digest https://amzn.to/2HelVii 
Carbo G https://amzn.to/2IAMopD
HCL
Metagest https://llax.metagenics.com/spectrazyme-metagest-formerly-metagest
Monolaurin
Lauracidin https://amzn.to/2uRjFLh 
Peppermint Oil IB Guard https://amzn.to/2qaLQAa
Prokinetic. Motilpro https://www.purecapspro.com/drlauryn/pe/products/product_details.asp?ProductsID=1255
Soil Based Probiotic
MegaSporeBiotic https://microbiomelabs.com/products/megasporebiotic/ Soil Based: Prescript Assist https://amzn.to/2uQmSur or Primal Probiotics http://amzn.to/2kulPrG
Zinc: https://www.purecapspro.com/drlauryn/pe/products/product_details.asp?ProductsID=1003
Sleep Better
Sleep Remedy.  A combo of Magnesium, Vitamin D and a proprietary sleep blend to stimulate the brain to relax. http://www.docparsley.com/shop/ (don’t take melatonin or magnesium in addition to this)
Melatonin. http://amzn.to/2DDFjme Promotes bette sleep.
HPA Balance. Balances stress levels. https://vitalplan.com/shop/hpa-balance?utm_medium=aff&utm_source=link-connector&utm_campaign=products&utm_content=hpa-balance  
Natural Calm. Magnesium Citrate plus Calcium relaxes body http://amzn.to/2DEwXdX
Acetyl-CH (Apex Energetics) http://amzn.to/2FlkA7c A calamine neuro-transmitter for imbalanced hormones, like cortisol, that influences mood and sleep.
Skin Health
Biotin http://amzn.to/2BwrDaw
Fresh renewed skin is yours. 
Collagen Protein
Vital Proteins https://amzn.to/2q9AZpQ 
Equip https://amzn.to/2JlD9eh
OSsoGoodBones https://www.ossogoodbones.com (use code THRIVE for 10% off)
Niacin (B3) http://amzn.to/2Ef1X5v
Prevents skin dryness and rashes.
HCL https://llax.metagenics.com/spectrazyme-metagest-formerly-metagest 
Vitamin A
Cod Liver Oil 
Healthy fatty acids to boost metabolism and regulate blood sugar https://www.corganic.com/collections/supplements/products/evclo-capsules
Vitamin C
Hydration for the skin. Use short-term supplementation via 1000 mg of Liposomal Vitamin C (Empirical Labs http://amzn.to/2CfDqzm, 
Seeking Health http://amzn.to/2BZSlK5). Liposomal formulas are more absorbable.
Hydro-C https://www.gutsense.org/store/hydro-c-colonic-moisturizer.html 
Vitamin K2. http://amzn.to/2BxuO1H Beneficial for preventing wrinkling and premature aging.
Vitamin E http://amzn.to/2DPEkT5 
Skin healing from scars, breakouts and scabs. 
Silica http://amzn.to/2DQzbKF 
Skin hydration and tautness. 
Zinc Wards off acne flares. http://amzn.to/2nflryT 
MAINTENANCE SUPPLEMENTS
Soil Based Probiotic Quality probiotics that are similar to the probiotics of our ancestors’ microbiome “back in the day”—once found rich in our soil, fruits and veggies. 
Primal Probiotics http://amzn.to/2kulPrG
Garden of Life Primal Defense Ultra http://amzn.to/2DQzkxH
Megaspore Biotics https://microbiomelabs.com/products/megasporebiotic/ 
Prebiotic Necessary to absorb and “digest” your probiotics. 
Sunfiber: http://amzn.to/2Aea3vQ 
Hydrochloric Acid or Apple Cider Vinegar. Metagest by Metagenics. https://llax.metagenics.com/spectrazyme-metagest-formerly-metagest Boost stomach acid. 
Digestive Enzymes Helps break down foods you eat.
Digestezymes- http://catalog.designsforhealth.com/Digestzymes-180
(Use code LAURYNLAX to be able to order)
Cod Liver Oil https://www.corganic.com/collections/supplements/products/evclo-capsules. 
Anti-inflammatory, essential fatty acids, absorbable Vitamin A & D, non-rancid formula. The result? Eased digestion, better brain power and energy.
The post The Ultimate Supplement Guide: How Not to Waste Your Money appeared first on Meet Dr. Lauryn.
Source/Repost=> https://drlauryn.com/wellness-knowledge/ultimate-supplement-guide/ ** Dr. Lauryn Lax __Nutrition. Therapy. Functional Medicine ** https://drlauryn.com/ The Ultimate Supplement Guide: How Not to Waste Your Money via https://drlaurynlax.blogspot.com/
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annelotteverweij · 7 years ago
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Some Emerging Answers For Intelligent Products Of Iso Xp Whey Protein
Some Simple Guidance On Fundamental Criteria For New Zealand Grass Fed Whey Protein Canada
However, it does contain the aforementioned whey protein (non-grass-fed), magnesium oxide, and very small amounts of B vitamins that are essentially useless in the given dose (0.5-1mg). In "other ingredients,” organic cane sugar is the first on the list (meaning there’s a good amount of it), and Stevia appears as well. So exactly how much powdered corn, soy, and canola oil do you want to ingest on a daily basis? All three of these ingredients are part of Soylent Powder . The process of making oil into a powder requires maltodextrin, which is a high-glycemic artificial sweetener typically derived from corn. It is championed for its easy absorbability, but that means it’s going straight into your bloodstream, which may beget a rollercoaster of spiked blood sugar, insulin secretion, stress hormone release, and the eventual crash. As for the rest of its 40 ingredients, Soylent contains several synthetic vitamins, which are essentially watered-down versions of the real thing—only half as active and less absorbable. Also listed in the ingredients are sodium ascorbate and thiamine hydrochloride. Though natural, they are the less expensive forms of vitamins with low bioavailability, meaning that our bodies don’t absorb them very well. Soylent also contains other cheap additives (soluble corn fiber, and mono and diglycerides that may contain trans fats ), as well as 7 grams of added sugar, and soy lecithin, which may be a concern to those worried about food-based estrogens. If the goal is to thrive, it’s safe to say that this drink would not be our first choice. When it comes to Shakeology and Isagenix, many—I think we can hazard to say most—of the folks selling these products do not have a background in nutrition. As is typical with multi-level marketing companies, sellers often have unrelated full-time jobs and use the supplement business as part-time income.
For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit https://greatist.com/eat/beachbody-isagenix-soylent-protein-shake-reviews
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Tips To Establishing Your Personal Fitness Goals!
Increasing your fitness and health is a fantastic goal. It can be intimidating, especially if you are poor shape right now, but fitness is attainable. The ideas and tips in the article below will set you on the road towards achieving your fitness goals. You will feel better about yourself and be healthier. Lifting weights is one way that people try to become fit. You really don't need all that equipment to stay in shape, however. Just doing pushups, handstand pushups, leg raises, squats, bridges and pullups is enough to keep you fit. Get an exercise regimen that works for your body, and it will be easy to stay at it. If you choose something you enjoy, you'll be excited to work out. Doing some simple pushups can be a great way to tone up triceps. But not the standard push-up, if you turn your hands with the fingers facing towards each other, it will target the triceps. Those triceps will melt like butter then harden like stone beneath the stress of these high-quality push-ups. Change up your workout regiment by doing various exercises. This will help avoid routine in your fitness plan and keep you motivated to come back to your workout the next day. Your body also needs variety so that you don't cause a stall in your results due to your body finding the same exercises too easy. Strong thighs are important to prevent knee injuries. Tearing a ligament in back of the kneecap is a sports injury that occurs quite frequently. Exercising both the hamstrings and quads will ensure knee safety. Leg extensions and curls are great exercises to accomplish this. You can use wall sits to build up your leg muscles. The first thing you must do is find a wall with enough room for you to squat against. Stand approximately a foot and a half away from the wall. Lean back with your knees bent until the length of your back meets the wall. Continue lowering yourself toward the ground by bending your knees until you reach a position that mimics the act of sitting in a chair. Hold this position until you cannot stand it anymore. Tons of crunches alone are not going to get you six-pack abs. Your muscles may get stronger, but nothing will really happen with respect to the fat on your stomach. To get yourself a set of washboard abs, you must start eating better while doing resistance and cardio training. Before starting your workout, test the padding thickness of the bench by pressing fingers down into the cushion firmly. Choose a different machine if you can feel the hard wood beneath the cushion. If there is not enough padding and support you could end up with bruises or even worse, you must have the correct support when working out. It's pretty hard to feel good or be as healthy as you should be if you don't take steps to get into shape and then stay fit. This can be a real challenge if it's been a long time since you exercised, but a little help will help you a great deal. Use the tips in this article to work on your fitness level and to achieve your goal of maximum fitness.
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Top Insights For 2017 On Effortless Plans Of Canada
Calgary, Halifax, York Region, Ont., and Port City, B.C. approved to join Canadian Premier League Posted: May 06, 2018 10:22 AM MT | Last Updated: May 7 Calgary was among four groups approved for professional club membership by Soccer Canada on Saturday. (Darryl Dyck/Canadian Press) Spruce Meadows will be the home grounds for Calgary's Tier 1 professional soccer club when the Canadian Premier League launches next season, newly appointed team president Ian Allison confirmed Sunday. "We have a number of designs underway," he said. "One of the great things we have that puts us at a bit of an advantage over some of our colleagues is that we have a great infrastructure at Spruce Meadows that also has, if you will, federation approved facilities — a different federation albeit — with grass rings and drainage and all those types of things so there are a number of things that are going to be unveiled in the next couple of weeks." Calgary was one of four groups approved for professional club membership by Soccer Canada at its annual general meeting in Yellowknife, paving the way for them to join the CPL. MORE ALBERTA NEWS |  What matters most to Albertans: Poll results set the stage for 2019 election​ Clubs from Halifax, Port City, B.C., and York Region, Ont., also got the seal of approval. Port City is not an actual city in B.C., but is thought to represent an as yet unnamed city in the Lower Mainland, though no official announcement has been made.  The CPL was approved for league membership with Soccer Canada last year, along with clubs in Hamilton and Winnipeg. Ian Allison was named president of Spruce Meadows Sports and Entertainment, the ownership group behind Calgary's Tier 1 professional soccer team. (ROLEX/YouTube) CPL is set to debut as a professional men's soccer league in the spring of 2019, and will serve as a Tier 1 league. FIFA, the sport's world governing body, still has to approve the league and its clubs. Recognition from Canada's national association was a necessary step before that could happen.  Spruce Meadows Sports and Entertainment will be the ownership group behind the Calgary team. Allison said players will come from all over the world, "but the majority of them on the field of play will be Canadian." Known as one of the world's premier equestrian facilities since it opened in the 1970s, Allison said making the jump into soccer isn't that much of a stretch for Spruce Meadows. "It's truly an international game, the most international game," he said.
For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/calgary-halifax-york-region-port-city-soccer-1.4650706
Vitamins And Minerals: Essential To Your Health
Taking essential vitamins and minerals regularly can keep you in good health. However, most folks don't know what vitamins are the most essential, or even where to shop for them. Keep reading for some great advice on finding the supplements that you need. If your supplement has fat, make sure you take it with your meal. Vitamins E, K and A are vitamins that do not absorb into the body without the help of food. They work best if the food you are eating them with contains fat. Sun and milk represent two great sources of vitamin D. Whey Protein If you don't drink a lot of milk or aren't in the sun a lot, you need to get a supplement that has vitamin D in it. This vitamin is good for keeping your bones from becoming brittle, so they don't break as easily. Iron is a key component for building red blood cells. The red blood cells are required to carry oxygen to every part of your body. Women generally need more iron than men, which is why there are some iron supplements that are just for women. If you are feeling exhausted or having trouble breathing, you may not be getting enough iron. Asparagus, dairy products, and bananas are rich sources of riboflavin. Vitamin B2 deficiency can lead to a variety of conditions, including cracked lips, scaly skin, and a reduction in red blood cells. This nutrient also stops cancer, carpal tunnel, and anemia. We often try to eat healthy, but our budgets often make it difficult to do so. Taking proper vitamin and mineral supplementation can help your body perform at optimum levels. It may also counteract some less than desirable foods. Vitamin supplement are essential these days. Many foods in the grocery stores are over-processed, which leads to the depletion of many nutrients. Taking a natural multivitamin is one way to make sure you're getting essential nutrients. Ask your doctor to give you a physical exam to check for vitamin and mineral deficiencies. This way, you can know which supplements you will need to rectify any such problems. With the economy as it is, many people are looking to quick, cheap and fast food to get them by, and missing out on valuable nutrients in the process. Make sure to buy a good multivitamin or supplements that will let your body fight disease and turn the fat to energy. It's important to get accurate information about any type of vitamin or mineral supplement. Lots of advertisements only want to sell the product, not care about for your health. You should go into any potential purchase with serious doubts when the claims seem extraordinary. If you are at all doubtful about a supplement, talk it over with your doctor. Use caution when it comes to supplements. It is possible to overdose on them. This occurs often when too many supplements are taken, and the danger is real. Depending on the vitamin, some of these overdoses can even threaten your life. Remember that some vitamins and minerals, such as calcium carbonate, must be taken with food. It is best when it is taken with food. Your body cannot properly absorb this nutrient without food. There are many prescription meds and over the counter meds that react adversely with vitamin supplements. Some of these interactions can be life threatening. It is important to alert your physician to all vitamins and supplements that you ingest. Always consult a pharmacist about possible side effects when you purchase OTC medications. Your body needs 21 essential vitamins and minerals every day. If you do not have them, you will experience poor health. Use the tips listed above to get the nutrients you need.
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ovulationsyndrome-blog · 8 years ago
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BioIdentical Hormone Replacement Threapy (HRT)
This blog has been about documenting my research into balancing hormones naturally. I have had great success with nutritional changes, supplements, herbs, and acupuncture. However, I have been unable to fully address the final problem of fatigue and brain-fog during ovulation and menstruation. This has now been explained by the results of my hormone tests with Dr Meyer: very low oestradiol - one of the three types of oestrogen. Dr Meyer has said that the only way to resolve the problem is to put the missing hormone back into my body using bio-identical hormones which are a natural alternative to conventional HRT.
I had always assumed that HRT was for women in their late 40s experiencing perimenopause, the transition to the menopause. The ‘change’ usually lasts for five years which can be very difficult for some women who experience debilitating symptoms such as: sweats, insomnia, mood-swings, weight gain all of which negatively impact their lives. I am 43 and my hormonal problems worsened after the birth of my first child 6 years ago.  I have always suffered with irregular periods, long cycles, PMT, acne, heavy bleeding and Dr Meyer says that this could be due to a genetic problem with oestrogen production.
Conventional HRT
Conventional HRT has two fundamental problems: the hormones used are not identical to those produced by the body and they are given in standardised doses.
Conventional HRT works by replacing oestrogen and progesterone but the versions used are not the same as the hormones produced by the body.  The most widely-used brand of oestrogen in conventional HRT is Premarin which is derived from the urine of pregnant mares and therefore contains forms of oestrogen only found in horses. The replacement for progesterone is Progestin which has a slightly different chemical structure to the natural version of the hormone because it is synthetic progesterone made in a laboratory. [3] 
Although conventional HRT uses hormones similar to human hormones because they are not exactly the same they can make life worse for some women.  They can confuse the hormonal system causing side-effects such as high blood pressure, fatigue, bloating, and headaches. Conventional HRT has also been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer and heart disease.
'Replacing the oestrogen that your body is no longer producing with the versions found in conventional HRT is like replacing parts designed for a Chevvy with those made for a Mercedes,' says Dr Jonathan Wright, medical director of Tahoma Clinic, Washington. 'They may be almost the same, but with both engine parts and biology, very precise measurement matters.' [3]
In addition, conventional HRT comes in standardised doses which means that they may be either too strong or too weak for some women causing symptoms to worsen or remain effectively untreated.  This one-size-fits-all approach is inappropriate for the treatment of symptoms that can vary hugely from one woman to another depending on their individual hormone levels.
Risks of Conventional HRT
The use of hormones from animal or synthetic sources in standardised doses means that it doesn’t work for all women. In addition, because conventional HRT is slightly different it has been linked with a number of damaging side effects including coronary artery spasms and an increase in the fats in the blood. [3]
In 2002 a large US government study found that conventional HRT can increase the risks of heart disease, stroke, blood clots, and breast cancer but only by one extra case in 1,000 women.  Many experts say the study was irrelevant to most women. 'It involved women over 60 who had been oestrogen- deficient for ten years so they were more at risk to both cancer and heart disease than a woman taking HRT at the beginning of the menopause in her early 50s,' explains Dr Sarah Jarvis, a spokesperson for the Royal College of GPs. [3]
In 2014 the Lancet review of over 50 studies linked the synthetic hormones in conventional HRT to an increased risk of ovarian cancer but the British Menopause Society now states that the benefits of HRT outweigh the risks.
Dr Erika Schwartz says that the risk of breast cancer comes from ‘high levels of unopposed oestrogen (without balancing progesterone) - whether this is oestrogen from exposure to chemicals, radiation, synthetic HRT, or even supplements such as isoflavones derived from soy taken without supervision.  I have been taking bio-identical hormones for 19 years, and have treated thousands of patients with them. And, to the best of my knowledge, none, not one, has gone on to develop any form of cancer while under my care.” [1]
Artificial standardised hormones can cause nausea, blood clots, mood swings, weight gain, and excess bleedings.  Because bio-identical hormones are identical to female hormones they are more easily metabolised by the body so there are potentially fewer side-effects. [2]
Profit Before Health
Although bio-identicals have received increasing attention during the last ten years I was surprised to discover that they were originally developed over 70 years ago.  The reason they have not been more widely used is driven by the greed of the big pharmaceutical companies.  Because they are not allowed to patent naturally occurring compounds from plants they deliberately make versions that are slightly different so that they can be patented.  A patented drug is therefore worth more money to the pharmaceutical company so that is where they focus their efforts, to the detriment of women’s health. [3]
Natural Hormones
Bio-identical hormones are derived from plants and their chemical structure is identical to human hormones so their action on the delicate hormonal system is more gentle than the conventional form. Bio-identical oestrogen is made from plant based oestradiol derived from soy and yam oils which comes in the form of pills, patches, and creams.  Plant-based progesterone (micronised progesterone) is derived from yams and is available as a vaginal pessary and in tablet form known as Utrogestan.  
Bio-identicals are far superior to conventional HRT because the preparations are tailor made to suit the individual needs of each woman. Private GPs and clinics prescribe tailored doses made by compounding pharmacies based on the results of hormonal tests.  This means that the treatment is more effective and there are no dangers of overdosing.  
Bio-Identicals on the NHS
The standard view of the NHS is that aging women are better off with HRT than without it but this is usually given in the conventional forms because GPs wrongly believe natural hormones don’t work.  However, natural HRT is available in licensed commercial preparations such as Estrogel, Estraderm and Hormonin which contain a standardised dose of oestrogen and progesterone. [3] GPs can also prescribe Utrogestan, a natural progesterone which comes in tablet form and is more effective than patches. [1]
The problem is that few NHS doctors know about these treatments. Dr Erika Schwartz advises women to ask their GP which forms of the standardised commercial preparations of natural hormones are available to prescribe. 
Dr Nick Panay, consultant gynaecologist at Queen Charlotte's and Chelsea Hospital, supports the use of the licensed forms of bio-identical hormones which are available on the NHS. He believes that these approved bio-identical hormones 'should be regarded as part of HRT'. 'The crisis of confidence in HRT after the study showing the cancer risk has meant there has been a lack of promotion and education. But these licensed bio-identicals should be one of the options available,' says Dr Panay. [3]
Hormone Testing
Some GPs criticise the individualised prescribing of natural HRT because blood tests can only give a snap shot of hormone levels and a specific time and women’s hormone levels fluctuate according to the menstrual cycle.  However, what these critics fail to recognise is the use of saliva tests.
Because I am still menstruating and I have a regular cycle Dr Meyer advised me to do the Genova Rhythm Plus Comprehensive Female Profile (END11) which measures adrenal stress hormones on four occasions through one day, and measures levels of Oestrogen, Progesterone, and Testosterone on 12 days throughout the menstrual cycle via saliva collection.  It costs approx £190.00 and is also good for menstruating women who suffer from PMS. 
http://www.genovadiagnostics.com/files/profile_assets/further_information/rhythm_1pager.pdf
Which Hormones
I have a deficiency in oestradiol but because I am still menstruating I will need to take a combination of oestrogen and progesterone.  The progesterone protects the womb lining from the thickening effect of the oestrogen reducing the risk of uterine cancer.
Post-menopausal women or those who have had a hysterectomy may be prescribed oestrogen only.
Testosterone
Dr Erika Schwartz: “I believe testosterone can be a useful addition to the natural hormone mix for women because it keeps energy levels up, boosts muscle and bone production, improves libido and a sense of well-being. So many of my patients want to try it, but are afraid of growing whiskers or becoming baritones, but the doses women need for a libido boost are far smaller than the dose needed to turn them into men.  However, in the UK testosterone is not licensed for women, so your GP would have to agree to prescribe it to you on an off-label basis (which means they take responsibility if anything goes wrong); you can also get it from a private doctor.”  [1]
Forms of Bio-Identicals
Natural hormonal preparations come in the form of capsules, tablets, gels, creams, or sub-lingual lozenges. The effect of tablets can be influenced by food, stress levels, illnesses, and other medications.  Oestrogen is best applied twice a day as a cream or gel rubbed into the skin of the shoulder or forearm. Dr Schwartz recommends not applying it to the thighs or stomach as it may cause cellulite.  Progesterone is best absorbed in tablet form at night because it has a sedating effect.
Efficacy and Safety
In 2009 a major review of over 200 studies on bio-identicals was published in the Postgraduate Medical Journal.  It concluded that they were more effective and had greater health benefits than conventional HRT. 
'Many physicians state there is no evidence they are safer,' says the author Dr Ken Holtorf, 'but the medical literature clearly shows they are highly effective and have some distinctly different, often opposite, physiological effects to regular HRT.' [3]
Treatment Duration
In response to the research about the risks of HRT NHS GPs were advising that conventional HRT should only be taken for five years.  But it shouldn’t be necessary to stop natural HRT if it is taken in moderation under the guidance of a specialist.  Studies have shown that individualised HRT is safer and more effective, so as long as you are feeling the benefits it can be taken indefinitely. [2]  It is advised that women gradually reduce the dose and have trial breaks to avoid the returning symptoms from sudden withdrawal.
Dr Schwartz says: “What is key is follow-ups with supportive and knowledgeable physicians, and that women take care of themselves by eating right, exercising, getting enough sleep and dealing with stress.” [1]
References
1. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-3251354/Could-natural-HRT-transform-life-No-woman-facing-menopause-miss-natural-way-end-hot-flushes.html 
2. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2442081/Could-designer-HRT-stop-menopausal-women-suffering-HRT-effects.html 
3. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1197933/Should-middle-aged-women-taking-natural-HRT.html
Dr Annelize Meyer is based in Chichester: The Bosham Clinic 
Dr Marion Gluck is based in London: The Marion Gluck Clinic
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