In an effort to have my 45-year-old physical self feel like my 25-year-old
mental self, I have turned to vitamins. My husband is a family practice
doctor and I have asked him all of my questions, but frankly, I did not like his
answers. The truth is that the current research being approved by the
American Medical Association does not address all of my concerns. I found
that not only my husband, but also my own female gynecologist and yet another
friend who is a gynecologist didn't have any solutions for me. So I
decided to do some research of my own. I have read the books, watched the
infomercials and waded through the Internet to find some relief for what ails
me. The professionals do not approve my results as treatment for any of
my ailments, but my husband agrees that there is nothing this combination of
vitamins will harm (allowing that he is an M.D., and familiar with my medical
history and allergies).
What ails me, you ask? Any number of things! But the big
ones, the most irritating ones, I list here:
I am tired, even after I've slept.
I keep gaining weight, even though I am not eating any more (unless you call
the vats of red wine I drink, eating) than I ever have.
I forget things all the time, even though I write them down.
I want to say yes to sex, but my body says no. What's that about?
I crave sugar now, where salt has, until now, been my flavor of choice.
My hair is starting to thin, even though all of my life I have been blessed
with an overabundance of large frizzy locks.
I am about to be 46, and I assume I am perimenopausal, although all of the
traditional tests say I am not. I have had all of my hormone levels
checked and all are in the normal range. According to traditional
medicine, if I am having regular cycles, I am not perimenopausal. I am
definitely aging though, so following some of the anti-aging advice and testing
the possibilities of some of the natural remedies available to me, I hope to do
so more gracefully, a little thinner, with some hair on my head-brushed when I
remember to do so and with a smile on my face.
These are my personal solutions:
Walk five days a week, outside is preferable but the treadmill will do.
Weights, very small and at home for 20 minutes, twice a week.
Drink water and green tea. Green tea is made from unfermented leaves
and is said to have the highest concentration of powerful antioxidants called
polyphenols. It is at least 100 more times more effective than vitamin C. Fruit and vegetables at every meal to combat
the garbage that sometimes sits next to them.
Red wine, at least one glass a day.
Avoid artificial sweeteners.
And then the Vitamins:
And then the Vitamins:
For Weight Gain
and Food cravings:
Diminished levels of serotonin may intensify cravings for carbohydrates and
high-glycemic foods.
Take 50-100 mg 5-HTP
with 25-100 mg of B-complex to stabilize blood sugar.
Amino acid L-glutamine,
Take 500 milligrams of L-glutamine between meals to curb sugar cravings.
For Lower Libido
Lower estrogen,
progesterone and testosterone levels may dampen sexual desire.
L-arginine: Take 1,000 mg 1-2 times daily
in combination with 250 mg of B-5 and 250-350 mg of choline once
daily to promote better blood flow to the pelvic organs and tissue.
For an Increased
Sense of Well-being, i.e., Memory and learning, anti-depressant,
increased cognition
DHEA: Most women and men
above 40 years of age would benefit by using 25 to 50 mg per day.
DHA Omega-3: Similar to fish oil, DHA
omega-3 comes in a pill form but doesn't have the side effects of fish oil -
recommended dose 600mg a day.
Multi-Vitamin:
I prefer the
liquid version or the liquid gels.
ASHWAGANDHA
Rejuvenates the body; relieves stress and fatigue; know as “Indian (ayurvedic) ginseng”; menopause ally
Rejuvenates the body; relieves stress and fatigue; know as “Indian (ayurvedic) ginseng”; menopause ally
BLACK COHOSH
Relieves painful menses, irritability, fatigue and nervous indigestion. Bronchial conditions both acute and chronic, relieves coughing. Calms the spirit. Menopause ally: relieves hot flashes, headaches, night sweats, water retention, joint pain, heart palpitations and fatigue. Improves digestion, reduces inflammation, resolves Tinnitus. Calms the spirit.
Relieves painful menses, irritability, fatigue and nervous indigestion. Bronchial conditions both acute and chronic, relieves coughing. Calms the spirit. Menopause ally: relieves hot flashes, headaches, night sweats, water retention, joint pain, heart palpitations and fatigue. Improves digestion, reduces inflammation, resolves Tinnitus. Calms the spirit.
Hair thinning or
loss:
My hair dresser gave me 2 bottles of vitamins that actually say "hair
vitamins" and "HSN-hair skin and nail vitamins".
After a month, my hair is starting to fill in and my nails are much stronger.
And these are ones I am reading about but haven't tried yet.
KELP
Nourishing; enhances immune potential; harmonizes metabolism; used for fatigue, exhaustion, inability to lose weight and skin conditions; harmonizes the pituitary, thyroid and adrenals; menopause ally.
Nourishing; enhances immune potential; harmonizes metabolism; used for fatigue, exhaustion, inability to lose weight and skin conditions; harmonizes the pituitary, thyroid and adrenals; menopause ally.
Rhodiola
Rhodiola rosea is a remarkable herb that
has a wide and varied history of uses. It is thought to strengthen the nervous
system, fight depression, enhance immunity, elevate the capacity for exercise,
enhance memory, aid weight reduction, increase sexual function and improve
energy levels. It has long been known as a potent adaptogen. Adaptogens are
natural plant substances that increase the body's non-specific resistance and
normalise the functions of the body. Rhodiola has a more stimulating effect at
lower amounts, and a more sedating effect at higher amounts.
So there you have it! That's what
I'm taking. You might try it all or just the ones that are pertinent to
your situation. I hope it helps!
5 HTP
50-100mg
B-Complex 25-100mg
L-Glutamine 500 mg btw meals
L-Arginine 1000 mg
B-5 250 mg
Choline 250-350 mg
DHEA 25-50 mg
DHA Omega 3 600
mg
Multi vitamin
Ashwaganda
Rhodiola
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