Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 16, 2015 11:34:04 GMT
I have believed for a long time that vitamins create "expensive urine," may do more harm than good, and that you should be getting the nutrients you need from food. Now a few weekends ago I went on a girls getaway weekend with my sister and a friend. The friend was just starting to get a cold. My sister's husband had been suffering from a bad cold. So of course, I caught the cold, as I usually do whenever one is going around. (Other than that, I am generally healthy.) My sister, exposed from two directions by her DH and the friend did not catch it. DH didn't catch the cold from me. This is probably the third time I've had a bad cold that DH didn't catch. We both got a flu shot earlier this year. What is my point, you may ask? Well, both my sister and DH are both devoted to their daily vitamins. DH is always haranguing me to take them, but I smugly recite the philosophy I stated in line one of this post. But now I'm starting to reluctantly think he may be right. I mean I know there are many other variables, but it seems like taking vitamins might offer a bit of protection against the common cold, and who knows what else. So to start slowly, I bought myself adult gummy vitamins! They taste good and may motivate me to take them So what is your position on vitamins? Do you take them/which ones? (Bonus questions, if you take them, do you get colds more or less often than other people around you?)
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Deleted
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Sept 27, 2024 22:11:16 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Apr 16, 2015 12:22:55 GMT
I take an adult multiple vitamin. I do believe overly large doses of vitamins cause expensive urine but I think most of us could use a daily supplement. I do take a mega dose of d but I know from lab work that my levels in d are only marginally normal even with the additional vitamin. They are horribly low without it.
eta: I also know that even though I am trying to "eat healthy" my choices aren't always that well balanced. I don't know that I get sick any more or less often than those around me.
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Post by liya on Apr 16, 2015 12:26:54 GMT
Right now I take Calcium, a multi-vitamin and Vitamin D. My doctor told me to start taking Calcium years ago. The multi-vitamin is probably a waste of money. I started supplementing my Vitamin D after blood work was done before bunion surgery. I was very deficient.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 16, 2015 12:28:36 GMT
I took a multi vitamin for years and don't believe for a second that it protected me from colds or flu. I gave up taking them when swallowing became an issue and don't feel any less healthy for it.
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melissa
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Post by melissa on Apr 16, 2015 12:31:21 GMT
Itake vitamins and supplements based on my blood work. I do not take a multivitamin.
At this point, I take vitamin D, calcium (I had surgical menopause), fish oil (high triglycerides), and B12.
My dh is very into adding in extra vitamin C when exposed to a cold or at the very start of a cold. I am a little less convinced.
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Post by lbp on Apr 16, 2015 12:31:26 GMT
I take Vitamin B2 for my migraines along with some magnesium. I also take Biotin as the blood pressure meds I take cause hair loss and I take calcium for my bones.
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Post by gar on Apr 16, 2015 12:32:15 GMT
I'm basically like you. There are factors to take into account which leaves me thinking that unless I know I am definitely low on something in particular I will stick with a varied and balanced diet as my vitaimns source. These are some of the things that make me unsure - it's possible to overdose on some vitamins, some vitamins are hard to get without eating an unrealistic amount of a particular food, there seems to be mixed evidence as to whether synthetic vitamins work as well as natural or are even absorbed much.
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Post by moveablefeast on Apr 16, 2015 12:32:30 GMT
I think mostly vitamins are a racket and I think you can get good nutrition from a reasonable diet. So I don't personally take them, except a D supplement which is meant to correct my blood levels when I don't get enough in the winter. A supplement to correct a deficiency makes perfect sense, but personally I don't take a multi.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 16, 2015 12:33:38 GMT
I just take vitamin D because my levels were low. Same with pretty much everyone in northern climates, lol.
I'm going to start taking calcium because my mom was just diagnosed with osteoporosis. I figure it won't hurt.
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Post by melanell on Apr 16, 2015 12:33:46 GMT
My philosophy is to eat a lot of fruits & vegetables. My philosophy drives my mother nuts. She's a huge fan of vitamins.
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Post by Zee on Apr 16, 2015 12:34:17 GMT
I take biotin for my hair (started taking it for my nails, did nothing for them but it really helps my hair) and a multivitamin because I've been on a restricted calorie diet for a while and it can be hard to meet daily needs just from food alone. I also drink shakeology every day so I don't really need the multivitamin, but they're chewable and I like them. Sometimes when people have been dieting for a while they look haggard and drawn and have dry hair and skin because they don't get enough vitamins, minerals, or healthy fats. I don't want that to be me!
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keithurbanlovinpea
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Flowing with the go...
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Jun 29, 2014 3:29:30 GMT
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Post by keithurbanlovinpea on Apr 16, 2015 12:48:59 GMT
I am a vitamin and supplement supporter, but not in a buckshot kind of way that is meant to make up for poor nutrition. I eat quite well so I am not worried about the basics. I take a regimen based on targeted desired results for mood/PMS plus tummy troubles that border on IBS. I take things that my doctor recommends, and if I don't think they are working, then I ditch it. She and I work together on that. Here is my regimen:
AM: Probiotic, vitamin D, magnesium citrate, chaste berry, d-mannose
MID: Sam-E, b-complex, multi-vitamin, thyroid support formulations
PM: Sam-E, magnesium citrate, fish oil
I also take Armour thyroid daily as well as progesterone on days 15-28.
Since my targeted results are not designed to ward off illness, I can't say if it works in that way; however, when I do feel myself getting sick, I take pretty sizable dosages of echinacea and andrographis. That works.
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Post by bearmom on Apr 16, 2015 12:54:22 GMT
I take a muti-vitamin, calcium, vitamin D (low levels), and fish oil.
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Post by genealopea on Apr 16, 2015 13:12:22 GMT
I had bariatric surgery five years ago, and as a result need to take big batches of vitamins. Prior to surgery (and vitamin supplements), I was sick with colds every winter, often resulting in bronchitis and/or pneumonia. (I had bronchitis every year and pneumonia about every three years). For the last five years, I haven't even had a sniffle. No colds, no migraines (they were a near daily occurrence before). I attribute it to the vitamins.
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scrappert
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Post by scrappert on Apr 16, 2015 13:16:16 GMT
I do take a multi vitamin, too. Actually, this was advised by my doctor. I can tell when I stop taking them, I do feel more tired and I will tend to get sick. And when I get a cold while not on the vitamins, it is horrendous! Usually a cold with vitamins is just basically a stuffy nose. So I am for a multi vitamin!
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Post by not2peased on Apr 16, 2015 14:01:04 GMT
I take the following:
Vitamin D Fish Oil Probiotic Cal/Mag/Zinc Turmeric
Its probably obvious I "believe" in vitamins as a way to get extra nutrients people need. I have to say, I rarely get sick-even when others around me do. I eat a fairly balanced diet so I don't feel the need for a multivitamin
you can also buy a "whole food" multi that can be taken on an empty stomach, and you do not get the "expensive pee" since your body can absorb the nutrients.
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smartypants71
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Post by smartypants71 on Apr 16, 2015 14:01:51 GMT
The only thing I take is a daily calcium chew. I'll take an Rx Vitamin D if my bloodwork calls for it.
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Post by peano on Apr 16, 2015 14:10:59 GMT
I go through phases where I take more vitamins but right now I'm in a less vitamin phase. I am taking a multivitamin, and I take D3 because it's a common deficiency. Otherwise I'm more convinced that my good health, especially in the winter months (no respiratory illnesses at all this past winter) has more to do with generally clean eating with minimal sugar, daily outdoor exercise, keeping the winter indoor temperatures on the low side (64 degrees) and diligent hand washing.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 16, 2015 14:32:34 GMT
For something like Vitamin D you aren't going to get enough in your food (unless drinking Vit D milk) and you won't in the sun unless you sit out for hours with no sunscreen and risk skin cancer. Most people are deficient now a days and it is a true issue.
I take a multi vitamin, extra D and extra folic acid to help counteract the chemo drugs I take.
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Post by farmdpea on Apr 16, 2015 14:41:26 GMT
I take an adult multiple vitamin. I do believe overly large doses of vitamins cause expensive urine but I think most of us could use a daily supplement. I do take a mega dose of d but I know from lab work that my levels in d are only marginally normal even with the additional vitamin. They are horribly low without it. eta: I also know that even though I am trying to "eat healthy" my choices aren't always that well balanced. I don't know that I get sick any more or less often than those around me. Exactly this. I take a women's multi as well as additional Vitamin D and Iron. I know from lab work that I am low in these two measures.
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Post by Basket1lady on Apr 16, 2015 15:16:11 GMT
I take an adult multiple vitamin. I do believe overly large doses of vitamins cause expensive urine but I think most of us could use a daily supplement. I do take a mega dose of d but I know from lab work that my levels in d are only marginally normal even with the additional vitamin. They are horribly low without it. eta: I also know that even though I am trying to "eat healthy" my choices aren't always that well balanced. I don't know that I get sick any more or less often than those around me. Exactly this. My doctor recommended it when we brought my Vitamin D and magnesium levels up to see if it was enough on it's own. My mag is fine with a supplement, but not my Vitamin D. I'm fair skinned and wear sunscreen all the time and drink little milk. So a supplement works best for me. I'm pretty healthy as far as colds and such go. I had a rampant sphenoid sinus infection that went undetected a few years ago and that messed up my immune system. So it's hard to say. I did have the flu this year, but it wasn't that big of a deal. I felt horrible for 2 days and then I was fine. They wouldn't even give me the tamiflu because my fever broke while I was seeing the dr. I also volunteer at the high school and am around a lot of kids. That continuous exposure helps keep your immune system up, too.
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Post by gmcwife1 on Apr 16, 2015 15:18:03 GMT
More fruits and veggies and no I do not take vitamins. I'm rarely sick, I'm actually sick less often then dh who takes his vitamins daily.
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Post by GamGam on Apr 16, 2015 15:20:28 GMT
Right now I take Calcium, a multi-vitamin and Vitamin D. My doctor told me to start taking Calcium years ago. The multi-vitamin is probably a waste of money. I started supplementing my Vitamin D after blood work was done before bunion surgery. I was very deficient. Same here as my Doctor recommended. better living through chemistry!
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Post by pjaye on Apr 16, 2015 15:26:30 GMT
Actually it might. There's been a bit of research into calcium supplements which have shown an increase in heart attacks in women who take calcium supplements. The theory is that calcium taken in tablet forms enters the blood stream too quickly (unlike dietary calcium which enters the system more slowly) and the high level of calcium in the blood can lead to calcium deposits in the coronary arteries -> increased risk of heart attack. Medical opinion is still divided on this, but the current recommendation is that unless you have diagnosed osteoporosis and if you are taking calcium "just in case" then it's better not to take supplements and to focus on getting extra calcium from dietary sources and also to maintain bone strength by regular weight bearing exercise.
There are also other studies which show that our bodies often don't handle supplements in the same way as dietary sources, therefore if you need extra vitamins and minerals, then eating better will be more beneficial than taking them in tablet form.
I think if you eat a well balanced diet with sufficient fresh fruit and vegetables then you should only take supplements if there is a diagnosed condition.
I've had lab work and diagnosed low level of VitD and iron. I make a big effort to get extra naturally in my diet but that still isn't enough to keep my levels normal so I take daily supplements. But these are all I take. I used to take calcium but when all that info about heart attacks and latest recommendations starting landing on my desk at work last year, I stopped.
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Shel
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Jul 16, 2014 0:32:12 GMT
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Post by Shel on Apr 16, 2015 15:28:32 GMT
My DH and I differ. He takes a bunch of vitamins everyday....not sure what they all are. I think it's more important to eat a balanced diet and take care of yourself. That being said I am taking my prenatals right now and I do think that sometimes people do need a supplement. Incidentally he gets sick way more than I do!
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likescarrots
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Post by likescarrots on Apr 16, 2015 15:51:39 GMT
I think your philosophy doesn't take into account modern agriculture and other modern trends. Studies have shown that many plants that used to provide certain nutrients are no longer doing so due to these factors.
I almost never get sick with colds/viruses. I take emergen-c immune+ regularly (2-3x per week). I also suppliment vitamin d, b12, magnesium, potassium, and other things, depending on how i feel. I also accredit much of my health to being vegetarian.
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Post by gar on Apr 16, 2015 17:17:17 GMT
For something like Vitamin D you aren't going to get enough in your food (unless drinking Vit D milk) and you won't in the sun unless you sit out for hours with no sunscreen and risk skin cancer. Most people are deficient now a days and it is a true issue. I don't think that's accurate, at least not for the UK - diets do vary I suppose. The NHS website says that almost all our Vit D is made via sunlight on the skin but to take care to apply sunscreen and not to burn. It also lists as 'good sources' of Vit D, oily fish, fortified cereals and eggs and that with a combination of the two sources most people will get sufficient unless you are in a group such as young children, older people, pregnant women etc. who may need topping up with supplements. Excess Vit D in the diet can cause more calcium to be absorbed than can be excreted and the excess can damage the kidneys or even end up softening the bones long term.
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BarbaraUK
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Post by BarbaraUK on Apr 16, 2015 17:29:04 GMT
For something like Vitamin D you aren't going to get enough in your food (unless drinking Vit D milk) and you won't in the sun unless you sit out for hours with no sunscreen and risk skin cancer. Most people are deficient now a days and it is a true issue. I don't think that's accurate, at least not for the UK - diets do vary I suppose. The NHS website says that almost all our Vit D is made via sunlight on the skin but to take care to apply sunscreen and not to burn. It also lists as 'good sources' of Vit D, oily fish, fortified cereals and eggs and that with a combination of the two sources most people will get sufficient unless you are in a group such as young children, older people, pregnant women etc. who may need topping up with supplements. Excess Vit D in the diet can cause more calcium to be absorbed than can be excreted and the excess can damage the kidneys or even end up softening the bones long term. Yes, I agree. gar has mentioned everything that I was going to say.
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Post by Darcy Collins on Apr 16, 2015 17:34:07 GMT
I only take fish oil, because I really hate to cook fish. I would say I can't remember the last time I was sick, but that would inevitably jinx me into an illness.
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Post by lisacharlotte on Apr 16, 2015 17:35:00 GMT
I don't take vitamins. I do take meds for Type 2, HBP, high cholesterol, and a baby aspirin. I am exercising my butt off currently but go through periods of being a serious couch potato (especially during bitter cold NE winters). I never get sick. People at work walk around hacking and sneezing and I get nothing. I'm not a germaphobe and my house is just this side of a biohazard. My husband and son catch everything that comes along. I just think I have a great immune system. I'm not a fan of meds and rarely have ever had to take antibiotics. I did have issues with ear infections and a kidney infection when I was younger, but grew out of those when I became an adult. My mother is rarely sick either.
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