I need supplement advice, I think

[btdude]

Let us not make this a "me too" thing. LOL I am very serious about these pills going in my body. And I really desire some precise information, based on personal experience, and wisdom. Here is what I take now.

1500mg L-Carnitine (3 tabs)
200mg CoQ10 (2 tabs)
2000mg Vitamin C (2 tabs)
1 Multi Vitamin (yes, it has iron, I have tendancy to anemia)
1000 mcg Chromium polynicotinate (5 tabs)
Psyllium husks (2 tabs)


Now, I want to ADD:
Taurine
Pyridoxal 5 Phosphate (for water retention and bloating)

Here's the clencher: I am in my mind, metabolically VERY challenged for some reason. I want to (or do I?) INCREASE the dosages in my current regimen, or I want to use the water pill, OR I will go back to using Xedrine, non-ephedra fat burner pill.

I am on Atkin's. I am working out on the elliptical 3 times a week, 30 minutes each time, sit ups, leg lifts, etc. I also walk at least 3 miles a day at a pretty good clip to and from the train.
Any insights are appreciated.

[Natrushka]

Any insights are appreciated.

Brad, are you sure you need the taurine and the Pyridoxal 5 Phosphate? I ask because LC tends to be naturally diuretic. If you're drinking enough water and watching sodium, these things aren't normally necessary (normally).

A few comments.

Do not increase the multi vitamin, always follow the doseage with this type of thing.

Don't take the psyllium with the other supplements (or any meds). It will interefer with their absorption.

Consider adding a B complex - if you're looking for greater carb / fat metabolism it will help. It will also go a long way to keeping you healthy.

Rather than take something like Xenadrine, albeit ephedra free, try green tea instead. It has been proven to safely raise metabolism. It's also a powerful anti-oxidant (rougly 50x more poweful than vits C and E), anti-carcinogenic and anti-fungal. You can get a pill form of the extract that is the quivalent of 7-10 cups of tea (the amount required to get the metabolism boosting effects) - the extract is usually caffeine free as well.

I'm not familiar with the type of chromium you're taking, but I do know you need to watch the amounts with certain varieties - it can be poisonous. Please be careful.

As for the Vit C - your body can only use so much at a time, taking 1000mg in a time released format will do the trick, unless you're sick. Taking anything more will be washed away - a waste of your money, IMHO.

HTH,
-N

[btdude]

LOL Oh, trust me, I am peein' up a storm. But I am really getting over the whole "stalled" thing. I guess I feel if I take the stuff that makes me pee even more, I won't be retaining water. And, I am saying that, as I douse my 3rd liter of water of the day. LOL So, No, I am not sure I need these things, but every bit helps???

And, I am reading the doc's book once again. I may just buckle down and buy the darn Basic Formula 3, which does have the green tea. But then I would have to stop taking my regular multi vit. Oh, this could spin my head.

[Natrushka]

LOL Oh, trust me, I am peein' up a storm. But I am really getting over the whole "stalled" thing. I guess I feel if I take the stuff that makes me pee even more, I won't be retaining water. You know that saying "too much of a good thing isn't always a good thing?" It applies here. If you are retaining water, then drinking more will help let your body get rid of the excees. If you're not retaining and you use diuretics to help you push even more out you'll see the water weight loss on the scale - for a while. Your body spends a good 70% of the energy you give it trying to maintain homeostasis, a constant body temperature, the right amount of water and salts, etc. What you force out that it needs it will eventually replace.

Slow and steady - stick with the book, the plan, and the recommended supplements. Stalls build character ;) And if this really is a WOL and not just a diet, you'll end up ahead, and leaner, at the end of the day.

Cheers,
Nat

[JKMOM]

Nat It is soooooooooooooooooooo awesome to see you posting again!! I am your BIGGEST fan!!!! I have your journal and gym log memorized!!!