Hola Chicas!
I’m a huge fan of green drinks, but since I’m preggers, I’m taking a prenatal. I researched vitamins the same way I did natural hair, and decided that Rainbow Light One (a food based vitamin– some argue that these are better than the ones that contain minerals and vitamins chemically derived in a lab) would be one of the better brands to invest in. My doc said it doesn’t matter in any way, and that Flinstones Chewables would be just as effective, lol. I hate the size and smell of the RL prenatal, but I suppose it’s doing what it should. I like that it contains appropriate amounts of each vitamin and the proper form of vitamin A (Beat-Carotene). I’ve been taking it for nearly 6 months now.
Before I started taking my prenatal, I had a glass of Green Vibrance every morning. It was the only vitamin/supplement that I could ‘feel’ working. It gave me energy and with breakfast, kept me feeling full until lunch. Unfortunately it tastes like swamp butt, and MUST be mixed into apple juice for it to be considered palatable. While vacay’ing in Vegas last year, I had nothing to mix it with except for a bottle of Dasani. I poured the packet in, shook it up, and took a sip. I gagged. It was horrible… not even an acquired taste. I choked half the bottle down and vowed never to be without juice again. Despite the ass taste, I’ll definitely go back to it once the little munchkin arrives.
Prior to Green Vibrance I was an avid user of Trader Joe’s Super Crusade. An independent study was performed (on TJ’s and many other vitamins on the market), and they concluded that it in fact contains all the ingredients the label claims. Good, right? Shame on those folks making supplements out there that are lying to us 🙁 I also love TJ’s because the pill is relatively small (the size of a Tylenol gel capsule), goes down easy, and the price is right!
So chicas, what vitamin is in your medicine cabinet? Have you noticed any changes in your new growth– shinier, fuller, stronger?
Later Gators,
Nik
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Haha. I take Green Vibrance with water. It does indeed taste like ass.
I wrote the above. Here's another fun fact. You can buy a species of ephedra that has little to no ephedrine. You can also buy ephedrine! So you can buy the plant without the strong compound and you can buy the strong compound! Did anyone miss that?! Losing ephedra was a big blow to herbalists because it was great for respiratory problems. Also, the plant ephedra had compounds to counteract many of the side effects. Which were still less than many "tested" meds.
Use good judgment, do your own research and when you need to, enlist the help of experts. Herbs-herbalist, nutrition-nutritionist, medications-pharmacist, getting a prescription or a general checkup-general practitioner.
Finding a healthy lifestyle that works for you is similar to finding a hair regimen that works. Some will work, some won't, it all depends on how much your willing to do and learn. I hate to say this, but most doctors know little to nothing about nutrition. They aren't trained in it. They're trained in pathology not wellness. You should see a nutritionist-that's nutritionist not dietician. (the national dietetic association is sponsored by coca cola, pepsico, kelloggs, soyjoy, general mills and other corporations that have their own agendas). I've worked in a health food store and as a receptionist at a doctors office. I know what goes on in both, behind the doors when the customers leave. All stores are different and I worked in a small local chain, but I can tell you we were never told to sell, sell, sell. I think a larger chain might be different though.
You have to get a good quality multi, and you have to do your own research-don't expect anyone else to do it for you. Healthy green drinks don't have to taste like butt. Try different ones and combine them with sweet fruits. It can actually taste good! You might have to try many different things before you find a routine that works.
Moni, as for "scientific studies", I don't rely too much on those because they say something new every two weeks, "it's good for you, now it's bad for you, now it's good again." It's better to do everything in moderation (especially soy ^__^). The medical "establishment" will always say "it's not tested, so don't 'risk' it." They said the same thing about kava kava and got ephedra banned. (no herbalists were asked to speak at that meeting by the way). 100 people died from ephedra. That's very unfortunate, but many abused it. To all the people saying "well, they died! We should ban it!". Remember, every year over 7000 people die from aspirin and ibuprofen. I don't see anyone banning that. I wonder why? ($$$$$$) Kava kava (which is very good for anxiety and) was banned during the time many anti anxiety meds were coming on the market. But I'm sure that had nothing to do with it.^__^ ($$$) Also, during clinical trials, a certain amount of deaths are common and "permissible". Do your own research, if you're not the expert on your own body, how do you expect a doctor who sees you maybe twice a year, to be?
Your health is in your hands. Doctors, nutritionists, your grandmother, a health-nut best friend-they all can be helpful, but at the end of the day, you are responsible.
Sorry for the long post, but I had a lot to say. ♥^__^♥
I am currently taking Essentials for women, IsaOmega and Antioxidants.
i took the flintstone vitamins when i was preggo which was about 15months ago, i couldnt take anything else, and still probably prefer flintstone lol, i have to get back on it, thanks for informaton. :-)))
I'm currently taking Nature's Way Womens Multi vitamin its ok until I can find something else. Dr Oz talked about vitamins on his show yesterday, he also talked about the website consumerlab.com, they have reviewed vitamins/supplements from different brands. Jai
I take SuperNutrition's Simply One for Women (recommended CNer Gado Gado Gal). It's packed will all of the good nutrients we need. Here's the link: http://www.supernutritionusa.com/productpages/simply_one_women.html
Each day, I take one One-A-Day multivitamin; two msm supplements (GNC); one biotin(Target); one vitamin c (Wal-mart); one vitamine b (Wal-mart); three omega fish oil supplements (Target);and two hair, nail, and skin supplements (GNC). I recently took my sew-in out and I had major growth, almost two inches in two months. I'm currently transitioning from relaxed to natural. I know that this is alot and yes, I do get tired of taking all of these supplements. However, I'm completely happy with the results.
I totally agree Chef Lucy! My boyfriend and I were taking the one a day Vitagummies and I NEVER forgot to take them. Now I'm trying to finish off a bottle of Centrum that I had before and eh…
I stopped using it last time because it used to make me feel sick if I took it on an empty stomach.
One A Day Women's—>the SOUR GUMMIES!! Ok ok so I'm a little old to take gummies, but they are ADULT vitamins…i promise! LOL. But they taste great and I NEVER forget to take them…they're gummies for goodness sake, who would forget?! (why yes, I have a terrible sweet tooth)
LOL I'm the opposite of Moni. I take My Favorite Multiple for Women by Natrol. I also take 1000 mgms of Biotin,for balance and for my hair, skin and nails, an iron supplement, (cuz I'm anemic) and L-tyrosine and L-glutamine for energy. I also take Folic Acid because we're TTC.
-savvy
http://savvybrown.com
I don't take anything at all. :/ I feel kind of bad about it, but the scientific studies are so inconclusive about their benefits (other than if you're preggers or otherwise immune compromised) that most doctors don't recommend either way. Ie, keep taking them if you do it but don't feel the need to take them if you don't. I try to eat a healthy and varied diet so that I can get my nutrients from food, which is definitely the best way to do it. I'll probably start taking vitamins eventually, but its reassuring to know that they're not necessary, based on the scientific evidence.
Hi Nikki! I've tried lots of different multivitamins.. but the one that works the best for me is the GNC Women's Ultra Mega Active… I swear that I feel like the energizer bunny after taking these in the morning.. and they are timed release so they last me alllll day!!!
HEY NIKKI,I TAKE VARIOUS HERBS FROM HERBAL EXTRACTS PLUS.(ONLINE) THEY HAVE ALL SORTS OF HERBS, EVERYTHING FROM ANEMIA SUPPORT TO BLOOD DETOXIFICATION TO BODY ORDOR SUPPORT! LOL! YOU NAME IT THEY HAVE IT, AND IT IS ALL MADE OF SUPERIOR QUALITY INGREDIENTS. I KNOW I SOUND LIKE A COMMERCIAL LOL! BUT IT WORKS GREAT! I ALSO USE EMERGEN-C 1,000 VITAMIN C.
I take Nutrilite Double X, nutrilite hair skin and nails as well as an omega 3, and concentrated fruits and vegetables.
When I was pregnant they switched my vitamins soo many times due to the fact that they were not a good fit for me.
I finally found one that settled with me and that was duet dha.
I take Nutrilite Double X, nutrilite hair skin and nails as well as an omega 3, and concentrated fruits and vegetables.
When I was pregnant they switched my vitamins soo many times due to the fact that they were not a good fit for me.
I finally found one that settled with me and that was duet dha.
I am so glad I was not drinking any water when I read about the "swap butt" tasting drink. I literally had to hold in my laugh. I need to research what type of multivitamin would be best for me.
The drink, the one that tastes like "swamp butt" sounds very familar. I think i had a version of it and I am glad you gave me the name to one similar since that brand is hard to get and now in college I need it more than ever.
I take the One A Day Energy or the Super High Potency Hair Vitamins & Minerals from Taiykel. The last one is new and I got it from the site and so far it too soon to tell. The One A Day aren't such a big change so I might be looking around after this.
Now I do also take Emergen-C 1,000 Vitamin C after I work out or need the boost and I can feel that.
-E'Lise
So my best friend in the whole wide world just had a beautiful baby girl (my Goddaughter!) in January. Just before she got pregnant, she began taking something called Juice Plus, and tried to convince me to hop on the band wagon. I was like naaaaah (I'm pretty skeptical!)
Anyways, apparently, it's a vitamin that is directly from fruits and veggies (with limited lab/processing.)
My friend didn't have health insurance at the time, so these vitamins were all she took once she found out she was preggers. Not only did she have limited morning sickness, but the baby literally LITERALLY slid right out of her after only an hour of light labor. She said she had only minor contractions, and she didn't even push. SHE DIDN'T EVEN PUSH! Now she swears by these vitamins.
Her light labor coulda been because she used to be a track star in college, she is only 25 yrs old, eats only organic foods, and is all neo-soul-wears-locs hippy-ish (I mean that in a good way b/c I am too,) but it couldn't have hurt to have these vitamins as an extra boost.
Well, now she is a distributer for these vitamins, and even though I'm not preggers, nor lookin to get preggers just yet, I'm a believer!
Here's her site if your curious. I did some research and there's a whole bunch of studies they did on this stuff to confirm the health benefits. Hope it helps!
www.weaver4juiceplus.com
~HaiRevolution
Oh yeah. I forgot to mention my Biotin supplements. Those things are like super grow for my hair. The only problem is that it breaks me out real bad. Not regular breakouts I'm talking about super breakouts. They say to drink water etc.. I drink over 10 bottles of water a day, I even lowered the dosage and the supplement still breaks me out. This is my second time trying. I've given up. I can grow my own hair, I'm not about to sacrifice my skin.
When I was pregnant I did take a prenatal vitamin and I had no problems. I've tried taking the One-A-Day and the One-A-Day energy, always with food and each time it makes me feel horrible and stomach hurts soooo bad. The prenatal vitamins definitely made my hair grow,and I kept taking them months after I had my daughter. They also keep my nails hard and long. I need to find a vitamin that doesnt make me sick. I take Vitamin E so that helps with the basics skin/nail and hair.
I use the vitaminne shop brand of a daily multi.. I have never been able to tell a difference in my hair/nails/skin when I am taking a vitamin or not, not sure if thats because I don't pay enough attention or its just making a difference. I should try to take more notice.
Side note: I really enjoyed the 'swamp butt' simile. I've got to try to work that into a sentence today.
Well, I'm not preggers (lol), but I take Peter Gillham's Natural VItality Liquid Organic LIfe Vitamins. The first time I got it from my local store, but it was half price online at Vitacost. Now it's SUPPOSED to be raspberry and cranberry flavor, but I tried it one time by itself and could not do it. I mix it with a little juice and take it that way. One ounce is a serving, so one bottle last 30 days. They also have the individual packets. I just started, so I can only tell you that I FEEL better…I don't know if it has any effects on my hair growth just yet. 🙂
I had to literally laugh out loud when I was reading about your Green Vibrance. My grandmother brought me something similar – Green Stuff that tastes like dirt…with a side of ass. I struggled to get it down with all kinds of juice for a week, then stashed it on the shelf. Im sure it has great health benefits, but…*iCant*
I take Centrum Performance. I have a thyroid issue and stuggle with my energy levels so the extra B vitamins in this help a lot (when I remember to pop the pill)
I take One-A-Day (Women's)
I was taking the ONE A DAY Prenatl with DHA while i was pregnant. It's a little pricey but these were the only vitamins that didn't cause me to be nauseous, or make my stomach cramp up or cause constipation.
I LOVED these SO much that even thought my son is now 11-months, i continue to take them…the thickness hasn't seemed to change but its grouwing healthy and strong
while I was pregnant, I took the ONE-A -DAY prenatal with DHA. This was the only prenatal i could take without it hurting my stomach or making me constipated.
IAlthough my son is 11-months now, i still take them. My hair has been growing thicker I believe ..nice and healthy.
Thanks for the info, I am pregnant too and I forget to take those vitamins very often ( I know thats bad), but Im going back to france and we have a much healthier lifestyle so usually doctors don't prescribe prenatal vitamins as we get what we need from everyday food. Right now Im taking ( when I don't forget of course) one a day prenatal vitamins but I think its better to take a food base vitamin Im gonna check it out.
This is a really good post. I was considering taking vitamins but I fear getting too many nutrients and having a counteractive effect since I eat a ton of fruit and vegetables. I do take flax seed oil though. It's gross (but necessary since I don't get omega 3's…I don't eat anything from or of an animal or fish or eggs, etc) to me but I put it straight down my throat then scoff down some water and eat some fruit.
I may still consider taking an occasional vitamin; that decision is still up in the air.