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Supplements

Thursday, June 26, 2008
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I have been having a lot of mixed feelings about blogging lately and I am trying to sort them out.  However, I promised a list of our supplements and so I will list the ones that I believed have helped us the most. I am not listing them all for many reasons but if you have a specific question, please feel free to e-mail me. 

I do want to throw out another word of caution though. Eating gluten free is not for everyone.  I do think we could all probably eat healthier (less processed and more organic and fresh foods). But gluten is not bad for everyone.  If you have irritable bowel issue, inflammation, auto immune issues, ADD and perhaps autism (many people with autism do better without gluten and casein) gluten free eating could REALLY help.  But if you have no health issues and you feel great, gluten is probably fine for you.  In any case, please do your own research and talk to your own health professionals before you do anything that I write about.  I am NOT advising here.  I am simply sharing what we do. (Dave is very concerned about me sharing this information).

I will list the supplements that I think are the best for our family and then explain their benefits. Truly, I could list fifty things we have tried over the 3-4 years we have been on this path but I only list our essentials now. PLEASE check with a health professional before you take these supplements!  E-mail me if you have any questions.

1. Added Attention (Buried Treasure)  If I could only buy one supplement for my family this would be it (although only one person takes it one a regular basis) This is a liquid vitamin supplement that helps with focus and attention.  We ran out of it once for a few weeks and I vowed that we would NEVER run out of it again.  I can tell immediately if one of my sons has not had this each day.  Dave and I have taken this supplement when we really need to focus on something and it works!  You need to take it everyday if you have attention issues though and it may take a few weeks before you see results. Iherb sells it the cheapest.  I order 5 bottles at a time.  You refrigerate this liquid and while it doesn't taste great it doesn't taste awful either.

2. Zyflamend.  This is an all natural supplement that I take for inflammation.  I get nerve inflammation in my right arm and leg (especially if I am not eating right or I am under a lot of stress).  When I take Zyflamend, it goes away.  I take it because my nerve inflammation is painful but the effects of the ingredients in this supplement are really purported to have amazing long term benefits.  Dr. Weil even recommends it.  So, if you a have any inflammatory issues like arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, nerve inflammation, etc., look into this.  It really works.

3. Natural Calm  This is a magnesium supplement that does so many things.  It will clam you and or your kids down for sleep but there are so many other benefits as well.  We mix it with hot water just before bedtime and drink it.  I must admit that we have been forgetting it lately but it has helped with a plethora of symptoms we experience.  Please go read the list of symptoms of a magnesium deficiency on the link.  I order this from Iherb also.  I think it is the best price.

I found this as a sample at my local health food store and I really have a problem with lack of energy many days.  So, I tried it.  It works.  Plain and simple, if I take this vitamin I have a lot more energy to get through the day but I do not feel hyper or jittery.  It is all natural and the energy is both mental and physical.

5. NDF Plus  Cilantro Drops.  When Kate came home from China she had a very elevated lead level.  Our holistic pediatrician (we go to a traditional one too) suggested these drops.  They are basically highly concentrated cilantro drops (and more) but they pull toxins and heavy metals out of the body. These are very expensive but they worked and we only used a quarter of the bottle and then passed them onto another little girl whose lead levels were super high. Hers came down very quickly too and they had been trying for about a year with little success to lower them on their own.    My traditional pediatrician could not believe how quickly Kate's lead levels came down.  They are super low now (<3).

6. Epsom Salt/Baking Soda baths.  We use these as a detoxification process too.  Again our holistic pediatrician recommended them for the boys and then again for Kate.  I use them too. Basically, you fill a tub with 1 cup of Epsom salts, one cup of baking soda and very warm water. you soak for about 20 minutes and then wash your skin to get the toxins off.  People with high blood pressure, heart conditions, liver and kidney problems should not take these baths. Again, please check with your doctor before doing these.  You can read more about Epsom salt baths here  or here . I also learned recently that Epsom salts are good for eczema (which Kate has)!

7. Correomega (free sample here) There is a kids formula and a regular one.  This site has great information on the benefits of omega 3.  Some of them include brain development, eye development, healthy joints, mental clarity and balance, cardiovascular health, overall growth and development. This helps eczema too.

8. Probiotics.  We use these but there are many good ones out there.  Probiotics help maintain healthy bacteria in the stomach.  Again, I am not a doctor but the benefits of probiotics are well documented and they have helped us immensely.  I think these probably are of benefit to everyone.

9. Prescription for Nutritional Healing.  This book is chock full of really great information about nutritional and healing and holistic health.  I love it and I refer to it constantly.

10. SAM-e
This is a mood booster and good for joint health.  When Kate first came home and the euphoria wore of...she was not sleeping and Dave and I were really overwhelmed, we were moody and snappy with one another.  I had heard of this supplement and we tried it.  It works.  I have read that Nature Made brand is the best formulation of this supplement. You can find it at Target.   SAM-e is something our body already makes but as we age and in times of stress we make less of it and need more of it.  At least this is how it was explained to me.

holistic pediatrician can be very helpful if you are looking at getting away from processed foods and if medicines have not helped any conditions you have experienced.  We see both regular MD's and a chiropractor and a holistic MD when necessary.  I am open to the best ways of healing my family with the least amount of damage to their bodies.

Now, onto other things.....


A few shots from our family celebration of Will's b-day. He was allowed to pick his dessert. He chose the yummiest Maggie Moo ice cream cupcakes. They are not on our usual eating plan.

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Oh, that looks so good!  Kate says chocolate like a New Yorker (chawwwklate). 
 She loves it but it makes her CRAZY!
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I love this little outfit on Kate.  It was a gift last year but just fits now.
Isn't it darling?  

43 comments:

  1. Oh my goodness, am I really the first to post on this very popular blog? Thank you for sharing what works for your family. We have never used supplements other than daily vitamins for our children. But a couple really caught my eye. My oldest son has ADD and can give us a run for our money. Although we have tried SO many drugs, none are great- so many unwanted side effects. Thanks again, Kim (mom who is about to lose it waiting for LOA for Cate!)

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  2. Hi,Ive enjoyed following your blog and have found much of your Gluten free information helpful.WE are not using gluten free but Eating more Organic these days.Im really into the vitamins for my family and the information you posted is very helpful to me and hopefully to others.You listed several that Im wanting to check out and possibly purchase.Again Thank You.

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  3. LOVE the outfit! And Kate looks so darn cute in it (of course).
    I am a firm believer,too, in eating food that is as natural, preferrably organic, and minimally processed as possible. Like they say "you are what you eat". It's how I was raised and it's stuck with me..and it probably will with your kids as well.
    Gin =)

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  4. Oh, I forgot what I most wanted to say. Happy Birthday Will !!

    Gin =)

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  5. Oh, I forgot what I most wanted to say. Happy Birthday Will !!

    Gin =)

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  6. Kim,

    Thanks so much for sharing about your supplements. My 12 year old son is being tested for some attention issues and I have had an MRI to check for MS in the past - and I'm having a lot of symptoms so I am really excited to try some of these supplements.

    I know what you mean about mixed feelings about blogging - I get that way too :)

    Cheers!

    Ellie
    mom to 4 including our little China doll home 3.5 months who will be 2 in July.

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  7. Kim, I really appreciate your experience with these supplements. I've been trying a few things and glad for your input. Thanks for posting them!

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  8. thank you SO MUCH for sharing Kim. I really appreciate the time and effort you put into this. I am a firm believer in that natural route and will look into the book you mentioned.
    I hope Kate is better quick.
    Love her little outfit. SO glad Will had a good birthday.
    We don't do goodies like chocolate to often either and it makes it a special treat when we do.:)
    Blessings
    Connie

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  9. Thanks for all the supplement information - I am going to do some further reading, and definitely talk to my doctor. I have never really thought much about supplements, but after your post I'm intrigued to find out more.

    Will is gorgeous and that sparkle in his eyes leads me to believe he is equally gorgeous on the inside. Looks like he had a great birthday!

    Miss Kate looks beautiful in her outfit ... she is such a treasure!

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  10. Kim,

    Thank you so much for sharing this information. We are adopting from China and the lead level has been a concern to me as how we can improve our daughter's health (once we receive her). I will be sure to add this to my list of helpful information.

    There is definitely something to be said for a holistic approach to health. Best wishes and continued health for your family.

    Karen

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  11. Thanks for all the info on the supplements. I want to research a little more for Landree's eczema.

    Will is so handsome! Great birthday pictures!

    And Kate looks like a little model in her super cute outfit!

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  12. Kim, I understand your hesitation but...This is your blog to share about you and your life. Every reader has a choice to take it or leave it. That being said I will take it, I am excited about the idea of healthy alternatives. We are all in the same boat trying to do the best we can. You have simply offered what has worked for you and yours. Obviously you have nothing to gain but even if just one reader benifits you have made a significant difference . Thank You!!! Sweet houseboy is right to be cautious, Dave is well aware of the havic a nasty blog comment can have on your day:)

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  13. I love Kate's outfit. So cute! Will looks so handsome. And I'm going to check out that Unbounded Energy supplement. Mama needs it! ;-) Thanks for sharing what works for you. I'll do my homework before trying anything myself.

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  14. Thanks for sharing! I might look into the one for my gmom's aching arthritis...nothing seems to help :(
    I love the pictures, especially the first close up shot of Will. He is so handsome and his smile is absolutely contagious!
    ~Lynn/PA

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  15. I would imagine that blogging could be burdensome at times. Maybe Lent in July to give you a rest?

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  16. Those cupcakes look DELISH on any eating plan!! YUM :) Of course, Kate's outfit is very precious!

    I hope no one gives you any grief over sharing about your supplements after all you've went through! You are precious to share your heart for those who asked! We are trying to eat better ourselves; so appreciated the last few posts of encouragement!

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  17. Thanks for all the info on the supplements..
    LOVE the outfit..
    Looks like Will had a Great Bday..
    HUGS..

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  18. Happy Birthday Will! Looks like you had a great day. My son turned 10 today, so fun.

    Kate looks darling in her blue outfit!

    Also, a big thanks for your time and effort, for sharing what works for your family. We've always tried to eat healthy, but when we slack I can see a big difference. Thanks for the inspiration to eat better. The supplements are definately worth researching.

    Quick question, what kind of healthy foods do you pack in your boys lunches, assuming you pack their lunches for school. Do they mind sandwhiches daily? The school lunches around here aren't that healthy so I'm getting some ideas.

    Love your blog!
    Dianne
    sophieandsage.blogspot.com

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  19. OMW Kim....this post was awesome....I have my note pad right beside me and jotted down what I think will be good.

    I am scheduled for an MRI in July and taking something "prescribed" right now for the inflammation and pain. It does seem to be helping, but not something I want to stay on longer than 6 days.

    My blog is on hold right now.....there is so much going on and my search for a child seems to haunt me some days.

    Thank you for all of your help and suggestions with my pain issues. I really have appreciated it.

    Kate's outfit is darling.....I wish Miss Sophia would wear pants but it is a dress EVERY.SINGLE. DAY! ;)

    I hope your nanny is giving you some relief and time to yourself, one on one time with your children and House Boy! ;)

    Hugs,
    Steffie

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  20. Cute outfit and I wanted to let you know EK has been sick with fever for about a week too. We went to the doctor and it was viral but starting to feel better now. I sure hope Kate is feeling better today!!!

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  21. Kim,
    I love, love, love Kate's face looking at the cupcake! She's just so beautiful! Darling outfit too. I really like the fabric.

    I appreciate the time you put into this post. I'm going to look into a few of the suppements. I have adult ADD and Ben has it as well. We are thinking that Joe might too. I've taken meds before and they worked but I just hate taking medication. Nothing has worked for Ben though.

    We use the Coromega and love it. I'm also going to check out the one for lead. I didn't even know there was one. Olivia's levels were elevated too. Thanks so much!

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  22. Hi Kim, Thank you so much for all of the great information! We use omega-3, probiotics, but I am going to give some of the others a try. Thank you so much for sharing!

    Miss you! Kate looks so adorable in her outfit;) love, Clare

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  23. Have you found anything else that works for eczema? My Eliza has it pretty bad. I noticed that Kate has (barely noticeable) lighter spots on her face. Eliza has them too. Is this from eczema?

    Tiffany

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  24. Great info Kim! I would love to hear anything you have tried for Eczema. I have a teacher who has a 5 year old with SEVERE eczema and she is desperately trying to find some relief for her daughter.
    Can't get over how handsome Will is! Really enjoying your blog - keep on posting!
    Kim and Katiebug

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  25. Thank you Kim for taking the time to post this. There are several supplements I will be looking into further.
    What a handsome 11 Year Old! We too will be celebrating an 11 Year Old in a few days. Can't believe how quickly they grow up!
    Kate is precious in her outfit! Love it!

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  26. Awww -- that Will is such a good looking young man!! Harry is too, but since it was Will's b-day and all -- great photos! He just sounds like such a wonderful son and brother! And love Kate's outfit -- so cute! Have a great weekend!

    Janet

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  27. I really appreciate what you've shared about your regimen as well as your flexibility. As we get older (gasp!) little issues keep popping up, but the meds' side effects are sometimes worse. And with LL on the way, this is excellent food for thought.

    Happy Birthday Will!

    Kate's blue flowers are pretty as always ;-)

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  28. I had a few encouraging things to say about your supplements, but I completely forgot them all when I saw Kate's ADORABLE outfift.
    Happy Friday!
    Terri (daisybox)

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  29. OMG, Kate is wearing the cutest outfit...ever!

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  30. I'm going to try that Unbounded Energy as I don't like anything with caffeine or other things that make my heart race or jittery. Thanks for the info.

    I hope Kate is doing better, CUTE outfit.

    I'm so glad that Maggie Moo isn't close because I LOVE those frozen cupcakes, YUM!

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  31. thank you for taking all the time & energy to share your dietary convictions...i love it!
    one of my girls has had food/gi problems for the last year. we are trying to sort through, discern, rearrange, etc all that she does. when i have more time i want to really read clearly these supplements you shared!
    awesome
    xo

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  32. Ok you are super mom! You have inspired me to make Z's first appt with a holistic pediatrician! I am very interested in the things that you have suggested! We eat organic (for the most part) but i am wondering if we could further benefit!

    I found out what was going on with Kates book- should be on it's way next week!

    She looks ADORABLE in that outfit. her legs are so long!

    Happy birthday to will- i just have to say that those boys are the most beautiful boys- they should all be models- will and harry included.

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  33. What a darling outfit! I'm leaving tomorrow! Wish me luck!

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  34. Thanks so much for this post. I have learned a lot from you. I appreciate all the time you take to help others.

    Your photos of the kids are AMAZING! Great job.

    Take care, Michele

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  35. Thanks for posting on this. I may actually benefit from the first two. I will check them out and, of course, consult with a doctor first:)

    Love Kate's outfit. It is just adorable and looks so comfy too!

    Could Will be any more handsome? He has such great eyes!

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  36. I love the outfit - it is so cute! Please don't ever have mixed feelings about blogging!!

    I LOVE your blog - it is my #1 fav!! It keeps me going in this loooooooong journey!!

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  37. Don't feel cautious about this you are not advising people...just saying what works for your family. You will be surprised at how many other people need this information.

    I LOVE Kate's new outfit! Lottie can't have much sugar either...makes her like spiderman..climbing the ceilings!

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  38. Thanks Kim - very helpful. My dh is going to try to zyflamend.

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  39. Great post! I just ordered the Added Attention and Correomoga for my kids and I picked up some Epsom Salt and Baking soda. I've been searching for some good supplements, so thank you for your suggestions. I'm just curious...have you heard of Juice Plus? If so, what is your take on them? I've been giving them to my kids for a few months and they love them. I'm just wondering what your thoughts were. Thanks again for the great post, I'm excited!

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  40. Thank you for sharing, Kim! I have so enjoyed these past few posts!

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  41. Kim,
    Thanks for all of the great information. It is time consumming to make such a long post, I know. We have anready tried a few of your food recommendations and have had some success.
    Your Will is very handsome, I'm glad he had a great birthday!!
    Chesnye

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  42. Hi Kimber,
    Re: gluten and auto-immune diseases, have you ever heard anything about a connection between gluten and alopecia? I am going to start doing some googling after reading this post, but always love info from new sources as I have struggled with alopecia for about 20 years.
    Best to you and your lovely family,
    JSJ

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  43. Did you take Sam-e while breastfeeding?

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Thank you for your kindness.