My Basic Supplements (Page 8)

As we age, many of our bodily systems begin to work less efficiently. Hormones, such as growth hormone, DHEA, and sex hormones begin to drop in our 20s to 30s, and continue to fall as we get older. Digestion and absorption become less efficient. As our metabolism slows, we tend to put on weight because we fall behind these systemic declines, eating like we were still 20 or 25. As we put on weight, we complicate our health even more (higher blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, etc.).

Like many in my generation, I’ve been interested in healthy aging, and I’ve researched nutrition and supplements for a good 20 years. As a result, I do take nutritional supplements to maximize my energy and to maintain my health at the highest possible level. Here is an overview of my supplement intake for health before the initial scan and right after (feel free to research these nutritional supplements for their health benefits).
With breakfast:

1- Nature Made Multi for Him 50 + (No iron)
This is a decent vitamin and mineral supplement, with extra vitamins B, D, and selenium. It’s often on sale where I live.
1- L-Carnitine 500 mg.
L- Carnitine is a vitamin-like supplement that can boost energy, fat metabolism, support healthy cholesterol levels, etc.
1- DHEA (natural base with some breaks to cycle off) 20 mg.
This is considered a base or precursor hormone that the body can use to make many other hormones and help support many bodily functions, from physical to psychological.
1- Co-Q10, 50 mg. (every other day, alternate with Nature Made Stress B-Complex)
Co-Q10, also known as ubiquinone, supports good energy production on a cellular level. It’s also a good antioxidant, and supports healthy cardiovascular function.
I use a Stress B (Nature Made) that has B-complex vitamins, as well as vitamin C and with minerals like zinc.

With lunch:

1- Nature’s Way Alive Multi-Vitamin (No iron)This is an excellent vitamin, with added fruit and vegetable extracts, antioxidants, digestive enzymes, and other healthful components. I like the tablets, although they are somewhat large, like a large fish-oil capsule.
1- Alpha Lipoic Acid 100 mg.
ALA is known as a super antioxidant/free-radical scavenger. It works in both water and fat environments in the body, and can supports healthy liver function and blood glucose levels.
1- Fish Oil/Omega 3 1000 mg. (enteric coating/no burp every other day, alternate with Calcium Citrate/magnesium/D combo 500 mg. or magnesium only (200 mg.)
Fish oils are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and they can help to reduce inflammation/pain, as well as support good cardiovascular and brain health.
The calcium and magnesium are important supplements, especially because I don’t eat much dairy. They are key minerals for overall bodily function, including heart and vascular function, bone and muscle, and pH balance so it’s less acidic. They work together and have better absorbency when taken together.

After the scan in 2006, I began to work harder on my cholesterol and diet. I added these supplements to help control my cholesterol:

1- Sytrinol 150 mg. every other morning on egg days
Sytrinol is a citrus-based supplement that is clinically tested to lower LDL and triglycerides by about 30%. It also has anti-inflammatory effects.
1- Red Yeast Rice capsule 600 mg. every other day

Red Yeast Rice is helpful is supporting healthy LDL levels.One important note is that I prefer to take one of any supplement as opposed to taking multiple quantities. It brings overall balance and a more broad-based approach.

I stayed on these until I recovered from a car accident in late 2005, which took several years. This program and diet probably helped to stabilize the growth of plaque to a degree. It wasn’t until the spring of 2008 that I delved farther into the plaque reversal issues, which I will summarize next.


Disclaimer: The information contained on this website is for educational use and is not intended as a substitute for the diagnosis or treatment of a licensed professional. Statements regarding the properties or functions of nutritional supplements may not have been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.


©2008-2009 by Steve/Beat Heart Disease