Budget minded vitamins/supplements

[ajwolfe]

So lately I've been noticing I just don't have as much energy as I would like and just feel sluggish at times I'm trying to lose weight and work out more often, so the lack of energy is causing me some motivation issues. Any suggestions for vitamins or supplements to increase my energy levels without breaking the bank?

Thanks!!

 

[LJSquishy]

Go to the doctor and have a full thyroid panel done as well as vitamin d checked.

Once those results are in, you may find out you're hypothyroid or need a vitamin d3 supplement. Most people are deficient in vitamin d. Depending on how low your level is, you would probably want to take 2,000 - 4,000iu daily. I recommend not cheaping out on supplement brands...do a little research on the best vitamin d brands first.

 

[ajwolfe]

I've had my thyroid checked before and it always comes back fine. Don't know that I've ever requested a vitamin d check though.

 

[LJSquishy]

I've had my thyroid checked before and it always comes back fine. Don't know that I've ever requested a vitamin d check though.

I'd definitely have that checked, then. If you do need to take a D3 supplement, you will definitely notice a difference in energy level.

You also mentioned trying to lose weight...what are your eating habits like? Are you eating enough calories (determined by calculating)? Perhaps you're not getting a good balance of carbs/protein/fat that help you sustain energy through your workouts? What type of exercise are you doing, how often, and for how long?

 

[ajwolfe]

Thanks for the suggestion!

I'm using an app to track my calories and try to keep in between 1200-1400. I'm not always perfect with it, but I try....Definitely have increased my water intake - which used to be pretty low and sad.

Exercise just all depends on the day and the kids' schedules. At work I always get in at least 30 minutes of walking. Some nights I walk for another hour or I do a Zumba class. I've also been incorporating in the Hip Hop Abs dvds on nights where we are home.

 

[afan]

Awesome job on starting to work out, I know it takes a lot to keep it going.

I take both vitamin d and iron due to needing them. Now my levels are good, but it didn't affect my energy. Not everyone sees a change.

I do agree on getting a full blood work up, especially with working out. It's always good to check with your doctor that everything is going well when you start working out. You'll also want to get it done because if you do need to take vitamin d or something else, you'll need the doctor to tell you how much the dosage should be.

If all of the activity is new to you, it could be that your body is working at getting used to the added activity. It's hard to stay motivated, but once it becomes a habit, you'll probably feel better after having worked out or done some type of activity. I know that it helps me.

As for vitamins, I like nature made or nature's bounty, along with kirkland and up & up. I've done the vinegar test on all of the one's I take and they all dissolve, so I know I'm getting what I need. The blood tests also show that I am. If you don't have a costco membership, I've gotten kirkland brand from amazon. I've found amazon or cvs has the best deals, at least cvs used to. I don't live near one any more, but I also utilized their sales on vitamins, ecbs and coupons to get the price way down.

 

[yupikgal]

I started taking Vitamin D3, 5000 iu (important to get the 3 in there) and an Ultimate 16 Strain Probiotic from a company online called Swanson, that a coworker recommended. They have great deals all the time, check them out! I will most likely start taking a calcium supplement at some point too, looking into that now. Good luck!

 

[aliceindisneyland]

[I am not a doctor but...]
I completely got my energy back with magnesium therapy. You can't just use any old magnesium -- look for "-ate" forms: taurinate, malate, citrate....the forms like magnesium oxide don't absorb. Also, you don't want a calcium/magnesium blend. The best brand is Cardiovascular Research Magnesium Taurate. A runner up [slightly cheaper] is NOW Foods Magnesium Citrate. (Both available at a good price on Amazon.)

Diet: cut out sugar, fake sugar, and wheat. Drink water.

Other supplements that have a direct effect on my energy levels: Niacin (careful with that and work up to a good dose, and the extended release/no-flush does not work), vit D as others mentioned, vit C 5,000+mg spread out throughout the day, cod liver oil, and probiotics.

 

[marmalade]

[I am not a doctor but...]
I completely got my energy back with magnesium therapy. You can't just use any old magnesium -- look for "-ate" forms: taurinate, malate, citrate....the forms like magnesium oxide don't absorb. Also, you don't want a calcium/magnesium blend. The best brand is Cardiovascular Research Magnesium Taurate. A runner up [slightly cheaper] is NOW Foods Magnesium Citrate. (Both available at a good price on Amazon.)

Diet: cut out sugar, fake sugar, and wheat. Drink water.

Other supplements that have a direct effect on my energy levels: Niacin (careful with that and work up to a good dose, and the extended release/no-flush does not work), vit D as others mentioned, vit C 5,000+mg spread out throughout the day, cod liver oil, and probiotics.

I have been preaching magnesium to anyone that will listen to me. I can't get over the difference I feel by incorporating magnesium into my daily routine. I take B12, D3 and magnesium everyday with a glass of green organic powder. My energy level went from non-existent to non-stop. I take the B12 because I am a vegan so not necessarily needed for everyone else.

 

[SuzanneSLO]

I agree with the prior poster that you should see your doctor about your low energy. But if you doctor finds its nothing more than not getting enough sleep, too much stress, etc., increasing your light exercise like walking (and getting to bed earlier) may be your best option.

One of my favorite online blogging doctors recommends that most people not buy vitamins or supplements. Obviously, this doesn't apply to those in a small group who have a specific medical condition with proven benefits from such supplements (such as pregnant women). So if you want to help your budget, not buying pills that have no proven track record is the better option. http://www.weightymatters.ca/2015_01_01_archive.html

-- Suzanne

 

[MainMom]

Read the book Wheat Belly and follow it for 4 weeks. If you do, it will change your life.

 

[Jing]

If your primary care doesn't find anything from a work up (and really, even if there is something and it is treated), use the 3-free therapies : Right nutrition, right activity, right rest (mental and physical). There is not a one-size-fits all to any of these categories, and sometimes what works now won't work in 10 years, so safe experimentation is key. For example, I do best on 3 meals per day of primarily animal protein, vegetables, and fruits, strength training and HIIT activity, and 6-7 hours of nightly sleep with relaxing evening walks and at least an hour a day where I can be by myself to read. That does not mean a 6-small meal a day vegetarian who does extreme sports and sleeps 8-hours nightly with a mid-day power nap and daily meditation practice is "doing it wrong," just wrong for me. And vica versa.

I will add to the chorus on magnesium, though I prefer the transdermal (ancient minerals brand) to the oral (any of the -ates that are on sale;glycanate if best if there are GI issues). 100% rdv of magnesium is not an easy one to get out of foods, which is where you should be getting your micronutrients. Remember, they are supposed to augment your diet, not take the place of it - they are called "supplements," not "replacements!" Start by tracking on something like my fitness pal to see where you are nutritionally before spending money on something you may not need.

 

[ajwolfe]

Thanks for the suggestions!! I had actually read up on the magnesium issue last week and found it pretty interesting.