(Part 3) Best products from r/Supplements

As adjuvants to treatment I would recommend the following:

Light Therapy/Sunlight - It seems to be helpful with no adverse side effects. You can get a cheapish one from here(it's $60). I think Costco sells one too for like $60, but it's only 4000LUX rather than 10,000LUX

Taurine which many have found to be beneficial for skin conditions (most sulfur containing amino acids have). Can be found here ($12 for a full year's supply if you take 3g/day)

Daily consumption of (low mercury) Fish/Fish Oil which can be found over here ($24 if you take 3/day for a year, $48 if you take 6/day for a year). People have found that their skin health improves after they start getting adequate amounts of Omega 3 in their diet, it's also beneficial for a bunch of other stuff. You can also use the coupon code KSF812 for 5% off your order at Trueprotein. Very Important: If you purchase anything from Trueprotein, make sure you pay through some sort of credit card proxy because there have been reports of people's credit cards being stolen recently. Use Paypal/a virtual credit card; and you should be at no risk though.

Vitamin D might also actually help as it's been found to be important for hair/skin. 4K/day seems like a good amount to take.

Biotin supplementation has been found to be helpful for hail/nail/skin strength as well, actually.

I'd really recommend you start eating low mercury fish though (as long as you're not allergic) like salmon (look for wild/sockeye salmon), herring, sardines, or mackerel (look for atlantic/pacific, not king/spanish) everyday. It's got a ton of other health benefits too, and the improvement you notice in your skin will just be a small thing in comparison to all the other healthy stuff.

My psychiatrist has me taking this supplement for anxiety which has a lot of different things in it to help: https://www.amazon.com/Labs-Supplement-Enhancer-Ashwagandha-Rhodiola/dp/B00A4OVLRS/ref=mp_s_a_1_15?keywords=anxiety+supplements&qid=1564538975&s=gateway&sprefix=anxiety+&sr=8-15

I know it's called Mood Boost, but the contents are actually good for both depression and anxiety so you're covered.

Another possibility is lavender. There are two different types of clinically tested lavender supplements. They are

Calm Aid (also suggested by a psychiatrist):
https://www.amazon.com/Natures-Way-non-drowsy-clinically-gluten-free/dp/B007TYY2JA/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=lavender+supplement&qid=1564539190&s=gateway&sprefix=lavender+su&sr=8-3

Lavela:
https://www.amazon.com/Integrative-Therapeutics-Clinically-Occasional-Non-Habit/dp/B0072POIB8/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?keywords=lavender+supplement&qid=1564539257&s=gateway&sprefix=lavender+su&sr=8-5

I also agree with another poster about meditation. There's a wonderful app for that which is simply called "Calm".

There's also a good app and website for counseling where you simply pay for unlimited messaging with a counselor. I have found it quite effective. It's called "talkspace".

Good luck!

Coffee (or any caffeine source, pills are uber cheap), ephedrine, and capsaicin. Lots of water. Yohimbine for some people but start with a VERY slow dose (I react very poorly to small doses even though I have a very high tolerance for most stimulants).

Keeping your diet high in protein and fiber will generally help.

Not really a supplement but getting as much high quality of sleep as possible and avoiding alcohol will both often help appetite.

Definitely take another look at caffeine. It's so cheap and you might be surprised in it being effective in body composition improvements even after tolerance is built to its stimulatory effects.

Most of the diet pills at the drug store that work are heavily labeled toward some proprietary blend and hype up that they contain raspberry ketones or something but the energy and effect is 99% because they're also loaded with caffeine that you could get for a small fraction of the cost (shipped-for-8-cents-each-cheap).

At 6'2 145, you aren't, and likely have never, been eating enough. Download MyFitnessPal, and track your calories. Don't estimate stuff, put it in a measuring cup or on a food scale. If I were you I would aim for 3000 calories a day to get started at least. It'll probably be tough for you to get there. If you're not gaining weight over the next couple weeks doing that every day, you're counting the calories wrong (fast and slow metabolisms are a lie).

A lot of people are saying there's no need for protein or creatine when you're just starting lifting. The first and most important thing is to eat more. If you don't eat more you won't get bigger. Once you start eating enough though, I would add protein and creatine on top of that. When you couple them with the newbie gains, in my experience, it's pretty noticeable.

You didn't mention lifting in your post, but my response is assuming that you are going to lift. If you don't, you'll only gain fat. Pick a good routine from the r/Fitness wiki, I really enjoy the PPL on there.

To sum things up:

1. most importantly, eat way more every day and lift consistently.
   
2. once #1 is happening, start taking one scoop of whey protein after workouts, and one teaspoon of micronized creatine monohydrate once a day every day (even on days you aren't working out)
   
   The protein I use is MyProtein Impact whey
   https://m.us.myprotein.com/sports-nutrition/impact-whey-protein/10852500.html?_ga=2.11746045.855534342.1496496945-717054701.1457580580
   
   The creatine i use:
   Optimum Nutrition Creatine Powder, Unflavored, 600g https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002DYIZEO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_pURmzbBXDWFRS
   
   Feel free to ask if you have any questions

Perfotec Hydrolyzed Collagen is the best deal I've found when you use the 3 for 2 promotion on Amazon.

Think of it as a really pure protein powder with extra benefits. I've been using it for years, makes my eyebrows grow like bushes requiring weekly trimming, and have zero joint issues. I even got my parents and older friends on it as it relieves arthritis and allows them to be active playing tennis or jogging without the severe joint pain they experienced before using collagen.

Only issue I've had with collagen is that it trashed my blender after a while by making it smell like crap (literally, yuck). Now I use a stick blender and steel mixing cup to make my smoothies with it because they are quick to fully clean and dry after each use.

Morton's Lite Salt is straight-up the cheapest, though least tasty way to get both sodium AND potassium, and you probably need both. For palatability you can add Mio or Stur or a similar flavor enhancer.

Electro-Mix is an excellent option if you need potassium in particular. It's reasonably tasty for a no-sugar option. (I strongly recommend staying away from sugary things like gatorade and powerade, as advised by Chase.)

Another option is LyteShow, though it is a much pricier option than the other two. Na/K balance is pretty good though, and it is a good option if you just want to be able to add "x drops to x amount of water" without too much thinking.

I would look into a magnesium supplement as well--malate, taurate, citrate.

My father takes this stuff and loves it:

https://www.amazon.com/Carlson-Norwegian-Cod-Liver-Lemon/dp/B003B3P4PO

I tried a bit of it and it's true you can't tell it's cod liver oil but I thought the lemon flavor was pretty cloying. I can imagine you would still be able to taste it for some time after taking it unless you brushed your teeth afterwards (and maybe even then).

The only concern I would have is the type of vitamin a in the oil is highly absorbent and it's the type that builds up in your system. I don't know how long it would take to do so, but maybe taking it for awhile and then taking a break would be better.

https://www.amazon.com/Ancestral-Supplements-Grass-Bone-Marrow/dp/B0736BQHYJ

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https://www.amazon.com/Tart-Cherry-Concentrate-Antioxidants-Flavonoids/dp/B00TP54IFO/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2EJR3OH7B4NLM&keywords=tart+cherry+capsules&qid=1565634846&s=hpc&sprefix=tar%2Chpc%2C184&sr=1-3

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Read the reviews. Amazing products that go straight to the source. Best wishes!

> cordyceps militaris

Wow I rarely hear people talk about cordyceps. I'm so glad you stopped by this thread!

A long time ago I bought some Now Foods Cordyceps pills. Are those cordyceps the same as the cordeyceps militaris youy're talking about? I think the NOW foods I have is sineses (as opposed to militaris).

How long have you been taking it and how does it make you feel? What is the theory you have behind it's improvement of your energy level?

For me, I bought it because I heard in Chinese medicine it is often used to treat snoring and insomnia.

I'm comparing 3 different ones right now. This one is cheap, many people don't like cheap but since I'm still testing a bit I will probably try this one first:

https://www.amazon.com/Swanson-Rhodiola-Ashwagandha-Adaptogen-Supplement/dp/B001PSOAWA/ref=pd_sbs_121_4/144-0245190-1103622?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B001PSOAWA&pd_rd_r=93120e5c-6e64-427a-9fff-6e846755a982&pd_rd_w=tKefw&pd_rd_wg=7KJGD&pf_rd_p=52b7592c-2dc9-4ac6-84d4-4bda6360045e&pf_rd_r=YP7EYKABY6H5YK01JTD9&psc=1&refRID=YP7EYKABY6H5YK01JTD9#customerReviews

This one's more expensive would probably be my second choice:

https://www.amazon.com/ADAPTOTRAXTM-Superior-Adaptogen-Supplements-Blend/dp/B01MRZMRWQ/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=adaptogen+blend&qid=1570850740&sr=8-6

And I also found this one:

https://www.amazon.com/Adaptogen-Elite-Synergistic-Ashwagandha-Astragalus/dp/B07GVSG2XQ/ref=sr_1_9?keywords=adaptogen+blend&qid=1570850740&sr=8-9

My goal right now is to just identify which herb is activating the l-tryptophan. It seems like the l-tryptophan is boosting serotonin precursors pre-synapse & one (or more) of the adaptogens is activating the serotonin / somehow helping it cross the synapse. I suspect the rhodiola only because 1) I haven't tested it yet by itself 2) many people talk about it on here and 3) I've tried at least half the other herbs on the bottle and am pretty sure most aren't responsible for the effect I'm getting. This is all still suspicion I need to do a bit more testing.

the type of magnesium really can make or break

I recommend pure magnesium glycinate. Not just magnesium bisglycinate.

Also DHA omega 3 supplements

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here are the two I recommend. You can take it together to ease ADHD and help focus

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https://www.amazon.com/Magnesium-Bisglycinate-Chelate-Bioavailability-Biomechanical/dp/B079PWNJ2Y/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_3?crid=10FZXSG34RNK1&keywords=traacs+magnesium+bisglycinate+chelate&qid=1554091457&s=gateway&sprefix=TRAAC+ma%2Caps%2C179&sr=8-3-fkmrnull

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https://www.amazon.com/Carlson-Super-DHA-Soft-Gels/dp/B000PE36IO/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=carlson+DHA&qid=1554091489&s=gateway&sr=8-6

Meal frequency does not matter. If he wants to eat one or two meals a day, that is okay. What matters is that he is getting enough nutrients(vitamins, minerals, protein, calories) When the body does not get enough food, it slows down the metabolism. Go to the doctor ask for blood work for testosterone/thyroid/Vitamin D. At his age, either could be suboptimal for his health. Getting a sluggish thyroid optimized will make a huge difference in energy levels, same as testosterone. Optimally, you would want his testosterone over 700 ng/dl and his TSH(thyroid stimulating hormone) under <3. If you get his blood work and let me see it, i will tell you what i think. He needs to incorporate more animal protein into his diet. Amino acids found in food are essential for every single process in your body. Neurotransimitters like dopamine and serotonin(happy hormones) need amino acids to function properly. People underestimate the importance of dietary protein.



These are the two multivitamins i recommend because they contain the best, most bioavailable forms of vitamins and minerals. They are not expensive and are of really good quality. It is possible that your husband's multivitamin switched it's formulation to an inferior product. You can try these, but get that blood work done. It is very important, low testosterone and hypothyroidism will deteriorate his health as he ages. :

http://www.amazon.com/Controlled-Labs-Orange-Triad-Multivitamin/dp/B00104I5TS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1417103926&sr=8-1&keywords=orange+triad


http://www.amazon.com/Source-Naturals-Force-Multiple-Capsules/dp/B000GFPD0G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1417104039&sr=8-1&keywords=source+naturals+life+force

Not an expert, but if you want my opinion, after doing some research I went with these:

Thorne Research - Basic Nutrients III without Copper and Iron

[Life Extension Super K with Advanced K2]
(https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0765ND4FK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00__o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1)

Nutrigold D3 5000 IU

Sounds good. Here's the glycinate version I've used: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00013YZ1Q . Maybe amazon has cheaper shipping. Good luck!

Magnesium oil (magnesium chloride) is also awesome for a bath, or applied directly to the skin. The life flo lotion smells awesome and is basically just a good general lotion. The life flo gel is my favorite form of topical magnesium. Stings a little, though, kind of like the spray, but isn't messy and seems to dry quicker than the sprays. Then there are a ton of sprays, here is life flo's. You can also buy flakes and either make your own spray or just put them in a bath.

Do you mean transdermal? I've never heard of subdermal magnesium.

If so, I like this gel. Isn't quite as messy as the oils. They also make a lotion that smells good and isn't oily or anything, is pretty much like a normal lotion.

I've had good luck with this one:

KAL Magnesium Glycinate 400 | Vegan, Chelated, Non-GMO, Soy, Dairy, and Gluten Free | 180 Servings https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00013YZ1Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_sdnlDbK6P1PQH

be CAREFUL about taking any magnesium oxide, its the cheapest form of magnesium and the least absorbable - meaning it's basically a laxative and will give you liquid diarrhea REALLY easy

you really want the stuff that ends with -ATE , doesnt have the side effects



as far as multivitamin, you may want to switch to something with join suporrt like this stuff which is praised highly in the body building community. I take half the daily dose since i'm not an athlete.

on the same note i've heard nothing but good things about Cissus for join pain.

Another thing people say helps is circumin/tumeric, available in caps but you can just get a bunch of the indian spice at a grocery story if they have it

If you buy one like this you also get high levels of DHA/EPA but vitamin D is only 400iu still good supp to take either way

http://www.amazon.com/Carlson-Norwegian-Cod-Liver-Lemon/dp/B003B3P4PO

I've been taking Nutrigold Vitamin D3 5000 IU sort of intermittently when I think about it over the past year, but I've taken it daily for the past 2-3 months (always with breakfast containing fat). I just had my Vitamin D level checked and it was at 31ng/mL, which isn't far from deficient (<30ng/mL).

My doctor recommended that I take 2000IU daily, so I informed him of what I was already taking and asked if I should double the dose or consider another product. He said to stick with 5000IU and have another test in a few months because it could take longer to get my levels up if I was pretty low already when I started my regimen.

That doesn't really apply to you, though, because you've been taking it for years. I've read that thyroid and autoimmune disorders can interfere with absorption. My doctor plans to test for gluten sensitivity if my next Vitamin D test is still low.

I take extra electrolytes with on a ketogenic diet, I use Emergen-C or however it’s spelt. Little green packets, don’t taste great but always felt they worked well. Ordered them from amazon.

Edit: Linky link

Hey, so I started taking this stuff called mood boost off amazon back in january. Full time career, full time in person Mba program, and lifting full time was taking its toll on me. I know it’s underdosed like the poster up there said, but it’s made a huge difference in my overall attitude/stress/anxiety

mood boost

Thanks. I'll take your recommendation on the caffeine. Regarding the curcumin, the serving size is 3 pills, I am already taking less. This is the one I am using https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DBTFO98. It's for aiding in recovery, although I wouldn't be able to tell how much is helping.

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The ashwagandha I use is this https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078K93HFD

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Curcumin extract is the active ingredient in turmeric - or at least the main driver of the benefits. I have seen some positive anti inflammatory effects myself, less joint pain after working out, reduced allergies, etc.

It is not very bioavailable in the body, so make sure you go with a brand that is high quality and uses bioperine - which enhances bioavailablity.

Curcumin Extract Supplement

Optimum Nutrition Micronized Creatine Monohydrate Powder, Unflavored, Keto Friendly, 600 grams (Packaging May Vary) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002DYIZEO/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_d0xHDbSF8PHQN

Saying you're a college student implies you're looking to save money? Any creatine monohydrate will do. I like to get Creapure. I use ON creatine, which is about the same price as the bulk options. You don't need BCAAs as long as you get enough protein.

Personally I don't really care for beta alanine. I do like citrulline malate, but it isn't necessary. You can buy caffeine pills for really cheap or drink a cup of coffee or something as a pre-workout.

Pointless waste of money.

Get some caffeine

Maybe some Ephedrine (I use Synephrine, ephedrine's little brother)

And for me personally I find I function better when I add in some L-tyrosine

Finally I like to add in some L-theanine which helps prevent any kind of jittery feeling.

I usually use:

• 100-200mg of Caffeine
  
• 100mg of Synephrine (Start lower at 25mg and work your way up to a dose that works for you).
  
• .5-1g of L-Tyrosine
  
• 100-200mg of L-Theanine
  
  Everything I use would cost you $40 and it will last quite a while.

• Caffeine pill
  
• Citrulline malate
  
• Beta alanine
  
• Creatine monohydrate
  
• Theanine if you want to "smooth out" the caffeine
  
• For flavoring, citric acid and stevia
  
• Choline bitartrate

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002DYIZEO/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i01

this exactly. I took the 20mg all at once was that a mistake? I feel fine now to be clear. it was just 10-30 mins after I got an odd feeling. it passed in under 10 min.

• Creatine < Steroids
  
  
• [This] (http://www.amazon.com/Optimum-Nutrition-Creatine-Unflavored-Servings/dp/B002DYIZEO/ref=pd_bxgy_hpc_img_y) is all you need, and comes in at about $.12 per serving, compared to that overpriced shit you got upsold on at GNC.
  
  
• 5g per day, everyday, once a day at anytime is all you need.
  
  >I also take it just like the container recommends ( 30 minutes before and after workout and in the morning and night on off days).
  
  Thats too much.
  
  
• Its just creatine. Other factors such as diet and your programming will have greater effects on your overall strength.
  
  >I know these may all be stupid questions but I spent too much money for this not to help my training.
  
  
• Next time do a bit more research at [examine.com] (http://examine.com/supplements/Creatine/)

http://www.amazon.com/ProLab-Caffeine-Maximum-Potency-100-Count/dp/B0011865IQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1426007100&sr=8-1&keywords=caffeine

They probably steered you away from it because of the price.

I bought this and just take a small spooful in the morning with water. It should be a 2 or 3 year supply. You can get it either flavored or unflavored.

I am about 6 weeks into BJJ after 7 years of wrestling. I have also done a bit of Muay Thai, but don't have the energy/time to do both right now, since I ride my bike to work and am training for a half marathon.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002HWRY5S/ref=pd_aw_sims_1?pi=SY115&simLd=1

https://www.amazon.com/Carlson-Norwegian-Cod-Liver-Lemon/dp/B003B3P4PO/ref=sr_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1504510676&sr=8-3&keywords=cod+liver+oil

Well I bought it from here:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002DYIZEO/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

That's creatine powder and as far as I know you take that with the protein shake and with meals.
But maybe I'm wrong and I need to get some needles