I take Lysine for cold sores/fever blisters: within two days helped get rid of them.

 

I had twitching nerves and extremely constricted, tense jaw muscles: Magnesium helped relax them and lactic acid didn't seem to build up as quickly. It helped during my period, too. But too much will relax your large intestine- if you know what I mean and it competes with other minerals for synthesis.

 

I had sinus infections and clicking knees: MSM helped dry up some of the mucous production and my knees didn't click as much. Over a period of months, I do see the effects of MSM in my skin and hair clearly. Didn't notice any side effects.

 

Evening primrose oil, I just wanted to try: I saw very little softening in my hair or skin but it helped me with digesting fats although I don't really store much. I think it raises seratonin levels because I felt very content and euphoric-even during my period, and because it also carries out some sort of hormone-like behavior, it firmed my breasts. If this sounds scary, I would suggest consulting a nutritionist, but I found that there were no side effects.

 

Biotin: I hated it- I broke out so quickly that I couldn't stick to it and I was drinking a lot of water. I think that 1000mcg was too much for me at one time. If instead I took half a pill in the morning, with the same water intake, the other half at night, maybe.... but it's just too much deliberation.

 

Horsetail (silica): I'm sure some people have no problem but I took this with trepidation. First, I was mad I even purchased it cause I found out that some species of bamboo had a higher silica content.  I'm sure that horsetail only contains trace amounts, but I didn't want to test introducing nicotine into my system. It seems ignorant, I guess, but I just didnt want to flirt with the idea of addiction. It is also a diuretic, which I found to be true. Doctors advise against use if there are previous kidney or liver problems, and prolonged use is not a good idea. On the flipside, side effect claims are not always accurate, but I really didn't care for it. I'd rather just using straight up silicon dioxide itself for enhanced collagen production.

 

I know this was loooooong, but I would def like to hear other people's experiences with similar vit, mins, etc.

 

 

does it occur to any1 that compared to others, black woman have the most problems with hair? maybe it is because we are jumping on these vitamin bandwagons just like the coprporations want us to do. i have tried vitamins like is posted before, and when i stopped doing anything besides wash and condition, my hair blasted into growth. it grows healthy and just by using the basics. i truly think that those of u that are going thru a vitamin regimen daily have to take a deeper look at why u are so obsessed with "good hair" to the point of pumping yur body full of those things.

 

u know who else takes multiple vitamins daily? ppl who are very ill. unless u are severely ill and have to take several suppliments a day, i really dont think it is wise to keep this behavior going. has any1 consulted a physician on the effects of doing these vitamin regimens over a period of time?

 

i hate to say this,but i honestly believe that this mentality of having "good hair" is due to an inner battle that we as black ppl have. we even discriminate against each other for the way our hair looks, maybe that is why so many of us are spending hundreds of dollars on things that deceive us into believing that they work.

 

didnt mean for this 2 be so long,BUT, i can almost relate this hair issue to color. if yur 2 dark, yur ugly, if yur hair aint long yur ugly. why do we put each other down like this? embrace yur race ppl!! embrace yur natural hair and be happy with the way God wanted u 2 be.

 

I think vitamins do help us to balance our nutrient intake. I know one think i had to start doing was reading the labels for content and fillers. Again it is finding what works. Bodies change and needs change so supplementation can be a plus. we just need not go too far and end up harming our bodies with excess.

i for one have always taken fish oils, and i find that the skin and hair benefits from it. Certain herbs are also great for the body but again you need to educate yourself so that you keep balance.

i do believe that the earth and the plants and animals in it are good for food. We just need to learn how to use them wisely.