by Mary Shomon

Nov/Dec 2006 -- People are always writing to me to ask "what drugs and supplements do YOU take?" First off, let's be clear...the optimal combination of supplements for you is the one that will work best for YOU. And what works best for me may not work best for you. I've come up with my own regimen with my physicians and health practitioners, after years of trial and error.

Most of the supplements I use are easily available at health food, vitamin and natural products stores. For certain products, I've provided additional information or links to retailers. For most of the supplements, for easy online ordering, I've provided links to PapaNature/Iherb.com, a reputable online herb/supplement/vitamin store that I frequently use, because they are reliable, and have terrific prices.

IMPORTANT NOTE I do not recommend self-management of health problems. All information is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues and consult your physician or health practitioner before starting any new supplements, vitamins, herbal remedies, or other treatments.

	My Thyroid Medication As of late 2006, I am still taking Armour Thyroid. At various points along the way, I've tried and had periods of success with Thyrolar (synthetic T4 + T3), and levothyroxine plus Cytomel, and levothyroxine plus time-released T3. Personally, I don't do as well on levothyroxine alone, such as Synthroid or Levoxyl. I personally feel best on Armour. That doesn't mean it's right for you, however, or anyone else. Because the best thyroid medicine for you is the one that makes you safely feel the best, and only you and your practitioner can determine which drug is right for you. For more information read my article What is the Best Thyroid Drug?. For more information on Armour Thyroid, visit their website. (Remember that Armour Thyroid is a prescription medicine, and always requires a doctor's prescription.)
Fighting Cold and Flu Viruses
	Sambucol Derived from the elderberry, this patented extract is a strong flu-fighter. I love this during the winter cold and flu season. I also use the Children's formula for my child when she gets winter colds. (It also tastes terrific!) Order Sambucol now, from Iherb.com
	L-Lysine Lysine is an excellent anti-viral, and is particularly helpful for fever blisters, herpesvirus, and colds. I start using lysine the minute I sense an oncoming virus or cold, and it helps prevent it sometimes, or at least minimize its duration. Order Source Naturals L-Lysine now, from Iherb.com
	Royal Cat's Claw Extract This South American medicinal herb has incredibly potent antiviral properties, and is one of the up and coming wonder-herbs of the 21st century, as far as I am concerned. I can't LIVE without this year round, for infections, stomach upset, colds, viruses, and any time I'm feeling low on energy. I like the extract form, rather than the tea, because it's easier to take, and tastes fine. I will only use Whole World Botanicals for Cat's Claw, because their Cat's Claw is organic, and very potent. (I like the sweetened liquid form, better than the tea.) Order Cat's Claw now from Whole World Botanicals.
Daily Vitamins
	Fatigued to Fantastic! Energy Revitalization Jacob Teitelbaum, MD's "Fatigued to Fantastic!®" Energy Revitalization is a powdered vitamin formula. When mixed with water, it makes a tasty flavored drink (berry, or citrus), with vitamins, minerals and supplements that can replace 20 different pills a day! It's a comprehensive vitamin formula for thyroid, autoimmune, chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia patients. In order to preseve optimal flavor, Jacob Teitelbaum, MD's "Fatigued to Fantastic!®" drink does not include B vitamins. The Bs -- which don't taste very good -- are instead packaged separately in a capsule that you can take with your daily drink mix without ruining its flavor. They come in your package. Order Enzymatic Therapy, Fatigued to Fantastic! Energy Revitalization System, from Iherb.com now
	Vitamin C (Emergen-C Cranberry Drink) I used to take Vitamin C capsules. But now, my whole family is hooked on the Emergen-C vitamin C drinks, and we particularly love the cranberry flavor. It's slightly fizzy, so the kids think it tastes like soda. I like to put it in club soda, and it's delicious. Plus, you get 1000 mg of Vitamin C in each packet! Less pills to swallow or chew, great tasting drink. Vitamin C seems to really help knock out colds and viruses more quickly. Order Emergen-C from Iherb.com now
Hair and Skin
	Essential Fatty Acids I like the Source Naturals Complete Essential Fatty Acids. They have a blend of both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, in a good balance. I have found that they help my hair, skin, joints, and cholesterol levels. Order Source Naturals Essential Fatty Acids from Iherb.com now
	Fish Oil Enzymatic Therapy's Eskimo Oil is a fish oil capsule that is particularly fresh, with one key benefit -- no "burping up fish taste" after you take it. (Believe me, if you haven't taken fish oil, this is NOT a pleasant after-effect.) But you never get this with the Eskimo Oil. I take Eskimo Oil in addition to the Essential Oils, to make sure I'm getting enough of the healthy fish oils. Order Eskimo Oil from Iherb.com now
	Evening Primrose Oil Periodically, I go through periods when I have shedding or hair loss, and that's when I start taking Evening Primrose Oil daily. Usually after two months, shedding slows, slops, then hair regrowth starts up again. EPO can help prevent the conversion of testosterone to DHT, which causes hair loss. I usually take 2 to 3 capsules a day when I'm having some hair loss. Order Source Naturals Evening Primrose Oil from Iherb.com
Other Daily Essentials
	Enzymatic Acidophilus Probiotic Pearls A daily probiotic is an absolute essential for everyone, in particular autoimmune and thyroid patients who may not have optimal digestion. Everyone in my family now takes Enzymatic Acidophilus Probiotic Pearls daily. One tiny, easy to swallow pearl has billions of active probiotic bacteria that can fight infection and restore the balance in the intestinal system. For more information on the benefits of probiotics, read: More Reason for Probiotics. Order Enzymatic Therapy, Acidophilus Pearls from Iherb.com
	Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) CoQ10 is excellent for heart health (and thyroid patients are at higher risk of heart disease.) Additionally, I have mitral valve prolapse, and find that CoQ10 helps my palpitations. CoQ10 brands are notoriously unreliable, which is why I will only use the Vitaline, which is clinically evaluated and highly recommended by many practitioners. Order Enzymatic Therapy, Vitaline Co Q10 from Iherb.com
	B-12/Energy Vitamin B-12 and folic acid are both important for energy, and for heart protection. Folic acid is also essential if you are of childbearing age, and may possibly become pregnant, as folic acid helps prevent neural tube defects in your developing baby. A sublingual formula of B-12 is best. My favorite brand is actually the house brand from my local Trader Joe's store. But a good brand is Advanced B-12 Complex from Source Naturals, which comes in dissolvable tablets. Order Source Naturals Advanced B-12 Complex from Iherb.com
	Weight Loss Help The ephedra- and stimulant free- Awe Slim Liquid Diet Support from Now Foods is a pleasant tasting liquid vitamin formula that features hydrolyzed collagen, Super CitriMax™, l-carnitine, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), l-arginine, l-ornithine and aloe vera. I find that it helps keep weight loss on track, and provides the right amounts of CLA and additional minerals helpful for optimal blood sugar and weight loss. When I'm working on losing weight, I take it every night. Order Now Foods' Awe Slim Liquid Weight Management from Iherb.com NOTE -- Information on other diet supplements I like is now online.
	Sleeping Help For those nights I can't sleep, or when I'm getting overtired and need to really get a good night's sleep and catch up on restorative sleep, I really like Jacob Teitelbaum, MD's Revitalizing Sleep Formula, from Enzymatic Therapy. The supplement features valerian and several other herbs, but doesn't leave you groggy in the morning. (Note: a very small percentage of people find valerian stimulating instead of sleep inducing.) Order Enzymatic Therapy, Fatigued to Fantastic! Revitalizing Sleep Formula from Iherb.com