What's with all those pills?

I get asked that question A LOT. I carry around a pill box with all the supplements I take on a daily basis. This post is all about supplements. I'll try to keep it as brief as possible, but it's a lot of info. If you're at work, you might want to check this one out at home. Unless you just don't care. LOL!

**DISCLAIMER!!!** Everythang ain't for everybody. Do your research. Consult with your doctor before trying any vitamins or supplements. Read and re-read! Trust me.

Now back to our show:

The basis of my supplemental program is Bargello's Regimen. Definitely read that link. She breaks down the supplements and what they do for your body and your hair. Bargello was a member of one of several online hair care communities. She had cancer and lost all her hair during treatment. She used this regimen to help grow it back. I use some of her stuff, and then I have tweaked it and added other things. One thing I don't do is the protein shakes. I probably could get up in the morning and make them, but I'm just too lazy for that right now. We'll see. Here's what I take right now:

MORNING (taken with breakfast):
Trader Joe's chewable multivitamin
Vitamin C - 1000 mg
Flax seed oil - 1000 mg
Evening primrose oil - 1000 mg
MSM - 1000 mg

AFTERNOON DOSE(taken with lunch):
GNC UltraNourishHair

EVENING (taken with dinner):
Caltrate (chewable calcium supplement)
Vitamin C - 1000 mg
B-Complex
Biotin (5000 mcg)
MSM - 1000 mg

I have to get to the store to purchase some silica, and then I will be adding that back in as well. I am also doing some research now on Chlorella and Spirulina. These are super foods. I am liking what I'm reading so far (not just that link, but others - including posts on hair care boards from people who are currently taking them), and incorporating those, may mean I can remove some of the other things.

I take supplements because I KNOW I don't get enough of what I need during the day. Besides having benefits for your hair, these are nutrients that your body needs for optimum function. The best thing would of course be to get what you need from the foods you eat. But if you can't, there are supplements out there to assist you.

SUGGESTIONS/TIPS:
Like my disclaimer says - read and re-read. Take notes. Read up on any supplements you are thinking about trying. Know the benefits and risks, and always consult with your doctor to make sure the supplements will not interfere with any other meds you are taking.

If you're going to take MSM and biotin, ease into it. Those two have been known to cause break outs. MSM has a detoxifying affect on your body, which is why you can get the break outs. I have bad knees, so I take 2 doses of MSM...I need some help with the cartilage down there.

It is VERY IMPORTANT to drink a lot of water during the day. What you need to drink depends on what you read. Some people say to drink eight 8-oz glasses of water per day. Some people say to drink half your body weight, in ounces. So if you weigh 150 lbs, you should drink 75 ozs of water per day. I use that as my minimum. I have four 700ml water bottles that I get when I buy water at the skating rink. I keep them ane re-fill them, and bring them to work in the mornings. If I drink all four of them, it's approximately 94.8 ounces per day. But at minimum I try to drink 72 ounces, which is about 3 bottles.

Anyone taking anything else they find beneficial for health/hair growth?