Vitamins

[John K]

Just thought I'd drop a quick note.  Before we left for Ukraine, my wife wanted to take some vitamins over for her grandmother.  Babushka had mentioned that it would be nice to have some Centrum Silver, so we bought a big bottle and took it overseas with us.  

When talking to my wife the last couple of times, she remarked that her grandmother's health had improved remarkably since she started taking the vitamins.  Her blood pressure has stabilized, her heart rate is finally normal, and her overall health has improved immensely.  I was happy to hear the good news.

It does make me wonder, however, regarding much nutrients Ukrainians are really getting out of their diets.  While they are supposed to eat healthier than us, it may not necessarily be the case...

[rickmoe]

... in response to Vitamins, posted by John K on Jun 17, 2003

From a medical standpoint, I can assure you that most, if not all of any improvement in health was due to the placebo effect. Vitamins, by definition, are needed in miniscule quantities to promote certain chemical reactions in the body. Russian medicine, from what I have witnessed, relies heavily on potions, herbs, and other treatments of dubious value.

Rick G, DMD

[John K]

... in response to Re: Vitamins, posted by rickmoe on Jun 17, 2003

I take vitamin/mineral supplements most days, and while I don't necessarily feel like skydiving, I do seem to notice it on the days I forget.  While it could be psychological, I kind of doubt it.  If it were psychological, I think I would be more adamant about remembering to take them.  Shoot, I don't even remember to eat dinner most nights, while Marina's gone.

On the other hand, take my Mountain Dew away from me and there's h*ll to pay!  :-)

[Lynn]

... in response to I dunno, posted by John K on Jun 17, 2003

I saw a demonstration recently of over the counter vitamin and suppliments. According to the people doing the demonstration, most of the minerals in vitamins are mined somewhere in Utah then ground up and mixed with all this other stuff and reconstituted into pill form. What they said was that even though the minerals were in there, they were not in a form to where your body could utilize them with much effect.

[John K]

... in response to Re: I dunno, posted by Lynn on Jun 17, 2003

I do sometimes use a multi supplement that I bought at GNC, but mostly I use vitamin/mineral/herbal supplement packs that I bought some time ago, direct from the manufacturer.  There is some effect from them, but I wouldn't say that it has radically changed my life or anything.  The most visible benefits I feel are reduced stress and better sleeping at night.

[Cal]

... in response to Vitamins, posted by John K on Jun 17, 2003

Yeah a local Ukrainian woman I know mentioned that
bringing vitamins as gifts when visiting is a good idea
but I'm not sure the women I have been writing would like
chewable Flintstones as gifts.  Then again, who knows!

FYI, if anyone is going to be in Kiev or Zaporojie the
last week of June and the first two weeks of July, let me
know.  I'm waiting for my visa now.

Cal

[Cold Warrior]

... in response to Vitamins, posted by John K on Jun 17, 2003

i have been taking Centrum for the past 5 years. Haven't been sick since except for the odd cold which doesn't last more than 2 days.