How Do I Know Whether My Supplement Is Working Or Not?

So, you've invested in yourself, done a little research, and plunged into the world of healthy, organic, natural supplements.  Now you're wondering whether or not they're actually working and doing everything they advertised they would.  Or, did you just spend a small fortune on nothing?

First things first!  YOU are not nothing!  Your Health is not nothing!  To phrase it in a more positive light; You and your Health are worth the effort and investment you are making.  Sure, there is a learning curve especially since what works for one person won't always work for someone else and won't always work the same way for you depending upon your body's needs.  Frustrating?!  Yup!!

Here are some tips that I have learned personally and through experience as an RN.

1.  Our bodies are slow to change.  In general, it takes 3-6 weeks for new medications/supplements to reach therapeutic levels and for your body to register the benefits.  You may begin sensing benefits sooner, however, whether this is physiological or psychological is under debate.  I believe that it's both.  Knowing you're doing something good for you and your health coupled with taking the action is powerful.

2.  We live in a time of such need for instant gratification that we either don't give the supplements enough time or we expect such a dramatic difference that we aren't looking for the smaller effects along the way.  Here's where keeping a daily journal can really come in handy.  For example, I keep a journal for Pain, Stiffness, Sleep, Mental Fog, Mental Energy, and Physical Energy rating them several times throughout the day every day.  I also note when I start or stop any new supplements or diet changes as well as when I cheat or miss my vitamins.  Reviewing the trends has really helped to see what has worked, when has it worked and why might it not have worked.

3.  Many people report not noticing how much supplements or medications have helped until they've quit taking them or forgotten to refill the prescription.  Again, this may take 2-4 weeks.

4.  Ask your friends and family if they have noticed any changes.  They can be a better gauge than you sometimes.

5.  How about you?  How do you feel and look?  Not only at this moment but overall since beginning your journey.   (Again, I suggest keeping track of this daily in a journal.  It's easy to forget how bad we felt once we feel better and vice versa).

6.  Be honest and be prepared to try several different brands or products in order to find the one that works best for you.

We would love to hear from you.  Please let us know what works for you.  Visit our Blog at www.ProperHealthSolutions.com


To your Health!

Deanna and Ray Proper

Hydration Highlights

Hi Everyone!

Now that Spring is well under way and Summer is almost upon us, it's time to give a shout out and remind everyone about proper hydration, and review signs and symptoms of dehydration.

Signs and Symptoms:  Dehydration affects every system but is most noticeable in skin and heart changes.

Increased heart rate, weak pulse, low blood pressure, dry mouth/eyes/nose, dry/hot/cracked skin. Other common signs/symptoms include:  headache, visual disturbances, change in cognition, weight loss, light-headedness, dizziness, irritability, shallow rapid breathing, fever.

If re-hydration with fluids and/or electrolyte replacement drinks has been attempted and signs/symptoms persist, or cognition has altered and fluids cannot be taken orally, take the person to the nearest emergent care facility for assessment and assistance.

Common Causes:  Vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, burns (even sunburn), severe wounds, diuretic use, laxative use, diabetes insipidus, impaired swallow/thirst, fever, ileostomy, hyperventilation, any combination.

Most commonly dehydration is caused by taking in less fluid than the body requires and/or puts out, and can be easily corrected by increasing fluid and/or electrolyte intake.

Those at special risk include the young, the elderly, those with dementia or cognitive impairment, those who depend on others for food/water, and people taking medications that increase fluid output whether by sweat or elimination.  These people should take frequent small sips of clear fluids (any fluid that you can see through such as water, juice, tea etc) throughout the day. Caffeine and alcohol can create dehydration so avoid excessive use of beverages with these ingredients.  When you do have them, make sure that water or other clear fluids are sipped intermittently along with them.

Now, for those of you who, like my husband, cannot stand plain water; try filling 1/4 of the glass or cup with juice or an electrolyte replacement drink and then fill the rest of the way with water.  Or, make ice cubes from juice or electrolyte replacement drinks and cool your water with them.  This is also a good way to flavor iced tea.  And, if you've been sweating a lot or have had diarrhea or vomiting, electrolyte replacement is needed along with fluid replacement.

What if you or the other person doesn't want to chug a full glass of anything?  If you're watching TV, take several small sips during commercial breaks, or set a timer to ring every 15-20 mins reminding you to take a few sips.

Visit our Beverage category for a variety delicious ways to stay hydrated!

To your Health!

Deanna and Ray

Don't think diet; think nutrition!

Hi!  Hope everyone had a great weekend!

If you're like me, you "cheat" on the weekends and start all over again at the beginning of the week. Right?!  And, if you're anything like me, you're so sick of the word, "diet", that you really don't care anymore especially since none of them work anyway.  Right?!   (Well, O.K.  Maybe it's because I never really committed and stuck to it anyway).

Maybe that's because the term "Diet" conjures up ideas of "good" and "bad" food, and going without or "I can't haves".  This leads to feeling deprived and frustrated which leads to the need for comfort; which leads to .... you guessed it, "sneaking" comfort foods which are often part of the "bad" food category.   Then, not only do you feel bad because you ate the "bad" food, but you think you're bad because you couldn't give it up for even a week.  And the roller coaster starts all over again.

Recently, i.e., within the past year, I have begun a new approach.  I think nutrition and nutritious food choices versus diet.  I was looking for a way of living/eating versus dieting.  Some friends were all talking about a new eating program so I bought the book, read it and thought it made sense; especially since I have RA and Lupus and have had allergic reactions to every prescription medication the doctors have prescribed.  I have also become sensitive to gluten and nightshades. Important note:  I am not endorsing any program or beating a drum and saying you have to do this, and especially not without consulting your healthcare provider.  Rather, I am sharing the facts/results I've seen and felt so far.

In all honesty, it has taken the better part of the past year to change old habits and to truly embrace this new thought pattern/choice of nutrition, however, it has been worth it.  I have less pain and stiffness, and my energy level has improved significantly.  Just ask my husband who is glad that I have more energy, but has to adjust his Man Cave time in the evenings to spend more time with me!  (Don't worry.  He'll get used to it!)  Oh!  And I sincerely do not have cravings for foods with low or no nutrient value.  Instead, I crave fruits and vegetables!  My skin looks about 10 years younger as well, per my daughter.

Moral of the Blog, the right combination of nutrition and supplements really can make a difference.  I've truly come to believe the truth in the statement, "you are what you eat".  Visit ProperHealthSolutions.com categories Vitamins/Minerals as well as Nutrition Bars and begin your commitment to better nutrition today. To your health!

Sincerely,   Deanna and Ray Proper

P.S.  The program I am following is The Whole 30 by Melissa and Dallas Hartwig.  It has taken almost a year to commit and stick to the program, but I just made the half-way mark;15 days.  Let us know what works for you.

Repeat Important note:  I am not endorsing any program or beating a drum and saying you have to do this, and especially not without consulting your healthcare provider.  Rather, I am sharing the facts/results I've seen and felt so far.