Relief Series: Vitamins and Supplements

I have been using Care/of brand of vitamins and supplements for a little over a year now. What I love about them is that you get to take a quiz when you first sign up to see what is recommended for you! But if you are like me and know exactly what you need because of your doctor and your own research then I took the quiz for fun and looked around to see if they had all the supplements I needed.

Disclaimer...I am not a medical professional, every body is different and this is just an informational blog post as to what has worked for me. What has worked for me may not work for you. This post is to act as a guide from my research. Also, not a paid ad for Care/of, I just really like their system.

These are the ones that I have found to be the most beneficial to me and my healing process.

Turmeric: This is an anti-inflammatory spice that is commonly used in India for curry. This antioxidant helps with the inflammation that comes with endometriosis and is also found to help treat the pain that comes with the inflammation. (I have recently found that care/of has beeswax in them so I am going to have to find a new turmeric to use).

Magnesium: While menstruating women lose up to 50% of their magnesium levels! Losing this much with endometriosis is what makes the cramping unbearable. Having higher levels in your bloodstream before your period helps reduces the cramps, this could be said for all women, not just those with endometriosis, if you are finding that your cramps are what is bringing you down, I highly suggest adding more magnesium.

Probiotic: Probiotics may also help regulate immune system function and decrease inflammation. Both of these properties may help contribute to potential relief from some endometriosis-related symptoms.

Iron: Again, like magnesium, those with endometriosis tend to have heavier flows than those who do not. Losing up to 50% of your iron with your period makes you fatigued and can also cause anemia with an endo sufferer. The last few times I have been to the doctor my iron levels are increasing, which makes me believe this vitamin is helping with a potential anemia scare from 2 years ago.

Cramp Bark: Cramp bark’s name comes from its use as a pain treatment for cramps, particularly menstrual cramps. While there is little scientific evidence to support the claim that it actually does help with cramping, I can proudly state that I have been using this now for years and it has DRASTICALLY helped with the cramping. I have slowly gone down to one dose every period cycle.

I love it so much, I brought it to a photo shoot.

These are the vitamins that may have helped but the side effects were not worth the potential relief I was feeling.

Milk Thistle: This supplement is a liver detox. The liver is responsible for filtering out toxins in our body, including excess hormones such as estrogen, which is to believed the main cause of endometriosis.
     I did not feel any different while taking this supplement. I decided to try other vitamins and supplements that may make me feel better than the milk thistle. It also took a very long time to feel any kind of relief from this supplement.

DIM: or diindolylmethane is a natural plant-based chemical is found in the cruciferous vegetables. DIM has been shown to be helpful in reducing excessive bleeding that many endometriosis sufferers have. Beta-carotene encourages enhanced immunity and decreases inflammation. (NatureMed). This supplement is not in the Care/of group, but I did try it on my own after chatting with a very friendly couple at Green one afternoon.
   With DIM I did like how it made me feel, I was actually surprised my period was starting, I had 0 symptoms! Unfortunately, I believe this is what caused some weight gain. This was the only new factor I had entered into my routine at the time and it caused weight gain in my mid-section which I am actively trying to get rid of.

This month I am trying a new supplement that Care/of added to their mix this year. It is called Shatavari, this is a hormone balancer that should help balance the excess estrogen that I am producing. This formulation helps in treating all gynecological ailments like ovarian cysts, endometriosis, and menstrual disorders. (SelfGrowth). I am looking forward to this one, which may cause weight gain as well, if it does, we will figure it out if/when it happens.

All Care/of packages come personally with quotes and random facts, which makes taking vitamins fun! I love that I can get most of what I need at a lower cost than if I had to buy all I need separately. 

If you are interested in starting Care/of, click the image below for your first month FREE (up to $40).

When Life Gives you Endo...Keep looking until you find the right vitamins and supplements that work for you!

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 I will be continuing this series as well as starting new content for women's health in general. Since I am not on Facebook any word of mouth about the blog is greatly appreciated, please share with friends and family.