My lame background... and several questions.

[TKOTW]

Hello everyone, first time posting... Glad to have found a health forum. 22 year old male, no health problems... But I have become very interested in health in general and want to start today to live healthy tomorrow. I currently take no medications and try my best to not take any types, not even tylenol... Unless i'm running a fever or an extreme headache... Maybe twice a year. I do take herbal supplements: st. John's wort capsules, ginkgo biloba capsules, panax ginseng (not daily), omega-3 fish oil capsules, cayenne pepper capsules,milk thistle capsules and "fiber choice" tables w/ calcium / vitamin d. I live a busy lifestyle and don't get much vegetable intake.. I don't like 90% of vegetables. I do eat lots of lean protein, fresh fruits, but I do get stuck eating in restaurants a lot of the time. I do choose wisely there. I do incorporate whey protein mixed with skim milk into my diet a lot as well. I don't eat any fast food (except the occasional kfc buffalo snacker [protein exceeds the fat] and taco bell once in a while). Just a bit of background... I'm always looking for advice to improve myself with.

1: multi-vitamins. I've seen lots of studies report only 10-20% of pill multivitamins are absorbed, but 80-90% of liquid vitamins are absorbed. The liquid multivitamins I have found are all from concentrate... (see question 2)... Does anyone recommend a good liquid multi-vitamin?

2: juices/supplements from concentrate. How much does the concentration process really strip down the juices? Are they even worth considering?

3: is ascorbic acid really "true" vitamin c? I have read that ascorbic acid is the outer parts of vitamin c and not the core which is beneficial.

4: goji (wolf-berries)... Are these things really that full of anti-oxidants and as healthy as the claims? The only place I can find them to buy is on ebay, which of course are dried... Would I get the full benefit? Raisins and prunes are the next highest natural fruit in anti-oxidants correct?

5: "fiber choice" fiber tablets + calcium/vitamin d... The fiber is "inulin"... I have heard mixed opinions concerning inulin's benefits... Any insight?

6: liquid supplements vs pills... Mainly talking about st johns wort, ginkgo biloba, etc... Are the pills as good as the liquid?

I'm sure i'll have more.. Thanks for the replies.<3

 

[theleip]

1: multi-vitamins. I've seen lots of studies report only 10-20% of pill multivitamins are absorbed, but 80-90% of liquid vitamins are absorbed. The liquid multivitamins I have found are all from concentrate... (see question 2)... Does anyone recommend a good liquid multi-vitamin?

Its true that you lose alot from pill form vitamins. Most studies show you get about 30%.
It ranges in liquid form from about 75-90%. Here is a website with alot of facts on vitamins and liquid vitamins.

2: juices/supplements from concentrate. How much does the concentration process really strip down the juices? Are they even worth considering?

See above

3: is ascorbic acid really "true" vitamin c? I have read that ascorbic acid is the outer parts of vitamin c and not the core which is beneficial.

Pretty much, it is a supplemented product but serves the same purpose and of course their are higher qualities of vitamins. If truly concerned get one with bioflavonoids that enhance absorptions.

4: goji (wolf-berries)... Are these things really that full of anti-oxidants and as healthy as the claims? The only place I can find them to buy is on ebay, which of course are dried... Would I get the full benefit? Raisins and prunes are the next highest natural fruit in anti-oxidants correct?

There are tons of sources of anti-oxidants. The highest avaible is actually in small red beans, then wild blueberrys, cranberrys, red kidney beans and so on.
No need to ebay berries.

5: "fiber choice" fiber tablets + calcium/vitamin d... The fiber is "inulin"... I have heard mixed opinions concerning inulin's benefits... Any insight?

Fiber should really come from food sources at all cost, infact those goes with pretty much anything. If you need a fiber source go with a clean one.

6: liquid supplements vs pills... Mainly talking about st johns wort, ginkgo biloba, etc... Are the pills as good as the liquid?

Liquid is stronger but poses some issues for people. I would read that site and google in general for specific issues with each one you are planning on taking and their reactions.

In general it should be known that whole food sources are the way to go. Supplements should be just that... supplements to the diet. Taking to many things can lead to problems if not careful. I hated veggies too, but I developed a palette for them by force and now I love them. You would be much better served getting the whole food sources in where you can and read up on the supplements individually. Also be careful with the St. Johns as it does mess with your levels of Serotonin and unless that is something you want if you stop taking it you could develop some depression or mood swings much like lab made anti-depressants.