I’ve decided to do a bit of a health post. Not a rambling about my health or anything like that, unless you want me to. More a feedback on things I have been trying recently and letting you guys know how I got on, post.
First things first I had a lot of different illnesses throughout April, one cold or virus after another because I was a bit stressed over deadlines and other things happening at the time. So when I arrived home from University I decided I was sick of being ill and needed to boost my immune system. Give it a helping hand as it were. I’m pretty sure the staff at Holland and Barrett’s saw me coming as I left with 4 different types of vitamins and minerals. I bought coconut oil capsules because I kept getting dry skin and had heard they were good for skin and hair so why not. I bought Calcium, Zinc and Magnesium capsules because I’d heard Magnesium was good for menstrual cramps and headaches and I figured extra calcium wouldn’t hurt because I’ve broken a lot of bones in the past and they can ache sometimes. I bought the Cod Liver Oil capsules which my Grandma always used to shake her head at and tell me to take it on a teaspoon like she had to back in the day, no thank you! That’s gross. Finally I bought the ‘Alive’ vitamins that promote ‘Women’s Energy’ figured, I’m a women and I need energy so I’ll try them out. As you can imagine I spent a little bit of money but it was the penny deal so not as much as it should have been.
I’ll start with the coconut oil capsules, I’ve been taking them for a bit over a month now and haven’t noticed any difference in the health of my skin or my hair. I personally don’t recommend them at all. I do however recommend coconut oil in its natural form, i.e. a jar of coconut oil. I bought some from my local health food shop ‘Robinson’s’ for £1.60 which was a lot cheaper than the £7-8 or so that Holland and Barrett’s wanted for it. I’ve used it all over my body and my skin feels amazing, my hands are still a little dry so I’m thinking of trying it as a soak rather than just applying it to them directly and see if that works. I used it as a replacement for my conditioner as it’s supposed to help with dandruff, I have very think hair so I always have problems but it does work as far as I’ve noticed. I don’t think I’ll continue to use it though as it makes my hair feel really greasy and clumpy, also the overpowering smell of coconut made me feel a bit queasy. So yeah, great for the skin but maybe just a once a month or so on the hair?
The calcium, zinc and magnesium capsules haven’t really been tested as I haven’t had a proper menstrual cycle since I started taking them. I came off on my pill which always messes everything up anyways so these will have to be tested over a few months. Headache wise, they suck. I keep having a lot of mild headaches that are making me feel queasy. Thankfully not migraine level yet, but so far not noticed any improvements. Might try feverfew capsules in the future, they’re supposed to be good for headache prevention. On the plus side, my pee is florescent! It’s brilliant! Yes I’ a child that easily amused but weird coloured urine. Seriously for the first few hours after taking them, my pee practically glows in the dark. I may have to continue taking these forever just for this reason!
The ‘Alive’ capsules have just blended in with all the rest if I’m honest. I won’t buy anymore when they’re finished as I bought them more as a supplement for things I’d been lacking in my University diet. Since I’m back home now I should be getting the nutrients I need through actual food and not a capsule. These combined with the olive oil do seemed to have worked in reducing the amount of colds and bugs I’ve picked up, but that could just be the change in routine and stress levels. If, once I stop taking them I start getting ill again, I’ll get some more. If that does happen though, I’ll be looking at my diet to see what I can change there.
Okidokie, so that’s my health/vitamin update. My recommendations from this, Olive oil capsules, coconut oil for the skin, and magnesium for glow in the dark (not really) pee.
If I change anything, I’ll make sure to let you know!
Charlotte x
Charlie's Words of Wisdom 