Shaklee vitamins...

[bunny]

I'm reviewing my ds vitamins, and was recently introduced to shaklee vitamins. Any comments?

I still haven't gone all out to the full vitamin doses suggested, and figured I'd better get on the ball before school starts.

Shaklee even had a pamphlet on ADHD (titled "Attention Deficit Disorder, A Drug-Free Approach Using Four Simple Strategies". It was really quite simple (identify underlying conditions, optimal nutrition, non-toxic environment, and supportive parenting), although for someone just begining to research it laid out many helpful facts, and they referenced many of the "right" people...Feingold, Hallowell, Rapp, Block...

Their suggested supplements and dosages seem close to those suggested by "The Nutrition Solution" book, with the exception that they missed EPA/GHA completely (although they do carry it), and they added in Lecithin and Valerian.

Anyway.......... , whew, I feel long winded!

Is anyone using these? They seem to be of good quality. If you want to look it up... shaklee.com will take you there.

I'd appreciate comments before I invest . Thanks

[songwriter]

My mom was a Shaklee distributer when I was a kid. I think more than anything, she did it because she liked the products. She didnt have a very big customer base.
I was a boy then so I didnt pay much attention to it all. But Shaklee has been around for a long time and there is something to be said for that. She swore by her Herb-lax, Cal-mag,Vita C..etc...
I dont know about their ADHD products- they didnt have them years ago when she sold the stuff.
Sorry I give more valuable info.

Paul

[bunny]

Thanks songwriter,

They are actually using their regular vitamins for ADD, and suggesting particular doses for each one. They do seem to be high quality, but fairly expensive... .

To go with their plan (I did adjust a few doses according to what I have read, and I would actually use less of some products and skip a couple altogether), it would cost me around $180/month.

Still hoping to hear from some people using this product, even if just for themselves.

Buny

[lllex]

Hi Bunny,

I have a friend with an undiagnosed ADHD 6 year old. She's been using Shaklee vitamins for him and is happy with the results. She sent me an e-mail that was from her Shaklee distributor, it shows that she is quite knowledgable on how to help ADD. It's kinda long but I've included it below anyway.

Laura

Healthy Kids - Nutrition Support for Optimal Learning

 
Thousands of kids, teens and adults with learning, inattention,
concentration or hyperactivity issues have had great results from this
supplementation program, when coupled with good diets and non-toxic
household environments.

How to start the nutritional program

A Healthy Brain for Optimal Learning (continued)

 

1. BEFORE STARTING THE PROGRAM, MAKE A LIST OF SYMPTOMS  

It's important for parents to list both small and large symptoms
before starting. The smaller ones will disappear first. The most
glaring ones will be the last to go. Listing symptoms before starting
allows you to recognize the progress being made. Major difference
should appear in 3 months. Some say you need a month for each year of
a child's age (7 year old in 7 months).

2. ADJUST DOSAGES AFTER 3 MONTHS

After 3 months, you might start adjusting some dosages.

3. MAKE A CHART OF SUPPLEMENTS

Keep records of changes. MAKE A CONTRACT WITH THE CHILD.  
Contract with child to take this "SPACE AGE FOOD" or "food capsules"
(not "vitamins") for 90 days without complaint. Sometimes it's
effective for the child to be in contact with the nutrition advisor,
so the child can feel accountable to an outsider. If he has trouble
swallowing tablets, have him put one in his mouth and then drink
through a straw. It will go down. If necessary, tablets can be ground
in a coffee grinder, blender, pill crusher or mortar and pestle and
mixed with soy drink or soft food like applesauce. Capsules can be
pricked and squirted into food ( Essential Omega 3 /EPA would have a
taste).
 
4. POWER CANDY  

Keep the blood sugar balanced during the day with a high protein
breakfast (Soy/Slim Plan), with fiber and Bs, and then some protein at
lunch. A protein snack will help get through homework. Try another soy
drink (warm the creamy cocoa and call it hot chocolate!) or here is a
high protein "Power Balls" recipe:  

1 Cup Energizing Soy Protein or Slim Plan Gold, any flavor
1 Cup Peanut Butter
1 Cup Honey
¼ cup fiber crunch or fiber blend

Make into balls,

roll over fiber crunch to coat, then put in freezer.
Kids love them!
 
5. LOOK AT THE DIET.  

Supplements and foods all work together. Decrease processed foods
(candy, soda, foods with preservative and colorings, sugar-laden cakes
and cookies, etc.). Instead use wholesome foods like fresh fruit, raw
vegetables, whole grain products (crackers, cereals, breads and
pasta). Watch that some juices contain as much sugar as soda. Consider
finding a professional who can identify food sensitivities or
allergies. Investigate the possibility of yeast overgrowth. Drink
plenty of filtered water each day. Make sure there is adequate fiber
in the diet (whole grains, veggies, fruits). Between fiber and water
there should be at least one good bowel movement per day to avoid
re-absorption of toxins. You can take charge of your child's health!
 
6. Supplementation Schedule
 
Starter plan for average sized 8 year old

Start with a three day cleanse using ½ tablet Herb-Lax the first
night, increasing to 1 the second night and 1 ½ for the third,
continue at 2 until two good bowel movements in a day, in order to
remove toxins and increase absorption. Increase water and fiber to
keep things moving. The following schedule is only a guide. Every one
is different. Sometimes whatever way it manages to get in daily is the
"right" way.

*VITA LEA 2 children's chewable multi per day,
- 1 at breakfast and 1 at dinner

*INSTANT PROTEIN SOY MIX
- 1 serving in morning,plus as a high protein snack after school
or ENERGIZING SOY PROTEIN or SLIM PLAN GOLD

Helps stabilize the blood sugar, improves concentration and provides
consistent energy.
The Soy Mix has a natural flavor & no sugar & less than 1 g of carbs!
It mixes easily with lots of foods for drinks & cooking & baking.
Comes with great recipe suggestions. The Energizing Soy Protein comes
in natural vanilla or creamy cocoa and mixes with soy/rice milk, if
you are trying to avoid milk, or with fruits & juices. The
Slim Plan Gold is balanced between carbohydrates, protein and fiber.
Provides 12 gms of protein from soy.
 
*LECITHIN 4 to 6 per day, spread out over day
Lecithin is brain food. High stress of these kids eats
it up during the day. Important for concentration.

*ZINC
- 1 per day, at breakfast or before homework
(Vita Lea has some zinc)

Concentration can increase right away.
A mood leveler, plus builds immune system.
 
*GLA & EPA 2 to 3 spread out over day -
a good balance is 2 EPA (Essential Omega 3) to 1 GLA
Essential fatty acids balance hormones and feed the brain. Studies
show effectiveness.
 
*CAL/MAG 2 to 4 per day
(depending on diet) spread out over meals & bedtime
Calcium reduces stress. Magnesium relaxes brain, nerves and muscles.

*B COMPLEX 2 to 4 per day,
- 1 at breakfast, lunch, after-school snack, & supper 
Balances blood sugar throughout the day along with protein and fiber.
Aids metabolism of foods. Stress depletes B. Helps with anxiety,
irritability, alleviates sugar cravings, promotes normal growth. One B
just at bedtime sometimes helps those who wake up cranky.but if taken
15 minutes before sleep, it can keep them awake!

A rule of thumb for how much B for hyperactivity: "If the urine is
yellow, she is mellow". It is water-soluble and lasts 3 to 4 hours, so
needs replenishling.

*OPTIFLORA (acidophilus)
- 1 pearl per day with powder


Add as needed:


*VITA C 500
- 1 to 4 per day (as needed),or equivalent chewable 100 mgs spread out over day

*IBC Immune Building Complex 1 per day
For help with immunity, allergies, detoxification & environmental
sensitivities.

*VALERIAN
- 1 or 2 per day
One child while he was on the program without the Valerian said he
could get through most of the day without becoming "thrown" anymore
(stressed, anxious), unless there was a disruption of schedule. Adding
the Valerian got him through the disruptions as well.

*MENTAL ACUITY
- 3 per day, 2 at breakfast and 1 before homework
For mental alertness, memory, concentration.
 
*STRESS RELIEF COMPLEX As needed
Increase concentration, reduce distractions,
calm anxiety in stressful situations

[catatonic]

Bunny -
I haven't used these personally, but they are reputed to be good quality, and their chewables are colored and flavored with natural ingredients like beet juice, not nasty artificials. The list Laura posted is a good supplement regimen. The only issue I have with Shaklee is expense. However, their convenience and having a knowledgeable rep to guide you may offset that.