Health and Supplement Advice for Ostomy Patient with High Triglycerides
A 41-year-old male with an ostomy and high triglycerides seeks advice on supplements for weight loss, energy boost, and improving sex drive. Discussion includes potential supplements like glucomannan, green coffee bean extract, and iron, while considering medical complications with fiber intake.
I am 41, male. I have an ostomy. I am 235 pounds. I have very high triglycerides. I want to lose weight, improve my energy levels, and improve my sex drive. What should I take?
Given your health conditions and objectives, consider the following supplements and lifestyle approaches, while consulting with a healthcare provider due to your specific health circumstances, particularly having an ostomy and high triglycerides:
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Weight Loss:
- Glucomannan: This soluble fiber can help promote feelings of fullness and has been shown to lower cholesterol and triglycerides1. It should be taken with plenty of water to avoid gastrointestinal discomfort.
- Green Coffee Bean Extract: Some studies suggest it may aid in modest weight loss, although more research is needed for conclusive evidence2.
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Energy Levels:
- Carnitine: This supplement can help in energy metabolism by transporting fatty acids into the mitochondria for energy production3.
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Improving Sex Drive:
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Managing High Triglycerides:
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oil): Known for their heart health benefits, omega-3s can help reduce triglyceride levels5.
Please ensure to discuss these supplements with a healthcare professional, especially given your ostomy and heart health, to tailor a plan that's safe and effective for you. Additionally, lifestyle modifications such as a balanced diet and regular exercise are foundational.
Footnotes
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To clarify my ostomy, it is the result of a complete colonectomy, and I worry about high fiber causing small intestinal blockages at the stoma.
I also have very low ferritin and wonder if that causes low energy.Thank you for providing more details about your ostomy and health concerns. With these considerations, here are some points related to supplements and your condition:
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Low Ferritin and Energy Levels:
- Iron Supplements: Low ferritin often indicates iron deficiency, which can lead to fatigue. Iron supplements can help increase ferritin levels and improve energy, but they should be taken under a healthcare provider's supervision1.
- Vitamin C: Enhances the absorption of non-heme iron (the form commonly found in supplements), so pairing vitamin C with iron supplements can aid uptake2.
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Weight Loss and Management with an Ostomy:
- Since high fiber can pose a risk of blockage in your situation, focusing on non-fiber supplements that support weight loss is advised:
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Energy Level Improvement:
- Alongside iron, supplements such as B-Vitamins (like B12) and CoQ10 may also help boost energy levels, particularly if deficiencies exist5.
When considering supplements, it's crucial to work closely with your healthcare provider to address your specific needs safely, especially given the potential for complications with your ostomy and the need to avoid fiber-related blockages.
Footnotes
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A boost in testosterone would improve sex drive, energy levels, fat burning, and even muscle development. What safe sources are there to add to my testosterone, or encourage my body to produce more?
To safely boost testosterone levels and potentially improve factors like sex drive, energy levels, and muscle development, consider the following supplements and nutrients, which have some evidence supporting their role in testosterone enhancement:
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Vitamin D: There is evidence suggesting that vitamin D supplementation can increase testosterone levels in men. A study found that men who took vitamin D had significant increases in total, bioactive, and free testosterone levels compared to those who took a placebo1.
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Zinc: This mineral is crucial for testosterone production, and deficiency can lead to reduced levels. Adequate zinc intake, through diet or supplements, supports normal testosterone levels2.
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D-Aspartic Acid: Some research indicates that this amino acid can temporarily boost testosterone levels, particularly in men with low baseline testosterone3.
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Magnesium: Sufficient magnesium levels are associated with higher testosterone levels, especially when combined with exercise4.
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Fenugreek: Some studies suggest fenugreek may boost testosterone by reducing the enzymes that convert testosterone to estrogen5.
Before starting any new supplement regimen, particularly for hormone-related purposes, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider to ensure safety and avoid potential interactions with other medications or health conditions.
Footnotes
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S. Pilz et al., "Effect of vitamin D supplementation on testosterone levels in men", PubMed. ↩
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General knowledge on zinc and testosterone from nutritional science. ↩
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Broad information on D-Aspartic Acid and testosterone from various studies. ↩
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Common understanding of magnesium's role in testosterone based on nutritional research. ↩
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Broad knowledge of fenugreek's potential effects on testosterone from various studies. ↩
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