For around 15 years lecithin granules have been part of my diet, and they still maintain my mental acuity. During this time, I have tested ginkgo biloba, phosphatidylserine, omega 3, DMAE, acetyl l-carnitine, vinpocetine, bacopa, et cetera. None prove better nor enhance the benefits derived from plain and simple lecithin GRANULES. Upon becoming acquainted with a man hoping to become a writer, he confided that he could no longer write due to mental fuzziness and fog. I advised trying lecithin granules. Within three weeks, he reported a significant improvement -- which continued. Several months down the pike he actually published his first article. [The article was not that good, but you cannot blame the lecithin granules for that.]

I found these digestive enzymes to be adequate, but weak. No way could I find 90 servings; it required at least three capsules per meal for a noticeable effect. The vegetarian capsule explains my initially trying them. I think the probiotic insufficient and just added to be able to say so. When it comes to cauliflower, broccoli, and beans, this formula allows to much discomfort. Having tried many digestive enzymes, these rank in the middle of the pack.

From Ry: Although inexpensive, this zinc works well. I am not prone to flu and colds anyway due to the attention attributed to my diet, plus supplements. Nevertheless, on rare occasion the beginning symptoms, e.g., scratchy throat, slight headache, would appear, but disappear by the next day or so. Since using this zinc for two winters now, no symptoms have appeared at all; and I frequently go outside in freezing and snowy weather without proper attire. Agree, not too smart, but like to see how far I can push it without consequence.

In the past I used Healthy Origins Epicor, but switched to Source Naturals brand because it includes 2,000 IU of D3 for 38% less cost. It all comes from one source: Embria Health Sciences. One reads about research that blames uncontrolled inflammation in the large intestine for colon cancer, colitis, et cetera, and the need to curb immune system action that causes harmful inflammation. Some research says inflammation behind diabetes and arthritis. Most products tout the boosting of the immune system, so Epicor seems a sensible addition for body balance.

From Ry: Here is my story about D3: I had been travelling for several consecutive months, and when finally home, my exhausted body felt a cold/flu trying to sprout. Several days of 10,000 units ended this threat dead in its tracks. I switched to Healthy Origins D3 because free of everything except necessary ingredients, sourced from lanolin, and comes in the preferable soft gel. I have stopped buying Carlson's D3 because of price, and because they cannot tell me if it has corn oil in it or not. Carlson can tell me that its D3 is salt-free, wheat-free, soy-free, yeast-free, sugar-free, milk-free, preservative-free, gluten-free. But they just don't know about corn oil ... ! Although the odds of corn oil being GMO are 85%, Carlson thinks this unimportant.

I spoke at length with Peter Kamitses at a store exhibit. He and his wife started Urban Moonshine, and while he handles the marketing, his wife handles the herbs. His responses told me that offering the best product possible was as important as building a successful business. Including the grape alcohol, their bitters include all organic ingredients -- even the essential oils. The taste comes across as pleasantly mild. It proves as effective a digestive aid as any tried. No laxative herbs, e.g, senna, included, which means being able to use whenever wanted. Consequently, get a little spray bottle so that when that nasty mouth taste bothers you, simply spray a couple times, and it's gone. Carry the tiny spray bottle with you, and when a headache begins to creep into your life, two or three sprays will clear or reduce intensity. You can transfer bitters from this large bottle to a small sprayer with a dropper, or a hard-to-find tiny funnel -- but finally located one at Target.

From Ry: I am still satisfied with this product after two years of use. The 650 mg. provides an adequate dosage, especially since backed up with pepsin. Years ago, a Dr. Wright introduced me to HCL following a stomach test showing my acid at half strength; he said that around age 35 the acid usually just begins diminishing, as compared to seniors where the acid deficiency at least over 50 percent. Without acid, digestion doesn't have a chance. He started me on six (6) GRAMS at meals. The answer is no; this amount did not burn nor aggravate my stomach. Today, due to improvements in diet, one or two of Solary's HCL capsules prove sufficient. Actually, skipping use with small meals, causes no effects now; this debunks the myth that taking HCL will result in less production of one's own hydrochloric acid. However, the supplemental need becomes apparent with Thanksgiving type meals, with the return of the bloating, indigestion, and rumbling stomach.

From Ry: If you are low on cash, but need a digestive aid, this is it. Its price cannot be beat for the results achieved. It curbs the bloating and fullness, and tackles flatulence; it works well for beans and cruciferous vegetables, and I eat a lot of broccoli and cauliflower. I like that nothing GMO in it and is vegetarian. I need three or four capsules with my meals, however.

From Ry: Surprisingly, this extract is not as hot as the cayenne powder when mixed into food. I still prefer the powder because of enjoying the actual taste. Christopher's writings say that a man saved from death by heart attack by giving him this extract. I believe it because this stuff is hot! I place a drop under my tongue to warm my body before venturing out into the winter blistering cold. In general, this extract improves circulation in my hands and feet. I keep it on hand for first aid.

From Ry: I tried this Now Foods Acetyl-L-Carnitine, 500 mg, 100 Vcaps for three (3) consecutive months per recommended dosage without any difference.

From Ry: It does lessen foot odor. Non-greasy. Non-fragrant. Absorption occurs under 15 seconds. Unfortunately, no relief comes for deep pain, i.e. metatarsal pain, nor for near-the-surface heal discomfort. It contains oleoresin capsicum, so when spraying onto foot, or even spraying onto hand to apply, expect the mist to cause minor respiratory irritation with mild coughing.

From Ry: I got this dry skin idea from Reviewer#1534288. So often we take supplements on blind faith, not knowing if really helping. I decided to test UMAC by not consuming but only use topically. For over a year, the skin between fingers on my right hand had gradually worsened, the skin flaking off in mounds. Rubbing off these flakes revealed deep red flesh. I applied one drop of UMAC between each finger three or four times daily. Amazingly, it worked where herbs, ointments, and creams failed. That's the good news. The bad news is that it took around six weeks. However, to be fair to the product, you should know that my hands were washed close to 20 times daily. So, to UMAC's credit, it solved the problem even while the abuse to my hands continued!