Exatest results

My Mom finally had her doctor do the Exatest that I had mailed to him in May! She was diagnosed in May, and I have been researching like crazy since. She has been taking magnesium glycinate (& using magnesium oil) as well as taurine and several other supplements for the past 5 months - also, she stopped supplementing with calcium. I have not added the potassium because I wanted to make sure her magnesium levels were up first, and I believe she is getting more potassium in her diet.

Hoping someone with experience can help us to better understand these results...

Magnesium 35.6 (within range) 33.9 - 41.9

Calcium 4.3 (within range) 3.2 - 5.0

Potassium 113.5 (within range) 80.0 - 240.0

Sodium 3.7 L (out of range) 3.8 - 5.8

Chloride 4.4 (within range) 3.4 - 6.0

Phosphorus 16.0 (within range) 14.2 - 17.0


RATIOS...

Phosphorus/
Calcium 4.5 H (out of range) 3.5 - 4.3

Magnesium/
Calcium 7.0 (within range) 6.1 - 12.2

Magnesium/
Phosphorus 2.2 (within range) 1.8 - 3.0

Potassium/
Calcium 18.5 L (out of range) 19.1 - 38.0

Potassium/
Magnesium 2.7 (within range) 2.4 - 4.8

Potassium/
Sodium 23.0 (within range) 19.4 - 38.9


Thanks so much for your help,
Sharon in Texas

p.s. My Mom has an appointment with Dr. Natale in January but hoping we won't need his assistance by then. Started my Mom on iodine, and it seems to be helping. We are gradually increasing the dosage. Will post an update when we are further along in our experiment. Wish most doctors knew how to really search for the root of the problem instead of just throwing drugs at the symptoms. They did admit that the radiation my Mom received for breast cancer treatment could have caused/contributed to this - exact words, "yes, that is a risk of radiation." And, it all started with 8 years of hormone replacement therapy for hot flashes! I am convinced that the standard medical system causes more problems than they help in many cases.

Hi Sharon!

Cheers and congratulations on your diligent and wise approach to "health care"! I am delighted reading your descriptive post, and in particular these statements:

"My Mom has an appointment with Dr. Natale in January but hoping we won't need his assistance by then".

"Wish most doctors knew how to really search for the root of the problem instead of just throwing drugs at the symptoms'.

"I am convinced that the standard medical system causes more problems than they help in many cases".

And thanks for the exatest results for us to puzzle over!

Measurements that seem significant to me:

-- magnesium, which is low within range: 35.6 (33.9 - 41.9) .
-- potassium, whch is low within range: 113.5 (80.0 - 240.0)
-- the potassium / calcium ratio, which is low: out of range: 18.5 (19.1 - 38.0)
-- the potassium / sodium ratio, which is low within range: 23.0 (19.4 - 38.9)

On the exatest website there is a lot of important reference material, journal articles and some very helpful interpretation pages, though a bit tricky to find. Go to [exatest.com], click on Bibliography in the LH column, which brings up Published Research and References (http://exatest.com/Research.htm) There click on #19: Interpretation Guide for Users of EXATEST Technology, 2001 (http://exatest.com/PDF%20Files/19.%20INTERPRETAION%20GUIDE%202001.PDF)

In the classic book 'The High Blood Pressure Solution" by Richard D. Moore, MD, Ph.D. the central theme is the intracellular (IC) ratio of potassium (K) to sodium (NA), and how a low ratio results in higher than desirable levels of calcium (Ca) in the cells of the muscles surrounding the arteries, causing increased excitation / decreased relaxation of those muscles, the result being increased resistance to flow and increased blood pressure. But Dr. More makes sure to point out that virtually all cells of the body are adversely affected by a low IC K / Na ratio and the resultant high Ca, certainly heart muscle cells and consequently heart rhythm. Dr. Moore's "solution" is to have dietary intake ratio of K to Na be at least 4, preferably much higher. He calls this the "K Factor". Moore doesn't define the desirable IC K / Na ratio, but exatest does

The understanding is furthered with 'The Magnesium Factor' by Mildred S. Seelig, MD, MPH. and Andrea Rosanoff, Ph.D, where the function of magnesium (Mg) as an essential component of the energy molecule MgATP is shown. MgATP energizes the Na/K pumps embedded in the cell membranes, which control IC K and Na, which in turn controls Ca. See also [exatest.com] 'The magnesium ATP complex' (about halfway down the page)


Best wishes! Erling

Hi Erling!

Thanks so much for your response, it is very helpful. Your story was one of the first I read in the conference room - such a great testimony!!!

You must also have very strong feelings about the standard medical community! I do have a little hope... When my Mom was in the hospital, I had an hour long conversation with the doctor's assistant (nurse practitioner), and he totally gets it and was so excited to talk to someone who understood true health but is powerless in his position. I encouraged him to venture out on his own and help people. Also, the nursing student who came in to interview my Mom listened with interest to my ranting lesson on health! Didn't get very far with the doctors - they just kept repeating gold standard double blind studies like a broken record.

It would have been interesting to see what my Mom's intracellular levels were in May before she began supplementing, especially the magnesium since she has been focusing on it, and she is still on the low end of the range. This in combination with the potassium also being on the low end of the range along with potassium/calcium ratio being out of range low and magnesium/calcium being on the low end of the range as well as potassium/sodium being on the low end. It makes sense that she is off balance.

Back to researching and thinking more about all of this. Thanks again Erling for your help...

Blessings to you,
Sharon in Texas

Sharon - I too am a breast cancer survivor who is dealing with LAF, and I have encountered a number of other breast cancer survivors who also have AF following treatments. I did not have radiation, but I think there are additional reasons some breast cancer survivors might face LAF.

First, I assume these women, myself included, have a predisposition in the form of ectopic foci or electrical wiring that sets the stage, because many many women don't get LAF secondary to breast cancer treatments. I had an episode in 2001, so the predisposition was there for me, but then I didn't have any more until 2007 when I was undergoing chemotherapy.

I believe the predisposition is "set off", so to speak, by the treatments:

1)reliable research shows that some breast cancer survivors experience autonomic imbalance, such as flat cortisol patterns. Autonomic imbalance is one of the hallmarks of LAF noted on this site and other articles. It is my personal belief that first the woman tends to experience sympathetic stimulation (fight or flight) in the face of the psychological and physiological threats, and then the body tries to slow down to consererve energy and goes into a sort of parasympathetic state. My own resting pulse slowed down from 64-70 to 56-60 - I am not sure exactly when this happened for me, but it was sometime toward the end of my treatments. this parasympathetic state, I believe, further predisposed me to AF. I continue to be very vulnerable to stress, and adding taurine to my base dosage as needed helps a lot.

2)both radiation and chemotherapy deplete magnesium and taurine. potentially leaving a woman deficienct in both. I for one already had a tendency for magnesium depletion (demonstrated by intracellular tests in 1996), so I have taken magnesium supplements for years, but apparently it wasn't enough.

3)the severe estrogen depletion secondary to aromatase inhibitors given postmenopausal women with hormone positive breast cancer further affects autonomic balance and most importantly causes a shift in how the kidneys handle minerals and bicarbonate - particularly, calcium and bicarbonate are reabsorbed at a higher rate than normal, potentially causing a mild metabolic alkalosis. While on Aromasin, one of the aromatase inhibitors, my episodes went from occasional to every two weeks. Stopping the Aromasin, my episodes went to every two months, and after adding Taurine I have now gone 11 weeks without an episode. I wouldn't encourage any woman to stop her aromatase inhibitor because the research does show better recurrence rates by using it, but it was a decision I made.

I am continuing to research these issues and I welcome any ideas you have. In a way I am thankful for the AF because I think it has revealed some underlying imbalances that I need to address - the breast cancer treatments may have opened pandora's box, but pandora's box was already there. good luck to you and your mother. LynnJ

LynnJ - Very important for breast cancer patients to have adequate CoQ10... probably there is quite a bit about this on the Internet. I'm away from my home computer so I can't provide you with some of my links on CoQ. If you are taking much in the way of calcium supplements, be aware that can contribute to AF if you are deficient, intracellularly in magnesium. Some people find just stopping the supplemental Ca stops the AF as well.

Best to you, Lynn. You've had a rough journey. My heart goes out to you.

Jackie

Thanks Jackie for the warm wishes.
(You are probably aware that I am the same Lynn who posted in august about acid base balance - conference proceedings session 66 - I switched to LynnJ because there was another Lynn who was on the BB before me).

I do take COQ10 - I used to take 100 mg bid but it was too stimulating and I am now taking 30 mg bid which seems to be good - actually, I have taken COQ10 for many years. In March when I stopped the Aromasin I also stopped all calcium except for a small amount in a cellular formula given to me by my holistic doctor. I also take oncoplex (sulphoraphane supplement) as cancer followup and Poly MVA which is a cancer fighting supplement - vitamin D - and German injections to boost my immune system which my holistic doctor uses with all of his cancer patients. All of my PET scans have been great, last one just a week ago. You may recall from another of my posts that I not only had breast cancer but also colon cancer, even though I had no lifestyle risk factors for the latter - there is a connection between colon and breast cancer in some women (hormonal or genetic they believe). There is a lot of cancer in my family and I am doing everything I can to get past it - have studied complementary approaches since I was thirty years old - I'm a 64 year old retired nurse.

I think LAF provides a warning about something being out of balance and maybe by balancing for the Af I am also balancing for the cancer - thus, AF may actually be a gift.

The frequency of LAF with breast cancer survivors is quite interesting - thus the post above in which I described some of what I have figured out - I would love your ideas on the subject. My neighbor who is a breast cancer survivor has recently been diagnosed with LAF and I have repeatedly run into others. Taurine was the biggie for me (thanks to you and this B - maybe the fact that chemo depletes taurine is a key, in which case taurine could routinely be recommended for cancer survivors who had chemo - LynnJ

Hi Lynn, Thank you for sharing your experiences and information! It sounds like you are very determined and making great progress.

We have also met a breast cancer survivor who went through conventional treatments and was diagnosed with afib around the same time as my Mom. I know she had radiation but am not sure if she followed up with an estrogen blocking drug. This lady has a natural minded medical doctor now who is helping her with afib - no drugs and has her detoxing heavy metals, avoiding common triggers, and taking many supplements including minerals. I told her about this great board, and she incorporated nattokinase and taurine on her own. The last time I talked to her about 3 weeks ago, she was doing very well. Need to get another update from her soon.

I do believe that there are many contributors to any health problem and that everyone has predispositions/weaknesses that may or may not manifest depending on many factors. Also, my Mom got a late start learning all about living in health - around 60 years old. She experienced menopausal symptoms in her 50's and just followed what everyone else was doing - whatever the doctor prescribed. So, she took hormone replacement therapy for about 8 years, and they watched a tiny mass slowly increasing in size for the last 2 and a half of the 8 years until they decided to check it out. Of course, when they finally made the cancer diagnosis, they said no more hormones (because they contribute/promote hormone positive breast cancer). Then the treatments for the cancer... I don't have many good things to say about the standard treatments they offered other than surgically removing the lump - beyond that, I think there are better choices that actually promote health and healing (and without the 'risks' as my Mom's doctor said about the radiation). My Mom also has lymphedema from the diagnostic lymph node dissection.

Yes, I can definitely see how any of the treatments - radiation, chemo, drugs could contribute/trigger/set off afib and many other health problems.

1) autonomic imbalance - I am treading more about this now. It seems that most people today are sympathetic dominant (too much so), and it is when they get completely burned out, the body is in an unhealthy parasympathetic state. Do you think that is what happened to you? What are you doing to help regain balance? I have been reading about chiropractic, craniosacral therapy, acupuncture, nutrition, supplements, stress reduction, detoxing heavy metals, etc. Calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium are involved in maintaining balance of the two systems. Proper levels of magnesium can help regulate the imbalance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems.

Regarding stress reduction and relaxation, my Mom is using the Resperate (http://www.resperate.com/us/welcome/index.aspx), and she loves it - the only problem (or not) is that it sometimes puts her to sleep!

On a side note, it seems that many women (and men) today have some hormone imbalance - and younger and younger in age. There are so many hormone disrupters - chemicals, plastics, found in certain foods, etc. Synthetic HRT and birth control pills only adds to this growing problem.

2) I am not surprised that radiation & chemo also deplete magnesium. Have you been able to get your magnesium levels back up?

Iodine has also been found to be extremely deficient in many people - links to breast cancer especially. In case you have not researched this, here are a few links... [www.hacres.com]
[www.healthcentral.com] - see comment 5
[www.oasisadvancedwellness.com]

3) I think that you made a great choice to stop Aromasin. I encouraged my Mother to stop tamoxifen after a few months - did not make since and not worth the risks to me especially since there are safer, health promoting choices to help prevent recurrence, in my opinion. Also, like many research studies, I seriously question the real life benefits. My sister in law is a pharmacist, and we have many discussions about this.

I can relate about continuing to research - thankfully, I like to research. I welcome your ideas.

It is wonderful that you are thankful and see the bigger picture.
Have you seen the Crazy Sexy Cancer documentary by Kris Carr - inspiring story and grateful for her cancer - [www.crazysexycancer.com]. She was diagnosed with stage 4 incurable cancer in her 20's, hired a camera man to document her journey traveling and interviewing health experts - she incorporated many positive lifestyle changes - her cancer is stable, she feels great, and she married her camera man!
Dr. Oz paid her a visit - [www.oprah.com].
"Dr. Oz went to meet Kris in New York to see her wellness routine. "I like the fact that she didn't just trust modern medicine. I love the fact that she was empowered, and she was going to go out and find solutions," he says. "She wasn't going to take no for an answer."

Good luck to you too Lynn,
Sharon in Texas

Seeing "cancer" and "CoQ10" together I'm reminded of clinical studies reported on in 1993, 2 years before I developed afib, 4 years before I stumbled upon it's journal reports while researching a way out. CoQ10 became an important part of my successful 'therapy' -- I theorized that low energy (ATP) in the heart muscle cells was possibly part of the problem (it was). The following recounting of the studies by Ralph W. Moss, Ph.D. is excellent (note the date). Karl Folkers is one of the great medical scientists of CoQ10 [www.icqa.org]

Erling
=======================

[www.ralphmoss.com]

PROMISING RESULTS IN BREAST CANCER: COENZYME Q10 EXCELS IN NEW DANISH STUDY
From The Cancer Chronicles #22
© July 1994 by Ralph W. Moss, Ph.D.

Last year, 32 patients with advanced, "high risk" breast cancer were treated in Copenhagen with Coenzyme Q10. Also known as CoQ10 or ubiquinone, this is generally classified as a "quasi" or "non-essential" nutrient. Each patients was given antioxidants, fatty acids, as well as 90 mg of CoQ10 per day.

Six of these 32 patients showed partial tumor regressions on this regimen—slightly better than one-fourth of the women. One of these six, a 59-year-old woman identified as "K.M." in the report, then increased her dosage of CoQ10 to 390 mg per day in October, 1993. Remarkably, by November, 1993, doctors wrote, "the tumor was no longer palpable and in December of last year, mammography confirmed the absence of tumor."

Encouraged by this, a 74-year old woman identified as "K.B." began taking 300 mg CoQ10 daily on October 12, 1993. On January 25, 1994 a clinical examination revealed no evidence of the prior residual tumor, nor of distant metastases. Since February, 1994, they wrote, she has continued on the treatment. After three months, the Danish doctors reported: "The patient was in excellent clinical condition and there was no residual tumor tissue."

This could represent an important advance in the treatment of breast cancer, especially when it is combined with other non-toxic approaches, such as food supplements. As the authors themselves point out, "breast cancer caused about 180,000 deaths in 1993 [46,000 in the U.S., ed.], more than that of any other category of cancer. Even if the lives of only one out of five breast cases were saved by CoQ10 that would be about 36,000 women and mothers."

Dr. Knud Lockwood, lead author of the study, notes that he has treated around 200 cases of breast cancer per year for the last 35 years. He has "never seen a spontaneous complete regression of a 1.5 to 2.0 centimeter breast tumor or a comparable regression on any conventional antitumor therapy."

These findings could have relevance for tumors other than those of the breast. In 1993, Dr. Karl Folkers, of the Institute for Biomedical Research, University of Texas, Austin showed that patients with lung, colon, and prostate cancer also experienced extended survival when taking the co-enzyme. That is because it is found in almost every living cell (hence the "ubiquitous" name), especially in the cells' energy factories, or mitochondria. CoQ10 is needed for the mitochondria to perform their job of oxidation, and as such, is essential for life. Many conventional doctors consider CoQ10 supplements a waste of time and money, even for cancer patients.

HEART HEALTH

Karl Folkers has been researching CoQ10 for more than 30 years. Together with his colleagues, he has tested relatively large doses of the co-enzyme in heart patients. And indeed, at least one study has shown a beneficial effect of taking CoQ10 for people with heart disease. An improvement was seen in the percentage of blood emptied from the ventricle with each contraction, the so-called ejection fraction. After two years on this treatment, no side effects were noted.

This suggests another possible use. The conventional chemotherapeutic drug, Adriamycin, is notorious for its potentially damaging effects on the heart muscle. CoQ10 has been tested, quite logically, to decrease heart toxicity of this drug. Here, too, it was quite successful.

In 1992, Folkers reported on eight patients, three of whom had cancer, who were treated with 60 mg of CoQ10. They experienced a significant increase in "gamma globulin" (IgG), a beneficial sign. In 1993 he reviewed the evidence that CoQ10 can have an important impact on the immune system (Folkers, et al., Biochem Biophys Res Comm 1993;193:88-92).

Folkers has also found that, in general, cancer patients have greater deficiencies of CoQ10 than normal control subjects. This led to the recent Danish clinical trial using CoQ10 as a treatment for cancer patients (Biochem Biophy Res Comm 1994;133:1504- 1506).

CoQ10 is non-toxic and seems like a logical adjuvant treatment option for many people with cancer. It is certainly inexpensive when compared to other cancer treatments. Ralph W. Moss, Ph.D. is director of the The Moss Reports for cancer patients.

Dr. Moss is the author of eleven books and three documentaries on cancer-related topics. He is or has been an advisor on alternative cancer treatments to the National Institutes of Health, the National Cancer Institute, the American Urological Association, Columbia University, the University of Texas, the Susan G. Komen Foundation and the German Society of Oncology. He wrote the first article on alternative medicine for the Encyclopedia Britannica yearbook. He is listed in Marquis Who's Who in America, Who's Who in the World, Who's Who in the East, and Who's Who in Entertainment (as a film documentarian). This Web site does not advocate any particular treatment for cancer. We urge you to always seek competent medical advice for all health problems, especially cancer. Before consulting our site please read our full Disclaimer statement.

Sharon - Thanks for the additional info. did your mother have chemo? I wasn't sure from your post. I agree conventional treatments are not ideal, but the survival rates are definitely improving. After my surgery for colon cancer (stage 3c), I told my holistic doctor I was not going to have chemo - he explained he had seen too many patients depend entirely on alternative options after surgery and not make it. He advised to do both conventional and alternative, to hit it with everything. So I did. And so far, I've beat the odds. The breast cancer was early, so my odds were already pretty good with that one after surgery.

Anyway, I think it might be that the autonomic imbalance issue will turn out to be important in the "afib after breast cancer" issue, as well as depletion of magnesium and taurine from treatments and from stress.

I did see Crazy Sexy Cancer - loved it. I think attitude is crucial, and hers was great.

Erling - thank you so much for the info on CoQ10. I know that the Poly MVA folks encourage large doses and tell people to take it at the same time as the Poly because they are synergistic. Maybe I will try again to raise my dosage and see if I still find it stimulating. LynnJ

Sharon - I realize I did not answer your questions regarding the autonomic balance issue. Do I think my sympathetic system burned out and that I ended up in an unhealthy parasympathetic state? Probably, but I think that might be a simplification - there is a part of the parasympathetic system (DVC) that will force the body to slow down when severe illness or excessive stress is present - it does so to conserve energy by slowing heart rate and increasing fuel storage. Since my resting heart rate mysteriously slowed down ( I remember sitting there one evening and checking my pulse and it was 56 and I said to myself, "I wonder why my pulse is so slow?" It had never been that slow - and it stayed that way thereafter - and then the afib started to come every other week. ) This parasympathetic reflex is the only explanation I have found that makes sense to me. It is called by some a parasympathetic state, and others point to the primitive ability of animals to "play dead" as a protective mechanism against predators as being the promitive source of the DVC slow down in humans. Actually, I have found some authors who believe this same phenomenon happens with overtraining in athletes as well - mostly with endurance type athletes - allows for increased fuel storage and conservation of energy when the athlete has pushed him or herself too hard. The problem is that this reflex is certainly not a balanced way to be, and I went from probable sympathetic imbalance to probable parasympathetic imbalance.

I think taking taurine has been the most balancing factor for me. We are each different, I know, but I think it has given me much more balance and the ability to get through stresses without afib. Since I started taking Taurine in August, my resting pulse is beginning to move back toward around 60-64. And my saliva pH recordings, which I keep daily, have definitely leveled out - (before my saliva ph was very alkaline and it would move up and down precariously during stress - almost immediately after starting taurine it leveled off nicely.) I take 500 mg Taurine three times a day plus I add 1-3 more doses during stress or when my saliva and urine pH look a bit helter skelter - and I also add a dose when I eat out. I also do Yoga, but I've done that for 18 years. And I use a healing device called MVT (microvibration therapy) which was invented by my doctor - it is very balancing. I also think that time heals the imbalance - I just said to my body this summer, "Heal. Balance." And it has been doing just that.
Wishing you and your mother the best - LynnJ

Erling, THANK YOU - more information about CoQ10 to share with others. Almost everyone in my family is now taking CoQ10 - even my 18 year old dog! I brought CoQ10 up with 2 cardiologists when my mother was in the hospital - even showed them the book, 'Reverse Heart Disease Now' written by cardiologists Stephen Sinatra, M.D. and James Roberts, M.D. - explained that they practiced Integrative Cardiology, and the thousands of studies that back CoQ10, but they would not budge off their broken record of gold standard double blind studies (from the drug companies).

Lynn, No my mother did not have chemo. It has been about 10 years since her breast cancer diagnosis. I forgot to say that we discussed this recently, and she remembers that she started having strange feelings in her chest shortly after, and she asked her family doctor/neighbor about it, and he said it could be from the radiation. My theory is that it was a contributing factor, but there were definitely others over the years -stress, toxicity, deficiencies, weaknesses, etc.

So wonderful that you beat the odds!!! Yes, hitting it with everything is a great option! There are no guarantees in life - we all do what we feel is best for us. I realize that my mind set is uncommon and even extreme to many people, but that is where I am right now. One of my motivations for doing all I do to prevent health problems is hopefully not having to go there - I am extreme to many people in the prevention area as well, but I know others who are more so - guess it is all relative. I have been influenced heavily by both life experiences and study. I have such a tremendous thirst for knowledge but pray for wisdom to discern, but I don't think that 'man' will ever fully 'know'.

Regarding my autonomic imbalance comment, sorry about simplifying - that is how I picture it as a layperson. Could be way off, but I can imagine that the body is no longer able to compensate when the sympathetic nervous system dominates too much for too long (maybe along with other factors as well), so the body's innate intelligence clicks over into a survival mode of a constant parasympathetic state (making it even harder for the body to handle stress because the sympathetic side that clicks in under stress is not able to do it's job). I think everything that the body does is to compensate and survive in spite of us! Makes perfect sense to me that endurance athletes that push themselves too hard (probably along with deficiencies, toxicities, etc,) with little time for recovery/regeneration, could have what you described also happen to them.

I think my mother is too sympathetic dominant and has been for a long while, and I think her body has been trying to warn her for years.

I agree that it will take time to heal, but that is what the body does best when it is given what it needs - sounds like that is exactly what you are doing!

You didn't say if you were able to get your magnesium levels up?

Blessings,
Sharon in Texas

Sharon - You are wonderful to help your mother like you are. She is very lucky to have you. I did get my magnesium levels up back then, but haven't tested recently - since I am more and more stable, I think they are probably OK - I will test again if needed. Best to you and your mother. LynnJ

Erling - thanks for posting this... I was anxious to get home to my computer files and locate similar support for the importance of CoQ10 in cancer patients. It keeps cropping up again and again as support for what the immune system needs for optimal functioning.

Jackie

Thanks Lynn, I am trying. Forgot to add that I believe I inherited some of my mother's weaknesses along with my brother. My mom, sister, and I have all been going to a NAET trained acupuncturist/MD from China, and she commented on this - my mother and I tested weak in a lot of the same areas, besides our obvious personality traits. My sister is more like my Dad. One area that is interesting to me is their low key, calmer nature - they relax well! My mother, brother, and I not so much. For years now, I have simplified and drastically slowed down my life because I felt more at peace/calmer not getting involved in too much and living a slower paced lifestyle - now it makes sense why. Unfortunately, my mother did the opposite the past few years, and my brother's body is giving off major warnings, but he is not listening.

sharon - your mother and you sound a lot like my mother and I! LynnJ

Hi Jackie, Sharon, Lynn, and all -

Hi Sharon, Lynn, Jackie, and all -

Spent the morning delving into old files (sedimentary filing system), dug up some interesting things relevant to this discussion.

From a Life Extension Foundation book (lost title), chapter 19: Cancer, Its Prevention or Amelioration:

Nobel Prize-winning (1960), for his work on immune system / tissue rejection, tumor biologist Sir Peter B. Medawar said that probably every person develops cancer thousands, perhaps millions of times in his or her life. Only rarely do tumors result, and that is when rhe T-cell immune function fails to do its job of protection.
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The following is taken from: [www.rejuvenation-science.com] (with slight reworking for format only)

METABOLIC ENERGY

Cellular metabolic energy drives every action within the human body.
An inevitable consequence (if not a precursor) of aging is a slow, insidious decline in cellular energy levels. The outward effects often present as a sense of overall fatigue, depression, sexual dysfunction and a variety of diseases of aging. The internal effect of a cellular energy deficit is a greater vulnerability to a host of degenerative diseases.

A chronic decrease in cellular metabolic energy is an underlying cause of many seemingly unrelated, age-related diseases. As humans grow older, systemic energy depravation can inflict devastating degenerative effects throughout the body. This fact is often overlooked by the medical establishment, yet persuasive scientific evidence exists that correcting chronic cellular energy production may enable many of the infirmities of aging to be prevented or reversed.

The prime reason cells lose their energy-producing ability is that the powerhouses of the cells - the mitochondria - become dysfunctional due to nutritional deficiencies. Research has shown that carnitine, ribose, coenzyme Q10, acetyl l-carnitine and alpha-lipoic acid are critical to maintaining optimal mitochondrial function and supporting high energy production.

Dangers of cellular energy depravation should not be ignored. Every organ - from the heart to the kidneys to the skin; every process in the body - from walking to breathing to immune function to vision - is driven by energy produced in the cell's mitochondria. Proven ways exist to increase the effectiveness of cellular respiration and reduce the effects of aging. By following specific diet and supplement protocols, energy production can be restored and maintained.

Key Research Results:

Since the mitochondria provide energy to every cell in the body, it is not surprising that published research has implicated optimum mitochondrial function in

Normal heart muscle function 1,2
Normal vascular function and blood pressure 2
Normal DNA and cell replication 4,6
Normal brain function 4,7
Normal kidney function 8
Healthy skin 3,9,10,11
Lower incidence of pain 5
Lower incidence of migraine headache17
Normal weight 3,14
Normal glucose metabolism 1,2
Healthy energy levels15

Slowing the aging process: 4,12,13

Four recent books and one major paper summarize recent research and discuss the benefits of supplementing with the Metabolic Optimizer™ protocol:

1. The Sinatra Solution - Metabolic Cardiology: Stephen T. Sinatra M.D., F.A.C.C.

2. Reverse Heart Disease Now: Stephen T. Sinatra, M.D. and James C. Roberts, M.D. with Martin Zucker

3. Dr Perricone's 7 Secrets to Beauty, Health and Longevity: The Miracle of Cellular Rejuvenation; Nicholas Perricone, M.D.

4. Low micronutrient intake may accelerate the degenerative diseases of aging through allocation of scarce micronutrients by triage. Bruce Ames, Ph.D. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences U S A. 2006 Nov 21;103(47):17589-94.

5. Pain Free 1-2-3: A proven Program for Eliminating Chronic Pain Now; Jacob Teitelbaum, M.D.

The Mitochondria:

Mitochondria are small, oval shaped organelles surrounded by two highly specialized membranes that convert energy from fats derived from food. Mitochondria are the sites of aerobic respiration, and are the major energy production center in cells.

The metabolic ATP Krebs energy cycle provides critical energy to every function in the body from beating of the heart to liver, kidney, brain and immune functions. Research has shown that increasing the energy available to the cells helps the body operate at its optimum level.

DNA and Aging:

Dr. Bruce Ames presented his "triage theory" of aging in November 2006 that explains past observations of age-associated mitochondrial decay. This theory says that evolution has equipped the body with a triage mechanism: When deficient, micronutrients are reserved for short-term health and reproduction - disabling DNA repair and longevity.6

Dr. Ames research on DNA aging in old rats and its reversal with Mitochondrial Optimizer™ supplements - acetyl l-carnitine and alpha-lipoic acid, shows that mitochondria in old rats can be made to look more like that in young rats. Their brains got better and they were more energetic.13

Based on the following observations - many kinds of nutrient deficiencies cause long-term DNA damage to human cells and many studies implicate long-term deficiencies as a cause of cancer and other conditions - he asked why would nature do it this way? The answer is that in order for someone to live long-term, they have to survive the deficiencies and episodic shortages in the short-term. Whenever there is a trade-off between short-term and long-term, short-term gets favored.

There is a known triage between organs - if you're short of iron, you take it out of the liver before you take it out of the heart, because if you take it out of the heart, you're dead. And one of the things that is long-term is DNA damage, which doesn't show up as cancer for 20 years.

Dr. Ames observes that following the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for vitamins is inadequate for long-term health. He reports that the RDA was set by looking at only short-term nutrient needs. Someone might seem in perfect health, however their DNA is being damaged because of inadequate long-term nutrient intake.

In answer to the dichotomy about calorie restriction promoting longevity, Dr. Ames responds that calorie restriction itself does not seem to be the cause of longevity. "The animals in these studies maintain micronutrients by receiving lots of vitamins and other supplements. They're saturated with supplements."6

Normal Heart Function:

The heart utilizes more energy than any other muscle in the body, thus the concentration of mitochondria within heart cells is higher than any other organ. The heart is the most susceptible organ to free-radical oxidative stress, environmental toxicities, heavy metal poisoning and premature aging. Yet it's also highly responsive to the benefits of targeted nutritional supplements.1

The heart needs a large amount of oxygenated blood flow to continually meet its huge energy demands. The synergistic combination of the Metabolic Optimizer™ protocol - coenzyme Q10, L-carnitine, and D-ribose - maximizes the amount of oxygen that the heart can extract from blood by accelerating the rate at which cells convert nutrients to energy.

Skin Aging:

Essential to youthful, healthy skin are cells called fibroblasts. Fibroblasts produce the essential proteins known as collagen and elastin, which provide structural support and elasticity to the skin. In aging adults, however, fibroblast cells demonstrate dramatic mitochondrial dysfunction.9 As a result, fibroblasts are less able to produce the energy required to carry out their essential skin-supporting functions. Scientists believe that this energy deficit of essential skin cells contributes to the visible signs of skin aging.10,11

Normal Weight:

Efficient metabolic processes go hand-in-hand with maintaining normal weight, glucose levels, and muscle mass.3
Researchers at Bastyr University in Washington have identified a growing body of evidence that has demonstrated a link between various disturbances in mitochondrial functioning and type 2 diabetes. The mitochondrion is an integral part of the insulin system found in the islet cells of the pancreas. Researchers identified the systemic complexity of mitochondrial functioning in terms of tissue and energetic thresholds. This basic research into the pathogenesis of diabetes has led to the awareness of natural therapeutics, such as coenzyme Q10 and carnitine, that increase mitochondrial functioning, resulting in maintaining normal weight and glucose l

Hi Jackie, Sharon, Lynn, and all -

Spent the morning digging into old files (sedimentary filing system), surfaced with some things relevant to this discussion, including mitochondria and aging.

From a Life Extension Foundation book (lost title), chapter 19: Cancer, Its Prevention or Amelioration:

Nobel Prize-winning (1960), for his work on immune system / tissue rejection, tumor biologist Sir Peter B. Medawar said that probably every person develops cancer thousands, perhaps millions of times in his or her life. Only rarely do tumors result, and that is when rhe T-cell immune function fails to do its job of protection.

(... it's all about energy.)

Erling
==================================================

The following is taken from: [www.rejuvenation-science.com] (with some reworking for format)

METABOLIC ENERGY

Cellular metabolic energy drives every action within the human body. An inevitable consequence (if not a precursor) of aging is a slow, insidious decline in cellular energy levels. The outward effects often present as a sense of overall fatigue, depression, sexual dysfunction and a variety of diseases of aging. The internal effect of a cellular energy deficit is a greater vulnerability to a host of degenerative diseases.

A chronic decrease in cellular metabolic energy is an underlying cause of many seemingly unrelated, age-related diseases. As humans grow older, systemic energy depravation can inflict devastating degenerative effects throughout the body. This fact is often overlooked by the medical establishment, yet persuasive scientific evidence exists that correcting chronic cellular energy production may enable many of the infirmities of aging to be prevented or reversed.

The prime reason cells lose their energy-producing ability is that the powerhouses of the cells - the mitochondria - become dysfunctional due to nutritional deficiencies. Research has shown that carnitine, ribose, coenzyme Q10, acetyl l-carnitine and alpha-lipoic acid are critical to maintaining optimal mitochondrial function and supporting high energy production.

Dangers of cellular energy depravation should not be ignored. Every organ - from the heart to the kidneys to the skin; every process in the body - from walking to breathing to immune function to vision - is driven by energy produced in the cell's mitochondria. Proven ways exist to increase the effectiveness of cellular respiration and reduce the effects of aging. By following specific diet and supplement protocols, energy production can be restored and maintained.

Key Research Results:

Since the mitochondria provide energy to every cell in the body, it is not surprising that published research has implicated optimum mitochondrial function in

Normal heart muscle function 1,2
Normal vascular function and blood pressure 2
Normal DNA and cell replication 4,6
Normal brain function 4,7
Normal kidney function 8
Healthy skin 3,9,10,11
Lower incidence of pain 5
Lower incidence of migraine headache17
Normal weight 3,14
Normal glucose metabolism 1,2
Healthy energy levels15

Slowing the aging process: 4,12,13

Four recent books and one major paper summarize recent research and discuss the benefits of supplementing with the Metabolic Optimizer™ protocol:

1. The Sinatra Solution - Metabolic Cardiology: Stephen T. Sinatra M.D., F.A.C.C.

2. Reverse Heart Disease Now: Stephen T. Sinatra, M.D. and James C. Roberts, M.D. with Martin Zucker

3. Dr Perricone's 7 Secrets to Beauty, Health and Longevity: The Miracle of Cellular Rejuvenation; Nicholas Perricone, M.D.

4. Low micronutrient intake may accelerate the degenerative diseases of aging through allocation of scarce micronutrients by triage. Bruce Ames, Ph.D. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences U S A. 2006 Nov 21;103(47):17589-94.

5. Pain Free 1-2-3: A proven Program for Eliminating Chronic Pain Now; Jacob Teitelbaum, M.D.

The Mitochondria:

Mitochondria are small, oval shaped organelles surrounded by two highly specialized membranes that convert energy from fats derived from food. Mitochondria are the sites of aerobic respiration, and are the major energy production center in cells.

The metabolic ATP Krebs energy cycle provides critical energy to every function in the body from beating of the heart to liver, kidney, brain and immune functions. Research has shown that increasing the energy available to the cells helps the body operate at its optimum level.

DNA and Aging:

Dr. Bruce Ames presented his "triage theory" of aging in November 2006 that explains past observations of age-associated mitochondrial decay. This theory says that evolution has equipped the body with a triage mechanism: When deficient, micronutrients are reserved for short-term health and reproduction - disabling DNA repair and longevity.6

Dr. Ames research on DNA aging in old rats and its reversal with Mitochondrial Optimizer™ supplements - acetyl l-carnitine and alpha-lipoic acid, shows that mitochondria in old rats can be made to look more like that in young rats. Their brains got better and they were more energetic.13

Based on the following observations - many kinds of nutrient deficiencies cause long-term DNA damage to human cells and many studies implicate long-term deficiencies as a cause of cancer and other conditions - he asked why would nature do it this way? The answer is that in order for someone to live long-term, they have to survive the deficiencies and episodic shortages in the short-term. Whenever there is a trade-off between short-term and long-term, short-term gets favored.

There is a known triage between organs - if you're short of iron, you take it out of the liver before you take it out of the heart, because if you take it out of the heart, you're dead. And one of the things that is long-term is DNA damage, which doesn't show up as cancer for 20 years.

Dr. Ames observes that following the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for vitamins is inadequate for long-term health. He reports that the RDA was set by looking at only short-term nutrient needs. Someone might seem in perfect health, however their DNA is being damaged because of inadequate long-term nutrient intake.

In answer to the dichotomy about calorie restriction promoting longevity, Dr. Ames responds that calorie restriction itself does not seem to be the cause of longevity. "The animals in these studies maintain micronutrients by receiving lots of vitamins and other supplements. They're saturated with supplements."6

Normal Heart Function:

The heart utilizes more energy than any other muscle in the body, thus the concentration of mitochondria within heart cells is higher than any other organ. The heart is the most susceptible organ to free-radical oxidative stress, environmental toxicities, heavy metal poisoning and premature aging. Yet it's also highly responsive to the benefits of targeted nutritional supplements.1

The heart needs a large amount of oxygenated blood flow to continually meet its huge energy demands. The synergistic combination of the Metabolic Optimizer™ protocol - coenzyme Q10, L-carnitine, and D-ribose - maximizes the amount of oxygen that the heart can extract from blood by accelerating the rate at which cells convert nutrients to energy.

Skin Aging:

Essential to youthful, healthy skin are cells called fibroblasts. Fibroblasts produce the essential proteins known as collagen and elastin, which provide structural support and elasticity to the skin. In aging adults, however, fibroblast cells demonstrate dramatic mitochondrial dysfunction.9 As a result, fibroblasts are less able to produce the energy required to carry out their essential skin-supporting functions. Scientists believe that this energy deficit of essential skin cells contributes to the visible signs of skin aging.10,11

Normal Weight:

Efficient metabolic processes go hand-in-hand with maintaining normal weight, glucose levels, and muscle mass.3
Researchers at Bastyr University in Washington have identified a growing body of evidence that has demonstrated a link between various disturbances in mitochondrial functioning and type 2 diabetes. The mitochondrion is an integral part of the insulin system found in the islet cells of the pancreas. Researchers identified the systemic complexity of mitochondrial functioning in terms of tissue and energetic thresholds. This basic research into the pathogenesis of diabetes has led to the awareness of natural therapeutics, such as coenzyme Q10 and carnitine, that increase mitochondrial functioning, resulting in maintaining normal weight and glucose levels.14

Cancer:

Mitochondria have been connected with cancer since the 1930s, when researchers first noticed that these organelles act dysfunctional when cancer is present, resulting in the unique aerobic glycolysis metabolic profile of cancer. Researchers at the University of Alberta have shown that restoring mitochondrial function decreases cancer tumor growth.16
Until recently, researchers believed that cancer-affected mitochondria are permanently damaged and that this damage is the result, not the cause, of the cancer. More recently, researchers found that the normalization of mitochondrial function resulted in a significant decrease in tumor growth both in test tubes and in animal models.16

Migraine Headache:

Studies have demonstrated that migraine patients have impaired mitochondrial function resulting in a reduction in energy production in brain tissue.17 Research has also shown an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in men and women who suffered from migraines.18
Nutrients essential for mitochondrial energy production include magnesium, CoQ10, Carnitine, and Ribose. Controlled trials have demonstrated that supplementing with either magnesium or Coenzyme Q10 can reduce the attack rate in migraine sufferers,17 just as they benefit CVD patients.1

Metabolic Optimizer™:

Carnitine:
The principle function of L-Carnitine is to facilitate the transport of long-chain fatty acids across the inner mitochondrial membrane to begin the cellular metabolic (energy production) process. L-Carnitine is the only carrier that can perform this function, thus its abundant presence is critical to life.

Coenzyme Q10:
Coenzyme Q10 is a crucial component in the cellular energy production cycle. Research indicates that supplementation with CoQ10 plays a key role in promoting cardiovascular health, protecting DNA from free radical induced oxidative damage, and maintaining healthy energy levels.
Kaneka, the largest Japanese producer of CoQ10 has patented Ubiquinol, a novel form of coenzyme Q10 that increases human blood levels up to 8-times more efficiently than expensive, higher-absorption CoQ10 products offered by commercial companies, and potentially 10 times more effectively than standard CoQ10.

Ribose:
Ribose is a simple 5-carbon sugar that occurs naturally throughout the body. It is made from glucose, but in stressed cells, glucose is preferentially metabolized for energy turnover rather than ribose synthesis. Supplementation with Metabolic Optimizer™ - Ribose builds ATP in heart and muscle, providing healthy levels of cardiac energy needed to maintain normal heart function. Ribose does not add to glycemic load.
When cells are depleted of oxygen, large amounts of ATP, the body's primary energy-carrying molecule, can be depleted in heart and skeletal muscles. D-Ribose is used by the body to synthesize nucleotides, ATP, nucleic acids, and glycogen and thus replenish energy in the cells.

Acetyl L-Carnitine:
Acetyl L-Carnitine (ALCAR) is an amino acid-like compound which plays a key role in the transport of fatty acids from inside the cell through the mitochondrial membrane to the mitochondria for beta-oxidation. This is a crucial step for energy production. ALCAR controls the metabolism of sugars, lipids and amino acids, thus playing a pivotal role in cellular energy and turn over of cell membranes and proteins.

Alpha-Lipoic Acid:
Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) is a powerful fat and water-soluble antioxidant. ALA directly recycles vitamin C and indirectly recycles vitamin E, providing additional antioxidant protection. It is an important component in the energy production process within cells.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid limits and reduces the excess free radicals, which cause free radical damage initiated as a byproduct of energy production in the mitochondria. ALA acts similarly to the function of a catalytic converter on a car, minimizing the long-term damage to the cellular environment.

References:

1 - 5: see above.
6. Downey M; Triage theory offers a new look at aging: an interview with Bruce Ames, Ph.D. NFM 2007 Jan; p56.
7. Liu J, Atamna H, Kuratsune H, Ames BN. Delaying brain mitochondrial decay and aging with mitochondrial antioxidants and metabolites. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2002 Apr;959:133-66.
8. Singh RB, et al. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of coenzyme CoQ10 in patients with end-stage renal failure. J Nutr Environ Med 2003;13:13-22.[www.rejuvenation-science.com]
9. Greco M, Villani G, Mazzucchelli F, Bresolin N, Papa S, Attardi G. Marked aging-related decline in efficiency of oxidative phosphorylation in human skin fibroblasts. FASEB J. 2003 Sep;17(12):1706-8.
10. Blatt T, Lenz H, Kpoop U, et al. Stimulation of skin's energy metabolism provides multiple benefits for mature human skin. Biofactors. 2005;25(1-4):179-85.
11. Passi S, De PO, Puddu P, Littarru GP. Lipophilic antioxidants in human sebum and aging. Free Radic Res. 2002 Apr;36(4):471-7.
12. Micronutrients prevent cancer and delay aging. Bruce Ames, Ph.D. Toxicol Lett. 1998 Dec 28;102-103:5-18.
13. Ames BN, Shigenaga MK, Hagen TM. Mitochondrial decay in aging. Biochim Biophys Acta. 1271(1): 165-170, 1995.
14. Lamson DW, Plaza SM. Mitochondrial factors in the pathogenesis of diabetes: a hypothesis for treatment. Altern Med Rev. 2002 Apr;7(2):94-111.
15. K Maresh CM, et al. Dietary supplementation and improved anaerobic performance. Int J Sport Nutri, 4(4):387-397, 1994.
16. Bonnet S, Archer SL, Allalunis-Turner J, Haromy A, Beaulieu C, Thompson R, Lee CT, Lopaschuk GD, Puttagunta L, Bonnet S, Harry G, Hashimoto K, Porter CJ, Andrade MA, Thebaud B, Michelakis ED. A mitochondria-K+ channel axis is suppressed in cancer and its normalization promotes apoptosis and inhibits cancer growth. Cancer Cell. 2007 Jan;11(1):37-51. [www.rejuvenation-science.com]
17. Sandor PS, et al. Efficacy of coenzyme Q10 in migraine prophylaxis: a randomized controlled trial. Neurology 2005;64:713-715.
[www.rejuvenation-science.com]
18. American Heart Association Scientific Sessions; Chicago, Illinois, USA: 12–15 November 2006. [www.rejuvenation-science.com]

Recent Studies:

Restoring mitochondrial function decreases tumor growth [www.rejuvenation-science.com]

81% positive response to mitochondrial energy boost for chronic kidney failure [www.rejuvenation-science.com]

Migraines associated with increased heart attack risk: mitochondrial function implicated in both [www.rejuvenation-science.com]

Statins induce death in muscle cells [www.rejuvenation-science.com]

thanks Erling - the Poly MVA I take is an alpha-lipoic compound, a very interesting product that was developed specifically for cancer, and it is recommended to take the Poly at same time as CoQ10 as they are synergistic. I think I may go ahead and add carnitine and ribose. do you know what dosages are recommended? Appreciate your time and research! LynnJ

Hi Lynn,

In 'The Sinatra Solution - Metabolic Cardiology' by Stephen T. Sinatra M.D. (ref. #1. in the above article) recommended supplement dosages for various conditions are given (Chapter 8). Being principally a book on cardiology it does not mention cancer specifically, but does have the following:

Cardiac Arrhythmia -- Prevention of Premature Contractions, and Intermittent Atrial Fibrillation

Daily:
-- Multivitamin / mineral foundation program [no specifics given]
-- Coenzyme Q10: 180 to 360 mg [form? Consider bioavailabilty]
-- L-carnitine: 1,000 to 2,000 mg [form? See [www.afibbers.org]
-- D-ribose: 7 to 10 grams [powder or capsule -- powder less expensive, great for sweetening tea]
-- Magnesium: 400 to 800 mg [glycinate, WW]
-- Fish oil: 3 to 4 grams [omega3 DHA / EPA]

Personally, I would go for the higher numbers, in divided doses. 390 mg CoQ10 was used in the successful elimination of metastasized cancer in the 1993 Danish study. Later I will post excerpts from the actual journal article, 'Progress on Therapy of Breast Cancer with Vitamin Q10 and the Regression of Metastases'.

Erling

thanks Erling. LynnJ

Lynn, it is great to be able to relate to each other in that way!

Erling, thank you again for all this wonderful information. It is amazing to me how well and for how long this has been suppressed for the most part. I wonder if it will ever become common knowledge.

Take care everyone,
Sharon in Texas

Hi again, Sharon and Lynn --

Sharon, you say it well: "It is amazing to me how well and for how long this has been suppressed for the most part. I wonder if it will ever become common knowledge." To this point, and this thread, please read today's article in Dr. Jeffrey Dach's free email newsletter (timely and amazing). Jeffrey Dach MD is one of the great, open minded, compassionate scientists of medicine who 'says it like it is'.

Erling
================================

Suzanne Somers Larry King Knockout Interview by Jeffrey Dach MD

I was astonished, and very curious that the networks allowed the Larry King - Suzanne Somers Knockout interview to air Friday night, Oct 23. I recorded the show and watched it Saturday night. Here is my review of the TV interview.

Read on at

[jeffreydach.com]

Erling, thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!

I missed this, but I was just telling my husband last night that I admire Suzanne Somers and also Jenny McCarthy for speaking out so loudly and not giving up even though they are constantly being attacked - reminds me of Rachel Carson in the 60's when she wrote 'Silent Spring' and was able to get DDT banned but not before they tried hard to discredit her. Such amazing, strong women!

The mention of Dr. Burzinski brings back memories.... several years ago, I went to Houston where his clinic is located to help a family for a few days when the father had to leave. Their little boy, Thomas, was receiving treatments for brain tumors. His story is so sad because the FDA refused to let him see Dr. Burzynski until they had exhausted all conventional treatments, and he was at death's door. Dr. Burzynski had cured other children with the same brain tumor that he had, but that was before he was persecuted and put under heavy FDA scrutiny. This family had to flee from their home in Arizona because of child protective services and fought to get treatment from Dr. Bursynski - it became very publicized, even Congressman Dan Burton and Alan Keyes got involved, but it was too late for him. He was a special little boy, went through so much in his short life, but in the very end, he was ready to go to heaven (he told his mother). If you want to read more about Thomas and his family's fight...
[www.forhealthfreedom.org]
[www.people.com]
[www.cancerinform.org]
[www.heall.com]
[www.freerepublic.com]

I am so excited to send this interview to friends and family (especially my pharmacist sister-in-law who is understanding this more and more the last few years).

Even though I often get discouraged, I have more and more hope as more speak the truth and more have 'ears to hear'.

This made my day,
Sharon in Texas

Hi Erling,

Great to see you posting here and even better knowing you are well and on top of everything! Love (as I similarly do with Jackie, George N et al) your enthusiasm, knowledge and resolve to empower yourself with the correct info and then have the tenacity and determination to carry it through! I say this as someone who has rather more of a struggle self-discipline-wise to emulate you... although I am, I think, taking steps in that direction albeit sometimes a bit more slowly than I should be - the alchohol consumption still needs work I'm ashamed to say - I no longer binge but still drink more than I ought to: still the amount is reducing slowly and should end up at zero or close to it before too much longer.

I note with interest the following extract from one of your posts above:

"The prime reason cells lose their energy-producing ability is that the powerhouses of the cells - the mitochondria - become dysfunctional due to nutritional deficiencies. Research has shown that carnitine, ribose, coenzyme Q10, acetyl l-carnitine and alpha-lipoic acid are critical to maintaining optimal mitochondrial function and supporting high energy production."

Over this last couple of weeks I've established a protocol comprising:

*3 or 4 grams taurine (1g 3 or 4 times a day)
*400-600mg Mag glycinate (200mg 3 times a day) - I also take an epsom salt bath most days.
*2 - 3 grams K (level teaspoon K gluconate 2 -3 times a day) - I also drink a 330ml carton of pure coconut water twice a day (each one having 670mg K)
*1 heaped teaspoon ribose once a day
*1 capsule GPLC & CoQ10 per day - Docs Best containing 758mg GPLC, 500mg Propionyl L-Carnitine, 174mg Lysine and 100mg CoQ10.
one 500mg cap Curcumin (anti-inflammatory) per day
1 tab serrapeptase 80,000 IU per day

Feeling good on it all so far! No probs bowel-tolerance-wise so far.... Years ago when I tried supplements I found they actually increased ectopy - I seem to remember you commenting at the time that maybe optimising my cardiac cells in some way optimised their ability to fire ectopically or something like that.. .. No rpobs in that regard this time around I'm pleased to say... well thus far at least. (I also bought some Biotin (5000mg caps) but I can't remember what for or why.... just read it here once and now can't remember why!)

BTW, I have for the last 18 months taken 75mg Flec BID, but am hoping to reduce that to 50mg BID before too much longer on the back of the aforementioned supplementation programme. 50mg BID wouldbe a real low dose for a 220lb 6'4" chap like me.

My Q to your good self is, do I need to add alpha-lipoic acid and/or anything else to help my cells be optimally healthy?

Kind Regards,

Mike F.

Mike - I agree with you wholeheartedly about Erling's ongoing and valuable contributions to the BB for all of us. In my case with the breakthrough afib and as a result of his insistence for taking the ribose and carnitine consistently, I'm so very much better than previously.

He's correct, of course. It's all about ATP. Whatever one has to to to maintain what the heart needs is worth it.

Thank you again, Erling!

Good luck to you Mike.... your regimen looks good except that I'd add another teaspoon daily of the ribose. If any heart issues continue, then add 3 teaspoons a day for a month or 6 weeks. Then you can back down to 2 and see if you remain stable. I use 2 a day; some days forget the 2nd dose, but still have a stable heart.

Be well,
Jackie

Hello, Erling. I think what you are calling a sedimentary filing system is the one i call a stratigraphic system, with age-related layers. Everybody in my family uses that one.
PeggyM