Old-Crank.com

Tag: health

  • Hormones: The Next Oxycontin Disaster

    Hello again, my apologies for the unplanned hiatus. Let’s kick things off with a post to see if I can get either banned, blacklisted, or stalked….

    Hormone Therapy: The “Candy” Of The 2010’s And Beyond

    Vanity is a hell of a drug. The drug companies really shifted their marketing in the 2010’s to sell their goods to vain people. Enter hormone therapy.

    Do some people need it? YES. Do 90% of the people taking it need it? Most likely not. I have done plenty of research on this, and all it takes is a few clicks on the old internet to see that any man or woman can get prescription testosterone, estrogen, HGH, and about 10 other things INCLUDING birth control pills.

    Birth control? For hormone optimization, yes. Proven, works, done deal.

    This is yet another case where drug companies have marketed drugs, to people who most likely do not need them, and can get them online with a 5 minute “televisit” and are approved.

    Same goes for the doctors office. Complain, list a few matching symptoms, take a blood test, and the goodies are yours.

    Don’t Believe Me? Go To The Gym.

    Walk in any gym in this country during busy hours, and get ready to be amazed by hundreds of people ripped to shreds. If you haven’t already, it’s time you got a reality check and understand, like a grown adult, that everyone has a genetic limit, and if you see someone with the body of a Marvel hero or WWE wrestler, chances are their physique is augmented. Argue with me all you want, but do your research first because I’m an expert in this.

    Do you think “sonny boy” over there in his 60’s is benching 350 lbs. and is jacked as Superman got that way on steak and eggs? Think again. “Well maybe he used to juice bot not anymore?” Nope. As my favorite novel character says, “You have to be realistic.”

    Not just men, women too. Not just testosterone, go back and look at the stuff I listed or shop online to see.

    Well if everyone’s doing it I might as well.

    No. Don’t even try unless your doctor tells you to for A MEDICAL CONDITION THAT WARRANTS IT.

    Even under doctor supervision, those hormones/serms/sarms/peptides STILL have negative side effects. Go look them up, You’re not as old as me so you’ll have the energy for it, I need to conserve mine.

    “Well then tough guy, why DO all these people do it if its so bad?”

    The answer is the usual suspects. Because people are idiots, FOMO, “need it now” attitude, etc.

    But the main reason is people are idiots. Something (not so) new and shiny that will give me 10 years of results in a few months.

    Yes, there IS a quality of life element, the hormones MIGHT make your life a little better as long as you take the stuff forever, the rest of your life.

    Yes, people. Those “benefits” will go away once you stop taking the stuff, and the new “benefits” will arise. Like the instant(and possibly permanent) hormone disappearance, decreased energy, leading to less exercise, worse diet, and it keeps snowballing from there. Oh, and men, the hair wont grow back, and women, the new hair won’t go away.

    So back to the pills…

    This leads me right into the Oxy comparison. Drug companies run their marketing machine, and make damn sure just about anyone can access their product, whether in person or online. The companies and docs make bank, the people suffer. Do you think the docs and execs at the companies are taking this stuff themselves? I highly, highly doubt it.

    So now you get the young guys and gals, seeing old superman(or woman) over there, and want it. They want it now. So they do it. They’ll destroy their current hormone levels to get the stuff, and come back crying when they go off and the hormones have gone bye bye. Just ask the tens of thousands of bodybuilders what happens after a cycle. Many of them are now stuck on hormone replacement for life. Same for the “I’m changing sexes” crowd, just go ask one of them how life has changed so, especially if they changed their mind…………..

    Pretty much what we’re looking at is we’re going to have a good percentage of several generations with permanently skewed hormones. Guys with breasts and huge mood swings, and hyper aggressive women with beards. Think the world is bad now, you just wait…..

    So why not just do it the right way?

    For most, the right way is slow and boring. Takes too long, they want it now, and to hell with the consequences.

    For some, namely the short-sighted idiot over 40, they know the consequences and think that due to their late start on the juice, said consequences won’t affect them because they will die first.

    That’s a piss poor excuse. Suck it up, and do it the right way: Modifying your lifestyle to incorporate healthy eating and some form of movement that will be sustainable forever.

    That’s it.

    -The Old Crank

  • Is There A Best Hydrogen Water Bottle?

    Over the weekend my knowledge base was yet again tested by a friend. The question posed wasn’t really as question as much as a statement: “Tell me what the best hydrogen water bottle is so I can buy one and cut through all the crap.”

    This person knows me well, and tried to avoid my long winded, painful dissertation. It didn’t work, I saw through that like a pane of glass.

    So I started in, and per usual, after about 20 minutes the other party was looking for an excuse to get off the phone. But I’m pretty crafty there, and use a “highs and lows” style to keep my audience listening for hours.

    So what’s the best hydrogen water bottle already?

    Its not that simple. Best at what?

    Best at actually producing hydrogen in water?

    Best at saving you money?

    Best as in “most effective?”

    Best as in “the company has the best fancy marketing?”

    Best at what is a common question I ask to narrow things down a great deal, then we can get to work.

    But in this case, I rephrased the question from:

    What’s the best hydrogen water bottle?

    TO

    Is there a best hydrogen water bottle?

    That’s a good place to start.

    Hydrogen water does have proven benefits, and is a good tool to use. Let’s get to it then. If you know my ways, I like to cut the fluff. Let’s apply my guidelines:

    • Big companies with big funding go out the window. Yes, that means every big name you’ve heard of, no matter how good of testimonials you hear.
    • Same goes for companies with huge marketing budgets. If you see the ads everywhere, don’t waste your time.
    • Any MLM/Network marketing companies will not be considered. Inflated prices to the max.
    • Anything on amazon. Now, Amazon IS good for some things and convenience, BUT, unless you REALLY know what you are doing, you will run into a lot of dropshipped products, and might as well be shopping on TEMU. They’re out too, by the way.
    • Try to find a small company, with tech that competes with the big boys, at a fair price. Chances are you’ll find someone that’s trying to prove themselves.

    So what do I do?

    The purpose of a hydrogen water bottle is to reap the benefits of a larger machine without breaking the bank, and also to be able to bring the thing with you. That’s a big one. You’ll have a much higher success rate with a product that you can take anywhere.

    In scouring the internet I almost hit a dead end because 99% of the hydrogen water bottles I thought might fit my guidelines, I either found on Amazon or found ties to a larger company.

    SAD 😦

    BUT….I got a hit. This usually happens a few hours in and by accident.

    I was searching for the hydrogen water bottle that has the HIGHEST PPB of hydrogen output. I found one that makes 10,000 PPB. That’s 2,000 PPB higher than anything else I could find.

    So I took a look at the company. It’s small and based in the United States. Another win. Searched Amazon, they’re not on there either. No signs of being an MLM, website is pretty straight forward: see it, read about it, buy it.

    Interestingly, their hydrogen water bottle is BPA free as well, something that I did not see on several of the large company’s products. You’d think BPA free should be a given nowadays…..

    Also, the price is fair. There’s plenty of less powerful devices out there for more $$$.

    One thing I do like is this company has a decent range of products and technologies, which makes me think they might actually know something.

    I’m going to try one. We might have a winner were. Will let you know how it goes.

    -The Old Crank

  • BHB Salts: A Non-Stop Bathroom Experience

    BHB salts are another “tool” that once again, professional marketers have profaned. I tells ya’, supplement companies aren’t even really supplement companies anymore, they’re marketing companies. Like the crafty corner restaurant rebranding some WW2 “SOS”(google it, its a food), as a fancy new sandwich.

    Its A Damn Tool

    I already said BHB salts are a tool. That is correct. BHB salts may spike ketones, boost energy, and let you get into ketosis quickly. The catch is that you should be actively trying to get into ketosis.

    This source points out that bhb salts are possibly safe. Possibly.

    There’s a lot of “possiblys” out there, and most of them mean this: You can possibly get these benefits if using bhb salts as a tool to help your body get into ketosis without as much negative pushback. A smarter way to do this would be to just buckle down and strictly abide by your keto protocol.

    Other “possiblys” include diarrhea and stomach pain. More on this coming up.

    Have I tried BHB salts?

    Yes, twice. The first time, I used them just like the marketing says, which is basically “take anytime for instant ketosis regardless of diet.” Any results? None of the positive ones they claim, just a long chain of grueling bathroom visits.

    The second time I actually applied my common sense. I was going back on keto for the 3rd time, and used bhb salts to ease my way in without the flu like symptoms. Did it help? Yes, but not as much as I hoped. To me, it was definitely not worth the $50.

    Again, this is no magic bullet.

    So are they good or not?

    If you can get off the marketing lies train, and take your head out of your rear long enough for some common sense to show up, then possibly.

    If you are planning on starting a ketogenic diet, then bhb salts might be of some help to get through the break in process.

    My last tip of advice: DON’T GET BHB SALTS THAT HAVE SUGAR IN THEM BECAUSE IT DEFEATS THE PUTPOSE.

    Here’s a place to check out some options.

    -The Old Crank

  • Nicotine For Health? How About Not?

    Just when I thought I heard it all. Wait (taps on side of head), I think I’ve heard of this before, somewhere in yesteryear. Or thereabouts. Nicotine for health purposes seems to have made a comeback, but why?

    There could be many reasons, but consider this. Take a highly addictive substance that’s largely controlled by HUGE companies, and market it in a way that highlights some benefits when used in moderation. You have now created an excuse for millions of people to continue to pursue their favorite addiction.

    Before you get out the pitchforks and torches to storm my castle, listen up. ALCOHOL. Does that ring a bell? When you market “1 glass of wine a night for your heart” to a society who by and large can not control very basic aspects of their life, let alone an addiction, you have a recipe for disaster. Just get on social media. Give the masses an excuse of “its healthy”, and they will drink all day, every day, and twice for breakfast. This is a fact, this is reality, and this continues to happen.

    So how is nicotine different? Its not. Nicotine MAY have some benefits, as seen here, but the key, as with alcohol, is moderation. What is the main prerequisite for moderation? Common sense. Common sense isn’t just a rarity with all you whippersnappers, its almost extinct!

    Common sense will tell you that regular use of an addictive substance such as nicotine or alcohol can lead to addiction. Is it really worth the risk? Common sense will also tell you that the majority of people are weak willed, and that someone with addictive tendencies, when presented with a legit looking excuse to continue an addiction, will jump at the chance.

    Have I tried it?

    Medicinally, no, and I won’t. I will not fall into the big company’s games, and as a former smoker I’m not rekindling my old flame. “Former smoker? You said you were a health nut!” Yes. Smoking was all the rage in the 80’s and 90’s.

    The Verdict

    Its a hard no for me. Why would anyone in their right mind chance addiction, and the possibility of ruining their life, for minor benefits? Yes, I said minor. Crucify me if you must, but will nicotine or alcohol do something as earth shattering as actually curing a disease? Has either cured cancer? Has either allowed a paraplegic to walk? How about allowing the mute to speak?

    I DIDN’T THINK SO

    Man up, or woman up, whatever it is. Honestly analyze the situation if you’re using either. Are you really just looking for an excuse? Maybe so. Are you looking for “the magic pill”? Hate to break it to you, but it doesn’t exist.

    SO MOVE ON AND TRY SOMETHING THAT IS LESS RISKY

    -The Old Crank

  • Humic Fulvic Shilajit WTFisit?

    Nothing is new under the sun. We’ve all heard that before, eh? Ah ye ole humic fulvic. Some things just keep on surfacing. I’ve seen this stuff for decades, lets dig into it.

    What is humic fulvic?

    Fulvic acid is a humic substance, aka a naturally occurring compound that can be found in compost, sewage, soil, and other substances. Yes, sewage. The fulvic acid is produced as a byproduct of decomposition.

    What is shilajit?

    Shilajit can be found being secreted from rocks, is black or brown, and can contain 15-20% of fulvic acid. In laments terms, shilajit can be a source of fulvic acid.

    Do I really need to care about this goofy named sewage/rock scum?

    Maybe. Reported potential benefits may include immunity boost, gut health, antioxidant benefits, brain health, more energy, and the list goes on for a little longer. So what?

    Let me pose a question: Has any cure-all type of supplement, that is backed by companies with truckloads of spare cash for marketing, ever done anything except drain your wallet? The dead giveaway here is that this stuff has been regurgitated many, many times over decades or longer.

    Second question: Are you enough of an adult to swallow your pride and admit that the marketing might have suckered you into buying an expensive supplement that MIGHT give you a less than 5% boost for a week or two?

    My point is…

    A supplement, likely coming from rock scum, compost, or even sewage, that has “old money” behind it and is making its umpteenth appearance, is probably not going to change your life. Maybe it will, I could be wrong. But then again, maybe you just need to buckle down and conquer some basic life skills before passing GO……such as “eating like an adult”, or maybe even “move a little bit for once.”

    Have I Tried It

    Yes. Several times. The first time was many years ago as a stand alone humic fulvic, for about a month, and no difference at all.

    The second time, against my better judgement, I second guessed myself and got more. 3 weeks later in the trash it went.

    The next few times were very uneventful, pretty much a repeat of try #2, except I questioned my memory and sanity each successive attempt.

    I entered attempt 5 with an open mind. This supplement had not only the supposedly best source of fulvic acid(Shilajit), but it had about 10 other supplements working with it. I broke my own supplement guidelines here because, hey, you never know, right? Well, I did know, and I wasted more money. Again. Started at regular dose, and by the end of week 3 I was at 4 times what the bottle said. No. Difference. At. All. Again.

    I’ll give you my supplement guidelines FREE!!!

    Everyone likes free. It’s very hard to beat free. Here’s a quick list of my advice when it comes to supplements:

    • A supplement that supposedly addresses more than 1-2 things is most likely not the best option.
    • If big money is backing the product’s advertising, there WILL be less than honest reviews, descriptions, and benefits. Use small companies and shop local.
    • If big money is backing the product at all, think about all the big pharma commercials on TV. Use small comapnies and shop local.
    • If it’s popular, you’re too late and its watered down.
    • There is no magic pill. Get over it.
    • If ANYTHING works that good, big brother GOVT steps in and shuts it down, or makes it prescription only.
    • It’s probably NOT a good idea to be eating or ingesting something in pill form that you would not eat in its natural form. Would you lick some rocks or compost? Maybe…
    • Suck it up, the best stuff is the most basic. Why don’t you try to get more nutrients from eating good food and the right foods?

    Conclusion

    Maybe you have money to blow, and want to experiment. Maybe you’ve been directed by some type of health professional to try it. If so, by all means, it’s your decision. As for me, I’ll take a pass. But if you DO want to pursue, examine the studies(not just this one, google more), check with a medical professional, and research until you are satisfied. Don’t take my word for it, weigh the benefits yourself.

    -The Old Crank

  • Whats This Hullablaoo About Cinnamon?

    The Wonders of Cinnamon: Stick to the Real Stuff

    Cinnamon, beloved by most, hated by a select few. Seriously, if you hate cinnamon, aside from allergy reasons, you need to reevaluate your life. Back to the magic. Derived from the inner bark of Cinnamomum trees, cinnamon is packed with great taste and science-backed benefits. Did you know cinnamon was once so valuable it was worth more than gold in ancient times? Today, it’s a kitchen staple with two main varieties: Ceylon (“true” cinnamon) and Cassia (the “regular” kind).

    Here’s the low down on cinnamon, in a nice quaint bullet point list:

    • Cinnamon does have antioxidant properties and can scavenge free radicals, which combats inflammation and oxidative stress. See this.
    • Recent studies show cinnamon may help regulate blood sugar. See this.
    • Cinnamon may also lower cholesterol. Another link to read.
    • It might also assist weight loss efforts. Last link for now.

    Question Is, Should I Use The Spice Cinnamon Or Buy A Supplement?

    To put it bluntly, ground cinnamon from your spice rack delivers the same bioactive compounds—without the fillers or inflated price tags.

    Supplements often use Cassia cinnamon, which contains high levels of coumarin, a compound that may harm your liver in excess. Now, you may say, my supplement is Ceylon, not Cassia! This is where Ceylon cinnamon shines. Grown primarily in Sri Lanka, it has ultra-low coumarin levels (about 0.004% vs. Cassia’s 1%), making it safer for regular use. Its flavor is subtler and more complex, too—perfect for baking or tea. Research, like a 2017 study in Metabolism, shows Ceylon offers the same blood sugar benefits as Cassia, minus the risks.

    That’s all good and fine, but do you really need that much cinnamon? Maybe, maybe not. Depends on the circumstances. Are you working with a doctor or health professional that is recommending it? Then maybe the answer is “Yes, I do need that much you dope.” I’ve never heard that one, but if that’s the truth then more power to you. If not, then maybe consider that a sprinkle in your coffee, tea, or on toast is good enough, and reserve your daily pill cache and money for better options.

    Have I Tried It

    Yes. I’ve tried ceylon capsules on 2 occasions. The first time for about a month, went through the whole bottle on the recommended dose……Zero. Difference. At. All.

    When I decided to give it a 2nd good ol’ college try, I upped the dose to double the first week, and then quadruple the next 2 weeks. Zero. Difference. At. All.

    I’ll stick to a sprinkle on my coffee, thank you very much.

    So, back to reality here. For most of us, the spice cinnamon is good enough, added to food or drink in moderation, just opt for Ceylon. For the rest of you people under the guidance of a health or medical professional, trust them and not me, and I hope if makes you feel special.

    Where to buy Ceylon cinnamon? Try the grocery store. If you’re lazy like me or pressed for time, just Google it. Maybe Amazon. And no, I absolutely get zero commissions for that Amazon link, I got it straight from a google search. I don’t have time for all that hullabaloo.

    Again, thank you for tuning in. Keep on keepin’ on.

    -The Old Crank