Old-Crank.com

Tag: wellness

  • 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