Is the Fear of Death Rational?

I'm forced to break my silence. Thanks, Ed, I'm glad to know this.
(You're still in the doghouse big time, though.)

Post 41

Wednesday, January 28, 2009 - 7:52pm

Sam Erica wrote: Bill:

Thanks for the advice. I have taken Coenzyme Q10 in the past as it was recommended by my previous PCP. My current PCP told me that he thought it was optional for me and I have discontinued it. I am currently taking Cardivelol ( a beta blocker), Furosimide, Lisinopril, Aspirin, Lipitor, Potassium Chloride and it just seems excessive to take another one.

Sam

Here's a link that you might want to check out, Sam....

http://www.antiaging-systems.com/extract/idebenone.htm

and,

http://www.raysahelian.com/idebenone.html

Idebenone is a synthetic analog of CoQ10. It reportedly has a number of advantages, including that it does not generate free radicals in ischemic conditions, which CoQ10 does.

Another one that you might consider is hydergine, which is a prescription drug, another ergot derivative from Sandoz. Around 1980, I heard a Brazilian doctor lecture on the use of hydergine as standard practice for treating stroke - I think he said 40mg. immediately on onset of symptoms. Most of the damage that follows from an initial ischemic stroke is caused by the spread of highly reactive byproducts from cell death - like a bruise, essentially. Hydergine is reported equally good in containing damage from ischemic heart attacks.

http://www.eternitymedicine.com/english/04_eternity_medicine_products/Hydergine/hydergine.htm

Hydergine also can induce significantly lowered blood pressure, BTW, so keep that in mind. When I used to take it regularly - when my HMO was paying for it - I would get a 10~20 % reduction in blood pressure when I was on it. Like so many good drugs, however, the patent system has taken the money out of it, so news and new research is rare. I.e., once a drug is out of patent, it is often essentially abandoned by the producer, and the doctors no longer get free samples or office visits to inform them, etc., so it falls out of use and ultimately out of the list of FDA approved drugs, even though it may have been and may still be very effective.

Both idebenone and hydergine are classed as "smart drugs," as well, and in fact hydergine was originally patented and approved solely for treating senile dementia.

On that note, one final choice that might help both heart and brain is creatine, but the alleged research on it is so contradictory that I would be loath to even suggest it. The Life Extension Foundation loves creatine, including for strengthening the heart, but other sources point to its possible negative effects on the heart. Another problem caused by our lack of a reasonable system of intellectual property. Somebody has to pay for the research, initial and ongoing, but our current system creates both conflicts of interest and excessive costs for the producers.

Post 42

Wednesday, January 28, 2009 - 8:30pm

Thats quite a list of drugs. How is your renal health?

Post 43

Wednesday, January 28, 2009 - 8:39pm

Good question. I have to try to premember ("premember?" Is that a cool noncept or knot?) - er, that is, remember to call my Workman's Comp doctor. They just sent me in for a blood workup because of the various anti-inflamatorities and pain killers, etc. Been totally tied up with all the complications resulting from the motorcycle accident... No time even for a heart attack or stroke.

Post 44

Wednesday, January 28, 2009 - 10:17pm

I tried creatine, and discovered that it raised my blood pressure, which is normally quite low -- 100/60. On the creatine, it went up to 150/95. So I stopped taking it, and in two days my blood pressure returned to its normal value. I wasn't taking very much either, far less than the "loading" dose suggested for body builders.

Anyway, I decided to try an even lower dose -- I believe it was 2 grams -- and that too raised my blood pressure. So, I've given up on it, although it is supposed to be beneficial -- provided, of course, that it doesn't cause high blood pressure. It may not for some individuals, but if you're going to be taking it, check your blood pressure regularly to make sure it doesn't.

- Bill

Post 45

Thursday, January 29, 2009 - 4:09am

maybe it needs in conjunction with potassium?

Post 46

Thursday, January 29, 2009 - 6:02am

I'd be very careful with potassium though. That stuff can get dangerous fast.

Post 47

Thursday, January 29, 2009 - 8:47am

Ryan,

Over-the-counter potassium is not that dangerous, though prescription potassium can be (which is why it's a "prescription"). The caveat is that potassium is dangerous for folks with kidney disease. Whether healthy or ill, the dose makes the poison. Potassium in over-the-counter pill form is limited to 99mg per pill. That's not dangerous for ordinary folks. Food gives you so much more than that (and is the preferred method of increasing potassium).

A good point, however, is that -- according to Sebastian, et al. (2006) -- most everyone is actually walking around with at least a subclinical potassium deficiency. We've steadily deprived ourselves of something which was much more abundant when our genes were formed. That's what's dangerous.

The medical community says we have something called "essential" hypertension, but there's nothing essential about it. It's not a universal hypertension-with-age, for instance, it only happens in countries where folks eat lower potassium. That's not to say that potassium would cure all (or even most) cases of hypertension, but it's at least a fifth of the story. Another way to say that is that it's always important (no matter what you read in somebody's -- or some Body's -- "Executive Summary").

Here's how to get the 4700mg a day that we're supposed to (K+ is the chemical symbol for potassium):

��....�K+��subtotal

Sweetpotato, 1 potato ��694 �� 694

Beet greens, cooked, � cup ..... 655 �� 1349

Yogurt, plain. Low-fat, 8 oz �... 531 �� 1880

Tuna, cooked, 3 oz ...��. 484 �� 2364

Banana, 1 medium ��.�� 422 �� 2786

Spinach, cooked, � cup �� 419 �� 3205

Tomato juice, � cup ��.��. 417 �� 3622

Pork chop, cooked, 3 oz ��... 382 �� 4004

Cantaloupe, � medium �.��. 368 �� 4372

Split peas, cooked, � cup ��. 355 �� 4727

That's a lot of munchin'! Other food sources of potassium are probably worse. The 10 foods above are good sources of potassium.

:-)

Ed

Reference:
http://www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines/dga2005/document/html/executivesummary.htm

http://www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines/dga2005/document/html/appendixB.htm

[abstract] Sebastian A, et al. (2006). The evolution-informed optimal dietary potassium intake of human beings greatly exceeds current and recommended intakes. Semin Nephrol. Nov;26(6):447-53. Retrieved from Pubmed on: 29 Jan 2009. PMID#: 17275582

Post 48

Thursday, January 29, 2009 - 8:54am

High intensity exercise, balance protein carbs and fats, no sugar, low glycemic carbs only (no bread, pasta etc), plenty of vegetables, fruits and nuts. Go Paleo! [see robbwolf.com]. See, I really care about you guys.

Post 49

Thursday, January 29, 2009 - 6:45pm

Then there's the CRON diet, which is the ONLY thing that has been shown definitely to work in every species tested in extending maximum lifespan significantly.

One of the problems with taking salts, such as potassium, is that they compete. I've read that eating too much sodium chloride, for example, can cause depletion of calcium from the bones. I take both calcium and potassium supplements to try to offset all the sodium and excess phosphorus that I get in my typical American diet. I would like to increase my magnesium levels, but when I try, it usually has bad side effects, especially diarrhea.

One thing that I have done for years, is to substitute Vitamin C powder, which is quite cheap (Trader Joe's - about $10/pound), for salt. I love popcorn and the vitamin C works just great as flavoring. In fact, I think it tastes better than table salt.

Oh, just remembered, I better add that there is a fine line with Vitamin C, after which you can get a major attack of the runs... So long as I stay within about a quarter spoonful at a time, I'm ok. Your mileage may vary. I suggest trying a little bit first...

(Edited by Phil Osborn on 1/29, 6:49pm)

Post 50

Thursday, January 29, 2009 - 7:17pm

"Then there's the CRON diet, which is the ONLY thing that has been shown definitely to work in every species tested in extending maximum lifespan significantly."

NOT necessarily:

http://www.sciam.com/blog/60-second-science/post.cfm?id=restricting-calories-may-not-extend-2009-01-26

But you shouldn't eat like a pig. You can read supplement hype all you want but until you start thinking of food as food and not like some feel good drug and until you get off your ass and use your body the way it's evolved to be used you're going to be sick, sick, sick.

But, I do take a multivitamin, fish oil, some 'E', and some 'C'. Just because I've been doing it for years and it doesn't seem to have hurt me any. : )

Post 51

Thursday, January 29, 2009 - 8:48pm

My problem is conflicting priorities.

On the one hand, I have a number of injuries and osteoarthritic or other joint damages, some dating back to when I was a child. Motrin or better, Celebrex, really keep the inflamation down. But there is the increased possibility of stroke or heart attack associated especially with Celebrex, and the separate problem of stomach or intestinal bleeding that comes with Motrin.

However, if I don't take them, then the inflamatory processes accelerate exponentially until I can hardly walk, and that in itself is not positive for the heart, either.

My father, who looked exactly like me according to everyone, had a major heart attack about 3~5 years younger than me. He survived to eventually die of other causes 15 or so years later, which is some comfort.

Meanwhile, even though I have done regular super workouts for my whole life, I'm getting fat deposits in the belly area, and a persistent feeling of pressure in the center of my chest. Not fun.

Anyway, got a major physical scheduled for next week. Holding my breathe until then...

;->

Post 52

Thursday, January 29, 2009 - 9:22pm

It doesn't take a lot of time to make significant differences:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090127190344.htm

Five minutes every other day can be a good start. You'd be surprised at the gains if the five minutes is intense enough. If that's all you ever have time for, combined with a reasonable diet you can feel pretty good. The pressure you feel on your chest could just be anxiety. Best of luck on your physical. DON'T hold your breath: In - out - in - out. There is no higher priority than staying alive.

Sorry if I sound like I'm preaching. I was raised by an uncle who I loved dearly but he had a severe heart attack in his early forties and all the time I was growing up he had a severely damaged heart. He worked hard but he got very tired and was often in pain. He lasted until he was 63. I just hate the idea of anyone having heart problems.

Post 53

Thursday, January 29, 2009 - 11:24pm

I'll be 69 in a couple of months, so I've stopped jogging to save my joints. But you can get the same aerobic benefit from walking briskly for a half hour as you can get form running a mile in 8 minutes. I ran well into my 50's, which was probably a mistake, since walking briskly for a half hour is a lot less strenuous than running a mile in 8 minutes, even if you're able to run a mile in 8 minutes and most people my age aren't. Aerobic walking (or power walking, as it is sometimes called) is much easier on the joints. During the winter, I use a treadmill, which I set for four miles an hour. So I walk two miles in 30 minutes, which for me is pretty easy, if a little boring (so I listen to music or talk radio while I'm doing it). If done on daily basis, that's enough to maintain sufficient cardiovascular fitness.

Then, of course, you should do some resistance exercise with weights or machines. Mike is right; as little as five minutes every other day can make a difference, but if you haven't been doing it for awhile, take it easy to start with, and work into it gradually to avoid injuries. Half an hour of resistance exercise twice a week is a good goal. It'll allow your body plenty of time to recover from the workout. Don't make the goal too ambitious or you won't stick to the program.

- Bill
(Edited by William Dwyer on 1/30, 12:25am)

Post 54

Thursday, January 29, 2009 - 11:37pm

Phil wrote,

I would like to increase my magnesium levels, but when I try, it usually has bad side effects, especially diarrhea.

Try a different form of magnesium. Above all, don't take magnesium citrate, which is often prescribed as a laxative. I take magnesium taurinate, 250 mg twice a day, and I get no loose bowels from it. It also provides over 5 grams of taurine in addition to the magnesium. Taurine provides some of the same benefits as magnesium.

There's also a sustained-release form of magnesium, called Jigsaw, which releases dimagnesium malate slowly into your body over an 8 to 10 hour period, thereby avoiding the dreaded laxative effect. Four little easy to swallow tablets gives you 500 mgs of magnesium. Very easy to take. Pop four of these little tabs in the morning, and you're set for the day.

- Bill

Post 55

Saturday, January 31, 2009 - 1:29pm

Thanks Bill.

And I'm hoping Mike is right about the anxiety. That is certainly the case, whether as an independent variable or otherwise...

Post 56

Sunday, February 1, 2009 - 8:39am

To nit pick ...

Bill's right about magnesium taurinate being better, but magnesium citrate isn't at all bad (it's actually a really "good" form of magnesium) -- in spite of it's use as a laxative.

The dose makes all the difference. Magnesium-based laxatives are laxatives by way of being a "deliberate" overdose of magnesium -- because that draws water into the intestines (the magnesium part, not necessarily the other parts; e.g. citrate). When magnesium citrate is used as a laxative, the dose is astronomical (thousands of milligrams). Thousands of milligrams of magnesium from any source is probably laxative. The point is that citrate isn't bad because some folks chose to use that source of magnesium when selling a laxative (any source of magnesium might work).

This is important because, if you can't find or afford magnesium taurinate, then magnesium citrate is actually a good alternative. In contrast, magnesium oxide -- probably the cheapest supplemental magnesium commercially available -- is truly a lower quality (poorly absorbed) form of magnesium supplements. It's not nearly as bioavailable as citrate or taurinate.

Ed

(Edited by Ed Thompson on 2/01, 8:42am)

Post 57

Sunday, February 1, 2009 - 11:38am

Thanks Ed. Regarding magnesium citrate, I've noticed that a modest dose, 300 mg, is a laxative for me, whereas the same amount of magnesium taurinate does not have that effect, which is one reason why I prefer the latter. Taking magnesium supplements with a full glass of water can also help to avoid the laxative effect. As well, it is a good idea to take a B vitamin complex, or a multivitamin containing B vitamins, because the level of vitamin B6 in the body determines how much magnesium will be absorbed into the cells.

There is also more than one magnesium-taurine chelate. I mentioned magnesium taurinate, which is produced by Nutriceutical Sciences Institute and available from Vitacost (www.vitacost.com). This supplement provides 60 servings of 250 mg of magnesium for $12. Each serving also contains 2,672 mg of taurine. So this is a very good deal.

There's also a magnesium-taurine chelate called magnesium taurate (versus taurinate) produced by Cardiovascular Research Ltd. and sold by The Vitamin Shoppe (www.vitaminshoppe.com), which has the best price for this supplement ($23.15 for 90 servings of 250 mg). Each serving of magnesium taurate also contains 800 mg of taurine (versus 2672 mg of taurine in the taurinate). So the magnesium taurate is not as good a deal as the magnesium taurinate. However, to get 250 mg of magnesium taurinate, you have to take 3 capsules, whereas you only have to take two capsules of magnesium taurate to get the same amount of magnesium. If you don't like taking pills, this may be an advantage.

As you can see, I've done a lot of research on this. I tend to get foot cramps at night, and the magnesium taurinate has helped to prevent these. I also have something called mitral valve prolapse (heart murmur) and associated heart palpitations. This supplement has helped to prevent the palpitations. If you have this condition, keeping well hydrated is also important.

Also, if you take calcium without magnesium, you're short-changing yourself. Roy Walford (who wrote Maximum Life Span, a book about life extension through calorie restriction), advises taking 1,000 mg of magnesium a day along with 1,000 mg of calcium. However, I don't take calcium supplements, because it is a muscle contractant, which can exacerbate muscle cramps. Magnesium is a muscle relaxant.

By the way, if you want to sleep better, taking a magnesium supplement with your evening meal can help. Take it at the beginning of the meal rather than at the end. Taking it at the end will delay its absorption. Magnesium is also reputed to play a role in the prevention of Alzheimer's Disease. So it has many benefits. Most people, who eat the standard American diet, don't get enough of this mineral.

- Bill

Post 58

Sunday, February 1, 2009 - 1:47pm

Bill,

We're totally hijacking this thread, you know.

However, I don't take calcium supplements, because it is a muscle contractant, which can exacerbate muscle cramps. Magnesium is a muscle relaxant.

First of all, great point about vitamin B-6, Bill -- but I disagree regarding calcium.

Calcium is involved in muscle contraction, but that doesn't mean calcium makes muscles contract. In a similar way, money is involved in economic recovery, but money -- in the form of a crude "bailout" -- doesn't make the economy recover. A reason for magnesium to work as a muscle relaxant is because it's a natural calcium channel blocker. Blocking calcium channels prevents excessive calcium buildup in the muscle cell regardless of calcium intake. It's important to know that total body calcium -- or daily calcium intake -- isn't as important as intracellular calcium-handling.

The reason why this is important is so that folks understand that taking calcium doesn't cause cramps (just like bailouts don't cause recoveries) because it's not the total calcium (or total money) that matters -- it's the way the calcium (or money) is handled. Normal amounts of supplemental calcium shouldn't exacerbate any muscle cramps -- because controlling the calcium channels (with magnesium) is infinitely more important than your total calcium intake is. You could get cramps eating a diet totally devoid of any calcium.

And it's the same reason why bailouts won't cause economic recoveries -- because that's not how the process is controlled. A similar vitamin example is vitamin K, which is involved in blood clots but which doesn't cause or make your blood clot.

Besides, if you take too much or too little calcium, your blood level will be maintained homeostatically (kidneys flush calcium excesses, bones sacrifice their calcium to the blood during low or deficient calcium intake). The cells draw from the blood, so they are metabolically "blind" to your intake.

In sum, Roy Walford's advice is okay, even or perhaps even especially for folks with muscle cramps.

Ed

(Edited by Ed Thompson on 2/01, 7:45pm)

Post 59

Monday, February 2, 2009 - 12:59am