For the foam version, it says to use half a capful. There is no possible way that half a cap would cover my scalp. Most of the time I have to use about 4 full caps.
With the liquid dropper, I use about 10 times the required dosage to cover my scalp. I also apply different amounts on different days as its very difficult to get the dosing right, especially bc some of it goes in my hair, or the dropper spills out more than a drop, etc.
How do you guys manage to use less and adhere to the dosing, and also get the dosing exactly the same every day?

Please pardon my incoming french. Im 31, I'm active and fit. I've been noticing caffeine affects me more and more everyday as I get older. I wake up at 8 30 - 9am, drink my first cup around 9 30. The first cup is always amazing. I feel amazing, the day is amazing. Everything is fantastic. Then a few hours go by and I gradually start to feel like shit.
First, my armpits start sweating. In fact, my armpits have sweat so much from caffeine that I constantly battle a yeast infection that comes and goes on my armpits. Afterwards, I start to feel tired / unwell. This is when I take my second cup. The second cup is never as good as the first. It works, but there is a perfect amount of caffeine that I have to balance with the second cup, or I'm off the coffee teeter totter and I feel like shit. Then a few hours later, usually around 4 or 5pm, I take my third cup. When my third cup happens I feel like garbage, but after 7pm or so I feel normal. 7pm till 12 - 1am when I go to bed I feel the most normal, I feel even, and my arm pits stop sweating.
For the last month I've been trying to quit caffeine. So far I haven't done it methodologically. Sort of like when you are trying to save money but not sitting down and planning it out. So I've been trying to, you know, just not have that third cup, not have the second one, ect. Today I realized, caffeine is not going down without a fight and is not fucking around.
Today I had large cold brew in the morning (substantially more than my usual morning cup). I did not have my second cup. Neither did I had my third. I was sitting on my couch and got up to have some dinner. When I stood up and walked to the kitchen I had this feeling of impending doom and almost like I was going to pass out. I was scared. I had an internal dialog "No way this is from the caffeine. Surely it can't do this to me. There most be something bad going on here. Maybe I should call 911." I told my gf I didn't feel good and had to take a walk. Before I went I said to myself "This is most likely the caffeine." So I grabbed coffee grounds from the coffee jar and ate those suckers raw. Holy shit I'm an addict I thought to myself. I just grabbed raw coffee grounds from the fucking jar like a deprived lunatic.
On the walk I could barely keep my head up. I could walk fine, but felt awful. Gradually I was coming back to life, about an hour after the walk I felt normal again. During the time I was back from the walk I looked up my symptoms and came to this beautiful subreddit and binge read posts on here for 45min straight. I'm not alone thank God. Now I'm writing this post.
This has to end. I can't do this anymore. I'm going to measure out every single one of my dosages of coffee everyday. I'm going to only make my coffee at home and use my french press with the SAME exact grounds every time. I'm going to measure the grounds out, and then measure the amount of liquid coffee I'm pouring in a cup. I'm going to gradually lessen my dosage overtime. I have no idea by how much everyday, but I'm dedicated here. Not a drip of caffeine will be consumed outside of this regime.
Feel free to give me some pointers.

Have you ever felt you were missing something in your journey towards optimal health? I know I have. As I strive to take care of my well-being and enhance my overall wellness, I realise the importance of finding the right products to support me. That’s why I turned to Amazon, a platform known for its vast selection of health and wellness supplements.
Boost Your Health Journey: Start Exploring Amazon’s Wellness Essentials!
In this article, we will embark on a journey together, exploring the world of health and wellness products available on Amazon. From vitamins and minerals to herbal remedies and dietary supplements, we will discover many essentials that can help us prioritize our health. Join me as we delve into the wonders of Amazon’s offerings and uncover the secrets to enhancing our well-being.

Key Takeaways:

• Amazon is a treasure trove of health and wellness supplements.
• Exploring vitamins, minerals, herbs, and dietary supplements can support your overall well-being.
• Discover the secrets to optimal health by selecting the right products for your unique needs.
• Enhance your well-being by incorporating health and wellness supplements into your daily routine.
• Explore user reviews and recommendations on Amazon to inform your supplement choices.

The Importance of Health and Wellness

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to neglect our health and well-being. The constant demands of work, family, and daily life can leave us feeling exhausted and overwhelmed. However, taking care of our physical and mental well-being should be a top priority. It is the foundation upon which we build a fulfilling and vibrant life. This is why health and wellness should never be taken for granted.
When we prioritize our health and wellness, we reap numerous benefits. Not only do we have more energy to tackle everyday challenges, but we also experience improved mental clarity and focus. We can better manage stress, boost our immune system, and enhance our overall quality of life.
Incorporating supplements into our daily routine can be a powerful tool in our wellness arsenal. These supplements are formulated to provide essential nutrients that may be lacking in our diets, helping to fill those nutritional gaps. Whether it’s vitamins, minerals, or herbal remedies, these supplements can support our body’s natural functions and promote optimal health.

“Health is not valued until sickness comes.”
- Thomas Fuller

By proactively caring for our health and wellness, we can prevent illnesses and minimize the risk of developing chronic conditions. Through proper nutrition, exercise, and a balanced lifestyle, we can strengthen our bodies and fortify our immune system. And when we enhance our well-being, we are better equipped to face life’s challenges with resilience and vitality.

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Investing in Our Future

When we invest time and effort into our health and wellness, we are investing in our future. By adopting healthy habits and incorporating supplements that support our well-being, we are laying the groundwork for a long, fulfilling life. We are giving ourselves the gift of vitality, longevity, and the ability to enjoy every moment to its fullest.
So, let us embrace the importance of health and wellness. Let us prioritize self-care and make conscious choices that support our overall well-being. By doing so, we can unlock our true potential and live a life of health, happiness, and fulfilment.

Amazon: A Hub for Wellness Products

In today’s digital age, Amazon has emerged as a leading platform for all our shopping needs. But did you know that it also offers an extensive selection of wellness products? From vitamins and minerals to herbs and dietary supplements, Amazon has become a go-to hub for individuals seeking to optimize their health and well-being.
With just a few clicks, you can explore a vast array of wellness products on Amazon, conveniently blending the world of e-commerce with the pursuit of a healthier lifestyle. The platform’s user-friendly interface allows you to navigate through various categories and filter options, making it easy to find products that align with your health goals.

Explore. Compare. Empower.

One of the key advantages of shopping for wellness products on Amazon is the ability to explore a wide range of options. Whether you’re searching for specific vitamins, minerals, or dietary supplements, Amazon offers an extensive inventory that caters to diverse health needs and preferences.

Amazon’s diverse range of wellness products empowers individuals to take control of their health and make informed choices that align with their unique needs.

By comparing different brands, reading product descriptions, and analyzing user reviews, you can make confident decisions about the wellness products that best suit you. The abundance of information and customer feedback allows for an educated selection process, giving you the peace of mind that you are investing in the right products for your well-being.

Quality Assurance and Peace of Mind

Amazon’s commitment to quality assurance ensures that the wellness products available on the platform meet rigorous standards. Through partnerships with reputable brands and sellers, Amazon prioritizes customer satisfaction and safety.
Additionally, Amazon’s transparent feedback system allows customers to share their experiences, providing valuable insights into the effectiveness and reliability of different wellness products. By leveraging the collective wisdom of the Amazon community, you can make well-informed choices and discover products that have garnered positive reviews and recommendations.

Unlock Your Wellness Potential on Amazon

Whether you are looking to boost your energy levels, support your immune system, or enhance your overall well-being, Amazon’s collection of wellness products has something for everyone. The platform’s convenience, variety, and commitment to customer satisfaction make it an ideal destination for individuals seeking to prioritize their health.
So why wait? Start your journey towards better health today by exploring the wealth of wellness products available on Amazon. Empower yourself with the tools to enhance your well-being and embrace a vibrant, fulfilling life.

Navigating the World of Vitamins and Minerals

When it comes to optimizing our health, understanding the importance of vitamins and minerals is essential. These micronutrients play a crucial role in our body’s proper functioning, supporting everything from immune health to energy production. On Amazon, you’ll find a vast array of options catering to different nutritional needs and preferences, making it easier than ever to navigate the world of vitamins and minerals.
Vitamins are organic compounds that our bodies need in small amounts to perform various functions. They are classified into two categories: fat-soluble vitamins (such as vitamins A, D, E, and K) and water-soluble vitamins (including vitamin C and B vitamins). Each vitamin has its specific role, supporting different areas of our health. Minerals, on the other hand, are inorganic elements that our body requires for proper functioning. They include essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc, among others.
Choosing the right vitamins and minerals for your unique health requirements can feel overwhelming. However, with the wide selection available on Amazon, you can find products suitable for every lifestyle and dietary preference. Whether you’re looking for a comprehensive multivitamin or a specific nutrient supplement, navigating the world of vitamins and minerals has never been easier.
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How to Choose the Right Vitamins and Minerals

When selecting vitamins and minerals, it’s essential to consider a few key factors to ensure you’re getting the most out of your supplements:

• Consult a healthcare professional: If you have specific health concerns or conditions, it’s always a good idea to seek guidance from a healthcare professional who can provide personalized advice.
• Identify your nutritional needs: Assessing your current diet and identifying any nutritional gaps can help you determine which vitamins and minerals you may need to supplement.
• Read product labels: Examine the labels of supplements carefully to understand the ingredients, dosage, and any potential allergens or interactions.
• Consider your lifestyle: Choose supplements that align with your lifestyle, taking into account factors like dietary restrictions, exercise levels, and any specific health goals you may have.

“Remember, supplements should never replace a balanced diet. They are meant to complement your overall nutrition and support your well-being.”

By taking these considerations into account, you can make informed choices and find the right vitamins and minerals to support your unique health requirements. Remember, supplements should never replace a balanced diet. They are meant to complement your overall nutrition and support your well-being.

Exploring the Power of Herbal Remedies

Herbal remedies have a longstanding history of promoting wellness and addressing a variety of health concerns. These natural remedies, derived from plants and herbs, have been utilized for centuries for their potential benefits. Today, we have the opportunity to delve into the realm of herbal supplements available on Amazon and unlock nature’s healing power.
When it comes to herbal remedies, their effectiveness lies in the harmonious combination of active compounds found in various plant parts. Many plants contain bioactive compounds that can support our overall well-being in different ways. From providing immune support to promoting relaxation and supporting cognitive function, herbal remedies offer a holistic approach to wellness.
One of the advantages of exploring herbal remedies on Amazon is the wide range of choices available. From well-known herbal supplements like echinacea and ginkgo biloba to lesser-known remedies like ashwagandha and turmeric, there is a rich selection of herbal products to support your health journey. Additionally, Amazon provides detailed product descriptions and customer reviews, allowing you to make informed decisions based on the experiences of others.

The Potential Benefits of Herbal Remedies

“Nature itself is the best physician.” — Hippocrates

Nature has provided us with a bounty of medicinal plants, each offering unique benefits. Below are some examples of herbal remedies and their potential benefits:

1. Echinacea: Known for its immune-boosting properties, echinacea may help support a healthy immune system and enhance the body’s natural defence.
2. Ginkgo Biloba: This herb has been linked to improved cognitive function and memory, making it a popular choice for those seeking mental clarity.
3. Ashwagandha: Ashwagandha is renowned for its stress-relieving properties and may support overall well-being by promoting a sense of calm and relaxation.
4. Turmeric: Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, possesses powerful anti-inflammatory properties and may aid in joint health and overall inflammation management.

While these examples highlight the potential benefits of herbal remedies, it’s important to note that individual experiences may vary. It’s always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating new supplements into your routine, especially if you have any pre-existing health conditions or are taking medications.
Embrace the power of nature’s remedies and explore the world of herbal supplements available on Amazon. Support your well-being naturally and holistically, making informed choices that align with your health goals and aspirations.
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Unleashing the Potential of Dietary Supplements

When it comes to supporting your health and well-being, dietary supplements can play a vital role in complementing your nutritional intake. With a vast array of options available on Amazon, you have the opportunity to explore a wide range of dietary supplements that cater to your specific needs and goals. From protein powders to omega-3 fatty acids, these supplements offer a world of possibilities to enhance your overall wellness.

Enhancing your fitness journey with protein powders

For individuals looking to build muscle, improve athletic performance, or support their fitness goals, protein powders are a popular choice. Whether you opt for whey, casein, or plant-based protein, these powders are a convenient way to increase your protein intake, aiding in muscle recovery and growth. With a variety of flavours and formulations available, you can find the perfect protein powder to fuel your active lifestyle.

Unlocking the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids have gained significant attention for their potential health benefits, including supporting heart health, and brain function, and reducing inflammation. With dietary supplements such as fish oil or algae-based omega-3 capsules, you can easily incorporate these essential fatty acids into your daily routine. By supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids, you can ensure that your body receives the necessary nutrients to thrive.
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Discovering the power of multivitamins

Maintaining optimal levels of essential vitamins and minerals is crucial for overall health and well-being. While a balanced diet should provide these nutrients, dietary supplements such as multivitamins can help fill any nutritional gaps. By incorporating a high-quality multivitamin into your routine, you can support various bodily functions and ensure that your body has an adequate supply of vitamins and minerals it needs.

“Dietary supplements are not a replacement for a healthy diet, but they can be a beneficial addition to your overall wellness routine. By choosing the right supplements based on your specific needs and consulting with a healthcare professional, you can optimize your health and well-being.” — Dr. Lisa Anderson, MD

Remember, it is essential to make informed choices when selecting dietary supplements. Prioritize reputable brands, read customer reviews, and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any specific concerns or medical conditions. By unleashing the potential of dietary supplements, you can take an active role in supporting your health and embarking on a journey towards a healthier lifestyle.

The Science Behind Health and Wellness Supplements

When it comes to health and wellness supplements, understanding the science behind them is crucial. These products are designed to work synergistically with our bodies, supporting our overall well-being. Through extensive research and scientific studies, we gain valuable insights into their efficacy and the potential benefits they offer.

“Science has paved the way for a deeper understanding of how health and wellness supplements can positively impact our lives. From their formulation to their mechanism of action, scientific advancements continue to drive innovation in the field.”

One key aspect of health and wellness supplements is their evidence-based nature. Unlike fads and trends, these products have undergone extensive scientific scrutiny to demonstrate their effectiveness. Rigorous testing and clinical trials provide us with substantial data and conclusive evidence to support our claims.
Scientific research allows us to uncover the specific mechanisms by which these supplements interact with our bodies. For example, a study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that certain vitamins and minerals play essential roles in supporting cognitive function and brain health. This kind of scientific insight empowers us to make informed decisions about the supplements we choose to incorporate into our daily routines.
Moreover, science helps us understand the optimal dosages and combinations of nutrients for maximum efficacy. Through meticulous experimentation, researchers determine the right proportions and formulations to ensure that these supplements deliver the intended benefits.
It’s important to note that while science plays a vital role in understanding health and wellness supplements, it’s crucial to consult with healthcare professionals and experts for personalized guidance. They can help you navigate through the vast array of options and tailor a supplementation plan that aligns with your specific health goals and needs.
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The Science of Absorption

One aspect of science that holds particular relevance for health and wellness supplements is the concept of bioavailability. Bioavailability refers to the extent to which a nutrient or supplement is absorbed and utilized by our bodies.
Some supplements may have excellent bioavailability, meaning that they are easily absorbed and utilized, while others may have lower bioavailability, requiring additional considerations such as specific formulations or combinations to enhance absorption.
For instance, a study published in the Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that taking vitamin D supplements with a source of fat increased its absorption by the body. This highlights the importance of understanding the science behind absorption to optimize the benefits of health and wellness supplements.

The Quest for Knowledge

As science continues to advance, our understanding of health and wellness supplements expands. Ongoing research uncovers new potential benefits and further refines the efficacy of existing supplements.
By staying informed about the latest scientific discoveries, we can make conscious choices that support our health journey. Embracing the science behind health and wellness supplements empowers us to unlock the full potential of these products and live our lives to the fullest.

Tips for Choosing the Right Supplements

Selecting the right supplements can feel like a daunting task when faced with the vast array of options available. However, with some expert guidance, you can navigate through the choices and make informed decisions to support your health and wellness goals. There are several factors to consider when choosing the right supplements, including quality, dosage, and potential interactions. Let’s explore these tips together to ensure you make the best choices for your body.
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1. Quality Matters

When it comes to supplements, quality is key. Look for reputable brands that prioritize rigorous testing and adhere to high manufacturing standards. Opt for supplements that are third-party tested and have certifications such as Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) or NSF International. Additionally, consider the source of the ingredients used in the supplements. Ensure they come from trusted and sustainable sources.

2. Dosage and Form

Understanding the recommended dosage and the form of the supplement is crucial for optimal effectiveness. Some supplements may require higher dosages for specific health conditions, while others may have varying forms such as capsules, tablets, or liquids. Consider your personal preferences and any dietary restrictions you may have when choosing the right dosage and form of the supplement.

3. Consider Potential Interactions

It’s important to be aware of any potential interactions between supplements and medications or existing health conditions. Certain supplements may interfere with the absorption or efficacy of medications, while others may have adverse effects on specific health conditions. Consult with your healthcare provider before adding any new supplements to your routine, especially if you are already taking medications or have underlying health concerns.

4. Read User Reviews

One of the best ways to gauge the effectiveness of a supplement is by reading user reviews. Take the time to explore customer feedback and experiences on reputable platforms. Look for reviews from individuals with similar health goals or conditions to gain insights into how the supplement might work for you. However, remember that individual experiences may vary, and it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

“Reading user reviews allowed me to discover new supplements that I wouldn’t have considered otherwise. It’s valuable to hear firsthand experiences and get a better understanding of what to expect.” — Rebecca, Health Enthusiast

5. Seek Expert Advice

If you’re unsure about which supplements to choose or have specific health concerns, consulting with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian can provide personalized guidance. These experts can assess your individual needs, help identify potential nutrient deficiencies, and recommend supplements that align with your health goals.
By following these tips, you can confidently navigate the world of supplements and select the ones that will best support your health and wellness journey.
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Incorporating Supplements into Your Daily Routine

When it comes to taking care of our health, incorporating supplements into our daily routine can provide a valuable boost. Whether you’re looking to support your immune system, improve your gut health, or enhance your energy levels, the right supplements can make a noticeable difference. Here are some practical tips to seamlessly integrate health and wellness supplements into your day:

Create a Supplement Plan

Developing a supplement plan is the first step in ensuring you’re meeting your specific nutritional needs. Take the time to research and identify the supplements that align with your health goals. Consulting with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian can provide valuable guidance in determining the right supplements for you.

Choose the Best Time

Timing is key when it comes to incorporating supplements. While some supplements should be taken with food, others are best consumed on an empty stomach. Read the instructions and product labels carefully to understand the recommended dosage and timing for each supplement. This will ensure maximum absorption and effectiveness.

Make it a Habit

To recap the benefits of health and wellness supplements, consistency is key. Incorporating them into your daily routine will help you establish a healthy habit. Whether it’s setting a reminder on your phone or incorporating it into your morning or evening rituals, find a way to make taking supplements a seamless part of your day.

Pair Supplements with a Balanced Diet

While supplements can support your overall health, it’s important to remember that they should not replace a balanced diet. Aim to consume a variety of nutrient-rich foods alongside your supplements to ensure you’re getting all the essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients your body needs.

Monitor and Adjust

As you begin incorporating supplements into your routine, pay attention to how your body responds. Everyone’s body is unique, so it’s important to monitor any changes in how you feel or any adverse effects. If necessary, consult with a healthcare professional to adjust your supplement plan accordingly.
By following these tips, you can seamlessly incorporate health and wellness supplements into your daily routine. Remember, supplements are meant to complement a healthy lifestyle and should be used in conjunction with other wellness practices such as regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management. Prioritize your well-being and embrace the power of supplements to support your journey towards optimal health.
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Boosting Specific Health Areas with Supplements

When it comes to supporting our health, supplements can play a vital role. By targeting specific health areas, we can enhance our overall well-being and empower our bodies to thrive. Discover the supplements that can boost your health in various areas, from immune support to joint health and beyond.

1. Immune Support

Your immune system is your body’s natural defence against illnesses and infections. By bolstering your immune support, you can strengthen your body’s ability to fight off harmful pathogens. Consider supplements such as vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc to give your immune system the boost it needs.

2. Heart Health

Cardiovascular health is crucial for overall well-being. Protect your heart by incorporating supplements like omega-3 fatty acids and coenzyme Q10 into your daily routine. These supplements have been shown to support heart health and promote healthy blood circulation.

3. Brain Function

Maintaining optimal brain function is essential for cognitive well-being. Support your brain health with supplements like omega-3 fatty acids, curcumin, and vitamin E. These nutrients have been linked to improved cognitive function and memory.

4. Joint Health

Healthy joints are key to maintaining an active lifestyle. If you’re looking to support your joint health, consider supplements such as glucosamine, chondroitin, and collagen. These nutrients can help reduce joint discomfort and support flexibility.

5. Digestive Health

A well-functioning digestive system is essential for nutrient absorption and overall health. To promote digestive health, incorporate supplements like probiotics and fibre into your routine. These supplements can support healthy gut flora and aid in digestion.

6. Energy and Vitality

Boost your energy levels and vitality with supplements that support cellular health and metabolism. Consider supplements like vitamin B12, iron, and coenzyme Q10. These nutrients can aid in energy production and overall vitality.
Remember, before starting any new supplement regimen, consult with a healthcare professional to ensure they are suitable for your specific needs and do not interfere with any medications or existing health conditions. Boost your health with supplements and embrace a vibrant and thriving lifestyle.
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User Reviews and Recommendations

When it comes to choosing the right health and wellness supplements, one of the most valuable resources at your disposal is the wealth of user reviews and recommendations available on Amazon. Every day, people just like you are sharing their experiences and insights, helping you make informed decisions about which products to incorporate into your routine.
By exploring user reviews, you can gain a deeper understanding of how these supplements have worked for others and what benefits they have experienced. This firsthand knowledge can be extremely valuable in guiding your own supplement choices. You can learn about the effects, dosage, and potential interactions from those who have already tried the products.
What sets user reviews on Amazon apart is their authenticity. These reviews come from real customers who have purchased and used the products themselves, offering honest and unbiased assessments. You can trust that the information you find is credible and reliable, providing you with valuable insights into the effectiveness and quality of the supplements.
As you read through user reviews, it’s important to keep in mind that everyone’s experience may differ. What works for one person may not work the same way for you. Therefore, it’s essential to look for patterns and common trends in the reviews. Pay attention to the overall rating of the product, as well as the specific comments and feedback provided. This will give you a well-rounded picture of the supplement’s performance.

“I was skeptical at first, but after reading the positive user reviews, I decided to give this supplement a try. I’m so glad I did! It has made a noticeable difference in my energy levels and overall well-being.” — Emily

1. Consider the number of reviews: The more reviews a product has, the more reliable the overall rating tends to be. A larger sample size provides a broader perspective on the supplement’s effectiveness.
2. Look for detailed reviews: Pay attention to reviews that provide specific information about the user’s experience. Look for details about dosage, duration of use, and any notable effects or benefits observed.
3. Balance positive and negative feedback: Don’t just focus on the positive reviews; take into account the negative ones as well. Look for any potential side effects or drawbacks mentioned to make an informed decision.

In addition to user reviews, don’t hesitate to seek recommendations from friends, family, or trusted health professionals. Their personal experiences and expertise can offer valuable guidance in finding the right supplements for your specific needs.
Remember, while user reviews and recommendations are excellent resources, they should complement your own research and consult with a healthcare professional when necessary. Together, these sources of information can empower you to select the health and wellness supplements that align with your goals and support your overall well-being.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Amazon offers a wide range of health and wellness supplements that can help you optimize your overall well-being. Whether you are seeking vitamins, minerals, herbs, or dietary supplements, you have the opportunity to embrace a journey towards vitality and make informed choices to support your health goals.
By exploring the world of health and wellness on Amazon, you can unlock the potential to lead a healthier and more fulfilling life. With the convenience and extensive selection that Amazon provides, you have access to a variety of products that can support your unique health needs.
Take control of your well-being today and discover the power of health and wellness supplements available on Amazon. With just a few clicks, you can embark on a transformative journey towards a healthier and happier you.

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FAQ

Why should I consider using health and wellness supplements?

Health and wellness supplements can support your overall well-being by providing essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that may be lacking in your diet. They can help improve your energy levels, strengthen your immune system, and promote better overall health.

Can health and wellness supplements make a difference in my health?

While health and wellness supplements can complement a healthy lifestyle, it’s important to understand that they are not a substitute for proper nutrition and exercise. However, when used correctly and in conjunction with a balanced diet and regular physical activity, they can provide additional support for your health goals.

How do I choose the right health and wellness supplements for my needs?

Choosing the right supplements can be overwhelming, but there are a few key factors to consider. First, identify your specific health goals and consult with a healthcare professional to determine which supplements may be beneficial for you. Look for high-quality brands that undergo third-party testing for purity and potency. Additionally, read customer reviews and consider any potential interactions with medications you may be taking.

Can I take multiple health and wellness supplements at the same time?

While it’s generally safe to take multiple supplements, it’s important to be mindful of your overall nutrient intake. Some supplements may contain similar ingredients, so taking them together in high doses could exceed the recommended daily intake for certain nutrients. It’s best to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure you’re not exceeding safe limits and to avoid any potential interactions.

Are health and wellness supplements FDA-approved?

The FDA does not approve individual health and wellness supplements before they are sold. However, they do regulate dietary supplements and require manufacturers to follow specific guidelines for quality control and labelling. Look for supplements that are manufactured in FDA-registered facilities and bear third-party certification seals for added assurance of quality.

How long does it take to see results from health and wellness supplements?

The time it takes to see results from health and wellness supplements can vary depending on various factors, such as the specific supplement, your body chemistry, and your overall health. Some supplements may deliver noticeable benefits within a few weeks, while others may require longer-term use for optimal results. It’s important to be patient and consistent with your supplement regimen.

The claims made by the manufacturer of Cortexi regarding its efficacy, ingredients, and safety are intriguing and warrant closer examination. Let's break down the key aspects highlighted in the review to assess Cortexi's potential as a hearing health supplement:

1. Ingredients: Cortexi contains a blend of eight natural ingredients, including grape seed, green tea, Gymnema Sylvestre, capsicum annum, Panax ginseng, astragalus, chromium picolinate, and maca root. These ingredients are purported to have various health properties, including supporting hearing health, enhancing cognitive functioning, and boosting memory and concentration. While some of these ingredients have been studied for their potential benefits, more research is needed to validate their effectiveness specifically for improving hearing health.
2. Formulation and Manufacturing Standards: Cortexi is manufactured in an FDA-registered and GMP-certified facility in the United States, ensuring high quality and safety standards. The liquid formulation of Cortexi is claimed to be free from artificial stimulants or additives. The product undergoes rigorous testing for label accuracy, ingredient purity, safety, and efficacy. These quality control measures are reassuring but do not guarantee the effectiveness of the supplement.
3. User Experience and Feedback: The review mentions positive feedback from customers who reported improvements in hearing, cognitive function, memory, and concentration after using Cortexi. While anecdotal evidence can provide insights, it's essential to consider that individual experiences may vary, and placebo effects can influence perceptions of effectiveness.
4. Dosage and Duration: Cortexi is recommended to be taken orally as a liquid formula, with one full dropper under the tongue daily. The manufacturer suggests using the supplement for three to six months to achieve maximum benefits. This timeframe aligns with the natural progression of changes in health but may vary depending on individual factors.
5. Safety and Side Effects: Cortexi is touted as a safe formula with no reported side effects. However, it's essential to exercise caution, especially for individuals with underlying medical conditions, pregnant or nursing women, and those taking medications. Consulting a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen is advisable.
6. Pricing and Refund Policy: Cortexi is available for purchase on its official website, with pricing options for single bottles or discounted multi-bottle packages. The supplement is backed by a 60-day money-back guarantee, providing customers with a risk-free opportunity to try the product.

In conclusion, Cortexi presents an intriguing blend of natural ingredients purported to support hearing health and cognitive function. While the formulation and manufacturing standards inspire confidence, the efficacy of the supplement in improving hearing health requires further scientific validation. Individual experiences may vary, and it's essential to approach Cortexi as part of a holistic approach to overall health and wellness. Consulting with a healthcare professional is recommended before starting any new supplement regimen, particularly for individuals with specific health concerns or medical conditions.

Initial post was long! So this is my tl;dr:
-My cat was prescribed liquid gabapentin 0.5mL as needed, for pain from ER vet due to abscess. Bottle is 100mg/mL. He is 10.6lbs lean. Over a year old
-Cat is adjusting to indoor life as former community/outdoor cat; nocturnal crying/whining issues from 3am-7am. Primary Vet states that this is not uncommon for strays as they are nocturnal at this time
-I sleep up until 4pm every day due to working long/overnight shifts. Unable to get much rest
-Vet suggested 2 mL gabapentin nightly from what I was given by the ER vet. If not effective, to begin 100 mg pills as backup
-First night: Cat slept 7-8 hours with 2mL; second night: Minimal sleep with 2 mL (given at 1130pm) and then 1 mL (given at 530am) doses are 6 hours apart. Concerns about proper dosage and safety

hey guys i have a lot of health problems here's a list: bipolar 1 (rapid cycling), ADHD (combined type), hypogammaglobulinemia (immune disorder), eustachian tube dysfunction, chronic gastritis (unknown cause), insomnia, anxiety, severe depression, obesity (caused by taking medication weight gain). I take 10 different medications a day. and I fear that i'll cause myself to reject medications if i keep going on like this. I know i need it, but why does it have to be so many? What can I do to soothe myself from this anxiety I feel building up? Any advice or anyone share this experience? I've been taking pills for a long time, i have gotten bilateral ear infections since i was 7 months old so I'm used to swallowing big pills (antibiotics) like that. As a child I used to take handfuls of melatonin to fall asleep every night because my ADHD kept me up and the more tolerance i built the bigger the pill. I'm 20 now and the pill list just keeps growing and i know that i need these pills to get better but i feel sick after swallowing so many every day. I swallow them and my whole body starts shivering and I feel disgusted. When I was 18 I got hives and i was taking 2-3 handfulls of different medication twice a day. Every morning and night. Eventually my immune system gave out and now I have an immune disorder from taking so many steroids trying to help myself get better and the hives didn't go away I ended up having to take an immunosuppressant for 2 months.
10 medications, 13 pills: Morning: Lamotrigine 100mg Phentermine 37.5mg Dextroamphetamine 15mg XR Pantoprazole 20mg delayed release Metformin I just started idk the dosage but they're very large pills i'm supposed to take 3 of them (thats 7 pills) Nightly: Trazodone 150mg Lamotrigine 200mg Clonidine .01mg Lithium 300mg x2 Pantoprazole 20mg delayed release (6 pills) Lets not forget my as needed that I frequently need! I take 2 Allegra and 2 Zertec day and night because my seasonal allergies cause me to get sick quickly. That's 17 pills. Then I have hydroxyzine 25mg as needed. Thats 18 pills. Then I have something I should be taking every day but I cannot get myself to take Sucralfate 100ml. Not a pill but that would be 19 if i took it as a pill but i chose liquid form
i'm tired. i avoid as much as i can during the day taking them more and more frequently. even right now i'm trying to avoid taking my nighttime pills. i need help.

The UK is the primary driver of new growth in Europe’s medical cannabis market, with sales of medical cannabis greater than expected due to ‘unusually high’ consumption volumes on a per-patient basis.
By the end of 2024, for example, 62,960 patients are forecasted to be using medical cannabis in the UK, generating €240 million (£205 million) in sales, meaning the average medical cannabis patient in the UK will consume €3,811-worth (£3,261) of medical cannabis per year, or €318-worth (£272) per month.
Compare this to Germany, with the largest medical cannabis market and patient population in Europe, where the average medical cannabis patient will consume €1,563 (£1,342) of medical cannabis per year, or €130 (£112) per month.
Average prices paid per gram of dried medical cannabis flower or millilitre of oil are lower in the UK than in Germany, so the primary factor contributing to this staggering 144% difference in spend is an even larger divergence in consumption volumes.
These findings have been published today in a new report from UK-based cannabis data and intelligence company, Prohibition Partners.

Why So High?

Speaking about the potential reasons for the high consumption rates in the UK compared to other European countries, Lawrence Purkiss, Senior Analyst at Prohibition Partners, said: “The comparatively high per-patient consumption rates in the UK are at least in part a consequence of the fact that the market is entirely private and self-paid. The financial incentives within the system are geared towards high prescription volumes, unlike in Germany where at least 50% of patients have their medical cannabis costs reimbursed under public healthcare.”
Stephen Murphy, co-founder and CEO of Prohibition Partners, added: “The findings in the 9th Edition of The European Cannabis Report highlight an intriguing trend: patients in the UK are consuming more than their counterparts in other European markets. Since the legalisation of medical cannabis in 2018, private companies have aimed to enhance options and accessibility for patients. However, due to supply chain restrictions and costs, patients often opt for volume over frequency. This underscores the need for continued efforts to streamline regulations and improve affordability to ensure patients' needs are adequately met.”

UK Market & Patient Explosion

Growth in the total number of medical cannabis patients in the UK is also forecast to soar over the next four years. By 2028, the number of medical cannabis patients in the UK is expected to increase by 124% to approximately 141,000 patients (up from approx. 63,000 by the end of 2024).
By comparison, in Germany the growth rate is just 24%, with approximately 346,000 medical cannabis patients anticipated by 2028 (up from approx. 278,000 by the end of 2024).
Together, Germany and the UK will account for 77% of all medical cannabis sales and patients in Europe by 2028 (Germany 50%, UK 27%).

Private Clinics Driving Growth

Although medical cannabis was legalised in the UK in November 2018 and is technically available on prescription through the National Health Service (NHS), patient access to medical cannabis in the UK is almost exclusively facilitated by private clinics.
These clinics are supplied by large medical cannabis distributors like Curaleaf Laboratories. Of the growth in sales and patient population in the UK, Jonathan Hodgson, CEO of Curaleaf Laboratories, said: “The beginning of 2024 has already shown a tremendous level of growth, with a record number of UK private clinics now providing medical cannabis treatment for lower appointment costs than ever before. More formulations and dosage forms have entered the market, such as pastilles and liquid vape cartridges, broadening the treatment options available for specialists to prescribe for patients.”
These medical cannabis findings have been published today in a new report - The European Cannabis Report: 9th Edition - by UK-based cannabis data and intelligence firm, Prohibition Partners. A version of the report is now available to download for free via the Prohibition Partners website.

I made a post long ago here : On how to treat dogs in Puerto Rico https://old.reddit.com/PuertoRicoTravel/comments/14d20z2/how_to_interact_care_for_dogs_in_puerto_rico_a/

San Miguel Veterinary Services
(787) 200-4927 (787) 641-5225
11 Calle 6, Bayamón, 00959 Carr #2 Km. 11.8, Edificio Centurión Local 1, Bayamon, Puerto Rico
Monday through Friday 7am - 6pm; Saturday 9am - 2pm

Nearly all 5 star reviews - good luck!
I spoke with my vet in San Juan - and they said this vet service will help your stray dog (most will not). The main procedures you want are :
Simparica Trio ($50), Vaccines ($150), and Spay / Neuter ($200, show up before 9am)
https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/simparica-trio-221-44-lbs-dogs
I was able to get my Trio at a Petco in Puerto Rico (it is about $50) - but others have had difficulty. If you have 3+ days, I would recommend - ST & Vaccines, then Spay / neutering 48 hours later, while helping them gain as much weight as possible.
If I only had 1 day - and it was a female dog - I would prioritize Spaying over everything else - that dog will die giving birth otherwise, within 2 months. With a male dog, ST & vaccines are more important - neutering will only reduce aggression.
Generally speaking - I would recommend ground beef as the best food for strays - or rotisserie chicken. I give my dogs small amounts of creatine powder - into the water bowl (1 g / day for 40 lb dog - 1/2 human dosage per pound).
Creatine ($50 for infinite supply) is basically health magic. It fixes heart, lung, muscle problems nearly instantly, if there is enough protein (meat) to repair these things. In my dog - she had been limping for 2 years, was slowly getting better, and then stopped limping completely within 2 days of having creatine - and began to run again. My bigger dog no longer has heart / breathing issues, again, within just a few days of creatine.
There is enough creatine in ground beef and rotisserie chicken to fix a dog - but standard dog food has 0 creatine - which is only suitable for fully healthy, lazy dogs (no muscle building or repair).
I have also given dogs small amounts of 0 sugar electrolyte powder and Pedialyte, but results are meddling. It WILL keep them alive if they are not eating food, for several days. But in the future, I would lean strongly toward creatine powder + liquefied ground beef into a fat syringe.
When it comes to electrolytes, if they are shaking, they need more and Pedialyte will 100% help - but try as little sugar as possible, 0 sugar Liquid IV (Costco) best. If they have too much salt - they will lose appetite and pee aggressively. I might suggest 20 ml per serving for a 20 lb dog, twice daily - or 1/10 human dosage per pound.
I had a dog die from eating something that got stuck in their intestines, recently, and after $5,000 and two weeks of hospital care - the doctor 'whoops' and killed the dog. If a dog is not pooping - fat is probably the best laxative you might want to consider, which will also prevent excess calorie loss from not eating. If a dog is not pooping - I would suggest fat as the cheapest, healthiest remedy. I did not think of this at the time, and doctor just killed my dog - because 'not pooping is not medically relevant'.. this was at the 24/7 Emergency Car hospital in San Juan, both of which have a 2 star rating..
These people look very promising however..

LOOKING FOR THE ABSOLUTE BEST, NO NONSENSE, SCIENCE-BASED ARTICLE ON PROPER DIETING?
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USE MY 2 DECADES OF ACADEMIC STUDY, IN THE TRENCHES EXPERIENCES, AND EMPIRICAL ADVICE WHEN IT COMES TO BOOSTING MUSCLE MASS, INCREASING STAMINA, HEALTH, AND WELLNESS, LOSING FAT, REDUCING OR ELIMINATING TYPE 2 DIABETES, INCREASING LONGEVITY, PROTECTING AND REGENERATING ORGAN TISSUES, AND DECREASING IMMOBILITY, STIFFNESS, ARTHRITIS,WHILE REBUILDING CARTILIGENOUS TISSUE.
Old-Scool Diet 2.O
"A comprehensive article on bodybuilding diet minutiae - and SO MUCH MORE
What follows is my version of an old school (mid-80s to early 90s) bodybuilding fat-loss diet/regimen, with an updated (2020's) dietary supplementation plan. This type of diet was very popular when I was a child and produced results for many who used it. I was reminded of such diets by bodybuilding writers such as John Romano, who wrote about the basic bodybuilding diet in an issue of Muscular Development sometime around 2008.
Although renowned for its simplicity, it can become somewhat monotonous. The key tenets of this type of fat loss diet are 1) being in a slightly negative caloric balance, 2) using a simplified shopping list of 15 or fewer items, and 3) taking in large amounts of protein, a moderately large amount of carbohydrates, and a small/modest amount of dietary fat.
You will consume 3-4 "whole-food" meals per day along with 1-3 protein shakes (more on workout days and less on off days). You should drink at least 1 gallon worth of calorie-free liquids per day.... the closer you get to 1.5 gal and even 2 gal (if you're really big) the better.
The Shopping List
So, you're at the grocery store and you're in and out within 10 minutes. You don't care about the weekly sales (unless they involve one of your "weekly 15" items). Thus, grocery shopping becomes a snap.
As for the items themselves, a basic "old school" bodybuilding diet would likely contain:

1. Eggs
2. Milk (skim or 2% or UF/CFM)
3. Chicken Breast (boneless and skinless)
4. Tuna chunk light, canned
5. Cottage Cheese (2-4%) & red-fat cheese
6. Lean Gr Beef or Sirloin, NY strip, etc Steak
7. Rice
8. Oatmeal
9. Whole wheat (or white) Bread
10. Apples
11. Oranges
12. Pasta
13. Frozen Berries
14. Bananas
15. Broccoli

Of course, you can rotate in other vegetables such as corn on the cob, salad greens, and lettuces (with light balsamic or low-carb vinaigrette dressing if a salad) etc etc.
Eating a variety of wholesome foods that are (by and large) as unprocessed (aside from rice and oatmeal which must be processed as well as some dairy items) as possible typically means you'll be getting a wide spectrum of nutrients, including both macro and micronutrients. A daily multivitamin/mineral tablet can ensure you're filling any gaps in micronutrient needs (vitamins and minerals). As for macronutrients, this diet provides the bulk of its calories as protein and carbohydrate with only about 10% of the daily calorie allotment being reserved for fats.
What is the logic behind the macronutrient breakdown?
You'll be eating about 45-50 percent of your calories as carbohydrates and 40-45 percent as protein with only 10-15% as fat.
Why 45-50% as carbohydrate? Carbohydrate is stored in the liver and muscles as a substance called glycogen. For every gram of glycogen stored within the body, there are 2.7 grams of water attached. This gives the muscles a pumped appearance and feeling. This also means the muscles are well stocked with stored energy. The majority of your weight training sessions will involve anaerobic exercise. This type of exercise utilizes the glycolytic energy pathway to generate ATP or Adenosine Tri Phosphate.
(Note: The amino-acid-based dietary supplement Creatine also supports ATP synthesis by donating Phosphate to ADP).
Having adequate amounts of both calories and carbohydrates helps prevent dietary-induced drops in TSH.... or Thyroid Stimulating Hormone. This, in theory (and empirical practice) keeps one's metabolism humming and prevents one from "drying out." Simply put, you'll get great pumps in the gym thanks to all that stored water (remember 2.7 grams of water is stored per gram of glycogen).
Energy-rich carbohydrates (grains and fruits) differ from fiber-rich vegetables. Not only do energy-rich carbohydrates provide far more calories but the calories they supply raise blood glucose levels markedly and rapidly. These types of carbohydrates are more easily broken down into simple sugars (glucose etc). Simple sugars and carbohydrates such as rice and white bread are termed high-glycemic (they spike serum blood sugar and insulin levels) while whole wheat or rye bread and things like oatmeal and non-starchy vegetables are deemed low-glycemic.
To be completely forthright and technical all carbohydrates and macronutrients provide energy. The phytonutrients, micronutrients, and fiber aside, carbohydrates simply provide a "higher octane" energy (than protein or fat). ATP is regenerated via the glycolytic energy pathway; carbohydrates stoke the glycolytic energy pathway most efficiently. Despite this, carbohydrates are technically unessential.
Fat and in particular protein can both be used to create carbohydrates. And both fat and protein can supply energy. But fat and protein contain essential nutrients the body cannot manufacture. These essential nutrients are essential fatty acids (EFAs) and essential amino acids (EAAs).
What about Protein?
Because you're getting roughly half of your calories from carbohydrates the protein you take in will likely be spared from providing energy - at least that's what we're hoping for. You're going to shoot for 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight. The actual range of values would be between 0.8g/lb to 1.4g/lb (grams of protein per pound).
You're going to want to consume high-quality, complete protein from sources such as meat, poultry, fish, and dairy. If you have 4 meals and a shake and are taking in let's say 225 grams of protein per day that works out to 45 grams per "feeding." To be more realistic we'll simply say take in between 40-50 grams of protein per feeding.
Protein supplies nitrogen and the "building blocks" of skeletal muscle tissue (amino acids). Protein is essential because 8-10 amino acids are considered essential (other amino acids can become essential in certain situations or circumstances, they are called conditionally essential amino acids).
If you're 200 lbs taking in 1.25 grams protein per pound of bodyweight you're consuming 250 grams of protein per day. Protein contains 4 calories per gram. Thus you'd be consuming 1,000 calories of protein. At 45-50% of total daily calories, carbohydrates would comprise app 1.25x worth of calories as compared to protein. Thus, carbohydrates would come to 1,250 calories. Total daily calories would thus far be 2,250.
2,250 divided by 0.9 yields 250 calories, and at 9 calories per gram that would afford us a mere (roughly) 25 grams of fat. I would at least double this figure (not counting supplemental fats). 50 grams of fat adds 450 calories. 450 plus 2,250 yields 2,700 calories total. Thus, your diet breakdown will be closer to 16-20% fat (20% when including supplemental EFAs), 40% protein, and 40-45% carbohydrate).
Note: If need be, you can cut down carbohydrates by a few hundred calories and increase your protein consumption. This would change the dietary breakdown to roughly 40/40/20 (popularized by Barry Sears as the Zone diet).
You'll want to stay on this diet for a week and record how you felt, what you ate, and how well you slept. Every other day weigh yourself after your morning shit, shower and shave. If you maintain your weight the 2,700 calorie mark is your body's "set-point target." To reduce excess weight (fat) reduce your total daily calories by roughly 10-15 percent and exercise 3-5 days per week. Include cardiovascular training in addition to your weight lifting to further speed up your fat loss efforts. You can do LISS (low-intensity steady state) cardio (walking) or you can do HIIT (High-intensity interval training) cardio 2-5 times per week. Personally, I would choose 5 45-minute leisurely walks over other forms of cardio.
What about "fat burners?"
When people say "fat burners" they're referring to thermogenic agents which speed up the body's metabolism by some 5% or so (5-8% for an hour or two). In the 90s both Phentermine and the ECA stack were popular. These catecholamine-based compounds were potent appetite suppressants, particularly phentermine. The ECA stack was/is also a beta-adrenergic agonist. Since then a host of other supposedly "thermogenic" compounds and preparations have come into the limelight. Yerba Mate comes to mind, as do the popular OTC products Xenadrine and Hydroxycut. Even plain old caffeine is sometimes considered a first-rate "fat burner."
The truth is these products barely increase metabolic rate enough to make much of a difference. Most of their worth comes from their appetite-suppressant effects. Now, I'm not saying if you're suddenly prescribed Adderall or start smoking ice you won't lose weight - you will. It's simply that most weight loss, even from strong stimulants, comes from their appetite-suppressant effects.
The only "fat burners" that truly increase fat burning without the need for appetite suppression are L Carnitine and Cardarine. Cardarine is a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-delta agonist. Cardarine enhances lipolysis during exercise. Training increases energy availability by promoting catabolism of proteins, and gluconeogenesis, whereas GW501516 enhances specific consumption of fatty acids and reduces glucose utilization. L Carnitine can be beneficial to exercise performance and fat loss; paradoxically it also suppresses T3, or active thyroid hormone.
T3 or Cytomel can be used to markedly increase resting metabolic rate, but "T3 burns through muscle and fat indiscriminately." You can reduce the amount of muscle tissue being burned and attenuate the reductions in "muscle pump" experienced when supplementing with extra T3.
To do so you'll need to drink water like a camel and supplement your diet with beetroot crystals and citrulline malate. You'll also want to utilize Tadalafil or Cialis. Surprisingly, aside from increasing the pump one experiences from lifting weights Cialis also increases fat burning and creates more BAT (Brown adipose Tissue as compared to WAT... white adipose tissue), relatively speaking. BAT is metabolically active and behaves more like muscle in this respect.
To reduce muscle loss while on higher doses of T3 nothing short of AAS (@ least 200-300 mg/wk, if not 400mg + per week) will truly help. SARMS such as RAD-140 may be of some (yet limited) value. To be honest I would avoid T3 supplementation unless also using Testosterone (Enanthate 400mg/wk) or other AAS.
As for fats, their consumption is largely incidental on this diet and comes from the dairy, red meat, poultry, occasional salad, or handful of mixed nuts one might expect to consume if adhering to the aforementioned dietary principles .
This means the amount of saturated fat as compared to MUFAs or PUFAs will be somewhat high. To remedy this one can consume tuna packed in soybean oil as well as by supplementing 3x per day with triple concentrated, enteric-coated, fish oil capsules. These fish oil capsules break down in the small intestine and there are no fishy burps with them thanks to that enteric coating. They are extremely rich in the special fatty acids EPA and DHA, Eicosapentaenoic acid and Docosohexanoic acid.
One might also supplement with an Udo's Omega 3:6:9 blend of daily supplemental oil.
As for specialty fats, one must purchase the next two in supplement form. CLA is conjugated linoleic acid and it helps improve body composition over time by increasing muscle mass and decreasing fat mass. Sesamin has a host of potential health benefits. Together these two designer fats can markedly improve physical aesthetics, health, and overall well-being.
Finally, there is GLA or gamma linoleic acid. Unless you eat a lot of cashews you'll want to get this fatty acid in supplement form as well.
Note: You needn't supplement every specialty fatty acid mentioned to reap benefits from each fatty acid you choose to use.
The GOLDEN RULE of DIETING: CICO
Calories in vs. calories out. It's so simple yet so misunderstood. When you reduce dieting down to its least common denominator it's CICO you're left with. If you aren't gaining or losing weight you're at an established set-point. You're at current equilibrium. It also means you're essentially burning just about every calorie you take in (burning every single calorie to be more precise, it's just the body's ebbs and flows and an equilibrium setpoint is usually somewhat elastic ).
If you begin to regularly consume more calories than your BMTMR allot (and than you burn via daily movement and exercise), you will put on additional body mass (including both fat and skeletal muscle). If you begin to consume less than your BMTMR allot, and/or begin exercising yourself into a negative caloric balance, you will lose weight, typically a combination of fat and muscle (but usually far more fat than muscle, particularly if one lifts weights throughout).
Note: BMTMR = Basal & Total Metabolic Rate
So are all macronutrients equal then? I mean, do all macronutrients convert into ATP at the same efficiency rate?
Technically no they do not. Protein is far less efficient in its conversion to ATP as compared to fat or carbohydrate. Thus, it takes MORE protein to create "x" amount of ATP. Remember, ATP stands for adenosine triphosphate. It is the body's preferred cellular fuel for high-intensity, high-octane activities. In this sense, protein's inefficiency in converting to ATP means a calorie really isn't a calorie after all. (Because) It takes more protein calories to create "x" amount of ATP than if one were creating that same "x" amount of ATP from carbohydrate or fat calories.
Now that that anomaly is out of the way it's best to simply memorize CICO, calories in vs. calories out, irrespective of macronutrient source. This is the most practical, tried and true way to diet scientifically.
So you've established your caloric allotment for metabolic equilibrium and lowered that figure by 10-15%. You've added in 3-4 30-minute LISS cardio sessions per week in addition to 4 weight-lifting workouts. You're beginning to lose weight week in and week out and then your progress slows and eventually stalls. Your body has become accustomed to the lower calories and the extra workload. Unfortunately, aside from supplementing your diet with substances such as Cardarine or Clenbuterol, there is little more you can do outside of dropping calories once more.... (or adding even more cardio).
Over time these successive reductions in calorie allotment lead to a reduction in TSH, or thyroid stimulating hormone. It's the body's way of slowing things down in an effort to maintain homeostasis. To continue improving body composition one mustn't merely lose as much fat as possible, but also must maintain the muscle mass one has - or even build a bit. Now I'll come right out and say it, if you're 6-10 weeks into a strict fat loss diet you're not going to be concerned with building additional muscle unless you're using Testosterone and/or other AAS and PEDs. Even then, if juicing quite a bit, at some point building muscle transitions into preserving muscle. No matter how much you're pinning if you aren't eating enough calories you simply cannot (physiologically) add appreciable lean fat-free body mass.
To boost the body's T3 levels one can supplement directly with T3 (Cytomel) or with pro-active-thyroid T4 (converts to T3 in body; Synthroid). There is supplemental T2 but I advise readers to steer clear of this thyroid analogue. Another way of boosting T3 levels, and a legal, natural way to boot, is by having periodic carbohydrate-rich refeeds and higher calorie days. Have a carbohydrate-rich meal every 3 days if on a lower carbohydrate diet as well as a higher calorie day once every seven to ten days whether on a mixed macronutrient or a lower carbohydrate type diet.
How many meals do you need to eat per day?
While there is potentially some slight advantage to eating several smaller to moderately sized meals spaced evenly throughout the day the science says "when you eat the bulk of your calories makes little to no difference." So if you'd rather have two larger-sized 1,350 calorie meals and then intermittently fast for the rest of your wake-sleep cycle (or "day" whether a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd shifter etc) go ahead. That said, I would personally recommend at least 2-3 whole food-based meals and 1-3 protein shakes per day for best results in the gym. As for weight loss, remember it boils down to CICO: whether you have 10 270-calorie mini-meals or one 2,700-calorie smorgasbord makes practically no difference.
What about enhancing insulin sensitivity and improving glucose metabolism while imparting a nutrient-partitioning effect?
I first learned of the term Glucose Disposal Agent while reading Dan Duchaine's Underground BodyOpus. Dan was recommending an isocaloric diet at one point but I believe he'd moved onto cyclical ketogenic-type dieting by the early to mid-90s - and obviously by the time he wrote Underground BodyOpus. Because catecholamines work better in low (serum) insulin environments and because high levels of insulin in the blood render fat-burning enzymes such as HSL largely inert, it is a good idea to release as little insulin as is necessary/possible. Postprandial serum insulin concentrations share a direct correlation with postprandial (after a meal) blood glucose levels. To help optimize glucose metabolism and loweoptimize postprandial glucose numbers far more efficiently - while also driving nutrient partitioning by enhancing the selective expression of GLUT 4 (on muscle cells and not fat cells), one should consider the use of glucose disposal agents such as Na R ALA and Berberine HCL.
Over time the use of GDAs improves insulin sensitivity markedly, assisting in the significant attenuation of metabolic syndrome. Berberine alone has been shown in some clinical trials to perform as good or better than the popular diabetic medication Metformin. Na R ALA is the most bioavailable form of alpha lipoic acid and you need only 250mg 2-3x/day to reap major benefits. If you use the cheaper form of alpha lipoic acid use 400-700 mg 2-3x/day.
To these two GDAs I would recommend a form of Vanadium, Vanadyl Sulfate. I would also add a form of chromium, either chromium picolinate or chromium polynicotinate. There are scores of various GDA or GDA-like compounds to choose from. For the most bang for your buck start and stick with this 4 part GDA stack before adding additional GDA compounds into the mix.
Note: If you combine the regular use of GDAs with a modified lower or low-carb diet one can literally reverse Type 2 Diabetes, particularly if the disease is in its early onset stage(s).
Maintaining Energy (to train intensely) while on a reduced-calorie diet
When you lift weights getting that all too familiar "pump" feels amazing. Arnold Schwarzenegger once compared it to sexual release - even going so far as to claim the "pump was better than cumming." I would have to disagree with Mr. Schwarzenegger on that, but I will concede that getting a vein-bursting, skin-splitting pump (obviously I'm embellishing: no pump bursts veins or splits the skin) gives one a major short-term motivational boost as well as an endorphin rush. It also feels great and makes one look more muscular and vascular. But getting a great pump while in a major caloric deficit, particularly if one is restricting carbohydrates, becomes difficult to say the least. So how does one boost the body's high-octane "energy" source, ATP, without taking in extra calories?
If you were unaware that ATP can be supplemented directly (orally), now you know. PEAK ATP is a well-known ATP supplement. In addition to supplementing directly with ATP one can also utilize Creatine Monohydrate (or other forms of creatine) to behave as a Phosphate donor. Creatine is stored within the body as creatine phosphate. Creatine phosphate donates its phosphate ring to ADP, or Adenosine Di-Phosphate, creating ATP, or Adenosine Tri-Phosphate. As you know ATP is the body's preferred "high-octane" cellular-energy-medium. Creatine and ATP are both important to high-intensity anaerobic exercise. But what about boosting the glycolytic energy pathway?
The body utilizes glucose and stored glycogen to replenish ATP. When glucose/glycogen is in low supply the body will utilize glycogenic amino acids (in a process called gluconeogenesis) to boost serum glucose concentrations, especially while involved in intense exercise such as weight lifting (bodybuilding). Supplementing (pre-workout) with whey protein isolate and/or EAA/BCAA+Glutamine can help prevent the body from utilizing its muscle tissue as a donor source for gluconeogenically-derived "energy."
Note: Glutamine can increase both hepatic and skeletal muscle glycogen stores (without carbohydrates).
Another thing you can do to enhance fat burning is to increase the proportion of fuel burned as fat during exercise. To achieve this supplement with the PPAR delta agonist Cardarine. Cardarine markedly increases cardiovasculaendurance capacity as well as muscular endurance. You'll be getting a few more reps per set on your higher rep sets and increasing the amount of fat (instead of blood sugar) your body is using while doing so.
Note: Stacking Cardarine with the infamous lipotropic L Carnitine may further enhance each supplement's effects.
Note: I have a separate article written on L Carnitine. See this article to learn everything you would ever want to know about L Carnitine in less than 5 minutes.
What about maintaining the muscle mass you built while in a caloric surplus after you diet your way into a significant negative caloric balance?
The supplement HMB, Beta Hydroxy Methyl Butyrate was over-hyped in the 90s. Everybody was looking for the "next creatine." And HMB showed promise. Then the research trickled in. Initially, HMB appeared to be of little value. Then more and more research poured in. Today we know HMB is most effective as an anticatabolic supplement.
HMB helps ensure the body remains in a positive nitrogen balance, but not by increasing protein synthesis. Rather, HMB reduces the breakdown of muscle mass (protein), and is particularly useful in lower-calorie settings, and/or high-stress situations (including recovery post-surgery and healing from serious burns).
You'll want to use a minimum of 3 grams of HMB per day. Amounts as high as 10 grams or more daily can be costly but are safe (and more effective than lower dosages, which does not necessarily hold true for other dietary supplements).
A second anticatabolic supplement you might consider is Phosphatidylserine or PS. The use of PS is reportedly effective in reducing excessive serum cortisol concentrations. Cortisol, a glucocorticoid, increases protein catabolism. This supplement can be costly to use, however.
Some trainees, gurus and gym pundits firmly believe the conditionally essential amino acid Glutamine is a potent anti-catabolic substance. The research on Glutamine's efficacy for athletes isn't clear; some studies show benefit(s) while others clearly do not.
If you're using appreciable amounts of protein powder (Whey Protein Isolate, Pea Protein Isolate, Caseinate, Milk Protein Isolate) you'll be getting about 4-5 grams of Glutamine (and precursors) per scoop (app 25 grams of protein. Most protein rich whole foods are also rich in Glutamine.
If you're in a caloric surplus (off season mode) then additional Glutamine is essentially a waste of money. Glutamine is best utilized while in the throes of strict dieting, when muscle mass losses are most likely. Glutamine can contribute to the Amino Acid Pool and act as a gluconeogenic donor if need be. Glutamine can also help restock both hepatic and skeletal muscle glycogen stores INDEPENDENTLY of carbohydrates (Glucose). To enhance glycogen replenishment, particularly in the peri-workout period, Glutamine must be taken in very large doses (up to 15-20 grams pre/intra workout & post workout).
Another thing you can do to reduce the loss of muscle mass while dieting is to raise your protein consumption to as high as 1.5 grams per pound of body weight. Of course, you'll have to have a commensurate reduction in calories from carbohydrates and/or fat.
And remember, while dieting to maximize fat-loss your goal isn't to build muscle, but instead to maintain that muscle which you've already built. This means you must take care to avoid overtraining. Not only is overtraining unnecessary at this stage, but it can be extremely damaging to one's physique. You run the risk of injury anytime you step foot in a gym but the probability of injury is geometrically increased if one is overtraining, particularly while on a low-calorie diet. Limit your weekly lifting sessions to no more than 5. Don't go crazy on the volume (# of sets) and stay in the 8-12 rep range most of the time (you can do more or fewer reps but 8-12 is a great rep range for most). You aren't going to be setting any PRs here.
Can you tell us what a sample day of eating might look like?
Let's say you decide on 3 whole-food meals, 2 shakes, and a snack every day. Let's assume your shakes are composed of ultrafiltered skim milk (12 g protein and 8 grams carbohydrate w/ 0g fat per 8oz), 2 scoops whey isolate (40 g protein), a small banana, and 1/2-1 cup frozen strawberries. By themselves, the two protein shakes will supply 130 grams of protein. And remember, at the beginning of this article we said our hypothetical dieter was 200 pounds. Thus your total daily protein goal in grams was 250 grams per day. Hence, you need only consume 120 more grams of protein, divided between 3 whole food meals and your optional snack.
Your total daily calorie and macronutrient allotment breakdown:
Calories: 2,700 Protein: 250 grams, 1,000 Cal Carbohydrate: 310 grams, 1250 Cal Fat: 50 grams, 450 Cal
Note: the caloric/macro breakdown above yields appx 37% protein, 46% carbohydrate, and 17% fat. This differs slightly from the 40/50/10 breakdown we began with but the actual percentages are simply a guide post. If you're more endomorphic you should probably drop the carbohydrates to 37% and raise the fat to make up the difference (or add protein for the same reason). If you're an ectomorph or mesomorph you can handle the 46% carbohydrate level without missing a beat.
Note: Supplemental fats do add additional fat grams (and calories to your daily totals). Thus, your total fat intake will likely be closer to 80 grams per day. You may also take a shot glass or two of extra virgin, cold-pressed organic olive oil 3-5 times per week to increase MUFAs in your diet.
Removing the protein shakes' nutritional values (130 grams protein, 0 grams fat, and roughly 60-120 grams of carbohydrates: one protein shake may be simply protein powder with milk or water and ice) leaves 120 grams of protein, 50 grams of meal-derived fats (excluding supplemental fats) and approximately 190-250 grams of carbohydrates for the remainder of the day. These figures will be spread (evenly or unevenly) over 3 whole-food meals and one snack. This works out to 40 grams of protein, 80 grams of carbohydrates, and about 15-20 grams of fat per meal. Under this scenario, your snack would have to be something like sugar-free jello which has practically no calories whatsoever.
As for how you put together your meals....
Because your list of foods was basic and limited to 15 items you'll have an easy time putting potential menus together. Choose foods from your list and match up their nutritional values to fit the macronutrient and caloric allotment for each of your 3 whole-food meals.
Note: If you need more variety go ahead. The number of different foods you eat has no intrinsic bearing on the results you'll achieve from dieting. I give the 15-item limit to reflect the authenticity of old-school bodybuilding dieting as told by John Romano, the famous bodybuilding author, and for simplicity's sake.
Look up the nutritional value of the various 15 (or more) foods you chose for your diet and write them down on the front page of your diet journal. You're going to want to make use of nutrition labels anytime you deviate from your list of foods. And if you're not accurately eyeing up proper portion sizes you'll want to invest in a food scale. Studies have shown that people who didn't record what they ate often overate far more than what they self-reported they'd eaten. The same goes for people commonly overestimating portion sizes. That's why you're going to record everything you eat and weigh out or measure proper portion sizes.
So how do you know how many calories you should begin the diet with?
There are many useful diet and macro calculators available online. One figure I've come across quite a bit is 15-17 calories per pound of body weight as a good, "average" starting point. For a 200 lb person, this works out to between 3,000 and 3,400 calories per day, which might be a bit high. If consuming even 1.25 grams of protein per pound of body weight that 15-17 cal/lb figure leaves 2,400 "energy" calories to come from carbohydrates and/or fats. Our hypothetical diet above was 2,700 calories with 250 grams of protein for a 200-lb individual.
So the two figures (2,700 cal and 3,000- 3,400 cal are close enough to be compatible and would likely fit any 200 lb hard training individual quite well - but we can't be certain. The only way to do that is to keep a diet journal for a minimum of 7 days where you record every morsel of every foodstuff you consume, each and every day and night. You also tally up your macronutrient totals for each of the seven days. At the end of those seven days, if your weight has remained the same, you have found your homeostatic caloric setpoint.
Add up the total amount of calories consumed over the seven days and then divide the resultant figure by seven. You now have your starting caloric allowance. If you want to gain quality mass you would increase your calories by 10-15%. But, we want to lose fat, so we will cut out starting caloric allowance (homeostatic-setpoint) by 10-15%.
If you simply don't have the discipline to keep a food journal you'll also have trouble keeping track of calories later on in the diet and end up overeating, even if unintentionally. That said, 15-17 cal/lb of body weight is a good average starting range for most lifters.
If you'd like, I'm open for consultations.
Contact me for nutritional, dietary supplementation, and exercise regimen consulting.
Mike Renteria BigMikeRenteria@gmail.com BPVA Summer 2024
Photo: Gunter Schlierkamp, IFBB LEGEND, 2002 GNC SOS CHAMPION (Defeated Reigning Mr Olympia Ronnie Coleman)

Our cat was diagnosed with epilepsy several years ago after starting to have regular seizures practically every day(the classic muscular convulsions (he’s strong, would launch himself down the stairs in one go!) spraying, being confused and drooling afterward) and has been on Epiphen liquid ever since, which greatly reduced the intensity & frequency of his seizures. We live in the UK and he’s been an outdoor cat since he was about 1.
He’s now 11 but I’ve noticed that since our house move he hasn’t had a hint of a seizure, even when he went AWOL for two weeks. I wondered if what was causing the seizures could have been something environmental? We haven’t moved far, just a few miles, but where we were before was very wooded, with a field nearby, also a pub, but the new house is more urban, though much quieter with no pub. The soil’s different as it’s not wooded.
I’ve reduced his dosage slightly, with no change in his condition, but the tests to diagnose him were very expensive, and we couldn’t afford to pay those again, so wondered if anyone here could help?

Hello, I'm a 20f who just got a septoplasty, bony spur removal, turbinate reduction, polyp/cyst removal, and then pretty much every reduction possible in all my sinuses, all the total -ectomys or however you spell it. Thought I'd make kind of a big surgery recovery post that I'd keep adding to as seeing some other similar posts set up like this have really helped me before and after the procedure! Also I kind of just want to complain to a space with people who fully understand my suffering / I also really need something to do lol.
Day 0 pre-surgery -
Blergh. It was daunting to say the least going in to the surgery clinic knowing the not-fun-at-all recovery process that laid ahead of me. Was so anxious I didn't sleep and then had a full mental breakdown by the time I was in all the full hospital gear laying down on that uncomfortable patient bed. If you suffer from health anxiety much like me I'd recommend asking for some anti-anxiety meds before going in because I was a nervous wreck. After the IV was in and I was calming down thanks to the cocktail of drugs they gave me, both the anesthesiologist and my ENT surgeon came in to do a final run through of everything. The anesthesia kicked in and I was soon knocked out.
Day 0 post-surgery -
Woke up what felt like a minute later with burning pain everywhere in my sinuses and throat. Not fun! Begged for pain meds and took my first oxy pill. I couldn't keep my eyes open because the bright light in the hospital room really hurt my head. Once I was at a more comfortable pain level, I was sent home. I kept my head back in that passenger seat with my eyes still slammed shut super sensitive to light. My family tried to show me some of those medical pictures the surgeon took of the nastiness he removed but my post-anesthesia nausea was NOT having it lol. I pretty much laid in my bed the rest of the day, towels over every single part of my bedroom windows where light was coming through. I just sat there, sleeping in 20-minute increments because I was sitting upright in the dark and waiting for my next dosage of painkillers. Nothing painful after leaving the hospital, just uncomfortable and boring.
24 hours after, Day 1 -
Woke up (didn't sleep much.... by "woke up" I mean sat up in bed around 6 am) feeling not terrible. Much like yesterday, nothing really painful, just uncomfortable. Like many others have said, mouth breathing makes the throat hurt and my lips are so dry. It's hard to eat/drink because not only do I have a reduced appetite, sipping or chewing anything is kind of suffocating when you can't breathe through your nose at all. I've been able to smell and taste just fine though, so that's a win. This was also a slow, boring day. In the increments of time where I wasn't actively super sleepy on painkillers, I was just kind of laying around watching videos on my phone with low brightness thanks to my eyes still being kind of sensitive to light. My day slowly passed me by as I used all my antibiotic alarms as little checkpoints as well as changing the gauze under my nose every two hours or so. As I used to joke pre-op during my countless failed sinusitis antibiotic courses, life is just what happens in between amoxicillin doses.
Day 2 -
Didn't sleep at ALL during the night. Woke up feeling pressure in my nose because scabs/clots/something is starting to form in there. It's SO annoying I just want to blow it out, but per the doctor's instructions, I can't do anything about it. While the active bleeding out of my nose has stopped, today has just experiencing different unfortunate symptoms. I've been coughing up gross bloody mucus stuff. Every time I swallow my ears pop because of how clogged my nose is. Kind of gross, but my nose has been popping and making liquid-y bubbling noises all day... In terms of pain, I haven't felt any really *knock on wood*, just the obvious discomfort of nastiness backed all the way up in whatever they packed my nose with post-op. The only thing that can get me to sleep is honestly the painkillers just to get me to ignore the annoying sensation of what feels like water balloons up my nostrils, so I'm only going to take them at night if at all anymore. Kinda wishing there was a time travel option to skip past not only this boredom and discomfort, but the debridement post-op appointment which I hear can be painful😓. My sensitivity to light has pretty much gone away now, so I've been at least passing time quicker with movies and such. Man I wish I had an edible right now.
Day 3 -
Started off pretty promising. Woke up after considerably better sleep I've gotten the past few days. Drainage is still annoying, nastiness bubbling in my nose still, and there's still a feeling of gunk in the back of my throat, but overall painless. Towards the end of the day I got an AWFUL headache. Took some Tylenol and I'm currently hoping it goes away, if it continues getting any worse I will definitely be a little concerned as I believe my dr. told me to look out for horrible headaches. Other than that, I'm still just waiting around for the post op appointment. I suspect by the time Tuesday rolls around I'm gonna be so over the stuff in my nose that I won't even care about the pain of removing it anymore lol.
Day 4 -
Woke up with a little blood on my pillow. Gross. Apparently leaked through my gauze when I was sleeping because it fell off halfway through the night. In other news, I'm not bleeding as bad and I'm able to remove the bandage from under my nose for most of the day. I've noticed my cough is picking up too, half of the time it's normal congestion/phlegm, and then bloody variations. Feeling MUCH better compared to day one and two though, and again, eagerly awaiting stent/packing removal. Honestly feeling quite normal.
Day 5 -
Very much so up and moving today, pretty much back to feeling exactly how I was before surgery, save the stuff draining in my throat and coming through the little holes of the dried bloody nastiness stuck inside my stents 🥲. I left the house today for the first time since surgery, so that was great, too. Not much to report today thankfully! I'm feeling much much much better. I've got plans to load up on painkillers before my slightly nerve-wracking post-op appointment tomorrow, but honestly, thank GOD it's here. I can not only see the dismal state that is the inside of my nose, I can absolutely feel it all, too. My nose squeaks and bubbles with every movement and I'm extremely over it, as well as curious to see what's gonna be sucked out ...
Day 6 -
eek get everything removed today! will update.

I think I posted last week after my first shot on 10mg, but after almost 2 weeks, I’m barely getting what I would estimate about 500 calories a day. I’m trying to force myself but I can’t even get liquid food down. I’m losing at least a lb a day. My concern is that there’s no other dosage available. Is this something I should notify my doctor of immediately or can it wait until my appointment on 5/16?
ETA - I’m not asking for medical advice. I’m here because I’m unsure how serious it is/if this is common for 10mg. I posted 11 days ago and it seemed pretty normal to not be hungry on 10mg, that’s why I haven’t done anything sooner. Thanks for those who answered.

I've never really had acne all that bad, but it's been with me since 18 yr old. I've had it under control most of my life but what bothers me a lot is my extremely oily skin. I usually get a new pimple or 2 every week but they are usually small and concealable or go away in a few days after a little spot treatment. My daily regimen before Accutane was gly/sal 5/2, followed by 10% benzoyl peroxide thin layer over face. Actually worked pretty good to keep zits away. If I missed my regimen, I'd break out every time. However the oilyness was killing me. Constantly carrying napkins with me to pat the oil away every few hours. Very embarrassing but I managed it well for the most part.
So.. I finally decided to seek professional help. 🤞🤞 I'm a 45 yr old male, 220lbs. Started on 40mg twice daily. First week I noticed no new zits, same oily skin, little fatigue, and a little joint pain. .Second week, a couple new zits, little less oil, dry lips. Same fatigue. Joint pain gone. Today marks week 3. Again a few new zits, less oil, dry lips, dry ears, dry arms, dry legs. Same fatigue.
I've found that a little spot treatment benzoyl peroxide works great other than dry skin but with a good lotion like vanicream, it's ok. Aquaphor on my lips keeps them manageable but still bothersome. My doctor prescribed some medicated lip balm but I think aquaphor works better.
Everyday, I take a 7 pill multi vitamin pack, hydration liquid IV, creatine 5mg, mk677 10mg (I work out a lot, helps well muscle support a ton), collagen peptides, and Claritin D for allergies.
Anyway, I thought I'd share my progress with the community. Very happy to be part of this group and glad I'm not alone in this battle! I go back to the doctor in 3 weeks, I'm hopeful my oil production will be a lot better and they'll decrease my dosage a little.

I keep seeing the same questions ask r over and over - “WHAT CAN I BRING?”
ALLOWED ITEMS
YES Liquid sunscreen, in non-­aerosol containers of 3oz or less YES Bug spray in non-­aerosol containers of 3oz or less YES Clear backpacks, bags, and purses (no larger than 12” x 6” x 12”) YES One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Zip-top bag or similar) YES Fanny Packs are allowed YES Small clutch bags approximately the size of a hand with or without a handle or strap YES Blankets & beach towels YES Sunglasses and hats YES One (1) EMPTY non-glass water container up to 2 liters in size YES EMPTY CamelBak style water bladder systems subject with one pocket for the water bladder and one additional pocket* YES If you need medicine, please note that prescription and OTC medications are subject to specific guidelines** YES Factory-sealed nasal Naloxone/Narcan kit; no more than 2 per person YES Baby strollers (if you have small children) *Guidelines for CamelBak style hydration systems: Although SINGLE POCKET CamelBak style water bladder systems are allowed EMPTY into the venue, the water bladders themselves must be capable of being removed from the carrier and must be transparent enough to allow security to visually inspect the empty bladder. Additionally, CamelBak style bladder carriers must have no more than ONE pocket in addition to the compartment that hold the water bladder. Any CamelBak style water bladders that cannot be removed from the carrier and/or is opaque enough to prevent visual inspection will not be allowed into the festival. Any CamelBak­ style bladder carriers larger than the permitted size will not be allowed into the festival.
**Guidelines for prescription and OTC medications: Prescription medications are allowed only in the original prescription bottle, any person attempting to bring in prescription medication must have a government­ issued photo identification card that matches the name printed on the prescription, and the pills in the bottle must match the description printed on the prescription. You will only be allowed to carry the dosage of prescription medication required for the duration of each individual Event date. Over-­the-­counter medications are allowed provided that they are new and in the original, factory-sealed container.
Hangout Bag Policy Graphic PROHIBITED ITEMS
NO Tents, umbrellas, or temporary structures of any kind NO Weapons, knives, or firearms of any kind, including any item that can be used as a weapon NO Narcotics, including marijuana, drug paraphernalia and any other illegal substances NO Backpacks, cinch bags, briefcases, purses, or bags allowed except bags made of clear plastic, clear vinyl, or clear PVC not exceeding 12” x 6” x 12” NO Alcoholic beverages of any kind NO Unsealed disposable vapor or electronic cigarettes NO Drones or any other remote flying device NO Vitamins NO Kites NO Glow Sticks NO Focused light devices, including laser pointers NO Refillable vapor or electronic cigarettes NO Unsealed: cigarette packages, tampons, packs of gum and chapstick/lip gloss NO Marker pens and spray paint NO Air horns and/or megaphones NO Items intended for sale/promotion (including flyers, stickers and posters) NO Water guns, water balloons, and/or any other kind of water projectile NO Glass in any form, including glass bottles NO Outside food or beverages NO Skateboards, rollerblades, hoverboards, scooters, bicycles, wagons and/or motorized carts or Scooters NO Fidget spinners NO Bicycles inside festival grounds (bike racks will be available near the entrance) NO Large chains or spiked jewelry NO Fireworks, sparklers, firecrackers, and/or incendiary or explosive devices of any kind NO Chinese Lanterns NO Umbrellas NO Chairs of any kind, including inflatable loungers NO Coolers of any kind, including hard­sided and soft­sided coolers NO Pets (service animals with current rabies vaccination excepted) NO Video equipment of any kind (including personal camcorders and GoPro cameras) NO Professional photo equipment (SLDSLR cameras, detachable/removable lens cameras) NO Audio recording equipment of any kind NO Portable audio equipment of any kind, including portable “boom box” stereo systems NO Professional radios or walkie­talkies NO Flags and/or flagpoles NO Selfie sticks NO Hammocks NO Any item that can be used as a means to disturb the peace, endanger the safety of the crowd, and/or inflict damage to people and goods *ALLOWED/PROHIBITED ITEMS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
Hangout Music Festival and private security personnel at the entrances reserve the right to make the final determination on allowed and non-­allowed items.
https://www.hangoutmusicfest.com/info/

“Warning!” the female voice flatly intoned, “Critical systems failure! Activating safety pod.” Link to 1st chapter here: 1st chapter on
A set of hard panels shot up out of the floor and enclosed Rene from all sides, fitting seamlessly into airtight coffin and leaving only a round porthole of thick glass for him to peer out of. The interior of the tight space was furnished with gelatinous cushions supporting his spine, head and neck. Flexible straps extended from hidden slots above his shoulders and either side of his waist, wrapping him in so tight he could barely breathe.
“What’s going on?” he demanded of the Engine.
“Shutdown procedure in progress. Have a very safe day.”
“Oy! I asked you a question.”
“Warning! Ejection sequence imminent. Warning! Brace for takeoff. Brace for takeoff. Brace—”
Rene did not have time to scream— though he couldn’t have done so even if he’d wanted to. All the breath was driven out of his body as the iron sarcophagus shot straight upwards with explosive force. In instant he was ripped away from the dome and shunted out through a tube, lobbed like a stone from the arm of a catapult. He saw flashes of sunlight flickering past, the stony ground reeling away from him as he sped towards the heavens at hundreds of feet a second. Wisps of low-hanging cumulous clouds caressed the porthole, leaving streaks of dewy precipitation.
The craft’s velocity eventually bled off under the influence of gravity, and suddenly everything went perfectly still, a surreal and oddly peaceful moment where his arms gently floated up to the ceiling. His guts, which had been compressed under enormous acceleration, now relaxed. Feeling immensely grateful, Rene took a welcome gulp of air—only for it to be hammered right out of him again as his innards decided to reverse course, crunching upwards along the meagre contents of his stomach which now spewed out of his mouth in an uncontrollable torrent of vomit and spittle, coating the inside of the porthole. Through levitating gobs of half-digested food Rene saw that the craft was now in total free fall. Gone was the mad chessboard of the karst canyons and towers, replaced by a verdant rainforest that stretched well beyond the horizon, a shining brown river snaking through the impenetrable green.
“Initiating aerobraking maneuvers,” said a bodiless male voice, harsher and more metallic than that of the Engine, “Please remain calm.”
“Hnggng,” Rene groaned, giving it a thumbs up. His optimism evaporated when something ruptured in the bulkhead above him with a loud bang.
Wonderful, Rene thought with a sardonic grin. Damn thing’s going to fall apart before I even hit the ground. He heard the flapping of canvas and glanced up to see the flapping edge of what looked like a great big tent spreading open above him. The tent was attached to the coffin via taut black cables which were thrumming from a great deal of tension. One of them snapped apart under the immense forces at work, the split end slicing right past his porthole. The tent began to spin uncontrollably, jostling the coffin like it was a tin can being kicked down the road. Throughout all this, Rene was treated to the dubious pleasure of having the vomit on the porthole peel off and reapply itself all over his face.
This is how I die, Rene thought glumly. Covered in my own filth, squealing like a pig and trapped in an iron coffin built sometime in the previous millennia.
“Aerobraking unsuccessful. Please remain calm.”
“I’m…trying…” he replied through gritted teeth.
“Compensating. Compensating.”
There was a second bang and the cables were all severed, the big tent floating away into the clouds.
“Unable to compensate. Initiating lithobraking maneuvers. Brace for impact.”
There was a third and final eruption, this time from somewhere under his feet. He peeked down and saw four massive bladders rapidly inflating at the base of the coffin. A forest clearing was rushing up to meet him, and from the look of things, it was packing a nasty knuckle sandwich. Commending his soul to the Eternal Flight, Rene silently offered up a prayer to the ancestor-gods:
“Hello there. I’m not entirely sure how to do this, so I’ll keep it brief. I have only one thing to ask of you: I left certain…illustrations…under my bunk at home. Illustrations depicting young ladies in rather indecent postures. Whatever happens to me, don’t let my mother find them—”
Boing!
The coffin struck the ground at full force and bounced right off. A stand of trees reached out to catch it. Wood splintered and branches scratched against the side of the craft. A hefty bough smacked into the porthole and produced a worrying crack in the glass that grew larger and larger with every bump and snag.
At last, with a final whallop to the side of the coffin that set Rene’s teeth rattling in his gums, the craft rolled to a halt. Rene opened his eyes and found to his disbelief that he was still alive.
“Still alive?” he wondered aloud, wiping his lips and breathing shakily. When the buzz of adrenaline ebbed and he finally processed what had just occurred, Rene burst out in a mad cackle:
“Aha! Ah-ha hah! I’m still alive, you bastards!”
Who exactly he was referring to, Rene wasn’t sure. But it felt good to say those words all the same.
“Lithobraking maneuver successful,” the safety pod belatedly informed him, “Thank you for choosing Exodus Industries. Your future, built today!”
“If that’s your idea of success, I’d hate to see what you’d call a failure,” Rene joked, still giddy from the experience, “As for my future, do you have any ideas on how I could prolong it?”
“Safety pod hull integrity is compromised. Foreign contaminants have entered the compartment. Recommend immediate antifungal dosage.”
A groove on the wall of the coffin slid open to offer him the contents of a tiny drawer. In it was a strange object nestled in an indented mold. It was shaped like a pistol with trigger and all, but in the place of the barrel was a syringe filled with a dubious orange liquid in a transparent capsule. Next to the pistol were two identical capsules likewise holding the same substance.
“Hm,” Rene grunted, “Did you say antifungal?”
“Affirmative. Once injected, it will counteract the effects of native spores for up to 48 hours, standard Terran.”
Rene could hardly believe it. A remedy against infection from airborne spores was the holy grail of modern science. It was the second great hurdle that the Fleet faced in its struggle to reclaim the surface world, right after the deadly atmosphere.
“Terran?” he repeated, “That’s where the gods were born, correct?”
The safety pod did not reply. Sighing, Rene tried to work free of the restraints binding him to the seat but found the task harder than expected. Then her remembered that he had a tiny clasp knife in his trouser pocket and used it to cut himself free of the upholstery.
“Do you have anything else that’s of use to me, pod?” he asked, turning his attention to the syringe and examining it thoughtfully?
“A full survival kit is available in the foot locker.”
Another, even larger drawer opened up between his feet, containing a compact white chest held shut with airtight seals.
“Right. Thanks,” he said awkwardly.
Rene stooped to open it and felt something wet and heavy inside the seat of his trousers. Sniffing at it inquisitively, he gagged and added: “I don’t suppose you could conjure up a bucket of water and some soap? I’m afraid I’ve made a bit of a mess.”

Link for all the chapters available here: Engines of Arachnea on Royal Road

The UK is the primary driver of new growth in Europe’s medical cannabis market, with sales of medical cannabis greater than expected due to ‘unusually high’ consumption volumes on a per-patient basis.
By the end of 2024, for example, 62,960 patients are forecasted to be using medical cannabis in the UK, generating €240 million (£205 million) in sales, meaning the average medical cannabis patient in the UK will consume €3,811-worth (£3,261) of medical cannabis per year, or €318-worth (£272) per month.
Compare this to Germany, with the largest medical cannabis market and patient population in Europe, where the average medical cannabis patient will consume €1,563 (£1,342) of medical cannabis per year, or €130 (£112) per month.
Average prices paid per gram of dried medical cannabis flower or millilitre of oil are lower in the UK than in Germany, so the primary factor contributing to this staggering 144% difference in spend is an even larger divergence in consumption volumes.
These findings have been published today in a new report from UK-based cannabis data and intelligence company, Prohibition Partners.

Why So High?

Speaking about the potential reasons for the high consumption rates in the UK compared to other European countries, Lawrence Purkiss, Senior Analyst at Prohibition Partners, said: “The comparatively high per-patient consumption rates in the UK are at least in part a consequence of the fact that the market is entirely private and self-paid. The financial incentives within the system are geared towards high prescription volumes, unlike in Germany where at least 50% of patients have their medical cannabis costs reimbursed under public healthcare.”
Stephen Murphy, co-founder and CEO of Prohibition Partners, added: “The findings in the 9th Edition of The European Cannabis Report highlight an intriguing trend: patients in the UK are consuming more than their counterparts in other European markets. Since the legalisation of medical cannabis in 2018, private companies have aimed to enhance options and accessibility for patients. However, due to supply chain restrictions and costs, patients often opt for volume over frequency. This underscores the need for continued efforts to streamline regulations and improve affordability to ensure patients' needs are adequately met.”

UK Market & Patient Explosion

Growth in the total number of medical cannabis patients in the UK is also forecast to soar over the next four years. By 2028, the number of medical cannabis patients in the UK is expected to increase by 124% to approximately 141,000 patients (up from approx. 63,000 by the end of 2024).
By comparison, in Germany the growth rate is just 24%, with approximately 346,000 medical cannabis patients anticipated by 2028 (up from approx. 278,000 by the end of 2024).
Together, Germany and the UK will account for 77% of all medical cannabis sales and patients in Europe by 2028 (Germany 50%, UK 27%).

Private Clinics Driving Growth

Although medical cannabis was legalised in the UK in November 2018 and is technically available on prescription through the National Health Service (NHS), patient access to medical cannabis in the UK is almost exclusively facilitated by private clinics.
These clinics are supplied by large medical cannabis distributors like Curaleaf Laboratories. Of the growth in sales and patient population in the UK, Jonathan Hodgson, CEO of Curaleaf Laboratories, said: “The beginning of 2024 has already shown a tremendous level of growth, with a record number of UK private clinics now providing medical cannabis treatment for lower appointment costs than ever before. More formulations and dosage forms have entered the market, such as pastilles and liquid vape cartridges, broadening the treatment options available for specialists to prescribe for patients.”
These medical cannabis findings have been published today in a new report - The European Cannabis Report: 9th Edition - by UK-based cannabis data and intelligence firm, Prohibition Partners. A version of the report is now available to download for free via the Prohibition Partners website.
The UK is the primary driver of new growth in Europe’s medical cannabis market, with sales of medical cannabis greater than expected due to ‘unusually high’ consumption volumes on a per-patient basis.
By the end of 2024, for example, 62,960 patients are forecasted to be using medical cannabis in the UK, generating €240 million (£205 million) in sales, meaning the average medical cannabis patient in the UK will consume €3,811-worth (£3,261) of medical cannabis per year, or €318-worth (£272) per month.
Compare this to Germany, with the largest medical cannabis market and patient population in Europe, where the average medical cannabis patient will consume €1,563 (£1,342) of medical cannabis per year, or €130 (£112) per month.
Average prices paid per gram of dried medical cannabis flower or millilitre of oil are lower in the UK than in Germany, so the primary factor contributing to this staggering 144% difference in spend is an even larger divergence in consumption volumes.
These findings have been published today in a new report from UK-based cannabis data and intelligence company, Prohibition Partners.

Why So High?

Speaking about the potential reasons for the high consumption rates in the UK compared to other European countries, Lawrence Purkiss, Senior Analyst at Prohibition Partners, said: “The comparatively high per-patient consumption rates in the UK are at least in part a consequence of the fact that the market is entirely private and self-paid. The financial incentives within the system are geared towards high prescription volumes, unlike in Germany where at least 50% of patients have their medical cannabis costs reimbursed under public healthcare.”
Stephen Murphy, co-founder and CEO of Prohibition Partners, added: “The findings in the 9th Edition of The European Cannabis Report highlight an intriguing trend: patients in the UK are consuming more than their counterparts in other European markets. Since the legalisation of medical cannabis in 2018, private companies have aimed to enhance options and accessibility for patients. However, due to supply chain restrictions and costs, patients often opt for volume over frequency. This underscores the need for continued efforts to streamline regulations and improve affordability to ensure patients' needs are adequately met.”

UK Market & Patient Explosion

Growth in the total number of medical cannabis patients in the UK is also forecast to soar over the next four years. By 2028, the number of medical cannabis patients in the UK is expected to increase by 124% to approximately 141,000 patients (up from approx. 63,000 by the end of 2024).
By comparison, in Germany the growth rate is just 24%, with approximately 346,000 medical cannabis patients anticipated by 2028 (up from approx. 278,000 by the end of 2024).
Together, Germany and the UK will account for 77% of all medical cannabis sales and patients in Europe by 2028 (Germany 50%, UK 27%).

Private Clinics Driving Growth

Although medical cannabis was legalised in the UK in November 2018 and is technically available on prescription through the National Health Service (NHS), patient access to medical cannabis in the UK is almost exclusively facilitated by private clinics.
These clinics are supplied by large medical cannabis distributors like Curaleaf Laboratories. Of the growth in sales and patient population in the UK, Jonathan Hodgson, CEO of Curaleaf Laboratories, said: “The beginning of 2024 has already shown a tremendous level of growth, with a record number of UK private clinics now providing medical cannabis treatment for lower appointment costs than ever before. More formulations and dosage forms have entered the market, such as pastilles and liquid vape cartridges, broadening the treatment options available for specialists to prescribe for patients.”
These medical cannabis findings have been published today in a new report - The European Cannabis Report: 9th Edition - by UK-based cannabis data and intelligence firm, Prohibition Partners. A version of the report is now available to download for free via the Prohibition Partners website.

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