Hey guys.
I self diagnosed. A long time ago. Very stupid. Anyways. I thought initially it was a B12 deficiency. Took tons of B12 sublingually with Folate. Ended up in some pretty bad bad places. Wasn't until I switched it around that I noticed the relief, strength, skin sensation, rigidity, libido, sleep, etc. Okay. B9. Not B12. I also suffer from Post Orgasm Illness which is basically another B9 Deficiency problem. Key word: ACTIVATED B9 problem. Essentially my methylation is bad. Anyways. I for the life of me cannot find a good dosage that lands me in a place that feels right. I'm using Folinic Acid right now for the B9, but I am wondering if I should switch over to methylfolate.
I realize I have no issue with digesting B12 from capsules, and boy, they can work quite effectively I get into some dreamy places with the capsules. I am familiar with the methylation process of activating vitamin b9, it relies on genes and cofactors like B2, B6, and then B12 to fully activate.
I've already taken the fully active version methyltetrahydrofolic acid, and got the relief. Problem is there's a bunch of other important things that happen while activating B9 like converting Serine to Glycine, etc, that taking the final form of B9 cannot go back on and help. So I would like to take a different form. Methyltetrahydrofolate, the second to last form. I don't know. Just doesn't work well for me. I'm pretty lost in all of this. Just experimenting in my room.
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Hi,
I was due to start IVF treatment this week, after trying to conceive for 3 years (2 years of infertility investigations during this time), but during my baseline scan at my IVF clinic which is based in Prague, they found a suspicious looking mass in my left ovary. They decided that we couldn't proceed with treatment, and advised us to go to our GP back in the UK for investigations fairly urgently. They did some blood tests including CA125 and CA19-9, which both came back elevated.
I called my GP as soon as we were back and they booked me in for a blood test and ultrasound in the UK. I'm even more confused now, as I seem to be receiving conflicting information between the UK and Prague.
Can anyone advise whether I need to be worried? I'm concerned that my blood results are elevated, as my CA125 when tested in previous years has always been around 33 IU/mL. Why would my bloods be elevated to almost double this (results below), if everything is okay? Should I be worried about ovarian cancer and pushing for a 2 week wait referral?
I am considering paying for a private MRI scan to see if it shows anything in more detail, is it worth doing this?
Details about me, and about Prague and UK results are below. I'll attach the ultrasound scans from Prague as well.
Sex - F Age - 37 Medications - I have been taking folic acid, vitamin D, cetirizine, Co-q10
PRAGUE RESULTS CA125 - 65 kU/l CA19-9 - 63,4 kU/l CEA - 0,9 ug/l HE4 - 62,7 pmol/l
She had ultrasound scan done at our clinic today (13.05.2024), please see the images attached.
The left ovary (64x39mm) includes a cystic inhomogeneous mass – 39mm in diameter, possibly dermoid, which is embedded in a hypoechoic larger cystic resistence, that could be a endometrioma.
We have rather took a blood sample and patient was tested for tumour markers CEA, CA 19,9, CA 125, HE4. We will provide the results as soon as we receive them.
The recommendation: To undergo laparascopy (LSK) to further examinte the left ovary and get the complete information about the mass.
UK RESULTS CA125 - 54 IU/mL CA19-9 - 62 U/mL
Exam.: US Pelvis transabdominal & transvaginal Reason for Study: ?mass on ovary
Clinical Information: undergoing private fertility treatment, suspicious mass found on international USS, on ovary, have advised 2ww locally to confirm whether there is a mass on the ovary
US Pelvis TA and Transvaginal : TV scan performed with verbal consent and single use probe cover. Trophon cycle 12213, Room 5.
The uterus is in an anteverted position and measures 8.1cm in length.
The endometrium is regular in appearance and measures 4.6mm.
The right ovary appears normal.
The left ovary contains a previously seen endometrioma measuring 3.9 x 3.1 x 3.5cm. On reviewing the ultrasound images from the International scan, it appears that the likely haemorrhagic cyst is resolving now.
There is an elongated calcification within the left ovary measuring 11x4mm, this could be a small dermoid in origin or a result from a previous endometrioma ablation.
No free fluid in the pelvis.
Impression:
Likely haemorrhagic cyst seen on the International Ultrasound which is now resolving. Known left ovarian endometrioma.
Possible small dermoid calcification on the left ovary.
Thanks in advance for any help and advice.

Hi! I just finished the book "how to argue with a meat eater" from ed winters [btw huge recommendation, well written] and especially the chapter "The Amateur Nutritionist" at the end of the book arose some questions.
He explains why many claims of lack of nutritions vegans are supposed to have are either not true or not due to the fact being vegan. He proceeds to list many plants who have given nutritions and how many omnivores actually lack the same or different kinds of nutritions.
I then began to wonder if I am eating well enough and thus have all the nutritions I need. Do I need more supplements? What kind of food should I add to my daily/weekly consumption? Of course you stumble upon things like legumes, Vitamins B12 and D, iron, calcium, omega-3 and others. But I never saw a complete list and even less a guide how to gain all these nutritions.
So my question is: do you guys have any (book) tips where you 1. get a detailed overview on which nutritions are important, less important and how often we need to get those. 2. a "guide" on what to eat and what plants/which food has which nutritions and how much of it. Further which of these do I need to supplement or which ones are easier to supplement than getting by eating lots of specific foods?
I am just a little aimless in my way to a healthy diet and would be greatful for any kind of guide.

A bit of venting…
TDLR; a series of freak accidents. Why?! I feel like this has to be an autistic thing. :(
I don’t even feel like I’m clumsy, per se, but I’m always getting hurt somehow. I’m so sick of it. It adds to my fear of going anywhere alone.
Few days ago, the one expensive thing I have to buy every month was misdelivered. I never leave the house anymore, especially alone, but I had to look for the package.
I walked literally half block and tripped on broken concrete. I fell all the way down, and got super hurt! It was scary, and a pretty bad injury I’ll be tending to for weeks.
(Warning, gross ahead.)
Now today, I remembered to take my vitamins, but after a few min, the omega must have burst, because suddenly my mouth filled with this horrendous taste / smell like fish, garbage, chemicals.. I immediately started uncontrollably dry heaving, nothing helped remove the taste.
I became severely distressed bc it was like “the worst pain”, but it wasn’t “pain” in the typical sense. Even so, I felt so overwhelmed, it sent me into immediate meltdown. It was like, if this doesn’t stop, I feel like I’m gonna die (or hurt myself to make it stop.)
Now I just feel so sad and upset like, why?? Why does weird distressing shit like this happen to me, frequently? I’m constantly bruised, injured, sobbing, in pain, or using extreme caution to avoid another situation, but I can’t even plan for the absurdity.
Yes I have severe anxiety, I’m scared of everything, because so much crap happens to me, and it devastates me more than is a “normal” response. Ughhhh.

This title is a bit long, but it is meant to pre-empt some of the nitpicky caveats I know people would come up with otherwise. I know that most people on Reddit (or at least on this sub) are vaguely moral subjectivists or error theorists (even though I don't think most have a worked out view, but more a vibe that morality at least isn't objective). This is the reason why I have phrased my title as a conditional in the way I have: IF you think x is wrong THEN you should think y is wrong. This avoids the inevitable "well, there is nothing really good or bad, it is all just people's preferences".
Secondly, I say buying factory farmed meat in the way most people do, because it avoids strange hyper-specific edge-cases like "what if I bought a package of meat right before closing, and asked the store manager whether they would order more meat if I bought this package", or something like that. When I say "in the way most people do", I mean going into a store, taking a package of factory farmed meat and buying it, no questions asked, or weird caveats added.
Now to the actual argument. First off, the conditions of factory farmed animals are very bad - far worse than being lives worth living. Consider chickens. Broiler chickens live in very crowded spaces (approx. 1 sqft. per chicken) and grow so fast that their limbs cannot keep up and they end up being in constant pain. They get chemical burns on their joints because they are living in their own shit which is high in ammonia. And they have their beaks removed so they don't peck each other because they're so stressed. Now ask yourself, if you had the choice at your deathbed to die and disappear, or to live a life as a factory farmed chicken and then die, which would you choose? I doubt many of you would choose living the life of the chicken. If so, then it isn't worth living in your judgement.
Furthermore, when you buy a package of meat you are causing animals to go through this suffering. You might object something like this: "When I buy a package of meat, it is highly unlikely that I will cause the shop to order more meat, causing factory farms to produce more meat. Thus, most of the time I am not causing more animals to suffer."
This argument doesn't work. Let's look at a simplified example: A shop orders chickens in stocks of 100. When they reach a certain limit in demand, they increase or decrease the amount of stocks they order, depending on whether demand has risen or fallen. You don't know how close they are to ordering a new stock, since you are buying meat like a regular person, and not asking how close they are. But you know that there is a 1/100 chance that your purchase will cause them to order a new stock. Furthermore, ordering a new stock involves ordering 100 more chickens. So on standard decision theory, the expected outcome of your buying a chicken is that one more chicken is ordered (100*1/100).
This is of course an idealized example, but it is how the meat industry works on average: A decrease in demand of x amount of meat packages will reduce the amount of meat packages produced by x on average, even if the industry isn't perfectly sensitive to demand.
So when you buy meat, the expected outcome of your action is that animals are harmed. The amount will be the total money value of the animal in question divided by the money value of the product you bought all multiplied by the amount of suffering of the animal. Likewise, when you kick a stray cat, you are causing it suffering.
Why are you causing these animals suffering?
In the case of the cat, it is for trivial pleasure. Likewise, in the case of meat, it is for pleasure. I think almost everyone who reads this would be able to stop eating meat at trivial cost to themselves. It might take a bit of getting used to, and you might have to order the slightly less tasty option, when going to a restaurant, but generally it would be of quite trivial cost.
The person going around kicking stray cats for fun could stop doing so at little cost to themselves too. They might have a little less fun in their life, but that is certainly outweighed by not kicking cats. We can even imagine that it is a big part of their life. They feel like it is a hobby, and they would have to spend a lot of effort to find a new thing to spend their time doing, and it would never be as fulfilling. Imagine you meet someone who is in the middle of beating a cat until it can barely walk, and you tell them to stop doing it. They then reply the above, that it would make them very sad, and be really inconvenient to them. Would you then answer "oh, of course then, carry on!"? Of course not.
It is not like it being for taste pleasure or nutritional convenience makes any difference either. Suppose it is discovered that the saliva of distressed cats is very tasty, and also high in c vitamin. You now come across the same person again, brutally beating a cat, and you stop them. They now say "oh, haven't you heard, distressed-cat saliva is very tasty and nutritional. And I can't be bothered to incorporate oranges into my diet, so I thought I might as well have some fun and beat this cat for its saliva". Would you now be okay with it?
But in the case where someone is beating a cat, they are hurting something which already exists. But the animals on factory farms wouldn't exist, if they weren't raised for meat. Okay, so imagine if instead of going out and beating cats on the street, the guy in question instead bred cats and kept them in small cages so he could beat them for fun, and perhaps even drink some of their tasty saliva. Is it okay now?
Perhaps the important thing is that you are not doing the killing yourself, but you are instead paying someone else to do it. So imagine instead that the person in question pays someone else to breed and beat cats, and to send videos of it to them so they can enjoy it, and perhaps even send some vials of distressed-cat saliva. Is it okay to pay a person to do that? No.
I doubt anyone actually thinks this, but someone might say "I don't care about factory farmed animal, but I do care about cats". This is why the example is kicking cats for fun. If you do it for fun, that means that you don't care about the cat - that is just stipulated into the example (or well not strictly, but it would be very strange to go around kicking cats for fun if you actually cared about them). You might think that that would mean that it is ok, since you by stipulation don't care, but then you reject the antecedent of my conditional, and so the argument isn't refuted. You might also think that someone cares about cats, and that makes it bad. But that is why I use stray cats - they don't have relationships with anyone. Perhaps someone cares about stray cats in general, without knowing about any particular stray cat. But people (including me) also care about animals in factory farms in general, without knowing about any particular animal.
Another objection one might raise is that crop production also kills animals - approx. 7.3 billion annually (which is less than a tenth of the amount killed in meat production, by the way). So vegans are equally killing animals for food! I will give you ten seconds to think about why this is a bad argument. (Hint: What do the animals killed for food eat?)
I think the actual reason why people are okay with buying factory farmed meat, but not kicking cats for fun is twofold: First off, we are much more used to buying meat than to beating cats. Secondly, it feels much less bad to buy meat than to beat a cat. But clearly neither of these are morally relevant differences. Something wrong doesn't become permissible when you are used to it. Likewise, it doesn't become permissible because it feels less bad.
I am sure there are many possible responses that I haven't adressed directly, but I want to encourage everyone to be a bit honest with themselves before they respond: Do I actually think that this is a plausible position, or am I only drawn to this because the alternative would be inconvenient for me? Would I also believe this principle if I applied it to other cases, or do I only find it plausible in the single example of factory farming?

More or less a few months ago, in mid-December 2023 I started having sleep problems, at that time, I had gone to my church camp, which I had been attending for a few months, I spent around 3 days without sleeping, Don't get me wrong, I've had sleep problems since I was 12 years old, so it wasn't a big deal for me, after that time, on the 3rd day, I simply passed out in the middle of them all, I was extremely exhausted, and fainting, I simply felt my body turning off, not from sleep, but from extreme fatigue, taking into account that in the meantime of 3 days I had run and exercised extremely in the middle of our gymkhana that took place during these 3 days, after I passed out, when I came home and then went to rest, since I was 12 years old, I was used to going days without sleeping and I always recovered well after a good rest, but this time it was different, even after a few days , over the months (from December to February), there were days when I couldn't sleep and days when I slept insufficiently (not totally continuous sleep deprivation) and in the middle of this time, I started to have progressive memory losses, simply, I could often forget what I was going to do, and no, don't associate this with ADHD, because I was diagnosed with this when I was 13 and I know the difference, after a while, the symptoms got worse after a few days, I just wasn't recognizing it objects, series, music and not even obvious things in my daily life, in addition to that, I'm having more problems finding the right words, in addition to always waking up every day with a strong mental confusion, simply, my brain resets itself and takes a while It takes a lot for it to function normally again, and in the meantime, I feel extremely disoriented, not even being able to recognize myself, know where I am, who I am, who my parents are, etc., I've already done a blood and urine test (complete blood count), I suspected it could be a lack of vitamin B12, and after the result, my results were normal, around 603 ng/L in vitamin B12, I only had slight changes, such as a large increase in iron (excess iron in the blood) and some changes in the bladder, but nothing that indicates a urinary infection, etc., after a while, I was taken to the neurologist, when reporting my symptoms, he said it could be stress, honestly, I've already had major I've had bouts of stress throughout my life and it never reached this level, he also said it could be depression, I've had severe bouts of depression, to the point where I could just stay in bed for days without wanting to do anything, but in this case, I can't get out. out of bed for the simple reason that I can't remember or maintain focus and attention and my reasoning fully, this coming June I'm going to have an MRI in a city close to mine, I've done countless research and several things point to symptoms and illnesses different, always leading to something involving "delirium" or "brain fog", but no definitive conclusion, and this has been happening since January until now (May 21st) I feel my memory and my reasoning get even worse as the Days pass, can this really be a consequence of lack of sleep?

Magnesium is important for:
Energy production. Blood pressure regulation. Normal heart rhythm. DNA and RNA creation. Bone structure development. Nervous system regulation. Insulin regulation ⬇️ https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/nutrition-fitness/magnesium-glycinate-is-this-supplement-helpful-for-you/
Signs of Magnesium Deficiency

1. Twitching Muscles (eyelids)
2. Waking up between 2-3am. (high cortisol)
3. Irritation (nervousness, low blood sugar)
4. Heart Flutters (arrhythmias)
5. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
6. Constipation (irregular bowel movements)
7. Bone Pain (Osteopenia) 60% Magnesium in body is stored in the bones
8. Stiff Joints (Arthritis)
9. Anxiety (Stress) Magnesium + B1
10. Chocolate Cravings (stress= adrenaline & cortisol response)
11. Clawed Hands or Feet (Carpopedal Spasms=commonly in feet at bedtime)
12. Muscle Cramps (spasms=calf muscle, back, neck/electrolyte imbalance)
13. Asthma (Magnesium + Vit D3, K2 to improve asthma symptoms)

Only "1%" of Magnesium is stored in the blood, thereby making tests for Magnesium Deficiency null & void as 60% of the body's magnesium is stored INSIDE the bones. This is why Magnesium Deficiency is overlooked & ignored by doctors, resulting in billions of people living with Magnesium Deficiency.
75% of humanity has an "Invisible Deficiency" of Magnesium.
400-800mg daily supplementation is recommended for optimal health/reduction in Deficiency symptoms.
Causes of Magnesium Deficiency: 1. Grains 2. Fructose 3. Soda 4. Soil depletion 5. Emotional stress 6. Antacids , Diuretics, Pharmaceuticals 7. Deficiency in VitD=Sunshine exposure
To fix Deficiencies: Magnesium Glycinate supplements, 400-800mg daily, eat dark leafy green vegetables daily, use celtic sea salt (also add a pinch in daily Filtered drinking water) .. ⬇️ https://youtu.be/emkLyutJ71Q?si=fcMhRijbZKug2Tge
Magnesium is vital to support the energy required for the body, cells, organs, and DNA to prevent degenerative diseases that are responsible for chronic diseases and premature death. ⬇️ https://youtu.be/J6aVE1Lo6Dw?si=Qz2DAegFQ1jEgcJq
Magnesium Glycinate is an orally available magnesium salt of glycine. Magnesium activates over 600 enzymes and is essential for DNA and RNA synthesis, cellular repair, and maintaining the antioxidant status of the cell. Magnesium plays a key role in bone and muscle function and assists in the activation of vitamin D, which helps regulate calcium and phosphate homeostasis to influence the growth and maintenance of bones. ⬇️ https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Magnesium-glycinate
Randomized Controlled Trial:
The effect of combined magnesium and vitamin D supplementation on vitamin D status, systemic inflammation, and blood pressure: A randomized double-blinded controlled trial
Poor vitamin D and magnesium status is observed in individuals who are overweight and obese (Owt/Ob) and is often associated with a heightened risk of cardiovascular disease. Magnesium is a cofactor that assists vitamin D metabolism. ⬇️ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35576873/
Safest, fewest ingredients available for Magnesium Glycinate ⬇️ https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0C8DMMYTC/ref=ox_sc_act_image_1?smid=A37SM01TLWSF12&psc=1
Safest, fewest ingredients available for Vitamin D3 (1 year supply) ⬇️ https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00JGCBGZQ/ref=ox_sc_act_image_1?smid=AQAIDN8YDF665&psc=1&th=1
Magnesium, D3, and potassium work synergistically, in tandem, for better absorption and better utilization in the body for optimal health benefits.

Many of you saw my previous post about being denied treatment because my TSH was at 0.03 and for my hospital in my area to treat, I need to be at 0.01. (Please go see my other post to understand why this is so upsetting)
I went to my PCP because my symptoms were getting worse, my eyesight is worse, migraines etc. He looked at my chart after I told him everything that’s going on, and saw that I was down 5 more pounds since the last time I saw him. He told me that’s not normal, my endo should have retested because the labs were not accurate by the time my endo appointment came around, and that he is going to push the test through now anyway.
My TSH is at 0.01!!!
My T3 and T4 are on the high end of normal, about 2 units away from being in hypo.
I’ve never been so excited about my disease progressing. He said it was likely this low at the time of the appointment, and if we would have waited the 6 months as she has advised, I would have gotten significantly worse and with all of my symptoms, I may have ended up hospitalized due to the severity of my migraines. He prescribed me a beta blocker and some vitamins to take (magnesium and b12) but I have yet to see any difference. I’m assuming there’s only so much these things can do.
I am angry. My Mother’s Day was ruined because my graves was not treated correctly, I spent the entire day in the dark of my room with most of my vision gone. My life is affected greatly by this for the past 2 months, and I would have to wait four more if I had listened to my endo. I feel like she made a huge mistake, and part of me wants to retaliate and report her, another part of me knows that I don’t have the energy or bandwidth to withstand that stress. I am grateful that my PCP is advocating for me, he offered to talk to my endo directly but I have not made a decision yet on what I’d like to do. It has only been a few days since I got my results back.
I am on the schedule to go to the college hospital near me that is highly highly recommended, but that is also not until August, and that is very soon as far as this hospital goes. Some people wait years. I do not want to return to the catholic hospital I was going to, but I believe it may be my only option. My mother is a nurse and has been keeping up with me. I want to get help, but I refuse to see the same doctor. My mom said “they will most likely talk shit about you, and will be less likely to help you because the endo you saw will convince them that treatment is not necessary if that’s what she believes. You should just trust her and wait.” Which is a whole different stressor in itself. I don’t know what part of the nurse training brainwashes them to never question any doctor, but it’s disheartening.
I guess I’m just looking for support, and advice as to whether I should go back to my endo, or see a different doctor in the same office, but otherwise I’m out of luck until August. I want to feel better!!

DAY: MAY 20 2024
5-20-2024

Why nightmares and ‘daymares’ could be early warning signs of autoimmune disease

An increase in nightmares and hallucinations—or ‘daymares’—could herald the onset of autoimmune diseases such as lupus, say an international team led by researchers at the University of Cambridge and King’s College London. The researchers argue that there must be greater recognition that these types of mental health and neurological symptoms can act as an early warning sign that an individual is approaching a “flare,” where their disease worsens for a period.
5-20-2024 Yoga and meditation-induced altered states of consciousness are common in the general population, study says
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5-20-2024 Examining the benefits of out-of-network care for pediatric moyamoya
Total in-episode expenses and resource use before the index surgery (preop) and including/after the surgery (postop). The comparisons are separated for analysis into (A) single institution cohorts (1 and 2) and (B) multi?institution cohorts (3 and 4). Moyamoya disease is a rare condition that affects the blood vessels in the brain, especially in children. Narrowing and blockage of vessels significantly increases the risk of stroke and requires surgical revascularization for treatment. Although research shows that outcomes of revascularization are better
5-20-2024 Study explores links between social media use, mental health and sleep quality
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5-20-2024 How are asthma and heart health linked?
Although the heart and lungs are neighbors in your chest, people may think of them as separate entities with unrelated problems. But a growing body of evidence suggests that asthma—one of the most common lung disorders—is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Asthma is a serious chronic disease in which airways are inflamed, often in response to specific triggers. It affects about 25 million people in the U.S., including nearly 5 million children, causing millions of annual visits to doctors’ offices and emergency rooms. “We call these major changes
5-20-2024 STUDY EXPLORES PATIENT TRUST IN PHYSICIANS
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5-20-2024 TIMESAVING TIPS FOR COOKING HEALTHY MEALS
Living a busy, fast-paced life can make it hard to find the motivation to cook a healthy meal at home. However, learning some shortcuts in the kitchen can keep your healthy eating goals on track and help you avoid grazing on unhealthy snacks, grabbing the first thing you see in the fridge or going out for fast food. Why cook at home? Research shows that maintaining a healthy weight is challenging when you eat out too frequently. Restaurant portions often are super-sized
5-20-2024 UNDERSTANDING PERIMENOPAUSE VS. MENOPAUSE
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5-20-2024 LOW-DOSE IRON SUPPLEMENTATION HAS NO BENEFIT FOR BREASTFED INFANTS, SHOWS STUDY
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5-20-2024 ALLERGY MEDICATIONS COME WITH HAZARDS: BE AWARE
People with seasonal allergies often turn to over-the-counter and prescription medicines to relieve symptoms like coughing, sneezing, runny nose, congestion and itchy eyes, nose or throat. But they often aren’t aware that these meds—including antihistamines—have as much risk for potential side effects, drug interactions and overdose as other drugs. “All medicines have side effects associated with them even when they are taken appropriately and according to dosing directions on the label,”
5-20-2024 I CAN’T AFFORD OLIVE OIL—WHAT ELSE CAN I USE?
If you buy your olive oil in bulk, you’ve likely been in for a shock in recent weeks. Major supermarkets have been selling olive oil for up to A$65 for a four-liter tin, and up to $26 for a 750 milliliter bottle. We’ve been hearing about the health benefits of olive oil for years. And many of us are adding it to salads, or baking and frying with it. But during a cost-of-living crisis, these high prices can put olive oil out of reach. Let’s take a look at why
5-20-2024 Researchers uncover biological trigger of early puberty
Heather Brenhouse, associate professor of psychology, says disrupting the caretaker relationship can really traumatize a child or a developing rodent. Credit: Ruby Wallau/Northeastern University New research conducted by the Brenhouse Lab reveals how early life adversity triggers early puberty and late-life anxiety, paving the way for potential interventions. The onset of puberty has been creeping downward for decades. In the United States, the average age of girls reaching puberty ranges from 8.8 to 10.3 years old. The early start of puberty, which is associated with many health risks, can be
5-20-2024 Bioluminescence and 3D-printed implants shed light on brain–spinal interactions
Brain-spinal cord duet’s neurodynamic symphony is now accessible to scientists via novel multi-organ implants. Credit: Dmitrijs Celinskis A sensory process such as pain is no ordinary phenomenon—it’s a symphony of neural and vascular interactions orchestrated by the brain and spinal cord. Attempting to dissect this symphony by focusing on a single region is like trying to understand a complex melody by listening to just one instrument. It’s incomplete, potentially misleading, and may result in erroneous conclusions. Enter the Carney Institute’s team of visionaries. Their mission? To develop tools that allow
5-20-2024 New thesis explores cancer treatment that can prevent relapse
. What is the main focus of your thesis? Relapse following initial treatment efficacy remains a major clinical challenge for many cancers. The focus of my thesis has been to explore the therapeutic impact of immune cells in patients with blood cancer (leukemia), by first investigating which cells
5-20-2024 New study reveals health and social benefits of car-free living
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Researchers have successfully developed the technology that can accurately segment different body organs by effectively learning medical image data used for different purposes in different hospitals, which is expected to greatly contribute to the development of large-scale medical AI models in the future.
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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients with type 2 inflammation may soon gain access to a new drug—dupilumab—that showed rapid and sustained improvements in patients in a pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial, researchers report in the New England Journal of Medicine. This monoclonal antibody is the first biologic shown to improve clinical outcomes in COPD. The data supporting the use of dupilumab in COPD will be reviewed by the United States Food and Drug Administration in June. The disease improvements—as measured by a significantly lower annualized rate of acute exacerbations

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I am mid 30's female in good health. People often describe me as being very energetic. While others complain about being tired I rarely feel tired or have a desire to nap. I do not drink coffee or caffeine. For the last 2 years my Vitamin D and B12 have been very low. My Dr always gives me instructions to take supplements for these so I will have energy. I once took a vitamin B12 injection and was so wired I didn't sleep for almost 3 days. I've told my Dr I'm not sure how I could have more energy than I do currently. Fast forward I finally listened and have started Vitamin D and B12 vitamins orally. I've been taking them for 2 weeks and now all the sudden I feel very tired. I feel like after starting these vitamins I am now experiencing all the symptoms that my Dr said I should have been feeling as a result of low levels of these vitamins. Why would I being feeling tired as a result of taking these? Could my high energy actually have been a symptom of something else?( My thyroid is normal)

Hi all.
I have been addicted to this Reddit since I was diagnosed with seb derm nearly 1 year ago. I would spend HOURS each week scouring the internet to find anything new I could try or what thing I should avoid to resolve my issues. I wanted to share my story with those out there who might be in a similar position I was in to offer guidance.
For a bit of back story/context - I had clear skin my entire life and never had any major issues aside from redness and occasional acne. I used a vitamin C serum a year and a half ago that destroyed my skin barrier. I tried everything possible to get my skin back to normal but nothing helped. I had white flakes from my temples to my mouth and my face constantly felt dry and tight. In areas around my nose and chin, I had small white sandpaper-like bumps that never went away. Before destroying my barrier, I had normal/oily skin that rarely needed moisturizer. I tried so many sensitive skin-safe moisturizers/serums but every single one broke me out or caused my face to become even more dry/flaky. I finally gave in after 8 months of struggling and went to a dermatologist who diagnosed me with seb derm. I was prescribed ketoconazole 2% shampoo, ketoconazole cream, and tacrolimus ointment. All of these things combined helped but it never fully went away. I still had flakes and dry patches all over my face. I kept reading about people who would say these products helped them and they only needed to use them during a "flare", but I never had flares, my skin was constantly irritated. After 2 months of little improvement my derm prescribed clotrimazole, but this did nothing for me. I went back to my dermatologist and was then diagnosed with perioral dermatitis and was prescribed metro cream. This, also, did absolutely nothing for me (I believe it was because I never actually had perioral derm). My last resort with my dermatologist was a 2-week course of doxycycline. After a few days, I still had the same tight/dry/flaky patches on my temples and mouth. After a week my skin was even more dry and I was experiencing the worst break out of my life. At this point, I cut every prescription ingredient out, started doing the bare minimum with my skin, and made an appointment with a different dermatologist. I threw out every product (which at this point, there wasn't much left) that touched my face/scalp that had any flagged ingredients on Sezia or included any SLS.
After doxycycline, I noticed my lash line was super itchy and I'd wake up with flakes on my eyelashes each morning. My skin was also breaking out every few weeks in painful, red, itchy bumps. My breakouts would be in places I never broke out and were very abnormal. Every time my skin would be clear for a week or 2, it would become irritated for the next week. I went to an allergist during this time to see if something I was eating/exposed to was causing my skin issues since I tried so many prescriptions without success. I mentioned the itchy eyelashes and abnormal skin problems and the allergist mentioned "could be Demodex" and didn't think anything else of it. I went down a Demodex rabbit hole after that appointment and learned about Soolantra/Ivermectin. My new dermatologist immediately prescribed Ivermectin 1% as soon as I explained my symptoms.
I'm on week 8 of 12 of Soolantra/Ivermectin. I've experienced minimal irritation or breakouts. My skin is the clearest it's been in nearly 2 years. I can finally put moisturizeproduct on my face and not break out. I can wear makeup without my skin looking like a flaky/patchy mess. I have no dryness/flakes. I am already so satisfied I can't wait to see where my skin ends up by the end of the 12 weeks. To anyone else who has tried so much or can't figure out why nothing works for them - consider asking your dermatologist about Demodex/Ivermectin.

Pesto is a nutritious sauce and condiment available in many tasty variations, but is pesto keto-friendly?
Yes, traditionally prepared pesto is low in carbs and can be a great way to add depth of flavor to various keto recipes.
Discover the benefits of regularly incorporating pesto into a ketogenic diet and learn how to make the best Healthy Keto® pesto recipe.

What is pesto?

Originating from Genoa, Italy, authentic pesto sauce is crafted from simple ingredients, including fresh basil leaves, garlic, parmesan cheese, pecorino cheese, pine nuts, olive oil, sea salt, and pepper.
The name pesto comes from the Genovese word pestare, which means to pound or crush. It depicts the traditional method of preparing pesto using a mortar and pestle to combine ingredients.
Here are common ingredients used in different pesto varieties.

Common herbs used in pesto

The original pesto recipe, Pesto alla Genovese, exclusively uses Genovese basil as the primary herb due to its unique sweetness.
Basil is a delicate herb, and using the mortar and pestle instead of harshly chopping or blending with a food processor slows down the oxidation of the leaves. This not only helps preserve the sauce's vivid green hue but also enhances its flavor and aroma.
However, pesto has evolved to encompass a broader range of ingredients.
Here are some other common herbs used in many pesto recipes:

• Italian flat-leaf parsley
• Cilantro
• Mint
• Oregano

In addition to herbs, many pesto sauces incorporate ingredients such as arugula, spinach, kale, lemon juice, or tomatoes.

Common nuts used in pesto

Similarly, some recipes replace the traditional toasted pine nuts with other types of nuts to add a unique twist to the classic dish.
Here are some commonly used nuts used to prepare pesto:

• Almonds
• Cashews
• Walnuts
• Pecans
• Pistachios

Is pesto keto-friendly?

Traditional pesto is low in carbohydrates and contains less than one gram of net carbs per tablespoon. This makes pesto an excellent keto-friendly option that offers impressive flavors.
However, since there are many different pesto variations, it’s crucial to read labels to check that there are no added sugars or hidden carbs that could interfere with ketosis.
For those following Healthy Keto, a low-carb diet that focuses on nutrient-dense whole foods, checking the ingredients list is essential, as many pre-made pestos can include potentially harmful additives and preservatives.
Watch this video to discover the health and nutritional benefits of basil.
Amazing Health & Nutritional Benefits Of Basil

4 health benefits of pesto

Authentic basil pesto combines several superfoods high in nutrients, offering many potential health benefits.
Here are four reasons why you should incorporate more pesto into your meals.

1. Anti-aging properties

Research published in Frontiers in Nutrition shows that healthy fats, particularly the monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids found in olive oil, can improve brain function and help reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
These fatty acids are also vital for supporting eye health and contribute to healthier skin by improving skin barrier function and hydration.

2. Supports the immune system

According to a study published in Foods, Genovese basil is particularly rich in polyphenols, including rosmarinic and caffeic acid.
These health-promoting compounds have been linked to potent anti-inflammatory effects that support immune system function and may lower the risk of chronic diseases.
3. Potential anti-cancer effects
Key ingredients in pesto, including basil, garlic, and olive oil, are exceptional sources of antioxidants that may help lower cancer risk.
Antioxidants can counteract the effects of free radicals, thereby preventing oxidative stress, which is linked to cellular and DNA damage, a leading cause of cancer.

4. Promotes digestive health

Parmigiano Reggiano, widely considered the best cheese for pesto, contains digestive enzymes and beneficial gut bacteria, also known as probiotics.
Probiotics help maintain a healthy gut microbiome essential for nutrient absorption, digestive health, and overall well-being.
Research published in Food Technology and Biotechnology found that Parmigiano Reggiano also contains oligosaccharides, which act as a prebiotic food source for beneficial gut bacteria.

Store-bought vs. homemade pesto

Italians will be the first to tell you there's no comparison between store-bought and homemade pesto sauce.
Pesto is a delicate sauce that’s best consumed fresh, as its flavor and quality can deteriorate quickly, becoming bitter and dull as the enzymes released from basil oxidize.
To help extend pesto’s shelf life, store-bought versions often contain preservatives and additives that can negatively impact the flavor and quality of the sauce and may harm your health.
Additionally, many store-bought pestos will substitute critical ingredients, such as extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), cheese, or fresh garlic, with cheaper alternatives or omit them entirely, leading to a bland or unpalatable flavor and a significantly lower nutritional value.

How to choose the best store-bought pesto sauce

Homemade pesto sauce is always preferred, but if you don't have time to make it, the best premade pestos can often be found in the refrigerated section.
Look for pestos that don't contain artificial preservatives or low-quality ingredients, such as sunflower oil or potato flakes. Instead, opt for certified organic and non-GMO products that use high-quality oil and real cheese sourced from grass-fed and pasture cows.

Keto-friendly pesto recipes

If you're looking for a way to add extra flavor to your keto meals, look no further than pesto. Chicken, fish, steak, and most vegetables pair exceptionally well with this tasty and versatile sauce.
Here are some delicious keto-friendly pesto recipes:

• Sun-dried tomato pesto dip
• Vegan keto pine nut pesto
• Vegan mint pesto and veggie bowl
• Keto creamy basil sausage casserole
• Macadamia nut and parsley pesto vegan bowl

To complete your pesto experience, try experimenting with keto pasta recipes.
Zucchini noodles, keto gnocchi, and keto egg noodles are excellent low-carb pasta alternatives that work well with keto pesto sauce.

Tips to make the best pesto sauce

Here are some tips on how to choose the best ingredient to make a nutritious and flavorful pesto at home.

Parmesan cheese

Opt for authentic Parmigiano Reggiano, an Italian staple that’s been in production for over 900 years.
Known for its rich, nutty flavor and granular texture, Parmigiano Reggiano undergoes a meticulous aging process and adheres to stringent production standards, ensuring its authenticity and superior quality.
The Parmigiano Reggiano standard guidelines underscore a commitment to natural production, prohibiting additives and ensuring cows are fed local forage.
This approach not only guarantees the cheese's premium taste but also preserves essential nutrients and probiotics.

Olive oil

Select only pure cold-pressed EVOO. Many olive oils on the market are diluted with cheaper oils that compromise flavor and can introduce harmful ingredients that may negatively impact your health.
In addition, evidence published in the Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition summarizes, "phenolic content of olive oil is reduced by chemical extraction and refining."
By prioritizing cold-pressed EVOO, you ensure your olive oil is rich in flavor and health-promoting properties.

Fresh Genovese basil

Harvested during early growth stages to ensure optimal flavor, Genovese basil is the prime choice for making basil pesto.
As Dr. Berg explains, "Basil has some amazing health benefits. It’s loaded with vitamin K, manganese, and flavonoids, which can help support healthy bones, blood clotting, and skeletal health while offering potent anti-inflammatory properties.”

Anyone else used to feed their cat(s) Deli-Cat kibbles before they disappeared one day from shelves??? I read that Purina discontinued them in 2019 — some folks were still able to find them in 2020 until all were sold out. Just seeing this pail bucket alone is straight up nostalgia. My cat doesn’t like his dry food the same way anymore.
Any idea why it’s discontinued? Too much food coloring, “fillers”?
Here’s the ingredient list I found online:
Ground Yellow Corn, Soybean Meal, Corn Gluten Meal, Meat And Bone Meal, Animal Fat Preserved With Mixed-Tocopherols, Turkey By-Product Meal, Fish Meal, Animal Liver Flavor, Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols, Phosphoric Acid, Salt, Calcium Carbonate, Choline Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Added Color, Taurine, Dl-Methionine, Zinc Sulfate, Red 40, Vitamin E Supplement, Ferrous Sulfate, Niacin, Manganese Sulfate, Yellow 5, Vitamin A Supplement, Blue 2, Calcium Pantothenate, Copper Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Calcium Iodate, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Source Of Vitamin K Activity), Sodium Selenite, Biotin. W-4520.
Slightly different version on Sam’s Club:
Brewers rice, soybean meal, corn gluten meal, meat and bone meal, ground yellow corn, beef tallow preserved with mixed-tocopherols (source of Vitamin E), fish meal, turkey by-product meal, phosphoric acid, salt, brewers dried yeast, dried liver digest, added color (Red 40, Blue 2, Yellow 5, Yellow 6 and other color), potassium chloride, choline chloride, tetra sodium pyrophosphate, taurine, DL-Methionine, zinc sulfate, ferrous sulfate, manganese sulfate, calcium carbonate, vitamin supplements (E, A, B-12, D-3), niacin, L-Alanine, calcium pantothenate, copper sulfate, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride, folic acid, citric acid, calcium iodate, biotin, menadione sodium bisulfite complex (source of Vitamin K activity), sodium selenite.

Scope
Association between vitamin B12 deficiency (VB12D) and dietary patterns being well documented has bearing on obstetrics and neonatal outcomes. However, relationship between VB12D and serum inflammatory markers (IMs), particularly in vegetarian diet and Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), remains elusive. This cross-sectional study assesses VB12D and IMs among reproductive age women consuming different diets.
Methods and results
Nonvegetarian (PCOS, n = 104; healthy, n = 148) and vegetarian women (PCOS n = 112; healthy, n = 186) are for evaluated clinical, biochemical, hormonal assessment, inflammatory, and four vitamin B 12 (VB12) markers. VB12D is defined by Fedosov's wellness quotient (4cB12). Using 4cB12, prevalence of VB12D is discerned in 54.4% (PCOS: 72.1%; healthy 36.5%) and 93.4% (PCOS: 95.9%; healthy: 91.9%) among nonvegetarians and vegetarians, respectively. Vegetarian PCOS women depict lowest median (interquartile range [IQR]) of serum B12 76.2(72.6) pg mL−1, holotranscobalamine (HTC) 37.9(11.3) and highest homocysteine (HCY) 40.32(6.0) µmol L−1, methylmalonic acid (MMA) 352.26(156.7) nmol L−1 with highest Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) and IMs (Monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), High sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), Tumour Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF-α) and Interleukin 6 (IL-6)). Significant correlation of serum hs-CRP, TNF-α, and IL-6 with VB12 markers is observed.
Conclusion
The VB12D is rampant among reproductive age women that gets exacerbated by PCOS or vegetarian diet. It is directly correlated with magnitude of proinflammatory markers. The results carry substantial implications for public health policies aimed at improving preconception maternal VB12 status for better future pregnancy and offspring outcomes.

I’ve had candida for two years (was overprescribed antibiotics after getting strep throat, then got a yeast infection afterwards which I took OTC suppositories for, a couple months later is when my symtoms started) and was just finally diagnosed this February after thorough testing by a naturopathic doctor. She had me start taking supplements and I’ve changed my diet but it’s been such a struggle that I feel like I’m doing something wrong and making it worse for myself.
The supplements my doctor has me on are grapefruit seed extract, ADP oregano oil, mastica gum, iodine, vitamin C, vitamin D and a B12 spray. First she told me to take the grapefruit extract, oregano oil and mastica with each meal 3 times per day which initially caused severe die-off and made me feel so awful I was bedridden for two months except for when I had to go to work. When I explained this to her she told me to reduce to one time per day and use a castor oil pack, sauna, and epsom salt baths to support my liver and sweat things out. I mostly used castor oil since my bathtub is uncomfortable and I don’t have access to a sauna.
I’ve only been doing the 3 supplements one time per day for a month and a half now and I have had good and bad days. I’m also just unsure of what to eat anymore at this point. I haven’t had dairy, gluten or sugar in months. I’m scared to eat othet grains like quinoa/teff/millet that are considered “safe” because I don’t know how my body will react or if it will feed the candida at all. Most of what I eat consists of organic chicken, free range organic eggs, salmon (when I can find it), sometimes I would have grass-fed ground beef but haven’t had any for a while out of fear that it may cause issues for me, veggies such as broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, kale, collared greens, avocado, cucumber, zucchini, brussel sprouts and asparagus. Sometimes I will roast my own pumpkin seeds or almonds with olive oil and salt but I developed a bad habit of snacking on them too much so I try to avoid them now.
I have a fast metabolism but I’ve gotten so thin and I haven’t had my period for two months. It’s freaking me out and I am terrified. I’m going in for follow-up tests tomorrow and then a follow-up appt in a couple weeks so my doctor can see where I’m at. I just wish I had a proper guide for all of this… I don’t want to give up but I feel so defeated every day. Stress has not been helping either and I’m extremely aware of that, but it’s such a struggle to manage it when this has consumed my life.
If anyone has any thoughts or advice I would greatly appreciate it. Maybe I need something for liver support? Or something else to break the biofilms and move things out of my body more smoothly? Please let me know. I want to heal like everyone else.

40M. 365lbs. Non-smoker.
So I know a lot of people say things like 'if you take more than your body needs you will just pass through one end or the other' but I don't think it's obviously that simple.
I mean I guess it could be technically speaking but I know if I take 3000% of the DV for Tylenol I will most likely be sitting in the ER or dead actually... I at least know my liver will be having a bad day.
But the real question(s) are:
1.) Why would anyone need/want more than 100% of the DV? Even if you thought governments were making them too low and you wanted to double it... but why would anyone want things like 25,000% B12 in some of these multi-vitamins I see? 500% Biotin, 4000% Thiamin, etc?
2.) I suppose this kind of depends on the thoughts and answer above but how do you handle things like multi-vitamin A has 25,000% B12 and 182% Zinc, but then another supplement has 100% Magnesium, and 200% Zinc? In other words, what supplements should you/do you/should I care about realistically overdosing on versus "meh it'll just pass through me"?

So I know a lot of people say things like 'if you take more than your body needs you will just pass through one end or the other' but I don't think it's obviously that simple.
I mean I guess it could be technically speaking but I know if I take 3000% of the DV for Tylenol I will most likely be sitting in the ER or dead actually... I at least know my liver will be having a bad day.
But the real question(s) are:
1.) Why would anyone need/want more than 100% of the DV? Even if you thought governments were making them too low and you wanted to double it... but why would anyone want things like 25,000% B12 in some of these multi-vitamins I see? 500% Biotin, 4000% Thiamin, etc?
2.) I suppose this kind of depends on the thoughts and answer above but how do you handle things like multi-vitamin A has 25,000% B12 and 182% Zinc, but then another supplement has 100% Magnesium, and 200% Zinc? In other words, what supplements should you/do you/should I care about realistically overdosing on versus "meh it'll just pass through me"?

Hello all.
I started taking supplemental B1. It helped a lot of things: energy improved, muscle soreness improved. It has made things better!
However, two side effects have developed: angular cheilitis (sore cracked, bleeding lips) and constipation.
I have since supplemented all the B vitamins except B12 and folate--- because my blood tests showed those were very high already.
Could supplemental B1 cause these two symptoms? If so, why?

Having hemorrhoids suck. I thought I had an internal one because it hurt to use the bathroom, like everytime I went to the bathroom I dreaded it. Turns out it was a fissure. Everytime I went to bathroom the fissure kept reopening and becoming more painful. This might be tmi, but everytime my butt clenched, it was the most painful thing ever. Sharp pains often throughout the day. Then I had external hemorrhoids, it's been two months of that now. I researched a lot for months until I found a solution for myself. Here are the things that helped me.
-Vaseline everytime you use the bathroom. Put it on there and inside if you can. It helps the poop go by smoother. Also, put Vaseline inside for fissures so it's not as painful.
-Always shower after or try to so you're clean. You want to stay clean down there.
-For hemorrhoids, Ma Ying Long Husk Ointment helps a LOT. Put it on after you use the bathroom and it should cool the hemorrhoid. The smell is kind of strong though.
-Vitamins. B12 and Iron. I read that it helped make someone's butt more elastic and fixed their fissure. It fixed mine in less than 2 months.
-Miralex. It helps tremendously. Makes your poop soft.
-Donut Pillow or Cushion. It helps a lot. It prevents pressure from being directly on the hole.

• Suppositories. You can find them at any Walgreeens. I have some prescribed from my doctor. They help a lot w/ fissures. Use the night after using the bathroom so it can sit there without irritating your butt.

ALSO, don't sit or lay on your back if you have a fissure. It makes it so much worse as time goes on. Drink lots of water as well.

Hey everyone,
I'm here to talk about Testogen, a testosterone booster I's been using for the past few months. I've seen a lot of chatter online about it, both good and bad, so I figured I'd share my firsthand experience with the ingredients and what I've noticed.
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Why Testogen?
Let's be honest, guys, as we age, testosterone levels naturally decline. It can zap your energy levels, affect your mood, and even impact your gym performance. I wanted to find a natural way to give my testosterone a boost and see if it would make a difference.
The Ingredients:
Testogen is all about natural ingredients, which is what initially appealed to me. Here are the key ones:

• Tribulus Terrestris: This is a common ingredient in testosterone boosters, and it's supposed to help increase LH (luteinizing hormone) production, which in turn can stimulate testosterone production.
• Fenugreek Extract: This one is said to help regulate blood sugar and can also increase free testosterone levels.
• D-Aspartic Acid: This amino acid is involved in testosterone synthesis, so theoretically, it can help your body produce more testosterone.
• Korean Red Ginseng: Ginseng is known for its overall health benefits, but some studies suggest it can also improve testosterone levels and libido.
• Nettle Leaf Extract: This extract can help block SHBG (sex hormone-binding globulin), which binds to testosterone and makes it less available. By lowering SHBG, more testosterone is free to circulate in your body.
• Vitamin D3, Vitamin K1, Zinc, Magnesium: These vitamins and minerals are all essential for overall health and testosterone production.

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My Experience:
I've been taking Testogen for about 3 months now. Here's what I've noticed:

• Increased Energy Levels: I definitely feel more energized throughout the day. No more afternoon slumps!
• Improved Strength and Stamina: My workouts have gotten a bit more intense. I can lift heavier weights and push myself further.
• Better Mood: I feel more focused and overall just have a more positive outlook.
• Libido Boost: Let's just say my wife is happy

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Overall:
I've been happy with the results I've gotten from Testogen. The natural ingredients seem to be effective, and I've noticed a positive difference in my energy levels, mood, and performance. If you're looking for a way to boost your testosterone naturally, Testogen might be worth checking out.

Assalam Alaykoum brothers and sisters, please kindly offer your knowledgeable advice for my situation below, I feel so bad. I will explain with details so you can understand and respond with all the elements in mind.
I have been struggling a lot lately with waswas (the unspeakable type) and it tore me inside, it had such a huge negative impact on my life, I wouldn't eat, I lost weight, I used to cry a lot, I would find no joy in everyday life, would isolate myself, would wish to die etc. I would still pray and do my daily obligations but I still couldn't escape them. However, I've done a little research and found that those type of obsessive thoughts can be treated with therapy and coaching. So I decided to book with a muslim therapist.
I went a couple of days ago and I feel like I have done the biggest mistake of my life, and made the situation worse for me. At first I liked the session, especially when we talked about what was waswas, where it came from (shaytan), why it came, how to fight it with halal option such as doing your own ruqya on water or oil, staring to eat better, get more vitamins and nutrients in the body, get more sleep and do some breathing exercises to calm down. We even got to explain some verses of the Quran.
But after that is where I feel like I fell into shirk. You see I don't believe in controlling energy or in Hypnosis. But he said that sometimes we get affected by other people's energy : for example if someone is sad it could impact you as well etc. Then he asked me to do an exercise where I closed my eyes and imagined all the closest people to me and see if i feel anything physically. I did close my eyes but I didn't believe in the exercice so I didn't take it seriously, I did think about people thought. He then said that if you feel something you need to cut the sort of energy between you and the person. Brothers and sisters please trust me when I say I don't believe in any of that. (I didn't cut anything in my mind). But just the fact that I did the exercice and closed my eyes and imagined people makes me think I did shirk. Then he proceeded to tell me that he will teach me how to do self hypnosis to sleep better and be more in control of emotions. Here's how it went : you close your eyes and imagine that you're in a room that monitors all your feelings and you go where your anxiety is and you turn it down a little. These sort of things. He even guided me through it. I did it and now I think this maybe is shirk as well.
When I came back from that session nothing had changed for me. But 2 days ago I realized maybe all of this was shirk. At first I felt so bad, but now I feel so numb. I feel doomed, because even when I wish i never went in the first place, I fear that maybe I'm not feeling remorse. Like I'm even confused what it is like. I feel like I have a dead heart now and that my all my actions are rejected. I don't know what to do now, I want to clean my heart and I want Allah AzzawaJal to forgive me, I asked him to put so much regret in my heart, but I don't know what else to do.
Please my brothers and sisters, if you personally know a sheikh or a person of knowledge that could give you answers to my situation, that would be of great help. I love Allah so much but I feel he is too angry and disappointed with me. I am scared I will die without fulfilling all the conditions of repentance and that I will not be forgiven on the day of judgment. I feel like it was a test from Allah that i have failed.
Jazakoum Allahou Khayran for reading and for your answers.