Readers Summary
- What happens when a Paleo Fx leader decides to test his dogma and intuition?
- Can magnesium help you optimize health and a CT regiment?
- Is it possible to reverse inflammation/disease within 30-45 days?
Today, I want to introduce you to someone who is a true ‘Paleo leader’ by stepping up to the the challenge I put to our community at PaleoFx conference recently held in Austin, Texas. Kevin Cottrell is one of the co founders of Paleo Fx. The leaders of Paleo fx have to be commended because the conference they were able to put on in 150 days of prep time was nothing short of remarkable.
The conference exceeded all my expectations and the reviews of many attendees have been stellar. The future of this community is tied to clinical application of what the science continues to show in the literature. For assimilation of the Ancestral Lifestyle to become mainstream we need to have more clinical conferences like Paleo fx, and we need to take them globally.
Today, I am breaking new ground and presenting to you my first guest blog written by Mr. Kevin Cottrell, who has agreed to share his personal story and personal medical history with all of you so that he may help you in some way. I think what he has agreed to do here is the most noble and worthy things to do to help our community and mankind. I am indebted to him for this chance to publish his story for you to consider.
The following post is written by Kevin, in his words, to share with you and yours, to help open your eyes and challenge your “own dogma and current intuition’ to help you reach for optimal health.
Question everything, learn something, but answer nothing.
by Kevin Cottrell
My journey to optimal health started with a major speed bump. The day was June 2, 2006 and it was a major wake up call. My wife and I were driving a U-Haul Truck along I-75 passing through Atlanta GA when my cell phone rang. I picked it up and it was the dermatologist office in Miami with my results from the biopsy of a mole removed several days earlier.
Exactly what we discussed I can’t recall – I actually can’t recall even navigating the truck through traffic for the next 10 minutes I was on the phone with the office discussing options as I wasn’t able to comply with their request of being in the office Monday to schedule surgery. I recall being very careful about my words and my questions I was asking so as to not pique the interest of my passenger (my wife) in the truck.
This was a call you never expect to receive – a diagnosis of cancer – Melanoma to be specific – one of the deadliest forms of cancer. After I hung up the phone, I was so in denial that I completely misled my wife about the content of the call stating simply that “I needed to go in for a follow up in St Louis when we get settled from our move.” What an understatement that was, for the next 7 hours as I drove the remainder of the way to St Louis, my mind raced with questions:
“How could I have cancer, I exercise 4-5 times per week?”
“How could I have cancer, I eat reasonably healthy, don’t do drugs, drink heavily, and have never smoked?”
“How could I have skin cancer? I don’t use tanning beds and certainly wouldn’t be considered someone who’s always baked or tanned?” “There really isn’t a history of cancer in my family…so, how did this happen to me?” [note: we’ll come back to this one later]
Step one in my journey required me to have major surgery and treatment for cancer in the summer of 2006 leaving my body free of the melanoma with the only memento being a large scar on my left neck that looks like I was in a bar fight or bad accident.
What was interesting about this initial step in my journey was my complete misunderstanding of what had happened and the biologic mismatches that were leading me down the path to being unhealthy and possible early demise. I was under the impression (based on conventional wisdom and treatment) that I had become victim of cancer due to things like sunburns, tanning beds and bad luck genetically.
Some sort of ‘bad luck’ lottery result. Never once was lifestyle choices and diet/nutrition mentioned by my surgeon or any of the practitioners treating me. I never recall being tested for systemic inflammation or even counseled on risk factors other than being constantly reminded to cover up and use sunscreen.
Between 2006 and 2010, I went on about my life, heeding the conventional medical advice and continued working out (lots of chronic cardio), working long hours (I would sleep for less than 6 hours typically) and eating what I thought was a fairly healthy diet of low fat and ‘heart healthy whole grains.’
The next major wake up call in my journey was my wife’s ailments. She developed chronic issues with her gall bladder and in the summer of 2010 had her gall bladder removed in a surgical procedure. Again, we followed conventional wisdom and diet recommendations and thought we were on track for a healthy lifestyle.
After surgery, when her digestive issues didn’t resolve, I queried the medical practitioners several times about diet recommendations and received limited to no help. I happened upon a Podcast by Robb Wolff in the fall of 2010 covering recommendations for someone without a gall bladder. I picked up a copy of the “Paleo Diet” book and read it cover to cover in one day. I was floored and shocked. It was such an eye opener for me about being off track from a nutritional standpoint for both myself and my wife. We began to ‘clean up our diet’ in the fall of 2010.
Again the phone rang…this time it wasn’t a wake up call for me. It was my mother talking about the fact that my father had been diagnosed with bladder cancer and was going to have it surgically removed. He had also been struggling with high blood pressure, his weight and Type II diabetes for years.
My mother had been struggling with Ulcerative Colitis and had developed colon cancer and had her colon removed in surgery. This was not something that had previously been ‘disclosed’ to the kids in the name of keeping us from worrying. I asked about other incidents of cancer in the the family. Turned out my mother had cancerous growths removed from her throat when I was young and her mother and father both died from cancer. So much for my thoughts about not having cancer in the family.
My mind began to re-think/reconsider the neolithic thoughts from 2006. What if my entire framework for what I was doing in the name of being healthy was wrong? What if I was on the same track as my parents? Certainly after reading the Paleo Diet, I knew that my family was ‘typical’ and our diet/nutritional needs growing up as kids were way off track. What I was struggling with was whether this was just biologic bad luck and something that I was stuck being ‘at risk’ for based on my family’s history.
My wife and I relocated from St Louis to Austin in February of 2011 and I scheduled a follow up visit with a medical practitioner with full blood work scheduled. The results shocked me again. I was told that unless I made some significant changes I was on track to becoming a Type II diabetic. My fasting blood glucose and hA1C (90 day average) levels were way too high. I might have looked reasonably good on the outside (I wasn’t significantly overweight) however, my blood worked showed a different picture.
This was the news I needed to go heads down with a Paleo/Primal lifestyle change. Beginning in January, my wife and I cleaned up our diet and followed a fairly strict diet based on ancestral principals. The results visually were dramatic. My wife lost 3 dress sizes and the digestive issues began to resolve. My weight didn’t change significantly, however, my body fat {a7b724a0454d92c70890dedf5ec22a026af4df067c7b55aa6009b4d34d5da3c6} declined significantly from almost 30{a7b724a0454d92c70890dedf5ec22a026af4df067c7b55aa6009b4d34d5da3c6} to 17{a7b724a0454d92c70890dedf5ec22a026af4df067c7b55aa6009b4d34d5da3c6}. Progress… From a ‘vanity’ standpoint I was the image of Ancestral Wellness/Paleo living and success – six pack abs and all!
The picture on the left was taken in the late fall of 2010 in St Louis – prior to moving to Austin and starting the Paleo Diet. Pictures on right were taken in August of 2011.
The final aha moment was in May 2011. The phone rang again while I was on a business trip out of state. The family was told that we needed to rush to the Bay Area as my father had only a couple of days to live as he had cancer again – this time in his kidneys. Being there at the hospital at Stanford University and observing what had happened to my father was shocking. He was merely a shell of what he had been and deteriorated dramatically since I saw him in the fall.
Here’s a picture of my father and myself at exactly the same age – 47 years old. Lifestyle choices and not genetics is the determining factor. He was on blood pressure and glucose medicine at this age.
What was even more shocking was observing the condition of my family vs. me and my wife. My mother was in poor shape and the picture of unhealthy. My younger brother and sister were both limping from chronic pain/injuries and certainly didn’t look healthy. I thought to myself, there’s something missing here? Am I doing enough to ensure longevity? I knew I needed to learn more about cancer as the prospect of going through what I had just witnessed scared the heck of our me.
I was bound and determined to take every step to avoid that at all costs.
More on my background and story can be found in a blog post on Being Primal and a Podcast interview I did with Abel James.
A Biologic “Fork in the Road” – with huge implications for longevity and long term wellness!
My quest to understand the mechanisms for cancer led me to several major ahas. The first was that inflammation was a significant factor in not only all cancer but also cardiovascular disease. Especially chronic long term inflammation. There are many factors that trigger inflammation. These factors are found in both our internal and external environments. Factors that trigger increased inflammation include excessive levels of the hormone insulin (insulin resistance), emotional stress, environmental toxins (heavy metals), free-radical damage, lack of sleep, obesity, over-consumption of hydrogenated oils, and smoking. Problems with insulin metabolism are a major contributor to cardiovascular disease.
Inflammation causes endothelial dysfunction and activated endothelium facilitates adhesion and migration of cancer cells.
‘Chronically inflamed tissues continue to generate
signals that attract leukocytes from the bloodstream.
When leukocytes migrate from the bloodstream into
the tissue they amplify the inflammatory response.’
Then the aha moment when the inflammation research tied into my challenges well beyond the risks for cancer and brought the discussion full circle back to my metabolic challenges with insulin regulation [remember my discussion that floored me with my Austin doctor about being ‘pre-diabetic’ in Feb 2011]:
Scientists at the Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston, have bred a strain of mice whose fat cells are supercharged inflammation factories. “We can reproduce the whole syndrome (diabetes) just by inciting inflammation,” Dr. Steve Shoelson says. This suggests that a well-timed intervention in the inflammatory process might reverse some if not all the effects of diabetes. Some of the drugs that are already used to treat the disorder, like metformin, may work because they also dampen the inflammation response. In addition, preliminary research suggests that high CRP levels may indicate a greater risk of diabetes.
‘Whatever makes us become less efficient at using insulin is
going to aid in the development of diabetes. Treatments for
diabetes work by replacing insulin, boosting its production
or helping the body make more efficient use of the hormone.’
And a final aha moment, much more recently, was discovered as I researched some additional ways to reduce chronic inflammation:
‘Inflammation not only further damages the artery walls, leaving
them stiffer and more prone to plaque buildup, but it also makes
any plaque that’s already there more fragile and more likely to burst.’
A 2006 issue of the Journal of the American College of Nutrition an article showing that as consumption of magnesium fell, the levels of C-reactive protein went up. C-reactive protein, or CRP, is produced in the liver and has emerged as a strong predictor of clinical events of cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks and stroke, even in cases where cholesterol levels may be normal. For this reason, CRP assays may become a routine part of blood tests for determining CVD risk. CRP levels in the blood are normally undetectable or very low; high levels are strongly associated with inflammation.
There are literally hundreds of physiological reasons to proclaim magnesium the ultimate heart medicine; its involvement in hundreds of enzyme reactions is just a start. Its use as an anti inflammatory makes magnesium absolutely indispensable to not only heart patients but also to diabetics, neurological and cancer patients as well. The treatment of chronic inflammation has been problematic for medical science because most of their treatments create more inflammation. Magnesium chloride does not do this.
Virtually all the components of the Metabolic Syndrome
of diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity and lipid
disorders are associated with low magnesium.
Dr. Michael R. Eades
Circadian ‘Man on Fire’ – Unresolved Systemic Inflammation! Why worry about this?
“Greater than half of all sudden death from cardiac causes have no history of cardiovascular disease. In fact, over 40{a7b724a0454d92c70890dedf5ec22a026af4df067c7b55aa6009b4d34d5da3c6} of all heart attack victim autopsies show clear coronary vessels. Clearly, there is much more going on than the simple “cholesterol kills” hypothesis. It is interesting to note that the first and most common sign of cardiovascular disease in post-menopausal women is death. Yes, death. In other words, there are no signs or symptoms.” Doctor Michael Lam MD
I read this quote as part of my research and it simply blew me away. I know many of the readers of Dr. Kruse’ blog are women so you’ll want to also view this TED talk about why this is such a huge issue for you.
Okay, now I was getting somewhere. Biologically mismatched Paleo folks (especially the Crossfit set) are running around thinking they are healthy – showing no signs/symptoms and dropping dead as the first sign of any issue. This is not isolated today – Livorno soccer player Piermario Morosini died in April with no prior warning. This was the second incident in a month. Dr. Kruse referred to a patient who looked like ‘adonis’ and was a regional Crossfit competitor who presented with respiratory distress that was the first sign of cardio ejection failure. Clearly something is amiss with these biologic mismatches.
Inflammation was clearly at the center of what needed to be addressed in my quest to avoid cancer, cardiovascular diseases and Type II diabetes. This was clearly at the center of what needed to be addressed.
I had identified a biomarker to measure and track systemic inflammation. C Reactive Protein (Highly Sensitive) was a great way for me to assess my progress in my quest for longevity and optimal living. Now, I also discovered a new player – Magnesium – the warranted some further research as a factor to remove chronic inflammation as well.
(Dr. K says, “note to blog readers I talked about the Magnesium link in disease months ago after controversy developed at AHS 2011 here between Taubes and Guyenet”)
The good news was I knew exactly what needed to be addressed (chronic systemic inflammation) and how to measure it (hs CRP). The bad news, despite my intense focus on following the principals of ancestral wellness (Paleo Diet) and exercising, my CRP test results revealed a chronic level of inflammation over time.
HS CRP Test Results
- 8/2008 – Pre Paleo Diet (look at my before picture) – 1.0
- 2/2011 – Start of Paleo Diet (‘pre-diabetic discussion) – 2.3
- 8/2011 – Bodyfat down to 16.9{a7b724a0454d92c70890dedf5ec22a026af4df067c7b55aa6009b4d34d5da3c6} – After Photo above taken – 5.3
- 10/2011 – Bodyfat down to 10.9{a7b724a0454d92c70890dedf5ec22a026af4df067c7b55aa6009b4d34d5da3c6} – 5.6
- 3/2012 – Prior to PaleoFX event – 5.4
If I showed up in your office as a Cardiologist with this trend line, you’re going to be highly concerned about systemic inflammation and my risk for a cardiovascular incident. Conventional wisdom would put me on the fast track for some sort of pharmacological intervention. My concern was the long term risk for cancer or a cardiovascular incident, let alone metabolic syndrome and challenges. Something was still off track with my level of inflammation.
Just Eat Real Food (JERF) like our Ancestors and all will be well, Correct? What the Ancestral Wellness as a concept doesn’t address about modern biologic mismatches.
Here’s the bad news in Paleo/Primal living. Despite delivering fantastic results from a ‘vanity’ standpoint for many (weight loss and lean good looking in shape folks), there are still unresolved issues with inflammation for many.
If you attended PaleoFX in March of 2012 and were present for the discussions about longevity vs. performance or several other masterminds, you heard first hand of Crossfitters and other ‘in shape’ athletes presenting with catastrophic failures – despite looking great. Lots of hand waiving from trainers and others from Physical Culture to just ‘listen to your body’ and from my perspective almost all of them were in complete denial of the issues of biologic mismatches. At one point, I stopped the discussion and asked the question “if the first time you have any feedback from your body you’re either dead or in such dire straights, you’ve permanently damaged your heart, is ‘just listen to your body a realistic approach?’ The response – a collective ‘gasp’ from the audience as they got the implications. Silence from the Physical Culturists on the Mastermind panel.
Back to Biologic mismatches and how Ancestral Wellness and the Paleo Diet is not the be all solution for everyone. What is amiss? My n=1 observation is its a function of biologic mismatches. As neolithic humans, we think if a little is okay, then more is better. From my story above, you’ll see several references to this:
- Chronic over-training – My early training focused on chronic cardio and I was still over-training until mid-2011.
- Sleep Issues – I used to pride myself on getting by on 5-6 hours of sleep and being a morning person.
- Technologic and lighting mis-matches – We think we can simply ignore Circadian Biologic cycles
- Magnesium and other mineral deficiencies [I – like most in Paleoland – had no idea about Magnesuim and mineral deficiencies until recently]
- Environmental toxins (metals, bpa, etc)
In August of 2011, I began to address each of these areas (save the recent focus on Magnesium and environmental toxins). I made a comment at PaleoFX that most attendees simply missed the implications of. From the end of July to the end of October 2011, the only major change I made in my lifestyle was adding in significantly more sleep. That single change resulted in a drop in my body fat from 16.9 to 10.9{a7b724a0454d92c70890dedf5ec22a026af4df067c7b55aa6009b4d34d5da3c6} in less than 90 days.
From there, I focused on dramatically reducing the technology and lighting mismatches. This is the typical lighting (unless using a fireplace in the winter) after dark at the house. 100{a7b724a0454d92c70890dedf5ec22a026af4df067c7b55aa6009b4d34d5da3c6} of the computers have a program called F.lux installed. My wife and I use goggles that block inappropriate lighting after dark. We follow a very purposeful ritual at sunset and after dark to wind down and get ready for healthy sleep. Poor sleep is a chronic problem today that results in insulin resistance and chronic inflammation. Some might scoff and make fun of these steps as being excessive and silly. That very well may be true if you’re focus is on mediocre. When seeking optimal, intense focus on all the required steps is necessary.
Still not convinced that biologic mismatches are going to get you off track? A recent study about shift work discovered some very interesting results when they subjected test subjects to biologic mismatches based on lighting and circadian timing:
“The study found that otherwise-healthy adults who were both sleep deprived and sleeping on schedules that put them at odds with their biological clocks — common problems for millions of people who work at night — made 32{a7b724a0454d92c70890dedf5ec22a026af4df067c7b55aa6009b4d34d5da3c6} less insulin, the hormone that controls blood sugar, than they do when they are well rested.
As a result, their blood sugar rose significantly. In some cases, those increases reached pre-diabetic levels.”
Despite all the aggressive steps, my systemic inflammation (based on my measured hsCRP) had not resolved as of March 2012. Something systemically was still producing chronic inflammation. Rather than trying to further tinker with my environment or going on a continue search for specific sourcing of the issue (environmental toxins, etc), I made a decision, that I was going to undertake an aggressive Cold Thermogenesis bio hack under the direction of Dr. Jack Kruse. The purpose of the biohack was to combine CT with my current lifestyle and the addition of aggressive Magnesium supplementation to put the “fire out” for good in myself.
Why Biologically aligned living combined with CT and Magnesium are your best friends for an optimal life and longevity – Super Charge Your Ancient Pathway!
So, I was ready to put the fire out and fix my chronic inflammation for good. Something was nagging at me to look into Magnesium further. After a close friend suffered a seizure a week after PaleoFX and almost died in a car crash with his wife and the resulting causative factor was severe Magnesium deficiency, I was strongly motivated to dig in and learn as much as possible. This person was also a very fit ‘Paleoite’ with a body fat below 10{a7b724a0454d92c70890dedf5ec22a026af4df067c7b55aa6009b4d34d5da3c6} as well.
Here’s my top 10 ahas about magnesium and how it super charges Cold Thermogensis and the activation of the Ancient Pathway. There is a strong feedback loop when you look at the research I’ve linked to in this post and below, in that most cold adapted subjects have high (above normal) levels of magnesium and are exposed (dietarily and environmentally) to sources of magnesium. The challenge today is our food sources (even from a Paleo/Primal diet) is not sufficient to provide optimal levels of magnesium due to soil depletion, lifestyle choices, . Magnesium in turn through its varied essential processes in your body ensures you get the optimal benefits of CT and your circadian biology.
- Magnesium has been linked to optimized thermoregulation
- Magnesium levels are tied to BAT functionality and BAT levels
- Magnesium is needed than ATP and optimized cell membrane function
- Magnesium is needed in order to properly metabolize EPA/DHA from Omega 3 oils – optimized O6/O3 level is critical for successful CT and cold adaption
- Magnesium is involved in more than 300 key transactional biologic functions – you can’t be optimal with sub-optimal levels of Mg
- Magnesium is highly anti-inflammatory
- Magnesium is needed for optimized Hypothalmus & Pineal Gland function – Mg is essential for optimized circadian regulation
- Magnesium optimization results in more optimized sleep
- Magnesium optimization has been linked to resolving leaky gut & auto-immune issues
- Magnesium optimization is not available by simply following a diet based on Ancestral Wellness (Paleo/Primal Diet) and requires supplementation to be optimized
Bottom Line: Optimized Magnesium levels critical to experience superior Cold Thermogensis results. Further, the biologic benefits of testing and optimizing your Magnesium levels are too critical to overlook. Its the difference between being mediocre and optimal. Why settle for an B or a C when an A is available.
My CT Protocol – 4 Weeks Post PaleoFX
As part of Cold Thermogenesis Bio Hack, I followed the Cold Thermogenesis Protocol designed by Dr. Jack Kruse with the following modifications:
1) Caveat one – and this is a big one – Cold Adaption is a very specific process to each individual. I have a background in cold water search and rescue from the Pacific Ocean. During a 10 year period, I spent almost every weekend and many nights immersed in the cold Pacific ocean in a mild hypothermic state. My mind/body have been exposed to CT before and as such I was able to skip ahead so to speak.
2) Based on #1 above, I started with 50 degree water for immersions @ 2 x day for the first week 60 minutes per session. I didn’t wear any socks or a hat and would immerse my hands/arms for the last 15-20 minutes of my sessions. I wore a compression shirt and compression shorts and placed a 20# bag of ice over my abdomen during the entire session. The ice pads were placed on my back mid-shoulder and remained there during the entire CT session (I used two pads and had my wife bring in the fresh one at 30 mins into the CT session). I did this for seven days straight.
3) Beginning in week #2, I shifted back to 1 X per day @ 60 minutes – most due to scheduling. Week 2 was another 7 days straight.
4) Weeks 3 & 4 continued daily sessions for 60 minutes – increased the CT ‘gradient/intensity’ by decreasing the water temperature down to 45-46 degrees as a starting point by pre-cooling the water for 60-75 minutes with 40#s of ice (see picture below).
5) I would always eat a high protein meal prior to CT and drink a glass of ice water as well.
6) Beginning in week 1, I began an aggressive Mg supplementation program as follows:
- Daily A.M. – Mg Threonate @ 200mg orally / Mg Chloride Daily
- Daily P.M. – 60 minutes foot soaks w 2 oz / ZMA Supplement w 450mg Mg & 400mg Mg Glycinate.
- b) I also have added Grass Fed Beef Liver (offal) and other sources of dietary Mg into my diet.
7) After Week 4, I moved into a maintenance CT mode @ 2-3 times per week at 60 minutes each session.
8) Additional supplementation of:
- Krill Oil @ 750mg daily
- Curcumin @ 750mg
- Resveratrol @ 1000mg
CT – My HS-CRP Test Results and Summary
I found that I cold adapted fairly quickly – my supposition is that this was based on my strong familiarity with being cold/mildly hypo thermic previously. That said, I had (and still have) very strong bouts of muscle shivering. The initial week, these would last as long as 60-75 minutes as my body would re-heat/defend my core temperature and fire up my furnace. The muscle shivering returned again stronger and with longer duration as I increased the intensity of CT with colder water.
The results – per the HS-CRP test are ‘dramatic’ to say the least. After a 9 month highly elevated trend, the HS-CRP is down by more than 90{a7b724a0454d92c70890dedf5ec22a026af4df067c7b55aa6009b4d34d5da3c6} and a level lower than the first time it was ever tested!
3/2012 – PaleoFX event – 5.4
4/2012 – Post CT/Magnesium – 0.44
Note: I will be completing further testing for magnesium deficiency via hair analysis in May along with an RBC test for key minerals and ratios. Look for a future blog post/discussion on the results of that.
More Support: Webinars by Dr. Kruse
- Factor X (May 2012)
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Additional Resources
- Gnolls.org Opens The Door To Obesity Fight
- The Cold Thermogenesis Protocol
- Cold Thermogenesis 6: The Ancient Pathway
Cites
- Magnesium and inflammation: lessons from animal models] Clin Calcium. 2005 Feb;15(2):245-8. Review. Japanese. PMID: 15692164 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE
- Magnesium and thermoregulation. I. Newborn and infant. Is sudden infant death syndrome a magnesium-dependent disease of the transition from chemical to physical thermoregulation?
- The Epidemic of Magnesium Deficiency – Magnesium Deficiency in Type 2 Diabetes
- A Magnesium Deficiency Increases Cancer Risk Significantly
- MAGNESIUM IN ONCOGENESIS AND IN ANTI-CANCER TREATMENT: INTERACTION WITH MINERALS AND VITAMINS
- Magnesium Deficiency and the Mind/Body Connection – Glucose Regulation and Inflammation
- Inflammation and Pain Management with Magnesium – Magnesium for Life
- Magesium Man Blog – Morley Robbins
- Magnesium Deficiency ‘The Stealth Bomber in Chronic Disease” – Podcast
- “Magnesium Medicine” – Mark Sircus, AC., O.M.D
- Identification and Importance of Brown Adipose Tissue in Adult Humans
- Cold-Activated Brown Adipose Tissue in Healthy Men
- “Brown Fat, Triggered by Cold or Exercise, May Yield a Key to Weight Control.” The New York Times, 01/24/12
- “Brown Fat Furnishes Physiological Furnace.” Scientific American (podcast), 1/25/12
- “How Now, Brown Fat? Scientist Are Onto a New Way to Lose Weight.” TIME, 01/26/12
- “Brown Fat – Keeps You Warm And Keeps You Slim.” Medical News Today, 01/25/12
- “Brown fat could explain why some stay toasty in the cold.” CTV Edmonton, 01/24/12
- “Swimming with Brown Fat,” SwimmingWorld, 01/25/12
- “How does brown fat differ from the other fat in your body? ShareCare, answered by Dr. Michael Roizen
And for your viewing entertainment – the YouTube video showing my Post CT Muscle Shivering http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vjGjbbvCeY
Awesome Kevin! That video made me chuckle…..you could barely stand. That is how CT was for me in the beginning…..took me 15 minutes to stand without holding on to the wall.
VERY interesting post to read after just watching Dan Ariely’s Ted talk on “bugs in our moral code”.
Dogma and Intuition beware…:-)
thanks Jack.
Jim
@James that is why I post James Ariely’s TED on my FB wall today. Im glad you liked it.
Great article. Can Kevin clarify the protocol in 6a?
– Are the foot soaks cold (or heaven forbid warm)?
– w 2oz / ZMA supplement … is that ZMA powder?
– w 450mg Mg & 400mg Mg Glycinate … capsules?
@ATL Paleo Im sure Kevin will chime in here………
OMG that HS Crp change is just incredible!! Congrats and thank you so much for the blog post, I learned so much!
@Coldbren……this is why we need people posting their results and I am so glad you did the same tonight on my forum.
@Kevin, your results are amazing! @Jack, do you have any clinical experience to compare/contrast with Kevin’s case? In addition to his somewhat cold adapted state before starting CT, I wonder if Kevin’s O6/O3 ratio (I assume good) has anything to with such a quick CRP turnaround. For a typical out of shape, SAD diet eating person starting Leptin Rx and CT, would we see similar results or would there be a longer period due to overall adaptation to the change in lifestyle?
@Mike I have many cases……but they are in sick sick people…..Kevin is a rockstar ont he outside……but he just told the world that his outside was not his inside…….and when he met me in Nashville he decided to check his dogma……..and his results are his benefit now. That makes me happy as a physician……..and I have made a friend to Kevin and his wife because of this bio hack. When you can help shine sunshine on someone’s health………..you just smile. What Kevin has shared with you all here is priceless.
Wow! Thanks to both @Jack and @Kevin for this. Eye opening.
@Cody Thank Kevin…….he stepped up huge.
@ATL_Paleo. I use luke warm tap water as I’m focused on pore size for absorption and super cold water isn’t optimal for that. ZMA is a capsule form as are Glycinate and Threonate.
@Jack – re shivering. The first time I went way down on CT water temp AND duration, my shivering lasted 75 mins post session. At this point, its fairly short and often absent completely unless water is sub 45F/7C AND I go longer than 45 mins. I expect that will change as I cold adapt further and bring the water temp down further. I plan to do some tests at 50F/10C for reference. The last session I did for 60 min in 50F/10C I didn’t shiver at all post CT.
wow fantastic, I also have been seeing a huge change since I added back magnesium, was having terrible leg, toe and ankle cramps and asked Dr K about it, he answered one word, magnesium. I then went and researched all he had to say about magnesium and I what I read made me realize that we are so fortunate to have such a doctor available to us, imparting his wisdom. I thought it was the potassium pill I forgot to take that was causing the cramps but when I read the label, it also had magnesium added. Scary thought when all this time I’ve suffered with this problem, was told when I was younger that it was calcium, supplemented with that for years but still suffered with the cramps. Reading that when magnesium is very low many problems start, diabetes… which I was diagnosed with 3 years ago. If I only knew then what I know now I would’ve been supplementing with mg years ago. The rest of the medical world has to wake up and start taking Dr K serious, he’s on to something and it’s time we as patients start to stand up and insist on getting the help we need. When I took Dr K’s information into my doctor, she said she couldn’t do the testing I asked for because I wasn’t diagnose with anything. Last week I went back to the same doctor and after taking the basic blood work, she called me and said, just keep doing what you’re doing, it’s working. lol I reminded her that yeah thanks to Dr K. Btw, my blood glucose is down 20 points after CT, if I don’t do CT it’s back up, which proves I’m far from optimal yet but I’m getting there 🙂
@Eleanor Wont happen…….Ivory Tower docs like mediocre. I like Optimal. Reach for your limit.
@Kevin – Great commitment. Have you noticed any signs that inflammation has lowered other than the CRP? Also, did you experience any ‘de-tox’ symptoms?
Inspirational! I’m stepping up my CT to once a day. Thanks for sharing 🙂
@Liz this is how you reject moderation…….
I really, really needed an smart inspiration like this today. Seeing the theory in practice is really a welcome read. Kevin, thanks for putting it all out there and Dr. K thanks for hosting it. This is gold.
@jackie do not accept mediocre. Reach for your potential.
I have Magnesium Malate is this any good?
@Jon yes it is good. I use Malate.
One more thing is there an easier option than buying ice over and over that sounds really expensive to do every day. 4 10 pound bags at 2.19 per bag 8 dollars a day 7 days 56 dollars for a week…not doable for me.
@Jon illness is a lot more expensive. You are penny wide and pound foolish
when i got my c- reactive protein tested after 8 months on paleo, it went from like 1 something to .018. but i still had a lot of lower belly fat. how could kevin have a 6 pack and look so much healthier than me (woman same age as him), but my c reactive protein be so much better even before i was paleo and eating the SAD? .018 was plain c-reactive protein. would a highly sensitive c-reactive protein be a significantly different number??
@V its called hormones…..
@Jack You must be reading this blog comment section now didn’t expect that quick of an answer thanks Jack!
Would love to hear your thoughts on the magnesium/female hair loss connection. Or magnesium and thyroid-symptoms connection, if there is one. Perhaps this is the missing link for those of us doing it all right (supplements, hormone mgmt, Paleo diet, etc.) and no success at optimal health?
@Jsmith Magnesium loss is associated with hair loss.
Wow. I also have a high hsCRP, but I have been taking gradually increasing doses of magnesium for over a year. Currently I’m taking 1000 mg of magnesium malate and other magnesium chelates. I’ll order the magnesium threonate and step up the CT! I had another hsCRP test a few weeks after starting a much more gentle CT, but it had only gone down a little bit at that time. Maybe in a couple months my next test will show improvement.
Thank you for the inspiration!
Thanks Kevin.
Have you or Jack any idea why this – “During a 10 year period, I spent almost every weekend and many nights immersed in the cold Pacific ocean in a mild hypothermic state” – did not lead to cold adaptation/superior health?
@Simon…..hormone issues or toxins or a combo of both. Get tested.
Great blog. I had my first hsCRP test done a few weeks ago after doing CT since feb and supplementing heavy magnesium. Hs CRP was 0.17. Nice. I wish I had an earlier test for reference. For Magnesium I have been using Nigari which is mg chloride w/trace minerals. I t is a by product of ocean water desalination and is also used as a coagulant in the manufacture of tofu. It is available in health food stores as a crystalline gel. Very inexpensive. Dissolves in water. I also add it to soups. Any thoughts on that? I’m glad to hear that I’m not the only one shivering violently after a session.
@Dali That Mg product I am unfamiliar with. I will have to look for it. I could see adding it to my bone broth.
Dr. Jack, need your insight again. A while ago I stopped CT because of weird palpitations at night. you said I should have my heart checked because the cold was unlikely the culprit. I did and my heart seems to be fine. Stress test 17 METs which they said was not bad for a middle aged woman. Blood work all good. So I resumed CT and the palpitations happened again – at night only. Someone on the forum said that CT helped lower their blood sugar so I checked mine in the middle of the night and it was 69. Drunk some fresh coconut water and the palps went away. any educated guess why this is happening? Is CT fiddling with my insulin response? Do you think this is temporary and I should push on? I really want to continue CT. Thanks a lot, as always.
@Ruby It could be that your cortisol levels are rising at night as you BG drops……
I use the Magnesium recommended Nature made, its Mag. oxide? I take 800mg a day. Is there another one I should use?
@Mike I dont like Magnesium oxide at all. I like Malate or aspartate…..and if you have a neurologic issue I like threonate.
Kevin thanks for sharing… truly inspirational! You have no idea how many people you just affected with this, who will share it with others, and so on… you and Jack are both saving lives (including mine)
Respect, great respect,
There seems to be a correlation between body fat decrease and inflammation increase. Is there?
Magnesium is a great supplement also for women. I read once it is recommended to take days prior to ones period.
Stay safe
@Jack- Kevin mentions taking different types of Mg but does not say why. Is all Mg equal? Could list your preferred Mg types from most preferred to least? Thanks.
@The Kid all Mag is not equal. It depends upon what your trying to treat…..for muscles fatigue or cramping I like malate for example. For diabetic neuropathy, seizrures, and adrenal fatigue I like threonate.
@Petra there is. Those who are LR and have high leptin levels have higher HS CRP generally. To date, I have found nothing that eliminates inflammation faster or better than chronic cold. Not one medication can reverse a 5.4 CRP in a month. I told Kevin when he came to visit me in Nashville with his wife in later February before Paleo Fx that the CT series was going to blow many people away. At his and his wife’s bio hack in Nashville they got to hear many of the secrets I have unveiled here now before they went live. They got to hear how I was using cold to reshape and reengineer humans. I also told them both that a “paleo” alone template was not enough and that much of what was being pushed in the physical culture portion of Paleo was in fact HARMFUL in my opinion. Kevin shared with me his story and he decided to test his own dogma and intuition to see if I was right about his habits. Chronic cardio, poor sleep, and ambient light after dark are as bad as eating grains or eating a vegan diet with respect to CRP. Moreover, they lower your immune system and make you more suceptable to toxins like heavy metals and BPA. Kevin is also working that angle now too to reduce them in his personal sphere. I am proud of Kevin for taking my challenge when his facade said it did not need my help. His labs told a different tale. And because he learned something valuable he decided to go public with it here and help thousands. The next steps is for the readers to begin to question themselves as Kevin did and see just how healthy they really are. I can tell you at Paleo fx many of those in Ivory Towers did not like the message I was delivering. That is fine by me……..because my job as a physician is not for you to like me……..it is to save your life if I can. I think in a small way I helped Kevin realize why he got cancer and why cancer is prominent in his family. I think Kevin is now empowered to be his own best doctor because he understands his body a lot better today than he did when he first met me. That is a credit to him because he challenged what he believed.
I’m absolutely stunned in the results Kevin got, Dr. Kruse…just mind-blowing!
Dr. Kruse, what’s your opinion on transdermal application of magnesium chloride? I’d heard both that taking Mg orally could lead to the runs, and also that repletion takes a very long time by mouth. So I’ve been dissolving magnesium chloride in water and sponging it on topically while lying in my tub. Good idea, or no?
(By the way, magnesium chloride crystals are often marked up very expensively as bath salts, but are dirt cheap if bought from an aquarium supply vendor. Here’s six pounds of MgCl for $18: http://snurl.com/239k3ff )
@Brad I am not stunned and was not stunned. I think Kevin was, because he excitedly called me with his results. I told him that he needed to write a guest blog here to tell the world what he found and share his personal story. This is how a starfish is created. Kevin first was challenged by my beliefs but he listened because of my own results. He became intrigued because my methods were simple and spoke to him on a primal sense. There was no pill for this ill. We used simple evolutionary medicine to treat him cheaply.
The reason I was not stunned it because I already knew WHY it worked. I did it to me and thousands of others. Kevin was searching for the WHY in his life and he knew Paleo alone was not cutting the cheese so to speak. You can read it in his words here…….All I merely have done on this blog in 9 months…….is share with you all WHY am I doing this………….I found something that can change the entire world of biology and medicine. Kevin is one of the people who believes what I believe. That for biology and medicine there is a very very simple answer to neolithic disease…….that is rooted in how we limit and treat inflammation in the body. The best way to do it is to be cold and eat a low inflammatory diet……….Others like Robb Wolf, and Cordain have coined the terms……Paleo diet and grain free……….Me……….I have a dream to change medicine with a simple undeniable fact. Inflammation is at the seat of every neolithic disease we face as a species.
The job of modern day science and medicine to to eliminate inflammation…….and thereby eliminate disease.
I have dream to change medicine with this simple thought.
Kevin believes what I believe now………because, he challenged his dogma. When he met me and I spoke to him and his wife I did not talk to his brain……I was speaking to his core. My words and my beliefs touched his brain so that he felt he had to question what he believed. The only way I can do that is to challenge your beliefs in person and I can tell you if you meet me that is precisely how I roll. I want you to understand why I believe what I do today and why I rejected what I used to believe and what I learned in Pubmed articles, and in med school and in residency.
I spoke to Kevin after his and his wife’s bio hack with me and I think I had a profound impact on them and what they believe now. Did I have a plan for that? Nope. I shared with them what I found and why it changed what I believed.
Kevin saw that and he is the first public Paleo person to do so. I think this information could change millions. I am driven by a singular cause. I want to change medicine and the Ivory Towers. That is why this was no surprise to me, and it should not be a surprise to you any longer.
Kevin is now a starfish. I went to Austin to find Starfish. People do not buy what you sell they buy what you believe. Not everyone is ready for this idea. I only need to share my belief’s here and there and eventually there will be many starfish who will see people who went with their gut feelings over the “Ivory Tower elitest” who regurgitate flawed data from Pubmed They tell you what is wrong with you and they tell you how to do it with the paleo diet……..and then when people struggle they have few answers……….for them. This blocks the early adopters from understanding that inflammation causes everything. I have a different belief than them and that challenges their beliefs, because I think differently and that scares the current ……..
I know why we get sick now because I fixed me, my family and thousands of people over the last 7 years using this information. I think I can change it, simply. Kevin and I want to share that with the world. That is how we change the world…….one starfish at a time. I don’t have a business plan to fix healthcare………I have a dream to change the world by following what I have found works in my clinic.
Kevin is an example of just that. He test my beliefs and in the end………he won. That is transformational change my friend. I knew it all along. I was not surprised.
@Jack – Wondering about the impact of temperature changes during CT. I only use showers, which are usually controlled at about 50-55 degrees. However, recently, the temps have started out at 44-45 degree for about 10 minutes before warming to close to 50 and then closer to 55. By the end of my 30 minute sessions, the temp may even get to 57 or 58.
What I noticed was that the starting temp stung me pretty good and was a little uncomfortable; but my body temp did increase by 1 degree before starting a decline at about 10-15 minute mark. But once the water temp got up into the 50s, everything started feeling positively warm. I mean, the water really felt warm. I was so surprised, that I had to check the water temp time and time again, and to my disbelief, it was in the 50s.
Is this just a “perception” effect related to the fact that I was starting at really low temps? Or am I actually cold adapting more these days than before?
Its been slow going for me, so I am not sure what it’s supposed to feel like when real adaptation starts to show. Thanks
@The Kid this is what happens as your Peripheral nervous system is properly sending signals to the brain and the central nervous system is responding correctly. This is a great sign. Instead of focusing on how and what focus on WHY you are doing it. It becomes even easier when you think this way………You and I both know why you are doing it and that is all that matters at this point. Focusing in on the how and what are going to slow you down.
Kevin – What a great article capturing so many things that will help countless others on their individual journeys to better health and living. As you know I like you discovered that Paleo in and of itself is not enough. It is a great foundation and a valid lifestyle that I follow without fail – I am often called an extremist… 🙂 What I learned and you articulated so well is the fact that we can look great on the outside and “convince” ourselves that we are balanced and doing well when in fact we may not be. Without the proper testing and analysis (not back room novice advice) we will not reach optimum health or performance. The problem is that professional advice is often hard to find or trust. We have been given a gift from On High…. Dr. Jack Kruse and some of the other incredible experts among our ranks who offer some of the best advice and consults on the planet!
I count it a blessing to have met and spent time with Dr. Kruse who I met through Kevin at the PaleoFX12 event in Austin back in March. My life changed forever!!! Thank you Kevin for hosting that historic event and for bringing together under one roof the world’s leading experts in true health and fitness. Dr. Kruse I thank you for the advice and the evident changes in my life. I am a better person and also have been able to help many others change their lives from your invaluable advice and information. Thank you for your boldness to step out front and challenge mainstream medicine while delivering results they can not nor will not. You are a pioneer!
I look forward to what you will bring forward next to help us all move to the next level of life and good health. Please keep on keeping on………… 🙂
@Kevin Cottrell, regarding hair analyses. I have done about eight of those some years back after researching who had the most reliable system of testing and came up with Dr. Larry Wilson’s work http://www.drlwilson.com/
The lab he works with has more accurate system of measuring minerals due to how they process the hair samples. Plus the ratios of one mineral to another was interesting in how it could help assess endocrine status.
Your N-1 is fascinating and totally inspiring!
Martin
@ruby – For a more detailed discussion about K+, Mg+ Ca+ and heart palpitations etc check out this Podcast. Caller who follows a Paleo/Primal diet describes something very similar to you and even refers to drinking lots of Coconut water to address it. I believe you’ll get some further insights by listening to the entire Podcast. http://www.blogtalkradio.com/undergroundwellness/2012/03/23/magnesium-deficiency-the-stealth-bomber-in-chronic-disease
@Ruby @Kevin – Wow. You know, I have been getting these strange chest pains and sensations, largely at night as well. Actually, have had them off and on chest pains for the past couple of years. Wound up in the hospital a few times and each time they told me my heart was OK. So what the heck gives? Guess I need to look into the Mg as well.
Jack the Mg on your recommended page is Mg oxide.
@James I have been trying to find a supplier for other Mgs source but none will play ball with our site. Its frustrating. Some is better than none but if people are using oxide you need to use epsom salt baths too.
Are there any concerns with using epsom salt during CT at 48 degrees for an hour. Or would you take a warmer bath for the epsom salts? I wasn’t sure you would absorb much at colder temps. Also I have read several places that hair testing of Mg is almost useless is there a reliable way to test Mg levels?
Here is a source for Magnesium through Amazon
@jack – I’ll PM you Morley’s #. He has extensive connections for Mg (18 different varieties/delivery mechanisms)
@james – As I understand it, hair analysis – conducted by the correct lab and process is valid. @jack, this is something to discuss with Morley Robbins as he’s done hundreds of hair and RBC tests.
@Kevin Looks like LEF.org was listening……they granted us use of Mg threonate about 10 minutes ago! The recommended page is updated
That’s great @jack. LEF Mg Threonate is exactly what I’m using.
Jack, FYI I went online today only to see the top video on the news is Wim Hof on the show Fadt or fake paranormal files. Comcast.net
Jack – I hope that you invite Morley Robbins onto the Blog and in select discussions to allow him to further explain the importance of Magnesium and it’s relationship (love-hate) with Calcium and why you can not discuss one without the other.
I learned the hard way about it and now respect the relationship and how to keep the evil one – Calcium in check by proper dosing of Magnesium (Transdermal Foot Soaks (Magnesium Chloride), Epson Salts Soaks (Magnesium Sulfate), and taking Magnesium L-Threonate from Life Extension orally three times a day. I also now understand how to test properly (Quality Hair AnalysisTesting), RBC Magnesium Blood Serum Testing, and Ionized Calcium and Magnesium Serum Testing to find the homeostasis of the the two ( a very hard test to find a place to perform it but well worth it).
In short I was dangerously high on Calcium and Vitamin D 25-Hydroxy and had bottomed out on Magnesium everywhere it counted even though my blood test that the doctors did showed me normal ( a worthless main stream medical test that should be outlawed in my opinion). I also had extremely high levels of toxic metals in my body – mercury, cadmium, and aluminum. Something I was never aware of to test or what it can cause when Magnesium is low and Calcium is high. My perfect paleo diet and lifestyle was not enough although it helped me to survive what good have been a much worse fate…. Calcium is a constrictor and Magnesium is a relaxer……. We need both but in the right balance and in the right places. Food does not put it there as we often think. Magnesium is the first to go and Calcium is the first to step up and do it’s harm when left unchecked.
My recommendation to all people within reading distance of this blog is to not underestimate the importance of the proper testing, balanced minerals and supplements, and eating the right foods while living a healthy life. Jack’s innovative work on CT and Circadian Rhythm.
Here’s the link skip to to 24 minutes in. http://xfinitytv.comcast.net/tv/Fact-or-Faked%3A-Paranormal-Files/106803/2224204864/The-Grim-Sleeper—The-Real-Mr.-Freeze/videos?skipTo=404&cmpid=FCST_hero_tv
@Riversedge I think the doctor in this show was really off. He was going off what is in a book. He was not any good in my view.
Oops…. meant to finish the following thought:
Jack’s innovative work on CT and Circadian Rhythm is such a game changer. WHat he has done and documented countless times as well as shared with the free world is changing lives when nothing else would or could.
Hi Jack, great, great post, have to up my CT’ing!
I have a quick question regarding Magnesium, I suffer with restless legs from time to time at night, what type of Mg would you recommend for that?
Also, what do you think of Mg Citrate, any good?
Thanks
@Dave the best combo is epsom salt baths, nuts, pumpkin seeds, and magnesium malate are what I use for people with that.
@Jack, Going forward now for Kevin, what will he have to do to maintain that terrific CRP? Each of us will have a different set of stresses to overcome but I’m guessing there will be a lower need for CT after the inflammation is down.
This was a great post Jack and Kevin. Thank you for sharing your personal story with the world.
I started using citrate in Feb and then glycinate in March due to higher dose in glycenate. (500mg for glyc and only 150mg for citrate). Is glycenate OK or should I switch to threonate?
@Gladina changing would depend upon your particular issues. Discuss those with your doctor.
Btw, I was just lucky then about mg intake right when I started CT. I started taking it bc of your other blog post…so glad to see it helps with CT!
Btw, my name is not showing up as Gladina…lol.
There are many Magnesium supplements out there. How do we decide on the right one. I currently use Natural Calm which is Mg citrate powder, but would prefer in pill form as it is easier. I see that Kevin uses a combination of different ones. Thanks
@Alex it really depends upon your issues. If you read the blog I linked here in Kevin’s blog that I wrote in August of 2011 here: https://jackkruse.com/gnolls-com-opens-the-door-to-obesity-fight/
@kevin
thanks a lot for sharing your experience. I’ve enjoyed reading it.
@ HS CRP,
reading @kevin’s post I’m kind of shocked with my own HS CRP.
I keep the records of two HS CRP measures: 0.037 (2011) and 0.063 (2012). Both of them on the paleo diet I follow since three/four years ago, including supplments such as curcumin and fish/cod liver oil. I track inflamation markers due to my parents AI diseases (Wegener and Sjoegren). So, seemingly there is no need of CT to get relatively low HS CRP even if you don’t have great genes.
I would encourage people to test the effect of curcumin on their HS CRP measures.
@Kevin you might head over to quackwatch and read what they have to say about hair analysis. What lab would be a “correct” one?
Great post Kevin! Thanks for putting this out there and inspiring us all.
Dr. Kruse, I have a question about magnesium’s effect on me. I seem to have a paradoxical reaction to both epsom salts and Natural Calm. Instead of relaxing me, I get aggitated and nervous, so I cannot take NC before bed. I take Mg glycinate and seem to do okay with that without the nervousness, just wondering why this happens. Does it have something to do with a leaky blood-brain barrier and would Mg threonate be helpful? Thanks for rocking my world!
@Mischa I have a few patients who react this way and have encouraged them all to get the Mg exatest of the RBC’s but none has chosen to do so to see what their Mag status really is.
hi dr.k, somewhat off topic. i have what looks to be the same glasses fit over glasses that block out blue light that i see advertised on your site, but my glasses are yellow. do glasses have to be amber to block out blue light? thx!
@V it should be fine.
a follow up: from wikipedia “Sunglasses” : ” Regarding blue light, the color gives at least a first indication: Blue blocking lenses are commonly yellow or brown whereas blue or gray lenses cannot offer the necessary blue light protection. However, not every yellow or brown lens blocks sufficient blue light. In rare cases, lenses can filter out too much blue light (i.e., 100 %), which affects color vision and can be dangerous in traffic when colored signals are not properly recognised.”
I would not wear my yellow glasses when driving anyway, but maybe wearing them outside and seeing if they affect my color vision re traffic lights might be a good test on whether they are blocking blue light or not.
@V best way to assess them is to serially check your DHEA level from beginning to end…..it should rise if glasses are working.
a follow up to the follow up- do blue light receptors also exist in the skin? if so, then just wearing blue-light blocking glasses at night wouldn’t be enough.
the last couple paragraphs before the footnotes:
http://www.pnas.org/content/95/11/6097.full.pdf
could you please recommend a doctor who can help me with this? I am eating Paleo but I cannot make any progress, the low carb flu won’t go away, something is really messed up with me! I will do all the necessary test but not on my own DHEA, O6/O3, CRP, ABC, XYZ make my head spin! (I am a math major :P)
@Jenny I can not. YOu may want to check our Jimmy Moore or Robb Wolf’s physician referral networks on their website.
I live in NYC, btw.
For linux users who are not using Ubuntu / Gnome and do not want to compile F.lux from source there is an alternative called Redshift at http://jonls.dk/redshift/ which works very well with just about any linux distro or bsd variant. Packages are available for Arch, Debian, Fedora, FreeBSD, Frugalware Linux, Gentoo, Mandriva, OpenBSD and Ubuntu. There is a windows version but it is experimental and command-line only. I’m using Redshift now on Debian Sid AMD64 with XFCE4 without complaints. Setup was trivial.
On a different note: Thanks Kevin for having the guts to risk the derision of the rest of Paleo elite by throwing your hat in with Dr. Kruse. Results like yours (plummeting hs-CRP after 4 weeks of CT) cannot be dismissed out of hand – although I’m sure they will try. As a night nurse of some 12+ years, Dr. Kruse’s writings convinced me to get off the graveyard shift (11p-7a) 3 months ago and I feel much better for it. I’m still not optimal as I work 3p-11p now but it is a journey of steps. Thanks to the both of you for your efforts and courage.
@ Keto Warrior He did not throw ‘his hat’ in with me…….he just decided to test my theory and his dogma. Then he learned something because he challenged his beliefs. Your perception and their perception sadly are cut from the same linen when you examine it. That is too bad you think in such a manner. That could keep your mind closed to potential cures to you. Many of them are headed down the same path but they dont think it could be them……..until it is. Then we will see how they feel.
@Jack – Kevin did several things simultaneously, CT, deep CT and magnesium in different ways and concentrations. I am just curious, what In your opinion is the role played by CT and magnesium independently in lowering hsCRP.
@ Resurg. The job is not to prove which came first the chicken or the egg…….it is to get him better and reverse inflammation. Both did…….but Mg repletion works best when we are cold adapted. This is why cold sea water is healthful to humans too…….it has massive amounts of magnesium in it too.
@Resurgent,
only you can answer this question on your own system by asking blood tests. Usually doctors don’t put an odd face when you ask for it, and in the worst of the cases is not a very expensive exam so one can go to the lab and pay for it directly.
This is like Vitamin D3, only testing you can know what the serum level is.
As I said before, paleo+ fish/cod liver oil+curcumin+D3 has worked very well for me, and I come from parents with severe AI diseaes.
I’ll report my results here after cold shower CT when I have a new blood test.
Jack, regarding epsom salt baths,, but does epsom salts work in cold water?
Sorry if it’s already been answered!
Thanks
@jonny it works in any water……Sea water has huge amounts of Mag in it and it is cold. That is why ocean CTing is very very good.
hi again, i have been having much improved sleeps lately. i have made modest changes: not going on the computer at dark, cold rinses 3x a week, continuing to eat de vany paleo, but being careful not to eat late….i am very surprised that implementing minimal changes has led to such improved sleep- it’s hard to believe. i had a worsening of sleep in the very beginning of the changes, but i guess that was the detoxing??
anyway- i will reask my question not because i am having problems, but cuz i am curious: a follow up to the follow up- do blue light receptors also exist in the skin? if so, then just wearing blue-light blocking glasses at night wouldn’t be enough.
the last couple paragraphs before the footnotes:
http://www.pnas.org/content/95/11/6097.full.pdf
over at professor de vany’s site we are talking about different theories of aging: rose vs de grey. rose has some interesting things to say about needing to go back to our ancient genome in terms of diet- aka low carb paleo. i asked professor de vany if in fact he agrees with rose that we need to go back to our ancient genome, especially true for some populations, shouldn’t we expand that concept to not just include diet and exercise, but also include avoidance of light exposure from electronics after dark. i’m waiting for his reply as i don’t remember him talking about light exposure from electronics before.
@V no one has talked about light exposure from electronics in this community before me. It is the paleo communities biggest risk behind the crazy cross fitting. Paleo’s are all nuts about exercising and using technology……its their oxymoron and they need to check their dogma. Kevin was the first public paleo person to do so.
@Jack – Saw an article about this disease on CNN today and couldn’t help think about you:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spinal_muscular_atrophy
In the same way there are workarounds for MTHFR mutations, I was wondering about the workaround for something like SMA. Or, if ketosis + cold + factor X could have an impact; because it seems that the problem here is essentially cell death. And the lengthening of telemores obviously staves that off.
Sorry for the tangent, but it just seemed like somethnig up your alley.
@the Kid it is but researchers and clinicians who deal with this need to begin to use it……the sad part is they stick with bad treatments until something is proven in a RCT while people die or get worse. That is not healing……or healthcare to me.
I just want to make sure that I’m understanding this correctly, Kevin’s HS CRP was:
8/2008 1.0
3/2012 5.4
Post CT/magnesium .44
So, from the silent inflammation point of view, he was “healthier” prior to the paleo diet in 2008 than in 2012 before CT? Or am I totally missing something here…
@BDF I think your missing the point……Kevin is still Paleo today…….he was not Paleo in 2008. What changed? He began to exercise like many believe you should today in the “physical culture world of Paleo”. This resulted in his facade, IE Body, becoming awesome while his insides were slowly dying. That is when he met me and I had answer for what he was facing. Then when I tied it to his family history he began to pay attn. I told him the Paleo diet was not his problem, but his mode of belief’s for exercising himself to death while creating huge circadian mismatches were. And he altered them slightly and began to embrace the cold. In 30 days you see the results………while he remained on the Paleo diet. This has zero to do with his diet and 100% to do with his exercise beliefs and the circadian mismatches he silently allowed to creep into his life.
And i was getting worried today as i left the bath to find myself shaking like a wet dog for abpur 40 minutes easy…. But watching the video and reading the posts and blog in calmed me down to know that this is normal… Im gonna order myself some magnesium malate as i am so fidgety at night and very restless no matter what i do but im gradually getting to bed earlier and earlier to try to fix the problems… Its not good though when my grandad is convinced that if he shakes me i will rattle… In the last week ive had a delivery of, omega 3, probiotics, vit d3, coconut oil and milk and now magnesium…. Haha,
I did the bulletproof coffee method this morning and i was buzzing and could reel information to pt clients for hours without forgetting or losing track of thoughts which often happens to me..but ill keep it strictly to fight days and maybe change butter to ghee…
Dr.K, I still feel confused…(and appreciate your patience with my questions). I understand that Kevin is still paleo — so it was the exercise that caused his CRP to increase? (And am I correct that his CRP was lower before the paleo/exercise?) I am thinking that circadian mismatches were about the same for Kevin before paleo and during paleo/exercise?
And at which stage would Kevin been at more risk — before paleo/exercise with lower CRP or post paleo/exercise (better weight/body fat) but higher CRP?
@BDF chronic cardio causing bad sleep. Re read the post……you did not read it well.
Thank you, Dr Kruse. will look…
dr. k said ” Paleo’s are all nuts about exercising…” I don’t think that is true for professor de vany and dr. mcguff. i followed de vany paleo, or “evolutionary fitness” and dropped my c-reactive protein even not paying attention to electronics exposure. but, by paying attention to electronics exposure i feel my sleep has improved. also, i never did 100% de vany paleo. he was talking about BAT and cold exposure and 50% seafood diet a long time ago, but i just was so happy with losing weight easily i didn’t go in whole hog. then when my temp changes started getting worse and my immune system was affected and i saw how dr. k’s recommendation re seafood and cold were commensurate with de vany, i started to change my tune. thanks dr. k!!!
@V I am generalizing the comment. Crossfit and Paleo are tied to the hip and that is not a good thing in many cases in my view.
ps with de vany paleo i was lifting for about 15 minutes and sprinting 1x a week. other days i was walking, biking, or just being lazy. still had the 3 month pregnancy look though- but my crp was good!!
@Jack- Is blood oxygen saturation something you follow as a marker? If so, what is it an indicator for? And what levels do you like to see? And what do low levels mean to you?
@The Kid I do in certain cases and when I am considering recommending HBOT. In medicine we follow Saturation of o2 with arterial blood gases which are only done when an Arterial line is in place.
@V Being concerned with limiting artificial light at night poses some challenges. I wear Oakley glasses and they block all UVA/B/C light. They come in a variety of colors including clear which is what I wear. I am still looking into this but color should not matter. I have noticed an improvement in sleep wearing their clear lens. As to light sensitivity reaching our organs through other mechanisms, that I find fascinating. We really need to get back to normal circadian ADLs.
Here is a link explaining their lens http://www.oakley.com/innovation/optical-superiority/uv-protection
Ok, read you post on Mg. I have been using Mg Citrate (natural calm) 325mg daily, but it gives me the runs so I’m not a big fan of it.
I am thinking of supplementing with Mg Malate 1000mg and Mg L-Threonate daily. is this a good start?
Serum blood tests of Magnesium are totally useless. Vast majority of Mg is IN the cell, not outside. Therefore a “normal” blood testing will be just arbitrary.
Better to test Mg in whole blood. Reference values are also totally different among those two.
There must be labs in the US who will also perform this (rather simple) test.
@Werner Exatest is the best assay…..its a RBC intracellular test and I wrote about it last August and referenced it in this blog with a link.
Hello Dr. Kruse
Can you please comment on your thoughts of doing a water fast for a day and combining with CT?
I am looking to increase my fat loss over the next few months as I am heading up to my wedding in the fall
@Golooram drinking water actually helps you lose weight so fasting without water makes no sense to me.
I have been using Mg Citrate (natural calm) 325mg daily, but it gives me the runs so I’m not a big fan of it.
Alex, I also got the runs from oral Mg, so what I’ve been doing is taking it topically.
I thought the idea of adding Epson salts or magnesium chloride to my baths was incredibly wasteful/expensive, so what I do is pre-mix my own “magnesium oil” (it’s sold expensively as this, but it’s really just cheap MgCl crystals dissolved in water). I keep a bottle of my water + MgCl mixture in the tub, and to take my magnesium, I lie in the tub and sponge on the MgCl water mixture.
I did it yesterday morning for the first time, and shortly after needed a nap — probably the deepest nap I’ve had in my life. So the advice about taking magnesium before bed is well-taken.
I got my bulk MgCl powder here:
bulkreefsupply.com/store/products/calcium-alkalinity-magnesium/magnesium-supplements-for-aquariums/1-gallon-bulk-magnesium-chloride-for-aquariums.html
@Brad Thanks for the heads up!
Hello Dr. Kruse
I meant doing a fast drinking just water (not food) and combining it with CT once in a while (maybe 1 zero calorie day a week) to increase fat loss
@Golooram fasting one day is fine and wont hurt you.
@Brad I just bought 2 6 pound bags of epsom salts at CVS for about $10. Doesn’t seem too wasteful/expensive to me.
@Jim I thought to myself why is his epsom salts so expensive? Then I just decided to stay silent……glad you said what I was thinking. The stuff is dirt cheap.
So I’ve been doing this pond thing 48DEG for 15 min full immersion almost everyday for the past 30 days. Tonight I looked at my glucometer which stores the BG averages.30 day average is 119. 14 day average is 113. 7 day average is 109. 1day average(today) is 104. I am off all meds at this time.
Three years ago I was diagnosed diabetic with a A1c of 13. WTF! Everybody get in the water!
@Dali Im glad you are finding out what CT does best…….it reverse IR by getting rid of fat cells……that is the magic of its biology. It amazes me that we continue to push drugs when this simple little action works far better.
Dr. Kruse
Ok, so after a toxic weekend in Vegas jumped back in the ice and felt immediately better after my one hour ice bath.
Question was if you could mention why or point to where you have discussed of why it’s important to have a protein/fat rich meal prior to CT
if anyone else knows the link, would be great as well
Dali, that’s freaking fantastic.
Congratulations!
@Brad I just bought 2 6 pound bags of epsom salts at CVS for about $10. Doesn’t seem too wasteful/expensive to me.
LOL, chalk it up to cluelessness. I didn’t know where one bought Epsom salts, so instead bought MgCl on the net. Who knew CVS had it in 6lb bags? 🙂
congratulations dali!!
Hi Jack, these any good:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280425080249&fromMakeTrack=true&ssPageName=VIP:watchlink:top:en
Many thanks
Stirring stuff, Kevin. Congratulations.
@Dr Kruse. Jack, I had a T2 sympathectomy a dozen or so years ago; my thermo-regulation is compromised. Should I expect to benefit from CT as others do? Many thanks.
Wow! amazing CRP change! — every time I think a blog here has pushed the envelope with gournd breaking insightful and helpful new health information ….the next one leaves it in the dust! I don’t even know how to begin to thank you Dr Kruse for all of this — I have hope for the first time in 20 years!!!
and Kevin, thanks so much for your story and sharing your protocol — my HS CRP runs between 16.0 with curcurmin and 2.0 and they refuse to believe it’s a factual reading … so they run it again and then tell me it’s an “an anomaly” — and I do take Mag due to Fibro but clearly not enough — and I used to use epsom salts, so going back to that today!
thanks again for all the information you’ve shared!
Dr. K — Still here and knee deep in reams of paper and learning sooo much — question please:
do you have a preference on Armour Thyroid vs Thyrolar? if so, why?
thanks again for all you done for us!
Christy
sorry, typo there — that is 16.00 to 25.00 … not 2.0
@jonny H
I’m sure some magnesium is better than none but the first ingredient in that product is magnesium oxide which Dr. K. does not like.
You can find Magnesium Malate, Aspartate, Theonate, Glycinate etc etc fairly cheaply online… even in the U.K. :p
Thanks for reply Monte Diaz, I’ll go for the malate.
Cheers
Hey Jack,
I Just came from the surgeon and received praise for my recovery. I asked him questions about why they had seen so much damaged on the two different MRI’s. He said it rarely happens that they see that and get in there and only to find nothing. He showed me images with the scope of the damage before and after. Most of the damage left was bone very little fraying was left and absolutely no tears. He is very surprised at of the fact I only took a total of 9 Vicodin pills post surgery.
In his words the Labrum, socket and ball and tendon are pristine. The contrasted MRI said otherwise. The Independent surgeon (who is the head of shoulder surgery at Mass general) also told me back in February I had a 50% tear in the supraspinatus and a (Bankart Lesion?) on my labrum with some fraying all of which were gone at the time of surgery.
I told my surgeon what I had been doing as far as CT and he said, great keep it up your range of motion is Impressive. I would have liked to get more into detail, but as you know he had a packed house and little time.
He did say at the rate I am healing I will have a fast recovery. He set me up with PT and I have no Restrictions with the therapist! 10 days after surgery OUTSTANDING. I can not thank you enough Jack you have made this so much easier than I once thought.
@Riveredge…….your best PT is CT. You are just another patient who has found out what I have known now for 6.5 yrs. There has been a lot of magic being spun in my clinic and OR because of CT.
You have already convinced me of that Jack.
My son and I had an epiphany after I had told him the whole story of the injury and my weight loss. He said Dad remember at the beach when we wondered why I could see my Ab’s after our Vacation. Do you think it was the Ocean water doing the same thing? I used to tell him it was the tan he got made him look ripped (how Ignorant was I).
We rented a beach house up north for 2 weeks every summer in July. We were in the water all day long body surfing and in NH the water would always be 56-58 degree’s sometimes so cold it would sting. We also ate a lot of Beef and chicken (grilling was easier) although They ate a lot of junk food at night. My daughter was a dancer and here legs were also ripped after the two weeks. I am going to get all the pictures together and try and pick out differences.
My son is going to do his first CT session today even though like me he has always finished a shower with cold water for a few minutes. Something my mom used to make me was a freezing cold bath (which I hated at the time) after I had an asthma attack and had to sit in the bathroom steam for a half hour. My mom was a visionary in so many ways this was just one more.
@Riversedge you need to write this up and we can have you do a guest blog like Kevin did. I think your story could help people too. Im glad youre now realizing that you had CT benefits and evidence before but never realized it……its just like modern science and the current version of mankind. They have no idea how close we are to an amazing answer.
Jack, any negative effects from using a far infrared sauna?
@Matthew I have no experience with this.
@jamesbond – my apologies for the delay in this response. I missed your question about hair analysis until I was reviewing the entire comments on this post again last night.
I’d like to pose my response to you with a short story that is instructive and a question. First, the story involves a close friend of mine who was recently in a major car crash. He follows a very strict Paleo diet, works out regularly and to see him from the outside, you’d think he was in perfect health. Well, what a different story on the inside! His story should be a wake up call and illustrative to the fallacy that you can simply listen to your body and/or simply believe that eating Paleo will be completely protective!
January Seizure 1 – Mg and Ca Blood Serum Test only after event. All results showed normal.
February Seizure 2 – Mg and Ca Blood Serum Test only after event. All results showed normal.
Then on advice of Wellness Coach he had the following tests: Mag RBC and Hair Analysis (both of which showed him high in Ca and very low in Mg along with high levels of heavy metal toxins in his body. Unfortunately he did not have the results until after he had Seizure 3.
He then had Seizure 3 – Again Mg and Ca Blood Serum Test done by treating physicians showed normal. The pre-seizure 3 test results now arrived and he definitively knew where the problem now was – Ca and Mg balance with heavy metal levels. After 30 days of heavy and focused intervention he had another Mag RBC and a Ionized Ca and Mg Test done and he tested truly and perfectly balanced.
His car crash was caused by seizure #3 the result of a major imbalance of Mg++ and Ca++ which had gone undetected on several previous serum blood tests. In fact, after each and every seizure, the medical practitioners looked at his blood work and suggested there was nothing showing any signs of why he had had the seizure. The results of these tests were eye opening to say the least. Despite following what most believe to be a very strict program based on Paleo Diet, his Mg++ and Ca++ were, in fact, severely out of whack, which showed up clearly on the hair analysis & the Mag RBC test which measures intracellular Mg in the Red blood Cells.
So, my question to you, and Dr. Barrett, would be the following. If serum tests are usually found to have no validity in determining mineral deficiencies and imbalances, and further hair tests and advanced mineral analysis can identify these critical mineral deficiencies/imbalances that could lead to the swift resolution of major health issues, why would you suggest that people not get these testings completed? If my friend had done so in January, he would have likely avoided a car crash that nearly cost him and his wife their lives, along with several people on a sidewalk.
Seems like only upside and no downside, regardless of what Barrett or anyone being sponsored by the AMA says. Anyone interested in further reading on the topic can visit this site and review these two articles – http://www.traceelements.com/writtenresponse.aspx. If you’re looking for a referral to the Wellness Coach he used who is an expert in this area, please email me at kc at paleofx dot com.
This is so frustrating! I give Mg Threonate to my parents, who look at it dubiously and tell me that they have never had low magnesium in their blood (serum) tests.
I feel like I’m battling windmills.
@Nonchalant you are…….modern medical dogma believes what it believe regardless and hides behind evidence based medicine moniker. The major problem is when you don’t ask the right questions, or the initial questions is based upon a flawed premise, or you wont look under a rock because “you think or have been told” it wont be fruitful…….mistake happen. They are called iatrogenic errors. In medicine more are made yearly. Over 120,000 in 2011. We question deaths from Mg supplements or Vitamin D toxicity like mad but no one questions deaths from coumadin. Why is that? Because the complex believes coumadin is a must have drug…….for certain things. We must look at that belief closely and question it.
@Nonchalant – I think if you read Kevin’s recent comments it is obvious that the key is relevant testing. I know that I am going to encourage my parents to get their hair analysis done and a Mag RBC Test (I found that they can get it at a local Lab Corp near where they live for just a few dollars) this week. I am looking for a Ionized Calcium ad Magnesium Test Facility near them but have not been able to locate one yet? I am comfortable that their levels will be out of balance just due to their age and their present health and dietary habits. We shall see said the blind man…..
Dr. Kruse – do you have any cautions about using CT on eyes? E.g., covering eyes with cloth and using icepack. Obviously those who are in water will have some exposure, but I assume most CT is done with head out of water.
@David my protocol does not call for head dunks. If you swim in the ocean you can goggle it.
@Kevin
I’m glad your friend is better. You made a very emotional argument but I’m not sure you answered my question.
Which is the “correct” lab to get a hair analysis from?
Only by looking into their procedures and what they use as references should you evaluate the tests effectiveness. When others have looked into this issue they found several concerning issues. Whether hair levels or even correlated to hair levels, hair growth rates, contamination via air pollution, medical conditions that cause hair loss, just to name a few. Jack responded somewhere that he uses the Mg RBC test. It looks at the actual level of Mg in your cells. Seems like the best source especially compared to an external source like hair.
We do agree on the other problem. The blood Mg is proven to be useless. Why do they do it? Probably the same reason the approved cholesterol test is the crappy calculated version. Insurance companies make decisions like that now and I bet its just because its a cheaper test.
By posing a question in an emotional argument you can set your self up to make the wrong decision due to the loss aversion principle. What if the results of the hair analysis were the same as the Mg RBC test only by coincidence? Could that cause you to rely on it in the future and suffer a similar accident?
If you have money to do both tests knock your self out. If you can only afford one sure seems like the Mg RBC is less risky when compared to the others.
@james – you my friend miss the point. Really, I made the wrong decision based on emotion. Who made you the judge of that and where do you think you have a basis for making such a wild judgmental statement?
We have people running around thinking their fine as they ‘eat Paleo’ who may be running the risks of having issues – some catastrophic – so while you sir are splitting hairs (pun intended) – others are reviewing how to test their dogma and get better. I’m glad that folks like you aren’t out there making actual silly decisions for me (and anyone else I care about) based on trying to save costs/minimize risks. You are working the plan that is focused on mediocre or average. Many of us are focused on optimal and getting A’s. I have much faith that the vast majority of the readers won’t go down the rat hole you took and my response was designed to flush our your rationale argument vs. just arguing for arguments sake. Basically, I fully vetting the validity of your actual desire to get to the facts of how to test things vs. stirring the pot. Those that seek optimal now have the information and tools to get A’s. You, on the other hand can go back to arguing and debating things… enjoy the rapidly emptying room! This isn’t about emotional arguments – you may not know this, I was a first responder/Paramedic – I wrote what I wrote (including my blog post) for the benefit of others. Where is your heart and soul focused? How does your contribution even come close to helping others? Sorry, that was rhetorical as you clearly don’t have that gene.
I’d love for you to stop arguing and state what your objective was? I’m suspect that if I checked your IP address and domain I’d find a very familiar location of other detractors on this blog who have been focused on being divisive and argumentative.
@Kevin
I guess I owe you an apology. My intention was not to upset you. I’m sorry.
I think hair analysis is a scam. You think its not if you go to the correct one. I wanted read more about it from the people doing the test. It was merely to find out more about the testing and if my thinking was wrong. Maybe there is some cool new test I don’t know about.
I will go away if it makes you happy.
@James Do not go away…….I think there is a great lesson here and you may have just helped me greatly. I think we all need to attack every new problem with the beginner’s mind. When we engage our mind to ponder a new question or topic instead of entering it with our old perspectives and thoughts……… we instead need to burn up those thoughts like we would a bonfire leaving no trace of ourself so we can approach the problem from a new perspective……..This is the lesson for me in the last two comments and you both may have helped me immensely tonight. Thank both of you for your perspectives because I now realize what I must do.
@Riversedge
Thanks for your posting. I was supposed to have shoulder surgery before I got another doctor’s opinion. Luckily, I was told today that it wasn’t completely necessary yet. I’ve been doing CT just on my shoulder now everyday for 1 1/2 weeks and I can already feel a difference. I am definitely going to continue and will start full body CT later this month when I move into my new home. I started with a cold shower a day (still tough for me since I love anything warm) last week and I am really excited about ice baths soon.
Special thanks to Dr. Kruse for his help too.
Re: your answer to David about getting the eyes cold. Face dunks get the eyes cold. Your first protocol is face dunks. Please explain. I enjoy opening my eyes to the water and they seem OK.
@Melinda face dunks are perfectly fine……when in the ocean I would not open my eyes because of all the irritants in the water. Goggles are best. The ocean water in winter can get below 50 degrees so there rarely would you face dunk. You can but you should be practicing CT for some time.
Kevin,
The tone of your last post is offensive to me. You have an interesting story to tell as a recent convert to Jacks CT methodology when coupled with Paleo eating. Your accusatory and condescending comments are not adding to the discussion.
Dr K, no, being frustrated isn’t being nonchalant, LOL! In my defense, I chose the name because it means not heated. I am always nonchalant while CT’ing. I’ll try more to live up to my userid. 😀
“Eric Hanner”, you’re trolling. As was “James Bond”.
And I’d be willing to bet that you’re both the same person.
@Brad and Eric Lets just chill. I love opinions. I love when we disagree but let us stay on the topic. It is about how CT deals with inflammation. Kevin has decided to use different measures to test than I would but the fact he is testing to me is huge. And that is what I am hoping we can get others to consider to do regardless of how they look on the outside.
I’ve been reading Dr. Kruse blog for a few weeks and just registered so I could leave a comment right now. I don’t understand a lot of things said here and have a lot of questions. I actually had the same question James had, I think I know what test I need, but I don’t know where to get it done. There’s a lot of places and a lot of claims that some of those places are not good. I don’t understand why Kevin got so offended and started waving his “I help people” badge. Brad, I’ll bet you whatever you want that I am not Eric Hanner or James Bond, and yet agree with them.
@Carlos you need a doctor/health coach to guide you thru the process if you are unsure. Many in this community have foresaken that option to do it themselves…….my site is designed to help both. If you want help you can get it here if you invest the time. If your remain unsure you can sign up for educational meeting with me. If you are do it yourselfer you can read and ask a lot of questions. Its your call. I think there are a lot of people saying and doing things that bother many people these days. Me, I do not focus on what I cant control
Sorry Brad. Not a chance. What’s the paranoia about having an opinion? I’m not looking for a reply or an answer. I just don’t like to see one poster talking down to another and suggesting as you just did that there is some phantom posting going on. Jack has the ability to stop that kind of thing, if it happened. I like this blog and have been following it for a long time. Please, chill.
@ Eric and Carlos read this blog for another perspective. http://thefreerangehuman.wordpress.com/2012/04/25/cold-thermogenesis-one-month-into-the-cold/
@Dawson,
I think you could completely avoid surgery with CT. I went through 6 months of physical therapy and when they cut that off, I waited for word on the surgery. Surgery came two months later. I heard Dr. Kruse on Sean Croxton’s Paleo summit during my wait. I came here and read for 10 hours straight.
Now I don’t know all the little nuances here and I wont pretend I do. But what I do know is CT absolutely repaired much of the damage to my shoulder. I have the MRI’s and scan’s to prove it and two doctors that cannot and WILL NOT begin to understand it.
I would say follow the Protocol to the letter. I look back at some of the notes I logged when I started and it will surprise you how little we tolerate at the beginning. I think I was at 4 minutes and now 8 weeks later its 30 (2 or 3 times a day) and rising . I will hit the ocean starting Friday the water is 52* and I cant wait.
I have paper logs here that side by side if I flip the CT minutes log upside down it matches the weight loss log (just noticed that bit of useless info) anyway, stick with it and get over your warm shower and get in the cold after the first 3 or 4 weeks you won’t know how you did without the cold. Dawson also ICE ICE ICE all day long. Watch you skin color I made that mistake once.
Thanks Jack. What a great story! My own progress is moving right along. I’m finding that with IF and CT in my post Leptin Rx, I’m losing weight in a steady rate and bs is perfect. Thanks for everything Jack.
Hi Jack, would you mind responding to my comment #112? Thanks!
@Jack, Thanks I will keep all my notes and logs. I would be honored to guest blog here in the future.
Yes Dr. Kruse, I need to find a doctor. I still need to read and re-read because I want to understand so I know when I’ve found a good doctor. I’ve been seen different doctors for 10 years for ulcerative colitis and constipation and I know I haven’t found a good one because I went from bad to worse with their advice of eating more fiber. I didn’t get better until I found Mark Sisson’s site (one year ago) and haven’t seen a doctor since then. I feel 90% better, but I want the other 10%. If anybody can recommend a doctor in the Phoenix area I would appreciate it. I also need a doctor for my wife who won’t listen to me and my experiments, it would have to be from a doctor telling her what to do. Thanks.
@Carlos I do not know anyone in Phoenix but I do think follow Mark Sisson’s advice is good. The key with your diet is to keep the inflammation levels low. I would also tell you that on my forum you may get a lot of help as well.
Concurrent cold and hot adaptation? I’ve been doing CT for about a month now. Meantime it is beginning to get hot here in North Carolina and will get hotter still. Thus, I’m also getting heat adapted, taking walks in 90 deg, high humidity.
My question? Is there any problem with doing both CT and heat adaptation concurrently? Will this confuse the body, or are the mechanisms sufficiently independent that one can do both?
@John No there is not problem doing this at all as far as I know.
Dr Kruse;
How are we supposed to prepare bacon, beef any other meats?
Frying, grilling other high temperature preparation, creates lots of AGEs also in bacon fat melts away.
I am mostly concerned with AGEs.
@JanSz the older we get the less temps we shuld cook with. I eat most things close to rare. With bacon I slow cook it in oven.
I have a large slow cooker that I use for bone broths.
It can be set to 150F.
If I could find out flat, very heavy water-tight container (that would sink), meat could be cooked there without burning.
Just would have to figure out time. Guessing 6+ hrs.
There is this Sous-vide way of cooking, but they do that in zip lock bags.
Too many xenoestrogens for my taste.
@Jansz Dr. Eades says they tested Sous-Vide for this and it was OK.
Dr Kruse,
Re-read your suggested blog from yesterday’s FB post, but I can’t grasp what Factor X has to do with the women in the comments going for a morning walk without eating first and then being hungry for the whole day… does am exercise in a fasted state turn on Factor X? Have you decided if you are going to reveal X on the cruise?
@Jeanne I am not sure what you are refering to at all here. Factor X has sped up epigenetics…….and that is what set our species up for neolithic disease.
Hi Dr. Kruse
Does Vasper training count as CT? The California branch is about 40 miles from my house – so I was thinking about going 1x or 2x a week.
By the time I get home it will to late to ice up my tub lest my missus gut me with her filet knife 🙂
Would like to mix my CT up a bit
I’m looking forward to swimming in the Pacific in Mexico in about 3 weeks
@golooram yes it does….
Hi Dr. Jack,
(1) Somehow I still haven’t received the email that activates my forum account. Because of it I am unable to post there.
(2) Is Factor X supernovae? Don’t periods of high supernova rate correlate with diversity on earth and cold glacials?
With all due respect,
Wickerchair
@wickerchair go to the forum and ask the marketing monkeys to hook you up! And no that is not Factor X.
CT session tonight in Ukranian built Cryo “Space Chamber Tank” at Cryo Studio Austin…. -160 degrees Celsius via mixed Nitrogen gas. VIDEO – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCfzndJKrEs&feature=youtube_gdata_player
@Kevin pretty awesome video there.
Dr. Kruse, what role does moonlight have to play in optimal living? Is sleeping in total darkness really optimal when the moon is out? Thanks.
@Jerry moonlight is not usually a problem in my experience.
Hi Dr Kruse
Happy Sunday
I found a cryo place next to me. (YEAH!)
How much more punch is this versus a regular ice bath?
Oh yeah, and I booked a Vasper session on Tuesday! thanks for your great recommendations
Hi Dr. Kruse,
A couple questions have been gnawing at me.
1. In the evenings, after dinner, my cheekbone area often feels red and warm. I am curious as to what this means?
2. How are the O3/O6 ratios in our cell membranes established? If someone ate nothing but seafood for a few weeks, and cell membrane ratio was determined solely by diet then their ratio would be greater than 3:1 (O3:O6) which seems way off if we want 1:1 – 1:4 (O3:O6). Is there a saturation point where excess O3 do not get incorporated into membranes?
I can’t wait to see what you post next.
Cheers,
Andrew
@Andrew 1. It likely is the upregulation of UCP1 and 3 occuring in your trigemenal nerve distribution or it could be a site where you have more toxins stored. You could use a thermogram of your face to see if there is a white spot there if this continues.
2. No one knows this as yet. It is actively being researched but we do know that the cell membrane chemistry is dietary independent in most of the mammals tested so far. This means that it is likely an envirnmental trigger that causes it and I believe it is light levels, barometric pressures and temperature perceived from the PNS to the CNS at the hypothalamic level.
Kevin’s not alone in good results. My hsCRP back in December was 4.4. Yikes. Now, after 4 months of bioidentical hormones, no intense exercise, and 9 weeks of CT, it’s down to 0.81. Not optimal but getting there.
@lyndra awesome!
Hi Jack. Loved Kevin’s story so thanks. I have also jumped straight into full immersion in the ocean. I don’t know the temp of the water. Its winter here in Tasmania or technically the last month of autunm. I have been getting the muscle shivering which Kevin talked about. Is this in anyway dangerous? Should I just stick with it? I don’t follow the protocol exactly and I usually only last around 15min but try to do it most days over the last couple of weeks. Also not quite there with the ketogenic diet. My breakfast and dinner tend to be keto but I’m terrible for eating nuts, yogurt and chocolate in the middle of day. working hard on this issue but three decades of bad habbits are hard to break. If I’m not eating correctly and still doing crossfit as well am I wasting my time with the CT? Also if I continue to have hot showers am I undoing the CT acclimatization?
@Mel youre not wasting your time…..but not getting the full benefit, just maybe hormesis of it. There is more depth to it however.
@Rob http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZUdtFu_hwI&fb_source=message
@ Jack, thanks for the video above. I asked you a question on Ask Jack about the inflammation. Last month my FBS was 89 and BP was 128/78 and regular CRP was .26. Then I went to Cleveland to visit son then up to n. MI and camped out for 12 days. I noticed a lot of mold in both places. I’ve been back for 2 weeks and had HSCRP taken which was 2.45. My FBS is ave. 130 and BP 160/82 and I feel fatigued and inflamed. So I think I had a big reaction to the environmental toxins. I’ve been icing my torso and back of neck for the last 4 days when I noticed the rise in values which helps me to feel less inflamed. Looks like I am the poster girl for how HSCRP increases and therefor increases DM symptoms. My diet stayed very stable and low carb as I was trying to be a good example to family. So I was surprised at the sudden increase in values. I’ve read both the blogs you suggested. I’ve also noticed a slight tendency for my left foot to try and cramp up at night. so I’m going to increase the magnesium orally and with soaking, I’m starting the CT protocol tonight and will repeat the test in one month. Thank you.
Oh, oh, I get it now. thanks to Kevin for puzzling this out. I was driving around town doing errands and thinking about Kevin’s story and feeling really inflamed. I looked in the rear view mirror and my eyelids were all pink. I notice I’ve had trouble with my ‘words’ over the last few days. BP is still up too.
This is what I got out of this discussion for me. I have always had people think I am 20 years younger than I am. this my version of the “outside”. However, I have noticed over the last 10-15 years that whenever I try to ‘do’ more such as a new exercise regime even if it is low level, or if I have to be more busy than usual I end up almost getting sick. I get low level feelings of unwellness, problems with sleep, maybe a cough or slightly stuffy nose. So as long as I don’t ‘do’ much I can get along. This trip had me ‘doing’ a lot more than I was used to. Putting up and taking down the 30 year old pup tent and crawling in and out of it and not having my easy chair to recline on was quite a change for me. I had self selected inactivity for so long that I didn’t realize my problem. I remember feeling somewhat annoyed when I couldn’t follow though on my exercise etc. but never connected it to inflammation. The environmental toxins were another stresser but not the whole problem. I then thought about Kevin’s HSCRP pattern. Apparently when he started the paleo and increased activity without the CT and with the mineral and other deficiencies it increased his HSCRP. This is what happened to me over the last month only on a lower level. I can understand what is meant when it is said that the first evidence of a problem may be death. I had kept to my diet strickly but all the unaccustomed activity was too much. This has also been happening over the last 15 years or so. I’m very sobered by this. I’m hoping I’ve read this right and let me know where my error is if needed. Thank you.
@Terry F you have read it perfectly.
I appreciate the feed back. I have restarted my cold packs to the torso and am reading the instructions again for the rest of it. I am already using low lights, sunglasses etc at night and earlier to bed.
Loved this post. Wonderful information. I get that CT/magnesium made a rapid & dramatic difference in Kevin’s inflammation/health. Amazing. I’m wondering if he did everything else right but didn’t do CT, could he be expected to improve his hs crp eventually at a much slower rate? Or do you believe that CT was absolutely necessary for someone with his history/crp pattern?
Interesting posts. My only concern is as a skinny person that has a hard time keeping wieght on, its a bit depressing to have so much of the focus about fat burning of which I prolly have almost none to burn. Is that a section/blog for folks who are too skinny for their liking? Also is the goal to cool the core off to low temperatures or just more the superficial parts of the body?