Saylor Storm

Rabbit Hole #18 – Spermidine

Ever heard of spermidine? The eyebrow-raising name finds its roots from having been originally isolated from semen. It is a polyamine compound that plays an important role in the metabolism of cells. What does this mean for you?

Spermidine is predicted to be the longevity supplement of 2022, and is quickly gaining attention. Taken regularly, the supplement can have a significant impact on health and lifespan. By mimicking the effects that caloric restriction (fasting) has on cells in the body, it induces autophagy, the process of cellular renewal known to have antiaging benefits. As we age, our spermidine levels as well as our rate of autophagy decline, leaving cells more exposed to damage from aging.

Autophagy benefits include:

– Healthy aging

– Preserves telomere length

– Weight management

– Lowered inflammation

– Better brain health

– Prevents memory loss

– Reduced risk of heart disease

– Better blood sugar control

– Lowered risk of cancer (especially liver)

– Improves vaccine protection

– Inhibits 5 of the 9 hallmarks of aging

If you’re not inclined to fast, and don’t want to take a spermidine supplement, you can eat these spermidine containing foods:

– Mushrooms (especially shitake)

– Green peppers

– Wheat germ

– Cauliflower

– Broccoli

– Soybean products

– Green peas

– Pears

– Chicken

– Potato

– Lentils

– Aged cheese

– Coffee

– Green tea

– Tumeric

– Garlic

– Ginger

– Ceylon cinnamon

– Pomegranate

– Elderberries

Think Mediterranean diet.

Maintaining our spermidine levels as we age by eating foods high in spermidine, fasting, or taking supplements should be a priority for longevity. The supplements have no known side effects.

To learn more about spermidine and autophagy, check out the video below by Dr. Brad Stanfield:

The Buteyko breathing method was developed by Russian physiologist Dr. Konstanin Buteyko in the 1950’s. Dr. Buteyko observed that newborn infants breathe very gently while the elderly with health conditions frequently gasp for air. Dr. Buteyko spent his life improving the health of his patients by implementing his own breathing normalization techniques based on yoga breathing.

The breathing technique involves exercises that combine nasal-breathing, breath-holding and relaxation.   A baseline evaluation is performed by comfortably holding one’s breath and counting the seconds until a need for breath arises. A count of 40 or higher is optimal for overall health and the lower the number the greater the risk for serious health conditions. These numbers are easily increased by implementing Buteyko breathing exercises.

Buteyko breathing increases carbon dioxide levels which are necessary for optimal oxygen delivery to the cells. As a whole we tend to over-breathe thus lower our carbon dioxide levels.

Improving carbon dioxide levels has been shown to improve health conditions such as:

• Asthma
• Diabetes
• Reproductive disorders
• Psychological disorders
• Anxiety
• Panic Attacks
• Sleep disorders
• High blood pressure
• Stress
• Weakened immune system
• COPD
• Weight gain
• Emphysema
• Sleep apnea
• Hay fever
• Migraine
• Atrial Fibrillation

We’ve all been told to breathe deeply and according to Dr. Buteyko this is incorrect and can lead to serious health decline. Though mostly known for his work with asthmatics, by implementing Dr. Buteyko’s technique (through a coach, book or watching videos) nearly all areas of health can be improved.

To learn more, what the short video below:

Rabbit Hole #16

Biofield Tuning

Biofield tuning is a sound healing modality that helps relieve mental, emotional and physical stress. It is a targeting therapeutic system of the body using tuning forks. Biofield tuning provides targeting nervous system relaxation and alleviates a wide variety of health issues. It taps into the energy field that surrounds and permeates our bodies where memories are held.

In addition to relieving physical symptoms, biofield tuning is an excellent modality for clearing past emotional trauma. The tuning forks allow a shift of past emotions to occur and the results can be immediate and profound. Clients claim the practice is more effective than extensive psychotherapy.

A client lies on the table while the practitioner listens for changes in the client’s energy field, scans the body for resistance, then holds a fork in that area to clear the memory.

Benefits include:

• More Energy
• Greater well being
• Reduced pain
• Improved circulation
• Increased Energy
• Reduced damage from stress
• Reduced “stuck-ness”
• Remove energy blocks
• Improved sleep
• Improved quality of life

A specific tuning fork called a “sonic-slider” which is rubbed directly on the skin can include these benefits:

• Weight loss
• Increased muscle tone
• Smoother skin
• Reduced cellulite

To learn more about the fascinating world of biofield tuning, take a look at the video by below by the founder of biofield tuning, Eileen McKusick:

Black seed oil is a nootropic extracted from the seed of the Nigella Sativa plant. The herb is native Mediterranean and Asian regions and the active compound is thymoquinone. Black seed oil has been cultivated for over 3,000 years and has numerous uses.

Black seed oil benefits include:

• Improves cardiovascular health
• Fights cancer
• Prevents diabetes
• Lowers inflammation
• Improves infertility (improves sperm count)
• Lowers blood pressure
• Aids in weight loss
• Improves liver health
• Improves rheumatoid arthritis
• Decreases nasal inflammation
• Lowers cholesterol
• Helps with indigestion
• Lessens anxiety
• Improves cognitive function
• Help with mental illness
• Aids in opioid dependence withdrawal

Black seed oil also has many benefits for skin and hair when used topically as well as internally. The recommended dose for internal use is 1-3 teaspoons per day and is available in capsule form for those who can’t tolerate its unique flavor.

This is the one I recommend: https://amzn.to/3fajONv

To learn more about Black Seed oil, watch the video below by NootropicExpert:

Ganoderma lucidem (also known as reishi, the king of mushrooms, and the mushroom of immortality) is a fungus mostly from Hemlock trees that dates back as far as 2,000 years in Asia for its medicinal uses.

Ganoderma boasts an impressive list of health benefits that include:

• Boosting the immune system
• Fighting infections
• Fighting cancer cells
• Reducing stress
• Reducing high blood pressure
• Reducing cholesterol
• Reducing cardiovascular disease
• Improving liver function
• Improving kidney function
• Improving respiratory function
• Fighting viral infections
• Improving HIV/AIDS symptoms
• Reducing pain during shingles outbreaks
• Building strength
• Building stamina
• Fighting fatigue
• Improving gut health
• Supporting sleep cycles
• Supporting brain health
• Fighting allergies

Reishi can be purchased in many forms such as tea, tinctures, capsules, coffee, hot cocoa, beauty products and energy bars. Due to its bitter taste, eating the mushroom directly is not recommended but is pleasant tasting in the coffee and hot cocoa forms.

These are my personal favorite forms of reishi:

https://amzn.to/35lOS8j

https://amzn.to/3ma0lyF

(Affiliate links)

To learn more about the king of mushrooms, check out the video below by Learn Your Land:

The evidence of beetroot dates back to Neolithic civilizations in both Egypt and the Netherlands. Ancient Greeks cultivated beetroot in 300 B.C. and only ate the leaves; they used it for both binding and dressing wounds. They ate it for a longer life and considered it to be worth its weight in silver. The Romans used it as a laxative and to cure a fever.

Beetroot powder is loaded with nutrients, including:

• Protein
• Fiber
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin B6
• Folate
• Magnesium
• Potassium
• Manganese
• Iron

Beetroot powder is high in nitrates and coverts to nitric oxide in the body. Its many health benefits include:

• Protects cells from damage.
• Relaxes blood vessels.
• Improves circulation.
• Decreases blood pressure.
• Strengthens the heart.
• Increases endurance.
• Helps you to power through high-intensity workouts.
• Reduces recovery time.
• Boosts brain health.
• Fights inflammation.
• Supports liver health.
• Encourages weight loss.
• Helps erectile dysfunction (by increasing nitric oxide just as Viagra does).

Below is a link to my favorite beetroot powder. One word of caution; do not be alarmed by any pink or red-hued urine or feces after consuming the powder.

https://amzn.to/2Z1VXse

If you are interested in learning more, check out the video below:

The flower, hibiscus sabdariffa, was domesticated in Sudan or West Africa nearly 6,000 years ago and was used primarily as a beverage or food. In ancient Egypt hibiscus tea was used as a beverage to cool off pharaohs in the desert heat. Today hibiscus tea is known around the world for its many health benefits.

Hibiscus tea health benefits include:

• Lowering blood pressure.
• Improving insulin sensitivity.
• Lowering blood fat levels.
• Protecting the liver.
• Fighting bacteria.
• Reducing cancer risk.
• Aiding in weight loss.
• Reducing inflammation.
• Improving digestion.
• Reducing anxiety and depression.
• Reducing the risk of catching a cold or flu.

Hibiscus tea is loaded with vitamin C, antioxidants, flavonoids, carotene, anthocyanins (which gives it its deep, red color), niacin, calcium, iron, and ascorbic acid. The tea is caffeine-free, has a pleasant taste, and is easily consumed hot or cold.

Here’s a link to my favorite hibiscus tea: https://amzn.to/32NXWl6

To learn more, check out the video with Dr. Paul Haider below:

Skin brushing has been around or thousands of years dating back to the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Chinese, Russians, Turks, and Scandinavians. Its many health and beauty benefits are widely known in Ayurvic medicine.

Skin or body brushing benefits include:

• Reduces appearance of cellulite.
• Eliminates dead skin.
• Enhances blood circulation.
• Stimulates oil glands.
• Enhances cleansing of the lymphatic system.
• Promotes even fat distribution.
• Rejuvenates the nervous system.
• Enhances digestion function.
• Enhances kidney function.
• Allows for better absorption of products.

Dry brushing should never scratch or harm the skin. Natural bristle brushes are best, pressing firmly and gently over the skin in long strokes toward the heart. Once a day to once a week is recommended on dry skin just before showering or bathing.

This type of brush id perfect for skin brushing: https://amzn.to/3lIG57R

To know more, watch the video below:

You may or may not have heard of oil pulling. It’s an ayurvedic practice that has been around for thousands of years and its health benefits are impressive, especially for dental hygiene.

Oil pulling dental health benefits includes:

• Kills bad bacteria.
• Reduces bad breath.
• Prevents cavities.
• Reduces inflammation.
• Improves gum health.
• Whitens teeth.
• Pulls out toxins.
• Heals bleeding gums.
• Reduces plaque.

In addition to dental health benefits, oil pulling is also known to clear blocked nasal passages, prevent heart disease, and even kill a hangover!

The most common oils for pulling are coconut, sunflower, and sesame.  Simply place a teaspoon (you can work up to a tablespoon) of your favorite oil in your mouth and swish vigorously for 20 minutes. You may need to slowly increase to 20 minutes but even 5 minutes will create benefit. When finished, do not spit the oil down the drain as it will solidify and clog your plumbing; instead, spit it directly into a garbage can.

I prefer to use coconut oil like this: https://amzn.to/31SakBm

If you want to know more, check out the video below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czfcbEaOkYo

Horseradish or the Drumstick tree, it’s hearty and can grow in the harshest of conditions, requiring very little water.

This highly nutritious plant is thought to resolve the world’s malnutrition problems as it contains:

• Vitamin A (10 times more than carrots)
• Vitamin B
• Vitamin C (7 times more than oranges)
• Calcium (17 times more than milk)
• Iron (25 times more than spinach)
• Magnesium
• Potassium (15 times more than bananas)
• Protein (9 times more than yoghurt)

Moringa contains a powerful antioxidant and is shown to reduce blood pressure, improve blood sugar levels, protects the liver, and heals gut issues. Its health benefits are nearly endless.

The tree can be consumed in numerous ways; capsules, tea, powder and seeds are the most common. The recommended dose for capsules is three per day, the powder one teaspoon per day (can be sprinkled over food or consumed in water), or two seeds per day.

Moringa is also used in shampoos, soaps, and skin oils and is well known for leaving its users with shiny, thick hair and wrinkle reduced, glowing skin.

Not all moringa powder is created the same. This is a high-quality brand that I recommend: https://amzn.to/3jGi13D

This miracle tree is widely available and inexpensive. If you would like to know more, please check out the video below by Natural Health Resources: