As the three year birthday of My Resveratrol Experience approaches I thought it would be a good idea to explain a few things to the new, and existing, readers of this site.  

My Resveratrol Experience (MRE) was created at a time when there was very little information on resveratrol available to people on the web.  MRE was created just prior to the resveratrol boom (when Sirtris wasn't owned by GSK) that brought out the scammers and legitimate business minds alike.  At that time I knew very little about resveratrol and was learning along with everyone else online.  I am still learning every day.

Since the start of MRE the site has grown to include thousands of followers and visitors every week.  Many of the new readers of MRE reach us because they are searching for "real user experiences" or "resveratrol side effect" information.  When people search for these things they often find MRE and end up staying a while reading all of the user accounts.  MRE helps to provide some clarity or direction for some people and that was my original intentions.

Educating, sharing, and learning is what MRE is all about.  I urge everyone to post their stories on the site both the good and the bad.  Unfortunately, many people stumble across this site because of a bad experience they have had with resveratrol or a resveratrol company.  People who have bad experiences are much more likely to talk about and share that experience than those who were happy with their experience.  It is just human nature.

The good news is MRE has been fortunate to have some great commenters who share positive information as well.  Many share both the postives and negatives effects they have had with resveratrol and I look forward to this continuing.

Keep sharing, keep living healthy, and as always, Live Longer!

Resveratrol, Stomach Sensitivity, and Diarrhea, Oh My!

There is no doubt that Resveratrol is a revolutionary natural supplement.  In mice and some human trials, resveratrol has been found to help those with diabetes, muscular issues, and certain cancers.   While it is generally experimented upon using mice, there are some trials for human beings that have helped to verify some of the claims that are made on behalf of Resveratrol.  In addition to the positive effects resveratrol may have there are also potential negative side effects.   A remaining question is whether it actually helps to deal with the problem of stomach sensitivity or helps to cause it.

Some individuals are unable to deal with strange substances including Resveratrol.  They might have allergic reactions to them or they might not be able to absorb them easily.  That is a challenge supplement makers and resveratrol users alike are faced with, but there are means by which stomach sensitivity can be overcome.

From an absorption perspective, many people choose to take resveratrol via the buccal mucosa method.

  Buccal delivery is when you absorb a supplement or medication through the mucus membranes on the inside of your mouth.  Often, people will dissolve resveratrol using a grape juice or small alcohol solution and swish the dissolved liquid around in their mouth.  After 30-60 seconds of this, many just spit the remaining liquid out or swallow it.  It is said this method can provide a greater absorption of resveratrol and cause less stomach sensitivities for those who are more prone to stomach issues.

You also have to take into account the quality of the resveratrol you are taking.  Is it a pure form of resveratrol with a little "emodin" present?  You can ask the supplement supplier to provide you with independent lab tests showing the content of the product.  If you have a sensitive stomach it is known that emodin can have a laxative type effect, causing stomach cramping, diarrhea, and loose stools.

If you find yourself having stomach pains or diarrhea it may be a good idea to try switching supplement brands.  If that doesn't work you may want to try and take resveratrol with a meal or at a different time of day.

Another potential cause of stomach sensitivity is the mixing or the combining of numerous supplements and medicines.  Often times supplements or medications can interact with one another and cause more side effects.  It is always best to start taking new supplements one at a time and for a few weeks before adding another.  Otherwise it is difficult to determine which one is causing problems when combined with the others.  Start slow and don't rush your vitamin intake.

If you are having stomach sensitivity issues when taking resveratrol please write about them below so others can learn about the potential side effects of resveratrol.

Is Fido The Next Big Resveratrol Consumer?

A large majority of Resveratrol studies has been done using mice.  This has led many to the conclusion that Resveratrol has positive implications for cats and dogs.  Of course these animals are "slightly" different from human beings and therefore the medical conditions that they suffer from are bound to be differentiated.  However they are not totally outside the influence of Resveratrol.  In fact, it is possible that there might be an explosion of products that are used by researchers in relation to the animals mentioned above.  Most of the experiments start with animals before they move on to human beings.  Therefore there is some sort of cross pollination in the way that these issues are dealt with.

The area of cancerous cells is one which has the power to affects cats and dogs in a way that is very similar to the way it affects human beings.  The presence of Resveratrol might be the catalyst that is needed to take the necessary steps towards improving the outcomes for these animals and their ability to cope with the circumstances that are before them.

 It is part of the process that the use of Resveratrol is aligned with different elements of the health status of these animals.  There are some diseases that are found in dogs which can affect human beings.  It would not be totally surprising if Resveratrol was able to reduce the growth of cancerous cells in animals such as cats and dogs.

As for the issue of aging, it somehow does not seem to be a high priority for the cats and dogs.  It is only human beings that are obsessed with the notion of being young.  That means that the application of Resveratrol to reduce the ageing process will only benefit the owners.  They will then have more time to spend with their cats and dogs.  This might appear to be a very selfish way of looking at things but it reflects the reality of human attitudes toward animals in general regardless of whether they are pets or not.  It would take a seismic shift in order to change these attitudes towards the recognition of the individuality of the animals and their ability to enjoy the very best of life.

Building muscle and fighting cardiovascular problems is very much an area that will concern the animals in questions.  Dogs have been known to develop diabetes and other conditions that affect human beings.  If Resveratrol is found to be effective then it is only a matter of time before these applications are widely accepted as the mainstream thinking on this issue. It will also give the cats and dogs a chance to lead a fairly normal life.  That is something that that the public can look forward to.  As the research and testing is perfected, the cats and dogs will increasingly play an important role in bringing Resveratrol closer to human beings.  Traditionally people are very reluctant to try new medications before they have applied them to animals which are considered to be without rights.

If you search the web you can find numerous anecdotal reports of pet owners giving their dogs and cats doses of Resveratrol.  Some for cancer, others to prevent ageing, and sometimes to help improve deteriorating of joints from arthritic conditions.  Many of these stories have shown success in managing various animal ailments.  The fact remains, we still don't have concrete evidence to prove Resveratrol works on dogs and cats.

The Use of Resveratrol in Endurance Sports - Swimming, Running, Cycling

Endurance athletes combine stamina, technique and mental strength. The ability for Resveratrol to improve mental strength is still debatable, however, there still lies the possibility that it can improve concentration and mental acuteness.  However, it might be beneficial in other aspects that are important for athletes. Research has indicated that Resveratrol is able to improve endurance of individuals if it is taken within the context of a regulated environment. The endurance athletes require great balance in order to do their work. The possibilities for Resveratrol to be part of this process are then opened in a way that was not previously seen.

There is also the serious matter of the work that goes into the production of the Resveratrol products for this sort of benefit. The controlling authorities would need to be convinced that Resveratrol should not be on the banned substances list. This is an uphill struggle because it is fairly  clear that the use of Resveratrol will help an athlete to achieve a balance that might be useful for endurance athletes, such as marathon runners, cyclists, and swimmers.

Although motor coordination is not necessarily one of the best tricks for endurance athletes, it can be a competitive advantage that is brought on by the presence of Resveratrol. This in turn will lead to a situation whereby the athlete is able to coordinate their body with the techniques that enhance their performance. Running might appear to be a simple activity but when it is broken down then it is clear that the coordination function is very important. One of the complaints that ageing athletes have is a reduction in their hand eye coordination. The use of Resveratrol might be the solution that they are looking for in terms of changing the equation in their favor. It can help provide sustainability in their careers and that they can produce results even towards the end of their natural career. Some people might argue that this is not acceptable because it reduces the opportunities for new players to come up and take on the mantra of endurance sports.

There is also a concern that the use of Resveratrol might mask some other illegal activities that are taking place within the sports world. If one substance that enhances performance is allowed then all the other activities will have to be allowed as well or the accusations of favoritism will most likely be loud. The use of Resveratrol might also conceivably change the dynamics of sport from the ethos of competition to one of enhancements. The research that was done on mice indicated the possibilities of Resveratrol but there are no concrete guarantees when it comes to human beings. It will have to remain a process of trial and many errors before the medical world can be reasonably satisfied that the treatment can work in the way that it was intended to work.

While we could not find resveratrol on any of the anti-doping and banned drug and supplements list for many organizations, this does not mean that the use of resveratrol is allowed by all sports authorities.  It is in the best interest of the athlete to confirm that the organization they compete in allows the use of resveratrol.

The Debate On The Most Appropriate Course Of Action

Traditionally, doctors who practice Western medicine traditionally have not been too accepting of the value of holistic or natural medicine. The first issue that comes to mind is the ego of the individuals concerned. The Western doctors are determined to maintain their supremacy over the health matters of the community while the holistic and natural are determined to be part of the process even if this means that there is an increased likelihood for friction. This struggle will define the way that the different elements react to the research developments in the medical world. A large majority of Western Medicine Practitioners are frankly dismissive of anything that is outside their technical understanding.

On the other hand the holistic and natural medicine has not done itself any favors with the vagueness with which the case is presented. Some seemingly reasonable assumptions are spoilt by some outlandish claims that border on the supernatural. This has made a significant portion of the public very skeptical about the value of these schemes and the seriousness with which they should be taken. It is an unfortunate fact that there is an increasing clamor for services and institutions that deride anything that is out of the ordinary. The holistic and natural medicine sector can only make its case through reasoned arguments rather than mumbo jumbo. This issue is far too important to be subverted by the whims of the different elements within the medication market. The attitudes of the Western doctors are partly defined by the action of their holistic and natural treatment cousins.

Evidence based research will become crucial to the possibilities of gaining wider acceptable for the tenets of the holistic and natural treatment world. Without this sort of research work, the general Western medical profession will be working on the basis of negative stereotypes that are damaging to the promotion of complementary medicine. It is also important for people that are working within the holistic and natural treatment industry not to exaggerate the healing properties of the medicines that they market. If they are unrealistic in their presentation then it is not likely that they will be taken seriously. In fact it will take the whole cause backwards. Is it then a priority for doctors?

In truth the Western doctors have an interest in keeping their patients healthy. This interest should override any prejudices and group think that might turn them against holistic and natural treatment. However, they also have the responsibility of ensuring that their patients are not exploited by charlatans that pretend to be in the process of developing the latest medical treatments when in fact they are simply experimenting with the whole setup. It is also important that the medication that is provided by the holistic and natural treatment practitioners is consistent in practice. If the results are not consistent then it is likely that the Western medical world will not agree to officially recognize this form of help for patients. That would be a pity for the patients.

It is important for medical practitioners on both sides to find a balance between both methods.  It is only our opinion, but we believe there is a place for both Western and Holistic medicines and practices in today's medical world.  Some Doctors are beginning to recognize the benefits of this balance and are incorporating natural healing and health practices into their western medicine cabinets and vice versa.  How long will it be before we see a Western Medicine Doctor prescribe Resveratrol to their patients?  We think it is sooner rather than later!

Resveratrol is a natural substance found in numerous species of plants. Their ultimate functioning is to protect the plants from the attacks of micro organisms, including bacteria and heat.  Red wine is a popular alcoholic drink that is a rich source of resveratrol.  There are also many other sources of resveratrol that are easy to find and explained below.

Red wine grapes are fermented for a longer period when compared with white wines. This substance is rich in anti-oxidizing agents which may have certain anti-aging benefits along with cardiovascular potentials. Resveratrol is said to be best absorbed via the walls of our mouths, also known as, buccal delivery.  Some people choose to hold red wine in their mouth for a few seconds prior to swallowing.  The same can be said for those who take resveratrol supplements orally. This property of absorbance makes it one of the best resources of resveratrol and can lead to extra ordinary health benefits.

Berries have a smaller quantity of resveratrol content in them. Cranberries and blueberries have a larger proportion when compared with other fruits. A proper diet is highly recommended to stay healthy. This diet must contain all the essential ingredients and nutrients that are important to have a healthy life style. Peanuts are a good source and one must remember that once fruits are heated, the amount of resveratrol gets reduced drastically. Resveratrol is also found in almost 70 species of flora, mulberries, strawberries, lilies, and eucalyptus.

It is important to keep in mind the location of harvest of resveratrol. The contents might vary depending on the climate, geographic location, and whether fertilizers were used or not. Hence, it is important to buy the fruits which are organically grown and not the ones that are grown with the help of pesticides and man made fertilizers.

Do you belong to the category of people who do not like wine and grapes? Do you want to have a source by which you can intake resveratrol apart from consuming alcohol? It is possible through the various forms of supplements. It is available in the forms of pills, powders, drinks, body sprays, and juices. They should be taken for a regular period of time under proper guidance.

A Chinese medical herb named hu zhang and another South American shrub senna quinquangulata are also powerful sources of the substance. When it is combined with amino acids, enzymes and other natural substances, it gives the optimal results in terms of health benefits.

Japanese Knotweed is also one of the best sources of resveratrol in nuts. This plant is being labeled as invasive by almost 13 states. However, the same factors which are responsible to make it invasive are the same ones that make it so good. It is edible in nature. It is important to consume this substance under proper guidance from a medical practitioner. 

Needless to say, the past year, make that the past two years, has been rather hectic in the resveratrol world.  Resveratrol went from the most obscure of health supplements to being the talk of all major news and media outlets.  You couldn't turn your head without running into a resveratrol ad online, in food stores, or pharmacies.  Simply put, Resveratrol was everywhere!

While resveratrol hasn't fallen off the radar of health enthusiasts, the "buzz" has certainly calmed down.

Is this a good thing and what does it mean for the future of resveratrol?

Those two questions are not easily answered, but here is my take on the subject...

First, the resveratrol phenomenon was both good and bad for the industry.  It was bad in that numerous scams and deceptive companies sprung up like spring weeds.  They claimed to solve every health problem under the sun and extend life indefinitely.  Unfortunately, this caused a plethora of negative press and was not good for the industry.

The buzz was good in that it brought attention to a potentially very beneficial health supplement.  Researchers, pharmaceutical companies, and health supplement suppliers began working in earnest to figure out if resveratrol could live up to its early claims.  Research studies were started and completed (many still in progress) providing us with more information regarding the health benefits of resveratrol.  While we still don't have many definitive answers I truly believe we have more than if the buzz never occurred.

Now on to the future of resveratrol!  Resveratrol is by no means going away.  Many health professionals and researchers still believe the benefits will eventually be proven and they continue to study them feverishly.  You can be sure that there WILL be answers provided in the coming years.  Will they be good or bad?  Good question!

What do you think... has the buzz been good, bad, or indifferent?  Where will resveratrol be in the next 5-10 years?

In the anti-ageing research world, there is a quiet but albeit, an important battle brewing. The battle is over whether or not resveratrol and compounds similar to it, such as SRT1720, actually do directly activate SiRT1.

The implications of such findings would have a great impact on companies developing anti-aging drugs or therapies associated with the SiRT1 gene.  It will be interesting to see where the research takes us.

I have gathered some links for those of you interested in reading more on the topic:

SRT1720, SRT2183, SRT1460, and Resveratrol Are Not Direct Activators of SIRT1.

Faculty of 1000 Biology: evaluations for Pacholec M et al J Biol Chem 2010 Mar 12 285 (11) :8340-51

Ageing: Much ado about ageing

Nature News: Published online 24 March 2010 | Nature 464, 480-481 (2010) | doi:10.1038/464480a

Questions Rise Over Anti-Aging Drugs

Doubts grow over resveratrol and other compounds under development at the GSK company.

Technology Review, Published by MIT  Author: Emily Singer

It is not often we see Medical Professionals speaking about the benefits of Resveratrol so openly.  In a press release earlier today, Doctors from the Advanced Cardiology Institute in Ft. Lee, New Jersey, spoke out about there use of suggesting resveratrol to their patients.  Here are a few excerpts and links to the article:

"With the realization that half of the people experiencing a sudden mortal heart attack were taking aspirin on the day of their demise, and the fact that higher-than-recommended doses of aspirin are needed to prevent blood clot formation in coronary arteries, coupled with an announcement that the red wine molecule resveratrol (rez-vair-ah-trawl) may protect from sudden mortal heart attack in a superior fashion to aspirin, suggests re-evaluation of cardiology's current instruction regarding prevention of heart attacks, says Nate Lebowitz MD, cardiologist with the Advanced Cardiology Institute in Ft. Lee, New Jersey."

"Dr. Lebowitz says resveratrol appears to exhibit broader action than aspirin. Resveratrol is documented to reduce clotting that may block blood circulation in coronary arteries, reduce homocysteine, an undesirable blood protein associated with cardiovascular disease, reduce markers of inflammation like C-reactive protein, regenerate vitamin E, as well as release adenosine, the molecule responsible for the "pre-conditioning" effect seen in animal experiments."

For more information you can read the complete article at PR Newswire.

There is no other way of saying this other than, "I am simply frustrated lately."  I am frustrated by what I see as a lack of simple common sense from people.  The numbers seem to be increasing, where as with the wealth of information that is available, the missing common sense equation should be going down.

We have all experienced this at one time or another (probably multiple times) and we often just sit in disbelief or shake our heads at how irresponsible people can be with their thought processes, or lack thereof.  While I am not trying to say I am the smartest person in the world (actually I am extremely far from it) I do like to think of myself as having a solid foundation of common sense.

In the nearly two years of writing this blog, My Resveratrol Experience, I have spoken to and read comments from thousands of people.  I love this part of blogging; getting to meet new people from all over the world with similar interests.  However, lately I have seen an increase in comments that I like to refer to as, "Are you kidding me!?!" moments.

The most common, "Are you kidding me!" comments have been related to people who have decided to take resveratrol along with any other prescribed medication without discussing this with their Doctor first.  Some people even have a list of medications they are taking.  Now if you have obtained prescribed medications then a fair assumption would be you also have a primary care physician as well.  So there is absolutely no excuse for not asking your doctor how resveratrol might effect you or interact with these medications.

Even if you don't take any medication you should contact your Doctor prior to taking any supplement, whether it is resveratrol or Vitamin D.  It is just simply naive to think we know more then a trained medical professional.  Your Doctor should be very open to discussing your interest in taking supplements.  This doesn't mean they have to agree with you as to their benefits, but they should at a minimum give you an educated opinion as to whether or not it will interact negatively with a medication you are on.

Do your own research, stop taking people's uneducated opinions as facts, and ask a doctor for good advice.  If your doctor won't give it to you then find one that will.  

Resveratrol isn't the answer to all of our problems, nor will it solve world hunger, but just maybe in the future we will find some tangible benefits.  Until then, get good advice from professionals and understand that there are risks involved when taking any supplement, vitamin, or medication.

I apologize for the tone, but I can't be the only person who feels this way.  I'd like to hear your opinions either way below!