Resveratrol Side Effects, Benefits, Dosage, and Research Information - My Resveratrol Experience

Can Resveratrol Control Your Cholesterol Levels? (Part 1)

It amazes me every day how many different benefits are being researched in conjunction with trans-resveratrol.  As someone who is currently on medication to control cholesterol levels I am encouraged by the research in non-synthetic based treatment solutions.  The side effects of statins and other cholesterol drugs can be severe, so much so, that many people aren't able to control their levels with drugs.  With the lack of any proven negative side-effects from t-res I am hopeful it will help control cholesterol levels for those unable to take meds and for those not interested in taking synthetic drugs.

This post will be a 3 part series focusing on the following:

Part 1: What is Cholesterol?

Part 2: A review - Resveratrol related cholesterol studies.

Part 3: My personal cholesterol experience.

Interestingly enough I never really knew much about cholesterol until about a year ago.  I knew it ran "high" in my family and that there was a history of heart disease in the lineage but I never really paid much attention to it.  It was common for me to say to myself, "the doctor will just tell you what you need to do and prescribe you meds" or I would say, "your too young to be worried about this!" 

Google Knol on Resveratrol started!

Recently Google has rolled out there newest offering to the public, Knol.  So what is a Knol you might ask?  As quoted by Google a Knol is, "an authoritative article about a specific topic."  It seems as though Knol's are google's answer to the dominance of Wikipedia when it comes to research.

I have taken some time and using the information on this blog have put together a Knol on Resveratrol.  I am hoping it helps to publicize the supplement in a positive way without all the media "hoopla."  It is a work in process that can be continuously updated.

Any one can write a Knol on just about any topic.  There are very few restrictions against what you can and cannot write.  Once you start a topic it is yours to do with as you please.  I have set the Knol so others can contribute and suggest information to be added to it.

Please take a minute and check out the Knol:

knol.google.com/k/resveratrol-aka-the-red-wine-pill/

Any and all suggestions, comments, and ratings are greatly appreciated.

12th Week: More Focus, More Energy, New Research

After a week on the new micronized trans-resveratrol I've noticed an intense ability to mentally focus myself.  I take my normal dose at about 2 o'clock every day and for approximately 2-3 hours after I have a sharp mental focus.  I had similar feelings on the previous non-micronized version but it did not last as long nor was it as intense.  I've found myself saving analytical work for this time period, especially on off days from the gym.

My energy levels have also increased and become more intense.  This "extra" energy lasts for up to 1 hour after consumption and then slowly subsides there after.  It's important to note this energy is not a feeling of being "skittish" or "like a caffeine high."  For me the energy comes from a mental feeling of intense focus that translate into physical energy (I know that sounds weird but it's the best way I can explain it).  It feels extremely controlled and I welcome it when it comes.

Off Topic tonight: I want to share "Google Alerts" with you!

I am not sure how many of you are Google users but personally I've been using them for years.  Over the past 6 months or so I've really been getting into the services they provide.  Now I don't want to sound like a Google pusher but I did want to point out a Google service I have found extremely useful, Google Alerts!

Google Alerts is a service that enables you to setup up email alerts on any topic of your liking.  For instance: let's say you wanted to know every time ANY new information came out on the web (or was indexed by Google) with regards to resveratrol.  Once you setup the alert any time a new web page is published with the word "resveratrol" in it you will automatically get an email.  It's extremely useful to keep up-to-date on any topics you are into.

So how do you setup Google Alerts?  Just follow these few steps:

Side Effects Aren't Always Negative, are they?

I came across an interesting article today on The New York Times website that spoke about Sirtris Pharmaceuticals and the hopeful "Side Effects" of their drug candidates SRT501 and NCEs (New Chemical Entities).  The article (which I have posted a link to below) got me thinking...

...more people in the general public should know about Sirtris Pharmaceuticals and the work they are doing. 

If successful (and yes, it's a big if) these two drugs could change the course of our future health, how diseases are treated or cured, and enable us to live healthier lives for much longer then we do now.  How can you not pay attention to that!  I'll take a small chance over a 0% chance any day.

You've probably heard me talk about Sirtris Pharma in previous posts and I thought a brief summary of who they are and what they do would be appropriate first.

Sirtris was founded in 2004 by Christoph Westphal, M.D., Ph.D. who received his M.D from Harvard Medical School and David Sinclair, Ph. D. a professor of Pathology at the Harvard Medical School.  There are many other doctors who are associated or employed by Sirtris and the list can be found here.

In their own words Sirtris can be explained as the following type of company:

11th Week: Switched to 99% Micronized Trans-Resveratrol Capsules

I originally planned to increase my trans-resveratrol dosage to 1.5 grams per day.  Now I have a change in plans!  The supplier I use for resveratrol came out with a 99% micronized trans-resveratrol in capsule form.  For me this is ultimately what I've been looking for.  You see, I have trouble with the powder forms and mixing it into drinks.  I greatly prefer to take a capsule then a mixed drink.

Due to the increased bioavailability of micronized resveratrol I've reduced my dose back down to 500mg per day.  I am going to continue with this dosage for 7-10 days and will then increase the dosage to 1 gram on training days followed by 500mg on off days.  Once I feel my body has adjusted I'll increase to 1 gram per day on all days.

A little history on micronization (for more detail see my previous post on micronization).

Share Your Personal Resveratrol Experience!

I've had requests from several readers to create a page where you can post your own resveratrol experience.  Some have even mentioned starting a forum dedicated to resveratrol.  Since I have not figured out how to start a forum (yet) I did create a page where you can post your own story.  I hope this is easier then scouring previous posts and looking for comments from others.

Please feel free to post about anything related to resveratrol.  Tell us your story; why you take trans-resveratrol, what got you started, are you getting the desired results?

Click here to get to the page: 

http://www.myresveratrolexperience.com/resveratrol-experience-sharing.html

Ok, now who's first?

Calorie Restriction or Resveratrol: Maybe both? (Part 3)

As the final installment in my 3 part series on Calorie Restriction I thought it would be important to touch on whether or not it should be a practice followed along with taking resveratrol.  My answer may not be what you want to hear but give me a chance to explain it.

The answer:  I don't know...

I really don't know whether or not the two should be combined.  I haven't been able to find any supporting information that says you should or should not do this.  I also don't know enough about the medical and physiological effects the two could have on your body.

However, of course I have an opinion on the topic.

10th week on Resveratrol: Increased Dosage

At the start of this past week I increased my dosage to 1.5 grams on training days followed by 1 gram per day on off days.  On Thursday and Friday I felt some energy waves as I did when I first began taking resveratrol.  I am not sure I remember mentioning them going away after a few weeks initially and this time they only lasted for a few days.  As a note these feelings have been positive for me.  They have given me some extra energy.  I am not sure where this comes from but I'm doing some research to try and find out.

trans-Resveratrol & Calorie Restriction, the Connection! (Part 2)

So why all this focus on calorie restriction(CR)?  In "Part 1" of this posting series I introduced two main concepts, Calorie Restriction and Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR).  I never did really get into what CR is but I am sure you may have made some assumptions on your own.  Before I answer the question above let me give you a brief explanation as to what "I" believe CR to be.

A caloric restricted diet is one in which you consume less calories then your body is currently used to taking in.  There's not a set amount of daily calories for everyone, it is different based on your body and your goals.  I believe a percentage of your "Activity Factor adjusted BMR" is a good way to approach how many calories to consume.  Further, CR is not about starving yourself and not giving your body what it needs.  Your diet should be well planned out to include the essential nutrients your body needs to stay healthy.  As a last resort, it is important that any lack of nutrients or vitamins you miss by not eating certain foods is made up by taking supplements and vitamins.

Now here's the relation...

Calorie Restriction: Should I starve myself? (Part 1)

I've received quite a bit of positive feedback regarding my recent series of posts on resveratrol dosage.  So since you all enjoyed the multi-part posting I have decided to try it again.

What is calorie restriction?  If you search the web for an answer to this question you will most likely find the following answers:

Calorie restriction (CR) is...

Starving yourself.
Eating less calories then normal.
Starving yourself.
Eating less calories then your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) suggests.
Starving yourself.
A lifestyle of less caloric intake based on your own personal body makeup.

So I am trying to point something out with the list above.  A caloric restrictive diet is NOT starving yourself.  It is however a diet in which you take a lot of time to setup and live out.  You need to know certain things about yourself prior to determining what level of CR is right for you.  Lets start with Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR).

Recent Resveratrol Study Published

Resveratrol Found to Improve Health, But Not Longevity in Aging Mice on Standard Diet
National Institute on Aging, July 3rd, 2008

A few brief quotes from the article...

"Scientists have found that the compound resveratrol slows age-related deterioration and functional decline of mice on a standard diet, but does not increase longevity when started at middle age."

As a reminder this study was completed on mice, not humans.  The many possible effects of resveratrol on humans have not been determined yet.  We do know the studies are promising in relation to potentially curing disease, getting diseases under control, increasing endurance, along with many more positive effects.

"A major finding of the study reported today is that resveratrol prevented age-related and obesity-related cardiovascular functional decline in the mice as determined by several parameters. Total cholesterol was significantly reduced in 22-month-old non-obese mice after 10 months of resveratrol treatment, although triglyceride levels had only a slight, non-significant trend toward a decrease. Further, the aortas of 18-month-old obese and non-obese mice treated with resveratrol functioned significantly better than untreated mice. Resveratrol also moderated inflammation in the heart. "

9th week on Resveratrol: Burnt feet, no problem!

This week turned out to be an important one for me.  I was unaware but it was time to take some measurements again.  When my trainer told me this I was a bit shocked!  For the past few days I've been inactive because of a stupid thing I had done. 

OK, I know you are all wondering what I did so here is a recount of the brilliant act that caused me to stay off my feet for a few days! (Please hold all applause's until after reading the story)

Resveratrol Dosage: My "non-scientific" approach. (Part 3)

Prior to taking any supplements, including resveratrol, please consult your physician:

Most of the "trustworthy" resveratrol companies out there claim that 500mg per 50 pounds of body weight is a proper dosage for a human to take.  I happen to agree with this but want to add a bit more to it.  For instance, if you're a 200lb person looking to start taking trans-resveratrol then I would suggest a ramp-up period to maximum dosage.

Take it slow by beginning with a very small dose to make sure you don't have any severe reactions. The EPA has listed resveratrol as a non-toxic and numerous human trials have been completed safely,  so there "should not" be any major problems.  However, just in case, take it slow for the first few weeks.  After your body becomes familiar with resveratrol you might want to try increasing your dosage.