Is it Low T?

Are old men the only ones who watch the nightly news? Is it me or is every other commercial for some prescription medicine? Arthritis, hypertension, overactive bladder, ED,  low T. Seriously, low T? Is this a good idea? The way I see it, younger guys have more testosterone and older men less and that’s what keeps the universe in equilibrium. Let’s not go tipping the scale here. If you do decide to use low T gel make sure to read the fine print on the instructions, “Do not apply to any other parts of your body, such as your...is flammable... let dry before smoking...etc.” Like I said before, is this a good idea?

It is my belief that we are highly over medicated. There is a pill for everything now and your doctor is quick to prescribe it before considering any alternatives. I sometimes have significant pain from arthritis and other overuse ailments. I’m pushing 50 after all. Unfortunately, taking arthritis meds (NSAIDS) is not an option for me because I’m allergic to this class of drugs.

Soak these chia seeds in water for a natural anti-inflammatory

Instead, I watch what I eat and try to avoid foods that have a high inflammation factor (IF) rating. No, as much as I don’t want to believe it, donuts are not a vegetable so I stay away from junk food and eat stuff that is anti-inflammatory. Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids like chia seeds and high in antioxidants such as blueberries help control inflammation and pain. In addition to my diet, I move as much as possible.

This is going to sound strange, but my inflammation and pain level is lower after a long slow 6-8 hour run. I may have muscle soreness from lactic acid build up, but the joint and tendon pain is gone for a few days following an ultramarathon. Either my joints, tendons and muscles are looser from all the activity or the increased circulation has reduced the inflammation. I believe it is the latter.

Blood Orange

I’m no doctor, but I know what makes me feel better. I know of no physician that would ever prescribe a 30 mile run for their arthritis patients and may even say something like, “You better not run any more you have a bad knee.” This is unfortunate because I’ve seen wounded warriors with missing legs completing the 26 mile Bataan Death March. I suppose this hero didn’t listen when his doctor said, “You better not run any more, you only have one leg.” 


Read:  Prostheses: Then and Now by Sag-Ashus (Filosofy and Phoolishness)

I realize that for some people pain is too great to tolerate high impact aerobic activity. Therefore, I would recommend that you bike, swim, aqua jog, walk, row or pole-fit. That’s right, pole dancing fitness classes. (I couldn’t make this stuff up if I tried). Low impact activity combined with a healthy diet will strengthen your body and keep your inflammation in check. 

I'll be running this next month

Here are a few of my home remedies for various conditions. Remember, I’m not a doctor (I only have a master’s degree and it’s not even in science):

High blood pressure —eat right and run 3-5 miles five times per week.

High Cholesterol —eat right and run 3-5 miles five times per week.

Arthritis —eat right and run 3-5 miles five times per week.

Insomnia —eat right and run 10-15 miles six times per week.

Flu Prevention —eat right and run 3-5 miles five times per week.

Weight Gain —eat right and run 3-5 miles five times per week.

Low T. —Don’t forget to read the fine print on the label!

See you on the trail