Notes from Tonight's Group Interaction Night

Announcements and Upcoming Meetings

January 11th: Cheryl Adkins will lead a roundtable on integrative, functional, and regenerative medicine, clarifying distinctions among these modalities.
January 13th: Scott Laird (Naturopathic Doctor) will present "The Skinny on Fat" via Zoom, focusing on dietary fats and nutrition.
January 27th: David Wright will introduce innovative physical therapy techniques at Olympia Recreation Center (6:00–7:30 PM).
February 8th & 22nd: One of these Feb Wellness Roundtables will feature Pam Schoenewolff will discuss good health practices and the benefits of exercise, emphasizing enjoyable routines for sustained wellness.

All events are designed to advance the club’s educational mission with expert presenters and interactive formats.

Discussion Guidelines and Participant Introductions

To ensure accessibility, especially for attendees who are hard of hearing, participants were asked to speak loudly and stand when possible. The goal was to manage conversational flow, prevent monopolization, and maintain respectful engagement. Side conversations were discouraged. Each attendee introduced themselves, fostering community and collaboration. The large group size was humorously acknowledged with a "$1000 reward" for anyone who could recall all names.

Evaluation of Alternative Therapies and Devices

Chelation therapy (EDTA IV drip) was discussed for heavy metal detoxification and cardiovascular support, with costs around $108/session and protocols ranging from 30–60 sessions. Participant experiences were generally positive, with no significant adverse effects reported.
Biofeedback devices, especially Oberon, were highlighted for their advanced frequency programming (over 100,000 frequencies), but noted for complexity and high cost ($6,000–$7,000).
Frequency generators and the Schumann Wave Generator were explored for healing applications, with devices emitting 0.1–200,000 hertz. Experiences varied from strong support to skepticism.
Consensus on these therapies ranged widely, with actionable recommendations to seek professional guidance and verify device authenticity.
Cleansing and detoxification approaches were debated, emphasizing the need for informed decision-making and caution.

Dietary Strategies and Supplementation

Participants strongly endorsed high-protein meals and intermittent fasting (e.g., ceasing food at 6:00 PM, resuming at 10:00 AM), reporting improved well-being and energy.
Creatine, collagen, and glycine supplementation were popular, with anecdotal benefits for stamina, muscle maintenance, and hair/skin/nail health.
Practical recipes, such as Dave’s morning protein shake (creatine, collagen, glycine, ginger, turmeric, pineapple, bananas, vegetables, water), were shared.
Consensus was high on the value of increased protein intake and targeted supplementation, with attention to balancing animal and plant-based sources.

Probiotics and Microbiome Health

L. ruteri yogurt was introduced as a probiotic-rich food, prepared by incubating L. ruteri, cream, and inulin for 36 hours at 100°F. Pat and others reported improved digestive regularity and ease of preparation.
Probiotic supplementation was widely supported, with most participants strongly agreeing on its importance for microbiome health.
Technical terms (probiotics, microbiome) were clarified, and consensus reflected broad adoption of both homemade and commercial probiotic strategies.

Pulsetto Device for Vagus Nerve Stimulation

The Pulsetto device was trialed by a participant for vagus nerve stimulation, operating similarly to a TENS machine with electrodes placed over the carotid arteries. Early feedback described a buzzing sensation, with no adverse effects reported. The group expressed interest in ongoing updates regarding efficacy and safety, valuing peer experimentation and future follow-up.

Regenerative Protein Array (RPA) and Stem Cell Procedures

Regenerative Protein Array (RPA), introduced by Cheryl, utilizes placental-derived proteins and growth factors for joint and spinal regeneration. RPA is not FDA approved and must be administered by specialists (e.g., Dr. Mark Jacobson, Genesis Technology). Interest was high among those with chronic joint issues, but skepticism remained due to limited clinical experience and regulatory concerns. Cheryl committed to reporting back on personal outcomes.

Grounding and Herb Harmony Bed Sheets

Herb Harmony bed sheets were endorsed for improving sleep quality via grounding. Users reported transformative effects but cautioned against placing electronics on the sheets due to mild electric shock risk. The necessity of direct skin contact (sleeping naked) was debated, with product variability acknowledged. Group interest in grounding is high, with plans for future expert presentations.

Water Quality, Filtration, and Electrolytes

Participants favored filtered water (Berkey, reverse osmosis) for improved taste and contaminant removal. RO water requires electrolyte supplementation to prevent incomplete hydration. Berkey filters were praised for efficacy but noted for maintenance demands. Hydrogen water devices were used for perceived cellular health benefits, though experiences varied. Removing chlorine was considered beneficial for gut microbiome health. Consensus emphasized the necessity of replenishing minerals and electrolytes when using advanced filtration systems.

Body Fat Percentage and DEXA Scans

Reducing body fat percentage (target: under 30%) was a common goal, with DEXA scans recommended for accurate measurement of visceral and subcutaneous fat. Intermittent fasting (36-hour fasts) and increased fiber intake (30g/day per Harvard research) were effective strategies. Medical supervision and lab testing (iron, B12, vitamin D) were advised to address deficiencies impacting metabolic rate. Peer support and accountability partnerships were encouraged.

Iron, Ferritin, and Vitamin Deficiencies

Iron and ferritin deficiencies were estimated to affect ~50% of individuals, especially menopausal women. Ferritin is a critical marker for iron stores, with low levels linked to fatigue and hair loss. Red meat provides the most bioavailable iron, but dietary balance is necessary. Medications (protein pump inhibitors, NGLP-1s) can impair absorption of iron, B12, and magnesium. Routine testing (twice yearly for at-risk groups) and targeted supplementation were strongly recommended.

Calcium Supplementation Risks

Participants advised against calcium supplementation in pill form due to risks of arterial calcification. Calcium from food sources is preferred for safe absorption. Lessons from 2025 highlighted dangers of rapid, excessive supplementation, prompting a food-first approach for mineral nutrition. Caution was extended to other single-ingredient supplements, especially metals.

Vitamin D and Vitamin K Supplementation

Questions about co-supplementing vitamin D with vitamin K were addressed by a physician, who does not routinely recommend vitamin K alongside vitamin D. Vitamin D3 alone is considered effective and sufficient, with emphasis on consistent, daily use and reputable products. No compelling evidence was presented for mandatory vitamin K supplementation.

Failures and Lessons Learned from Supplementation

Adverse reactions to supplementation were shared, notably with MCT oil (instant diarrhea and cramps from excessive dosing). Participants acknowledged reluctance to discuss failed experiments, limiting collective learning. Key advice: start with small doses and monitor personal responses. Open dialogue about failures is encouraged to enhance safety and understanding.

Local Clubs and Fitness Groups

Local resources include the Brain Health Club (Colony Recreation Center), Walking Villagers (outdoor walks at Lake Okahunka, Eisenhower, Lake Sumter, etc.), Walk Away the Pounds (indoor sessions with instructional videos), and gyms like Genesis and Anytime Fitness. Outdoor equipment centers at recreation areas offer accessible workouts. Participants highlighted social motivation, environmental enjoyment, and flexible participation. Testimonials consistently praised the value and enjoyment of group-based wellness activities.

Consensus and Diversity of Opinions on Health Interventions

Consensus was measured using a gradients of agreement chart. Strong agreement was found for increased protein intake, intermittent fasting, probiotics, regular lab testing, and community-based physical activity. Diversity of opinion existed for cleansing interventions (chelation, frequency therapies), novel devices (Pulsetto, RPA), water filtration, and grounding. Open discussion and structured rating systems fostered collective learning and respect for individual perspectives, with ongoing interest in further exploration of topics lacking consens