Journal
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and doesn't constitute medical advice.
What's in here
Two kinds of entries live in this Journal, with the newest always at the top:
My own trials: When I try a new product myself, I write it up honestly as I go—detailing what I'm taking it for, what I'm watching out for, and giving an honest verdict at the end. Not every trial goes well, and I will plainly tell you when one doesn't.
What's on our radar: Things generating real conversation in the health and longevity space that don't (yet) meet our strict verification standards, or that fall outside our supplement focus—shared as a useful signpost, not a recommendation.
On our radar
The BeechBand
A wrist-worn device that delivers gentle, rhythmic vibrations, designed to help with Parkinson's symptoms — tremor, stiffness, freezing of gait, speech and anxiety. It was invented by Carl Beech, who lives with Young-Onset Parkinson's himself, and a share of the profits goes to Parkinson's charities.
We're flagging it because it's helped people we know. Someone close to us uses one for restless legs — not what it was designed for, but they find it makes a real difference if it's worn for a few hours in the evening before bed. It's also an unusually honest, patient-led project rather than a slick commercial gadget: Parkinson's UK thought enough of it to invest, and there's now proper research underway into whether it measurably changes movement symptoms.
We want to be straight with you, though: the evidence isn't in yet. It helps some people noticeably and does little or nothing for others — that's clear from the reviews, and from people we've spoken to. It isn't a cure, and it isn't a substitute for anything your specialist has you on. The current model (the 100E) has improved on earlier versions, with a quieter vibration and longer battery life.
One reason we're comfortable mentioning it is that there's little to lose in trying: it comes with a 100-day money-back guarantee, so if it does nothing for you, you can send it back. If it sounds worth exploring, look into it with your eyes open — and if you have Parkinson's or another diagnosed condition, it's still worth a word with your nurse or consultant first. You'll find it at beechband.com.
Status: On our radar — promising, still being researched.
My trials
Creatine — my own trial
Creatine is one of the few supplements where the evidence is genuinely strong, and it's next on my own list to try. I'll be starting it shortly, and I'll report back honestly here — what I notice, what I don't, and how I get on with it.
One thing worth knowing going in: the dose matters. For muscle and strength, the well-established amount is around 3–5g a day. For the cognitive and brain-related benefits — which is more where my interest lies — the research has tended to use higher amounts, and that side of the evidence is still developing rather than settled. So I'll be approaching it with that in mind, and giving it proper time before drawing any conclusions.
As always, this is just me sharing my own experience — not advice. If you're thinking of trying creatine yourself, and especially if you take any medication or have anything ongoing, it's well worth a word with your GP or pharmacist first.
Status: Starting soon — will report back.