The Best Magnesium Supplements in the UK and US-Upgraded Formulas V Bioptimizers Magnesium Breakthrough V Natural Stacks

Magnesium deficiency is something many people in the biohacking community have long tried to seek a cure from. As a result of this I have decided to log the 3 best magnesium supplements that I’ve personal found throughout my Biohacking journey.

3rd Place- Natural Stacks Magnesium MagTech :

Price– Between £30-45 in the UK / $35 dollars in the US bear in mind in the US there are frequent discounts 20 percent off deals on your first order or if you subscribe.

This is a strong magnesium stack with 3 highly bio-available forms of magnesium I found this really improved my sleep as well and cognition. Of course the company Natural Stacks being a US based supplement company (as are all three of the supplement manufacturers in this review are) in the UK you’re going to be paying a bit more than the average price that the US customers will be expected to pay ($30 dollars) for UK people the price will vary around £35-45 making this roughly £1.20 a serving. In-spite of this you’re getting good quality brain boosting magnesium as a result – magnesium L-Threonate, Magnesium Taurate and Magneisum Glycinate .

To buy in the UK: https://www.functionalself.co.uk/natural-stacks-magtechtm.html?gclid=Cj0KCQjwy4KqBhD0ARIsAEbCt6iFeWlTD6JSSjM7W_G2kBFM69vy9lqnEwbw5NxrFy8P-18MkrVJeJwaAi8FEALw_wcB https://healf.com/products/magtech?selling_plan=4263018735 To buy in the US: https://www.naturalstacks.com/products/magtech?rfsn=6905980.1ad296&selling_plan=1376124976

2nd Place-Bioptimzers Magnesium Breakthrough

This is a phenomenal blend of 7 different types of magnesium and a good value one at that great for taking before bedtime I can’t really have much qualms about this product aside from the addition of vitamin b6 . I find a weakness of this and the Bioptimizers Sleep Breakthrough tends to be the huge overload of vitamin b6 in both. So make sure prior to taking this you test your vitamin b6 levels to avoid overconsumption of b6 .

Price: This comes in at £30 for those living in the UK so on the dot £1 per serving for US based people slightly less at $30.

1st place Upgraded Formulas Magnesium :

I really found that this Magnesium Chloride blend was even more superior and beneficial to my sleep than the Biopotimizers magnesium breakthrough was . Felt it really helped with my deep sleep and lucid dreaming and for that reason it’s number one.

Price : Due to there being only one supplier in UK being Functional Self it’s pretty pricy at roughly £40 for a 30 day supply putting it at £1.33 per serving making it the most expensive magnesium per serving for UK based customers. US however can enjoy this for less at $40 dollars a serving there’s also a subscription based service available on the Upgraded Formulas website.

Scores-

Natural Stacks Magtech– 8-10

Magnesium Breakthrough- 9/10

Upgraded Formulas – 9.5/10

Danger Coffee V Bulletproof Coffee – Review

When it was announced in September of 2019 that Dave Asprey had left the Bulletproof Executive as CEO he has since found new ways to make income and reinvent new brands whether it be True Dark or his infamous Upgrade collective monthly membership club . One of those new brands is danger coffee which coming in at a whopping $25 a bag is his latest attempt at showcasing himself independent of bulletproof. Despite Dave still being a shareholder of Bulletproof itself he is no longer involved in the products that Bulletproof themselves design. In this review I will be comparing danger coffee to Dave’s old company’s coffee bulletproof to see if independent of his greatest creation can Dave still make great quality products at a reasonable price. 

What are the similarities and differences between the two? 

I’d say Bulletproof offers more flavour profiles-especially for those who like light roasts you’re definitely getting more enticing flavour in the respective light roast blend. I particularly like the “High Achiever” flavour which also boasts lion’s mane, coffee berry and b vitamins but in terms of quantity supplied by said mushrooms and vitamins  it’s difficult to quantify per serving .  By contrast Danger Coffee claims per its website to 

“ Remineralizes your body with more than 50 trace minerals, nutrients, and electrolytes, leaving you feeling energized, engaged, and powerful. It gives you the good stuff (antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, micro-nutrients, chelation and optimal fasting support) without bogging you down with the bad stuff you’ll find in ordinary coffees. This lab-tested, mold-free formula steadily energizes you while delivering the vital nutrients your body craves.” 

Again its the same concept as it’s predecessor in terms of it’s mold and mycotoxin free but this time Dave has added minerals and electrolytes to the formula that’s the “preparatory” element you’re paying for. Let’s be clear this concept of Mineral coffee is not made from Dave himself but rather a business partner of his in Ian Mitchell . It’s difficult to quantify whether there are not there are in fact electrolytes in here you’d really need to do an Electrolyte Panel before drinking this then after to actually reach that accurate conclusion. Unfortunately I haven’t done one so I can’t comment on the real effect this has on the amount of minerals and electrolytes in my system per say. 

If the electrolytes and mineral stuff is true and I believe it is purely because Ian Mitchell invented it and usually the things Ian promotes are legit. I know this isn’t a scientific measurement of the truth but that’s all I have without electrolyte panels. This certainly can be a good way to replenish those electrolytes particularly if you have issues with mineral depletion for example if you take a lot of sauna or sweat a lot in general.  There are alternative supplements to get minerals in. ELMNT  being a good electrolyte supplement along with Quinton minerals but Danger Coffee is definitely an option it all comes down to whether you value the additional minerals at $10 extra a bag as opposed to bulletproof and with other mineral supplements being relatively expensive the extra $10 you pay here might be worth it.   

Pricing: 

In terms of price its hard to get too exciting here. Dave’s new brand comes in at $25 a packet as opposed to bulletproof’s $16 which is often on sale at 20-30 percent price cuts on their website anyway I was able to scoop mine up while on holiday in the US at $11 . So safe to say if there’s one company which is offering better value here it’s Bulletproof. Whilst some have complained on Facebook’s about diminished quality in Bulletproof products post Dave Asprey I myself don’t really find this to be the case so pricing wise I think you’re getting far more bang for for your buck with Dave’s old company bulletproof with this Danger Coffee being priced more than twice it’s competitor once you take into account the price discounts that https://shop.bulletproof.com/ has. 

Taste: 

This becomes extremely hard to review because taste is so subjective with coffees but in terms of variation of flavour profiles you’re getting more in Bulletproof Coffee than you are in Danger coffee. Especially if you like light roasts then Bulletproof coffee has the better flavour profiles I still absolutely loved the medium roast from Danger coffee even more so than the medium roasts with bulletproof. All In all these two companies make excellent tasting  coffees that I find superior to that of your everyday Costa and Starbucks I also didn’t feel the mycotoxin crash that I do normally get when consuming said retail coffees. 

Conclusion:  

Whilst I believe bulletproof High Achiever or the Breakfast Blend are the best value coffees here in terms of a bang for buck per taste at $11 a bag for 250g I still think Danger Coffee’s medium roast delivers great taste along with mineral repletion . Overall I really like both as someone who finds mineral supplements in general to be expensive I like the fact with Danger Coffee I get to make sure I have my minerals covered without needing to consume another stevia sweetened mineral supplement like ELMNT instead. However if you’re not too bothered by the electroyltes and mineral hype then I’d just stick with Bulletproof coffee as it’s far better value for money to put in context for the price of one bag of danger coffee including the online discounts you can get two of bulletproof of the same weight with similar quality and flavour . 

Final Score:

Bulletproof Coffee: 

9/10 

Danger Coffee :

7/10 

The Mendi- HEG NeuroFeedback Device- Is it worth It? Honest Review in 2023

The Mendi is a remake of the 2014 HEG biofeedback device which I published a review on in 2019 . I’ve been using HEG neurofeedback for roughly 10 years now and it has been beneficial for my health but how will this new remake pan out in comparison? You can check out my 2019 review here: https://therationalbiohacker.net/2019/01/16/hemoencephalography-brain-training-review-by-the-rational-biohacker/

Pricing: First of all this is priced as far cheaper than it’s predecessor HEG neurofeedback or as some of you will remember as the focus brain trainer which retailed at $850 back in 2014 it was endorsed by Dave Asprey as the focus Brain Trainer which he did a presentation run through it here:

In comparison the mendi is priced at £229 or roughly $300 bear in mind you should be able to get around a 20 percent discount on this as the website often runs discounts anyway. So we are all in all looking at product that’s $550 cheaper than it’s predecessor all be it it’s made by a different company as Johnathan Toomin the grandson of the inventor Hershel Toomin noted to me on Facebook that the original patent for the product had expired so this pretty much led to an open season of other companies recreating their own HEG neurofeedback devices. Here is the Mendi which is simply a remake of the original concept of the device designed instead for Apple IOS iPhones and Android (the previous HEG devices were for MacBooks and Windows PCs rather than phones)

How does it work?

Pretty much the same as the previous HEG only difference is this app asks for your mood beforehand and is a bit more reliable at tracking your score. You play a game after you strap the headband on and when more blood-flow goes into your prefrontal cortex you score positive points when it leaves you get negative points. At the end of the 10 minute session the app will give you a score that being the noted increased blood-flow to your prefrontal cortex. The app then tracks this score and mood versus the previous days to help you build the habit and see if the device is having a positive effect on your mental well being.

Positives

  • $550 cheaper than its predecessor the Mendi plus free international shipping.
  • Easy to use App which usually connects pretty well with device
  • No subscription based service, app is continually free to use unlike greedy companies like Brain tap which charge a subscription service after you use their device
  • Definitely see some cognitive improvements similar to the old HEG after 2-3 sessions most notably improved focus and mood.

Conclusions: All in all similar to it’s predecessor the Mendi is a pretty decent value remake of the HEG focus Brain Trainer that Dave Asprey famously endorsed during the old school prime days of Bulletproof. All in all at 300 dollars this worth a punt for the health benefits. You’re buying a very low risk device which compared to EEG/Nootropics doesn’t have the same risks of side effects. This is a must try for all ages , those battling ADHD or those who just want a bit more focus and productivity in their life.

Further Sources: Johnathan Toomin’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/jtoomim

To buy: medi.io

Further Presentations by the inventor:

Recipe:Organic Keto Ramen Simple and Easy to Make

Ingredients:

Shoyu Base: 2 Organic Carrots, 1/2 Organic Onion, 3 Organic Spring onions ,1 Organic Apple With the Skin on 2 Celery Stalks, 5 Organic Garlic Cloves, 1 Organic lemon ,5 Dry Shiitake Mushrooms 4 tsp – grass fed butter 2.2 Litres Ossa Organic Chicken Stock 175 Clear Spring Gluten free Teriyaki Sauce or (preferably) use Cocofina Coconut Amino Sauce from: https://www.fairhaven.co.uk/Cocofina-Coconut-Amino-5060118260845-4465/ 2 Tbsp Salt 1/2 Tsp white pepper 1 Bay Leaf

Icelandic Water: For Maximum minerals and lowest deuterium make sure the base of your Ramen Recipes is a the best quality water you can afford for me living in the UK this is Icelandic Water : https://www.amazon.co.uk/Icelandic-Glacial-Sparkling-Water-Glass/dp/B0777GJVFR/ref=sr_1_10?dchild=1&keywords=Icelandic+glacial+premium+water&qid=1619375005&s=grocery&sr=1-10 Please just don’t use tap water whatever you do as its high in contaminants even when put through a filter .

Making The Shoyu Base recipe :

  1. In a crock pot/slow cooker combine the grass fed butter, carrots , onions, green onions, apple , celery, garlic and shiitake mushrooms in with the Icelandic water.
  2. Add a whole chicken organic chicken (I didn’t do this in the cooking video but I believe for flavour this optimal), lemon then pour over chicken stock followed by soy sauce, salt , pepper , bay leaf the stock should almost cover the chicken.
  3. Cook for 10 hours . If using a large dutch oven or pot bring to a boil over a high heat and set in an oven preheated for 90 C for 8-10 hours.
  4. With a slotted spoon remove all of the larger solids and discard then strain the remaining solids.
  5. Pour 2 cups (500ml) over each bowl of Noodles. Top each bowl with desired toppings.

For the Ajitsuke Tamago 4 Step Recipe : 235 ml Coconut Amino Sauce 1 TSP Organic Minced Garlic 120 ML ClearSpring Organic Mirin (if not on strict Keto, if on 0 carbs Keto then I’d Omit this) 6 organic outdoor bread eggs.

1. In a Medium sauce over high head whisk together the shoe,ginger, and garlic in a medium saucepan once the mixture starts bubbling remove from the heat. Stir in the miring and cool to room temperature or refrigerate for at least one 1 hour

2. Bring a large pot of water to boil with a slotted spoon or a Chinese strainer gently add the eggs to the boiling water and immediately set a timer for 6.5 minutes.

3. While the eggs are cooking prepare an ice bath for them. When the eggs are done, immediately transfer them to the ice bath. Let them cool in the ice bath for about 10 minutes, then remove the eggs and peel them.

4. In a shallow container that is deep enough for the eggs to be covered in the liquid combine 700 ml water and 1 cup of teriyaki sauce add your eggs cover them with a paper towel , press the paper towel down so its touching the top of the eggs the weight of the paper towel will help the eggs marinate on all sides. Let them marinate in the refrigerator for two days. Remove the eggs from their soaking liquid and cut each one in half with a very sharp knife .

Noodles: For Strict Keto I recommend : Organic Shirataki Noodles : https://www.hollandandbarrett.com/shop/product/holland-barrett-organic-konjac-noodles-60033675?skuid=033675&utm_campaign=shopping&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&gclid=Cj0KCQjwppSEBhCGARIsANIs4p5Yynei0qtp0ETHjbP2Ht0q3ncOXDnDdJIQVMhQ9A0Tnc2mko5AkrUaAnNMEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds Or for those not doing Keto Organic Rice Noodles is also a healthy alternative for those on carb refeeds. Cook said Noodles for around 4-6 minutes.

Chicken Breast: I prefer Eversfield Organic Chicken breast or Daylesford Organic: https://www.eversfieldorganic.co.uk/buy/chicken-breast-fillets-boneless-skinless_246.htm cooked in Grass Fed Butter /Coconut Oil Slowly cook the chicken breast in the Grass Fed Butter or oil. For Plating Start with the Broth and Noodles then add the eggs and chicken.

Molekule Air V Austin Air Health Mate V IQAir Health Pro 250 V Hypo Air Boomerang V Air Doctor Full Comparison Review

Are there sales/discounts to consider

In terms of pricing, you need to consider how often these companies do sales as some literally have sales every 2 months while others are more stringent on the pricing. Always make sure to stay updated.

Hypo Air: Had big extended Black Friday sales of $200-300 off their flag ships and between 50$-150$ off their smaller models. It could be worth waiting till November to purchase them. As far as I’m aware, they don’t do many sales during other times of the year. 

Air Doctor: The US based site does frequent big discounts, so it’s worth following them. You can save up to $200 for the EU Dutch based site; I’m not sure . 

Austin Air: Not sure, best bet is to subscribe to the mailing list and visit their website. Sometimes the Ebay sellers websites can have Black Friday deals. 

Molekule Air: They have sales around every couple of months with discounts varying between $50-200, so there’s an excellent opportunity to save money with them, and they also do big Black Friday sales. 

IQAir: As far as the IQAir is concerned, I’m not aware of any deals. The Allergy Cosmos website does, but it’s important to keep checking especially on Black Friday. 

Pricing for the Unit: 

Please note I’m doing all the pricing from a UK perspectives, which included: 

Austin Air :

Purchased off Ebay US 

£650 for UK or $500 for US 

Molekule Air Mini: £420 for the Air Mini ($250 for US based). The Air Pro can reach upwards of £1100 for UK based customers, which includes shipping and tax from 

IQAir : £1000 for UK customers 

https://aquatruwater.eu/air-doctor-pro-pre-sale.html

Air Doctor:

£420 + Delivery from the AquaTru EU store 


Hypo Air Boomerang: 

$750 Dollar for US plus tax + so can come around £700-800 for UK based customers. 

Pricing of Replacement Unit: 

Molekule: £45 every 6 months so £90 a year

Hypo Air: £108 every 2 years plus tax and shipping so around £75 a year 

Air Doctor: around £150 every year for all three units

https://aquatruwater.eu/airdoctor-ultrahepatm-filter.html

Austin Air: Around £180  every 5 years + tax/shipping cost of the filter making it around £40 a year 

IQAir Health Pro 250 :  £360 every 2-3 years Making it around £120 a year. 

Verdict on repair filtres: In general, there’s a good convenience factor about changing a filter every 5 years, which makes the Austin Air the stand out winner in this regard. The Molekule seems once again expensive even after a pricey initial purchase of the filter itself. 

Weight: 

From lightest to heaviest: 

1. HypoAllergenic Air 

2. Molekule 

3. Air Doctor

4. IQAir 

5. Austin Air 

In terms of weight and portability, the Austin Air was the heaviest along with IQ. However, both these units come with wheels to help the portability. Weight should be an important consideration if you plan to move your unit upstairs and downstairs everyday as some owners wish to. HypoAllergenic Air’s lightness was impressive especially considering the strength of the filter in terms of meters covered. Molekule as well was easily portable with the handle strap. Air Doctor had no wheels or strap but was fairly light coming in at 18 pounds so doesn’t require that much strength to carry. For elderly and frail however, this would still be a problem. The IQAir also comes with a handle at the top to make it easier to carry. However, the Austin Air has none of these. 

In terms of transportation, HypoAllergenic Air is the only one which I can see being easily transportable by people of all ages and strengths and also makes a great traveling air filter. The Molekule Mini is also transportable, but I personally found the Hypo Air less of a hassle. IQAir has a separate transportable model with less coverage similar to Molekule. 

Durability: 

Highest Level to lowest: 

  1. Austin Air 
  2. IQAir 
  3. Air Doctor
  4. Molekule
  5. HypoAllergenic AIr 

In this regard, Austin Air was the most impressive. Made out of sturdy metal, you really get a good quality feel. Similar too was the IQAir Health Pro. Hypo Air’s Boomerang came off feeling a little cheap especially considering the price paid. 

Style: 

Ranking highest to Low: 

1. Molekule 

2. Hypo Air Boomerang 

3. Air Doctor 

4. IQAir 

5. Austin air 

Style might not be important to most people, but if you’re putting your air filter in a corporate setting where you want it to look attractive and not be an eyesore, then the Molekule will be your shot. They’ve clearly spent a lot of money investing on a beautiful design. 

Sleep-Friendly: 

Of course, bad air quality and molds can impact sleep more than anything; we are already aware of this. However blue light, EMF, and sound can also disrupt and impair sleep. If you’re sensitive to any of these, you really need to take them into consideration when buying an air filter. 

In terms of Blue light: 

The ones with 0 blue light were Air Doctor with its night mode feature and the Austin Air which has absolutely no junk light at all emitting from it’s device. 

IQAir had minimal blue light that could easily be prevented with a sticker, whereas Molekule had a large amount of blue light emitting from the device which couldn’t be stopped as LED light is part of it’s Peco technology that kills mold. There was a similar problem with the  Hypo Air Boomerang. 

Bluelight Ranking Best (meaning the least amount) to Worst

1. Austin Air

2. Air Doctor 

3. IQAir 

4. Hypo Air

5. Molekule

Lowest EMF: 

For EMF, you really want the one with the least wireless features. In this case, the Austin Air was by far the best for it’s simplistic design. The Molekule unfortunately was the worst. Please use an EMF meter to measure after you’ve bought. If the EMF levels are high of the respective air filter you’ve purchased, place it somewhere far away from where you usually are in your house.  

In terms of sound:

For someone who’s extremely sensitive to sound, it’s an important factor to take into account. Sound can impact sleep quality, so an excessively loud air filter may keep you up at night. 

Of course, on low settings… 

Least Amount of Sound Issues: 

1. Air Doctor 

2. IQAir 

3. Molekule

4. Hypo Air 

5. Austin Air 

I thought the Austin Air was unbearably loud, something which I personally can’t sleep next to. However others may be able to deal with the issue of sound. If that’s the case, then the lack of blue light and EMF from the Austin air may make it ideal for bedrooms. 

Hypo Air, I disliked as it was the only one which didn’t have different strength speeds,  so it was stuck at a pretty annoying sound level. The Molekule and IQAir could both be changed to a level that was tolerable to sleep next to even for a sound sensitive person like myself. 

Customer Support: 

I thought all companies had decent customer support that answered my questions. The Air Doctor support was slow to ship out their product . IQAir was the quickest, but the fact that they were EU based gives them an obvious advantage when judging it from a UK perspective. In terms of quality control, I loved the fact that IQAir does individual tests for unit quality and delivers a certificate in addition to this to notify the customer that this has been checked. I found this to be excellent attention to detail and a fine example of quality control. In contrast, Austin Air had a bit of off gassing in the first few days of usage. 

Filtration Ability Specs: 

I’ve Analysed all the filters in greater detail on my separate reviews for the products below:

Gas Filtration

Austin Air seems to be the most impressive in that the 5 pounds of Zeolite can filter out dangerous gasses like formaldehyde

Mold Filtration: 

Please note if you have a serious mould problem, please remediate before buying a filter. Nothing is more effective than proper remediation with an expert. 

In terms of mould, Molekule’s Peco Technology and Hypo Allergenic Air’s UVGI + AHPCO are best for killing molds. With mould, you don’t want it to be stuck into your filters and vents as it can permanently ruin your filter. 

IQAir, Air Doctor, and the Austin Air don’t have technology that actively kills the mould

Area Coverage: 

Hypo Air Boomerang: 2,500 Sqft . 

Molekule Air: 600 Sqft (200 for the mini) 

Austin Air: Around 550 Sqft (Depending on the model) 

Air Doctor: 900 Sqft 

IQAir HealthMate Pro 250: Around 1125 Sq fT 

Energy Efficiency: 

Molekule: 20-80 Watts of energy, depending on the rating you do 

IQAir HealthMate Pro 250:  60-70 watts 

Hypo Air Boomerang: 15 watts 

Austin Air: 90 Watts 

Air Doctor:  Was unable to retrieve this 

Warranty:

IQAir Health Mate pro: 10 years 

Austin Air: 5 years

Hypo Air Boomerang: 2 years 

Molekule:  2 years 

Air Doctor: 1 year 

Air Doctor Review- Still worth the money in 2021?

https://aquatruwater.eu/air-doctor-pro-pre-sale.html

Price

For those in the UK, you will have to purchase this on the Dutch-based website of Aqua Tru. This comes in at about £400 but can vary depending on sales and promotions. For those in the US, there are frequent sales for this product, and prices can vary from $350-550. For those who are most patient, I recommend waiting till Black Friday to get the best possible deal. As of time of writing, I received no additional taxes from importing from the Netherlands to the UK. Although, this may change in the future for other customers due to Britain’s departure from the EU. 

To buy for UK and EU:

Delivery

This was a bit frustrating as I ordered in February. Two days later, they told me they were out of stock which was a shame. I finally received my filter late March. I felt the website could’ve been a bit more organised in terms of notifying people that their product was out of stock. 

Prices for Changing the Filters:  Around £150 a year for those in the UK for all three filters to be changed : https://aquatruwater.eu/air-doctor-filters-one-year-combo-pack.html

Specs: 

UltraHEPA( TM ) FILTER is independently tested to remove 100% of airborne particles at 0.003 microns in size. Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) up to 373 rating. Powerful intake fans purify air 3x per hour in a 900 sq. ft. room – a larger space than most apartments and offices! 

There are three filters here. First, a Pre Filter will remove large contaminantes like animal hair and dust. Then,a “dual action gas trip filter” will remove ozone and gas like formaldehyde. Then an UltraHEPA filter “100 times” more effective than ordinary HEPA filters is able to remove nearly 100 percent of the smallest particulates in the air. 

Warranty: 1 Year 

Advantages

  • The night mode – even though this product emits blue light, which as we know has the ability to disrupt sleep and circadian rhythms, the Air Doctor comes with a night mode which blocks off all the blue light, which is extremely useful for those wanting to maximise their sleep quality. This was the first brand I’d tested that actually did this, which is a huge plus for them. 
  • Pricing – for the power and what you’re getting, I say it’s the best value air filter in Europe compared to the mainstream brands like the IQAir. 
  • The noise is very tolerable. Even on its highest settings, it wasn’t annoying or distracting. Compared to other major models, this was the most impressive sound wise. 
  • Slick feel and easy set up 

Disadvantages: 

  • The “air quality monitor” seems like a rather pointless addition – anyone looking to buy an air quality monitor should do so separately as it’s not economically viable for any company to add a truly reliable air filter in a £400 product that already is using expensive HEPAs. 
  • Delivery was slow compared to other products on air filters we tested. They said they were “in stock” when in reality, they were backlogged for a month. 
  • 1 year warranty is significantly lower than others. 

Conclusion: 

The majority of the top end air filter brands are only obtainable in the US and require paying extortionate shipping costs to the UK in order to purchase them. Air Doctor is one of the few brands that’s actually available to buy for those based in the UK and EU at a reasonable price, and for those looking to improve their home, it’s a definite go-to. 

8/10 

“Toxic” By Dr. Neil Nathan Book Review

Toxic: Heal Your Body from Mold Toxicity, Lyme Disease, Multiple Chemical  Sensitivities, and Chronic Environmental Illness: Amazon.co.uk: Nathan, Neil:  Books

“Sensitive patients, having already grasped that they share their symptoms with their healthcare providers, are likely to be labeled as psychologically unstable or are understandably reluctant to do so. The single most important aspect of approaching these patients is to believe them.” 

Neil Nathan starts off the book showing a full understanding for those suffering from Mold Toxicity, Lyme Disease, and Chemical Sensitivities, things that in today’s healthcare system in the UK get very little media attention in the UK. So much so that people can often be described as “crazy” by their doctors. Nathan offers patient mentorship throughout the book, particularly in the earlier and later chapters, which can be supportive towards those in desperate need of help in fixing their health. He chooses to focus on the root cause of issues in modern day health, like Babesia, Bartonella, Lyme disease, and mold problems which have become epidemics in our modern day society. I feel that the functional medicine literature has been craving less overly complicated viewpoints on these issues whilst still giving authors great insight into them. I found it extremely engaging and moving in the right direction. I feel in modern day health there is too much of a focus on what we eat and not a look at the real issues that are plaguing our society beyond food which is where Neil Nathan comes to explain.

Pros

  • One thing that I really enjoyed about this book was it’s clarity, especially in terms of cleansing and detoxing mold. We’ve seen authors like Dave Asprey write about this issue before, even making movies about this topic, but there are rarely books written with such clarity that explain how we can detox from mould and what the best binders to use are. 
  • Even aside from mold testing, Dr. Nathan offers a clear path into what one should do to test for Mycotoxins. Again, this issue has been handled by authors like the Ben Greenfield’s and Sayer Ji’s of this world but never with such clarity and well-planned delivery of ideas. 
  • The book is diverse and focuses on a broad range of ideas from genes to mast cell activation to how to reboot almost all parts of the human body from the nervous system to even your psyche and spiritual awakening. 
  • The provision of people’s personal experiences is useful too, with some of the patient’s bios showing particularly harsh journeys towards recovery. Betty’s story in chapter 22 is a particular example of this in which her healing journey took around 20 years. I found stories like this, whilst difficult to read about, set realistic expectations for those viewing Lyme, Mold and co-infections as a long-term process to recover from rather than a short-term, easy fix. A lot of people can be deluded or not really properly understand the length of time required to recover from these illnesses, and Dr.Nathan constantly reiterates that this is a long-term process. 
  • There are some useful tips about mould remediation that, whilst not being as in-depth as a lot of mould books, are good for those starting out. 
  • The diagrams and illustrations help to explain complex scientific processes well to those even without a scientific background. 
  • The information on Babesia, Bartonella, and Borrelia, I found particularly useful. Especially as a person who’s had to deal with these co-infections myself, it was really encouraging to see a doctor so self-aware of the problems these three illnesses can cause, particularly going into the differences between the three of them was super useful. 
  • I believe this is the book we needed to finally explain clearly how big an issue mould is in modern day society, and many symptoms for depression, ADHD, joint pain are actually just cover ups for mould toxicity 

Cons

  • For those new to the health and “biohacking” scene, I believe this  book will be too much for them to take. It’s a lot of new info that hasn’t been covered much at all by the mainstream diet books. A few of the topics have been covered by Greenfield and Asprey but not to this extent. 
  • Could have had a bit more on EMF mitigation. Considering EMF plays a pretty big role in today’s Lyme pandemic, some more advice could be needed. 
  • Could have added some more parasite cleanses for issues like rope worms. I was surprised at Dr. Nathan for not including many of these considering those with Lyme and Mould usually have underlying rope worm issues or parasites that need to be cleansed. Something similar to a Microbe Formulas protocol including Mimosa Pudica would’ve been useful for the readers. 
  • Potentially could have included more on heavy metal detoxing, and looking at the different types of products that could be useful also dealing with Amalgam Fillings could’ve been more in depth.
  • Was surprised when he included SRIIS in his treatment for anxiety. Many people have suffered permanent side effects from taking these drugs, so to recommend them seems odd. 
  • Would’ve liked to have seen more data linking Mycotoxin detox to infrared saunas. I know there have been some interesting studies on people recovering from Mycotoxins using saunas, and I believe Dr. Nathan could’ve used them here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29861191/

Conclusions:  Toxic by Neil Nathan breaks new boundaries in the science field. It’s delightful to see that health books have evolved to deliver something very relevant in our changing environments. I believe everyone in the biohacking scene can gain a lot from this book and understand more about how the environment, mould, and EMFs can impact their health. It addresses key issues that are missed by so many doctors in modern day health, and I hope this book can be a big step towards rectifying our broken healthcare system. 

9/10

To buy:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Toxic-Neil-Nathan/dp/1628603119/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=neil+nathan+toxic&qid=1617007442&sr=8-1

Microbe Formulas: Immune Borr, Immune Bab, Immune Bart and Immune Boost Review

Wellness Series Phase 5 - Microbe Formulas™

A couple of years ago, I reviewed Microbe Formulas Mimosa Pudica and MF1, two supplements that took the world by storm. All of a sudden, hundreds of people were uploading their results of expelling rope worms, and it drew light to the problems resulting in parasites. I was really impressed by their range, so much so that I ordered their new range one which I had high expectations for, and they didn’t disappoint. 

As someone who’d been suffering from Bartonella for a few years now, the Mimosa Pudica and MF1 range whilst being able to expel large quantities of parasites did not eradicate my Bartonella symptoms completely. However, after taking Immune Bartonella for around a week, I was able to finally eliminate my Bartonella symptoms. This was the first product in the Parasite cleansing supplement line that actually performed well and did what it said it would do. 

This new range of 4 tinctures features a huge array of herbs designed to eliminate parasites. I like how finally there’s an all-in-one range specifically designed to eradicate co-infections like Babesia and Bartonella which often leave their victims confused and unable to find adequate solutions beyond big Pharma drugs, which kill the gut biome. There is a large variety of herbs in each one of these tinctures, so make sure you dose very, very low to begin with, far lower than the bottle suggests. I recommend doing a quarter of a dropper full then work your way up. It says 60 servings per bottle, but each one of these tinctures could easily last 4 months no problem as they are extremely powerful. 

Precautions before You Take Any of the New Range Immune Bart, Immune Borr, immune Bab, Immune Support: 

These products will kill a ton of parasites, so make sure your body is well equipped to deal with the drainage and burden on your liver that this will entail. What I recommend you do before taking these products: 

  • Microbe Formula’s – Kidney and Liver Detox Support – I found my liver was overwhelmed when taking this product due to the amount of parasites dying, so it’s key to support your liver during the detox. 
  • Microbe Formula’s – Biotox – This helps absorb the toxins that parasites excrete when they die, further reducing the burden on the liver.
  • Microbe Formula’s – Tudica – Again another supplement that helps with drainage and liver support. 
  • If the above are too expensive, I recommend taking an organic milk thistle supplement. 
  • Drink plenty of glass, bottled water to support detoxification. 
  • Support detox with infrared sauna use. I recommend using Clearlight Sauna’s and supplementing the electrolytes. 
  • Microbe Formula’s – Mitorestore and Bioactive – Carbon minerals can also support the detoxification process. 
  • Castor Oil applied to the anus where parasites live can also be therapeutic. 

Remember to cycle. Spend 1-2 weeks supporting the liver drainage before you take this product then start with the tinctures. If you take too much too soon, you’ll overwhelm your liver like I did and cause more harm. 

Price each tincture comes in $40 as compared to the closest product which is Byron White Formulas at $79 which is $39 more expensive, whichI believe is an excellent price for a huge anti-parasitic stack. 

Pros and Cons 

Pros: 

  • The first supplement I’ve known of to actively help with the near eradication of my Bartonella; anyone with any of these retroviruses or co-infections should definitely take this product. 
  • You get a ton of different herbs for your money; finally a product that is specifically made for the combination ou wish to deal with. This saves you from popping pills and supplements from hundreds of different brands, many of which you don’t even know work or not. 
  • The tinctures last a long time. They say 60 days servings, but it can easily be spread to around 100-120 days. 
  • Good value for money – for the sheer amount of herbs you’re getting, this really is a great value supplement, and with a support group on Facebook and 100s of happy customers on parasite forums, it’s definitely worth trying out. 
  • Great to take while travelling especially in Latin American, South East Asian, and Central American countries. Parasites can hit us at any time, but especially when travelling around these parts of the world, you really need to support your immune system . 

Cons

  • Continuous taking of black wormwood can be bad for the gut, so make sure you cycle this product 1 week on, 1 week off. 
  • Die of symptoms will occur, so make sure you’re prepared for drainage. 
  • Those living in the UK will have to pay approximately $28 in shipping and further tax charges, but despite these two costs, I still think it’s very much worth the price. 
  • Contains Alcohol, which will mean those who are religious or have previous problems with alcohol will not want this product. 

Conclusion 

Microbe Formulas has been one of my favourite brands in the Biohacking sphere, and their release of a new range designed to target retroviruses has been a joy to use. Overall, I recommend this product to anyone who’s having to deal with Babesia or Bartonella and needs some relief and remediation. Seriously, consider purchasing this new range. 

To buy:

Immune Bart: https://microbeformulas.com/products/immune-support-bart

Immune Borr: https://microbeformulas.com/collections/products/products/immune-support-borr

Immune Bab: https://microbeformulas.com/collections/products/products/immune-bab

Immune Boost: https://microbeformulas.com/collections/products/products/immune-boost

Molekule Air Mini Still Worth it in 2021? Debunking the Wired Review

Introducing the Molekule Air Mini – Just as good as the Molekule Air, but  in a smaller package! – The Gadgeteer

The Molekule air filter has been one of the most controversial air filters of our time. It first gained traction around 2016 when Dave Asprey and The Lifestylist endorsed the product. However, after some controversial YouTube reviews, they recently had their endorsements pulled. Despite this, I noticed improved reviews on Amazon (of course not a true indicator of improvement as reviews can easily be forged). 

Traditional filters have a thick piece of fabric that pulls air, which attempts to strain the particles from the air and are coated with a special nanocatalyst. When the catalyst sees light from LEDS, it creates a chemical reaction that destroys molds, formaldehyde, bacteria, viruses, airborne chemicals all getting broken down into their most basic form like water, oxygen etc.  So it’s the first air purifier on the market that actually focuses on destroying contaminates rather than just filtering them out.  

What about the Wirecutter Review? 

18 peer reviewed studies on the actual core technology used and has featured in academia for 20 years. 

Wirecutter didn’t have the sophistication to test the Molekule technology and forgot about a lot of air tests. The testing methodology wasn’t living up to scientific standards and was ignorant of vast swathes of pollutants in the air. So, the main benefit of Molekule is that it filters out substances that other air purifiers don’t, and in the Wirecutter review, they weren’t testing for those contaminants. The Wirecutter review was a speed test which wasn’t a true reflection of the Molekule’s ability. There’s an industry level test that gages the comparative differences on the scale of “Clean air delivery rate” tests,which cost $5000 per device per test, and Wirecutter was unable to get that test.

In traditional filters that catch pollutants, potentially these pollutants can go back in the air. Because Molekule is trying to destroy the pollutants, it can take more time to reach the same speed as other HEPA filters in terms of filtration. Molekule’s technology takes a lot longer to destroy the air contaminants, so the speed test that Wirecutter did was not a fair representation of Molekule’s true abilities. 

Pricing

The Air Mini comes in at $399 plus shipping fees and tax fees on Amazon to the EU and UK. You’re looking at this totalling around $450 if you’re an EU buyer, making this one of the costliest air purifiers on the market. They often do sales though on events like Black Friday, so it can be worth checking them out. Sometimes these sales are anywhere between $100-150 off their range of models. 

Mini :

  • 5 Fan speeds 
  • Hybrid filter that has a pre filter that captures large filter ants then a Peco filter (patented technology) that uses light to break down the molecular structure of those. 
  • Through the app, you can see how long your filter has left.
  • Comes with a two year warranty, which is an industry standard for this type of air filter, although much less than the Austin Air and IQAir.  

Modern Castle’s Test on the Molekule in terms of air quality improvement after one hour on as follows:

P.m 2.5 Change from 3.9 To 0.6

P.M 10 : 5.9 to 0.9 

Particulates: 329 to 49 

AQI: From 16 to 0 

Source : https://moderncastle.com/molekule-mini-review/

Advantages

  • Beautiful, slick looking design. Of course, when it comes to air filters, it should always be about what can filter air the most effectively rather than what looks most beautiful. But if, for example, you own a shop and want to put an air filter in, a big clunky Austin Air or IQ might not have the same appeal as a Molekule Air Mini, which is easily the best looking air purifier I’ve owned. Looks wise, it blows all others out of the water. 
  • Easy to transport – good to use for travel and when staying at hotels in which you’re unable to tell if there are molds or airborne chemicals around. 
  • The peco technology is something that actually kills mold spores, which is something which HEPA filters can’t do. For those living in moldy environments, this filter, on the face of it, seems like a must. 
  • Used very little non-sustainable packaging – came packed in recycled cardboard with very little plastic. 
  • Overall, a lot of positive reviews by reliable influencers like Todd Shipman and Ben Greenfield. They still have reputable people that endorse them. Todd Shipman himself noted that his daughter’s allergies were decreased, and it helped him with his mold sensitivities.
  • Great build quality and sturdy design – seems to be the sort of device that can travel well. 
  • Peco technology has been around for over 20 years with 18 studies to back it up with, so the major unique selling point of this product is backed by science. 
  • A large percentage of people on the Toxic Mould Support group on Facebook have vouched for the product, and I see that group as being a very respectable one in terms of knowledge on air purifiers and air quality. 
  • I noticed a slight improvement in the air quality of the rooms I had this on in. 
  • The low level sensor isn’t loud enough to interfere with my sleep personally. 

Disadvantages

  • Air filters need to be replaced every 6 months on average. I’ve not experienced any air filtration device that’s needed its filters replacing so often. This can make owning a Molekule extremely costly in the long run. These filters cost around $50 to replace adding in tax and shipping, and for EU owners, this can become even more costly. 
  • Expensive for what you’re getting – for the area it covers, there are alternatives on the market that can cover a much larger area for a smaller price and require their filter to be changed a lot less often. 
  • Still concerned over the speed and efficiency of the product – the Molekule CEO Jaya Rao mentioned in her interview with Homekit Insider that it does work slower than the other air purifiers on the market, and this was seen in the Wirecutter review. 
  • LED light at night is incredibly annoying to sleep next to. As someone who wants to optimise their sleep, you really want to make sure you live in a blue light free environment. Unfortunately due to the fact that the Molekule relies on blue light to kill mold spores, this thing emits a tonne of blue light that can disturb your sleep. It would’ve been a lot better if they used a different spectrum of light like a red light which doesn’t interfere with blue light. It could’ve been more advantageous especially as we now know even small amounts of junk blue light can impact sleep at night. I most definitely wouldn’t want to sleep next to this product at night. There are other filters on the market that emit way less. 
  • Still quite heavy compared to other portable air purifiers like the Hypoallergenic Air Boomerang and the Germ Defender, with those two costing a lot less to maintain in the long run. 
  • The highest sensor is annoyingly loud and is not something you want to be in the same room with. 

Conclusions:

The Molekule is probably the most controversial air purifier around in the biohacking scene for a while now. It’s certainly gained a lot of media press and coverage following that Wirecutter review. Personally, I wouldn’t say it’s worth the price from a UK perspective as of yet. Certainly in your own room where you sleep at night, I wouldn’t leave mine on due to the outrageous amount of blue light it emits. It would be nice of them in the future to release a “blue light free” version. However, I find if you’re traveling or moving to another country, it’s definitely an easy way to combat questionable air quality. If you have a large amount of disposable income, I’d buy one, but for those on a strict budget, I suggest saving towards an Austin Air or Air Doctor because these cost far less in the long term in terms of filter protection and are more powerful units in general. From a UK buyer on a budget, there’s far better bang for your buck out there. 

Other Sources of information: For Queries Re the Wire Cutter Review :https://appleinsider.com/articles/20/12/14/exclusive-molekule-ceo-jaya-rao-talks-about-implementing-apples-homekit she provides explanations for the reasons behind Wirecutter’s conclusions that they drew Re. the molekule. 

Score 7/10

Molekule’s Mold Test: 

To buy:https://molekule.com

To buy UK: 

Studies on Peco Filtration Technology:https://molekule.com/technology

Austin Air Health Mate Review – Still Worth it in 2021?

Having been researching air purifiers for a while on the Toxic Mold and various other health groups on Facebook, one very popular air purifier was the Austin Air Purifier of which has always been very popular in the health sphere but even more recently has been selling more. Since the Covid outbreak in March last year, they’ve had a backlog of orders for their popular air purifiers. 

To buy: https://austinair.com/

Models :

Austin Air typically has 5 main models: 

  • The Bedroom Machine 
  • Healthmate Plus 
  • HealthMate 
  • Allergy Machine 
  • PetMachine 

In this review, however, we will be reviewing the HealthMate. 

Specs:

This unit features a large particle pre filter. It’s a fabric type material that wraps around the inside of the unit behind the front grill. There’s a grill on all 4 sides, and behind the grill, there’s a large particle pre filter, and behind the large particle pre filter, there’s a single combination filter that fits into the centre of the unit a cylindrical filter with filter media throughout that filter. So, outside of the combination filters there’s a medium carbon pre filter, which is another line of defence for larger particles, maybe slightly smaller particles than what’s meant to be filtered by the large filter. You have 15 pounds of carbon and zeolite, and that sits behind the carbon pre filter. There’s an actual HEPA filter, the two pre filters, the large particle pre filter, and the medium particle, and then the 15 pounds of carbon and zeolite designed for harmful gases. Behind that, you have the HEPA filters that filter out smaller particles. As air enters the unit, it enters at all 4 sides, and it then exits near the top. 

Air goes in (through all 4 sides of the unit)  >>> Past large particle pre filter (Fabric type material) l>> single combination filter that fits into the centre of the unit which contains a medium particle pre filter>>> past the activated carbon and zeolite>> behind this is an actual Hepa filter >> air exit through the top . 

Pricing

It’s important to note that for individuals living in the UK, any purchase of the Austin Air will need to be done from American sellers as there is currently (at time of writing this) no place in the UK or EU that is retailing these units, so any purchase of these units will need to come with the usual caveat of import tax and hefty shipping charges. I purchased mine on eBay from a reputable seller. Typically your best bet is to do the same because, as of time of writing this, amazon.com is currently sold out of all Austin air units. Make sure before you purchase that the store is legitimate and offers a warranty on your product and that the unit isn’t secondhand as secondhand units can be infected with mold. If they’re in particularly bad environments, this mold sticks inside the machine and can infect the house. 

Typically, including shipping, you’re looking at about £650, but some sellers might have additional sales especially in November, around Black Friday, as a lot of American companies provide crazy discounts during that time. (Black Friday is usually taken more seriously over there compared to here in the UK). 

The additional cost for the replacement filter is around £200 including shipping and taxes, but these will need to be replaced only every 5 years, so it’s not something that poses a big concern. 

To buy the full range of models + replacements: 

https://austinair.com/shop/

Features: 

  • HEPA filter that filters 0.3 pm , filtering out particles even smaller than Covid-19 (1.5pm) 

Advantages

  • A lot of power and filtration for your price – good value for money especially for Americans who don’t need to pay the import and shipping taxes that we in the UK need to. 
  • You get a 5 year warranty, which is significantly higher than almost all other units barring the IQAir. 
  • Easily mobile to move around the house due to the wheels. The wheels also come pre-attached, so you don’t need to assemble – the set up is extremely easy; just plug in and you’re good to go. 
  • No blue light being emitted. A lot of other top models in the air purifier space emit a huge amount of blue light which makes it very difficult to sleep next to the device. Austin Air has no such problems, making it easy to go to sleep next to for some people who don’t mind the loud sound. 
  • Filter needs to be replaced only every 5 years. This is a huge positive that makes this device so much easier to run in the long term compared to other brands who’s filters need replacing every 6 months to 2 years. 
  • Addition of Zeolite to the mixture which allows for gas filtration media to bond to a greater selection of chemicals. One of those chemicals is formaldehyde (which activated Carbon cannot remove) 
  • A lot of Activated Carbon – most air purifiers have one pound of activated carbon. This unit has 15 pounds, and this allows the unit to remove chemicals from the air much quicker than other units. With so much more gas filtration media, it’s going to take much longer to saturate. 
  • Made in the USA. I’m personally a big fan of air purifiers that are constructed in the US as opposed to China because I believe product control and quality are higher in the US/Europe. 
  • Strong build quality – almost entirely made out of a very durable metal. 
  • No EMF or WiFi radiation. Far too many air filters come with high tech additions like “air quality measuring” which do very little to nothing in terms of improving the product but simply add to the amount of EMF being produced, making it a hazard to stand next to or sleep in the same room as. Austin Air’s simplistic design helps it a lot in this regard as it doesn’t have any of these features, just a simple dial that you press. 

Disadvantages: 

  • You have to pay tax and large shipping fees on all the filters. Again, this is inevitable as I live in the UK. For those who live in the US reading this, you do not have to pay such expensive fees. 
  • So much air goes through a very large particle air purifier, so it requires a large amount of power to maintain the 250 CFM. The unit has to draw around 90 watts of power, around 20-30 watts higher than other units. 
  • Very heavy – at 47 pounds, this is the heaviest filter I’ve ever bought. For people who are weak, they may struggle to carry this between floors, particularly as some individuals like to purchase filters to which they move with while they switch rooms. I.e. They carry it downstairs during the day when they’re working and then upstairs for when they’re sleeping in their bedroom. 
  • Not the best looking filter on the market – yes, this shouldn’t matter to most people, but for some people in a corporate setting like an art studio or sales floor, an ugly filter can be an eyesore.
  • Extremely loud – on all three settings this thing is loud as hell. Even on its lowest setting, it’s louder than the highest of several other purifiers I’ve tested. As a person sensitive to noise, this makes it impossible for me to sleep next to. 
  • Toxic smell coming out after one days use – I hadn’t had an issue with this in air purifiers beforehand, but this suggests something deeply flawed with construction of the air purifier. Seems to be other people complaining about the off gassing too. 

Conclusion:

If you’re worried about gas filtration, the Austin Air purifier is the one for you as it’s far stronger than any other air filter we have tested so far. Particularly if you live in a heavily polluted area, we see the Austin Air purifier as being the most effective. Even though it is pricey, the filters need to be replaced far less frequently than other purifiers we’ve tested, which in the long term, 5- 10 years view, will save you money. Overall, even from a UK perspective despite the tax and import costs of the Austin Air, I still think its a must have for those looking to optimise their home air environments. What also needs to be taken into consideration is all air filters will be overpriced to some degree as all the best brands are located in the US or EU. If you’re priced out, then I’d recommend the Air Doctor as an alternative. 

7/10