Fittergy: How a for-profit supplement-company is helping me live longer.
And how I am using AI to make my time count.
Introduction
In a world where specialisation is the norm, I find solace in the Renaissance ideal of the ‘homo universalis’ — the universal person adept in the arts and sciences. This ideal, embodied by the likes of Erasmus, has guided me through a life colored by a unique challenge: a rare genetic mutation in my LMNA gene, predisposing my heart to premature aging. Yet, amidst this backdrop of uncertainty, I have found an ally in an unexpected place — a for-profit supplement company called Fittergy.
The generosity of Fittergy.nl has granted me a year’s supply of Resveratrol, a substance that I’ve come to regard as a critical ally in my quest for longevity. This act of support is not just a corporate gesture but a testament to the scientific integrity and dedication that Remco Verkaik, a biochemist par excellence, brings to his craft. This article is a narrative not just of personal survival and gratitude but also an exploration of how integrating artificial intelligence into my health regime has empowered me to live not just longer, but better.
The LMNA Mutation and Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)
From programming computers at the age of nine to gazing at the stars with a telescope, my curiosity knew no bounds. My passion for astronomy and cosmology was not just about understanding the cosmos but also about decoding the complex machinery within us. However, this machinery came with its flaws — encoded in my DNA is a mutation in the LMNA gene that has been my silent companion since birth.
This mutation remained a quiet specter until recently. As I approach the half-century mark of my life, the mutation has begun to assert itself with a sobering presence. Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) is the unwelcome guest that this genetic anomaly has invited into my heart, stretching its chambers and thinning its walls, diminishing its capacity to pump life-giving blood. The progression of this condition has gradually but irrevocably begun to encroach upon the freedoms I once took for granted, curtailing not just activities but also life’s timeline.
Yet, as an ever-optimistic student of life, I refused to be a passive spectator. My approach has always been hands-on, whether it was grappling with the intricacies of code or the nuances of celestial mechanics. With the same spirit, I embarked on a mission to find allies in my fight against the ticking clock set into motion by my own genetics.
The Scientific Backing for Resveratrol
In my quest to stave off the relentless progression of heart disease, I discovered InsightAI.dev — an AI-driven platform that harnesses the power of large language models and biomedical databases. This tool, which I stumbled upon while furthering my education in AI and data analysis, became my beacon in the pursuit of scientific literature.
It was through InsightAI that I uncovered the study “Cardiovascular aging: from cellular and molecular changes to therapeutic interventions” on PubMed, a trove of insight that could have easily remained buried in the vast sea of academic papers. The paper shed light on substances known as Caloric Restriction Mimetics (CRMs), among which resveratrol — a polyphenol found in the skin of grapes — was prominently featured.
Resveratrol is not a panacea; the journey with my heart condition has taught me to be wary of such promises. Instead, it’s a potential tool in a rather limited arsenal against Dilated Cardiomyopathy, a condition stubbornly resistant to most interventions. Scientific investigations, including the ones mentioned in the paper, offer a glimmer of hope, suggesting that resveratrol might mitigate some age-related cardiac issues.
For me, taking resveratrol is akin to applying a patch to a software program — it’s not about rewriting the code but offering a stability update where it can. In managing my condition, I’ve had to learn to celebrate such small victories.
Fittergy and the Science of Well-being
When you navigate the complexities of a health condition like mine, partnerships that foster wellness become invaluable. In this journey, Fittergy has been more than just a supplier of supplements; it’s been a collaborative partner in my pursuit of well-being. It was their understanding of the science behind supplements like resveratrol that initially caught my attention.
Remco Verkaik, the biochemist at the helm, approaches the subject with a rare blend of scientific rigor and genuine care for individual health narratives. It’s this combination that resonates deeply with someone like me, who has spent a lifetime valuing the empirical while seeking personalized solutions.
My introduction to Fittergy was serendipitous, aligning with my search for credible, scientifically-backed interventions. Their sponsorship of a year’s supply of Resveratrol 40mg came at a time when I was acutely aware of the dwindling resources in my fight against DCM. This act of support wasn’t a mere transaction; it felt like a vote of confidence in my proactive approach to manage my health.
Taking resveratrol has been a disciplined addition to my daily routine. With few options available to influence the progression of my heart disease, Fittergy’s contribution is a thread of hope — a means to perhaps slow down the ticking clock dictated by my genetic blueprint.
AI as a Cornerstone of Modern Health Management
Embarking on the path of self-education and tapping into the ever-evolving landscape of AI has been nothing short of transformative. In an era where the quantity of data often overwhelms quality, AI has become my compass. The advent of InsightAI.dev exemplifies the power of these tools — sifting through the overwhelming expanse of scientific literature to highlight relevant information that could easily slip through the cracks.
My journey with InsightAI.dev began with a simple GitHub discovery while sharpening my skills in AI-based data analysis. It’s a system that mirrors the intricacies of human inquiry yet operates with the precision and efficiency of a machine. By navigating through a network of APIs like PUBMED and MYGENE, it has allowed me to grasp the latest research on LMNA mutations and its implications for DCM.
But my use of AI doesn’t end with research; it extends to the realm of communication. The insights garnered from AI have enhanced my discussions with physicians, making them more fruitful than ever before. The ability to present AI-digested information has ensured that my conversations are not just heard but understood, leading to more personalized and effective care.
But more about this in a later article.
Conclusion
As I stand on the threshold of my fiftieth year, I reflect on the journey that has been shaped by an intimate dialogue between my body’s inherited narrative and my unwavering quest for knowledge. The intersection of biology and technology, of personal health and scientific advancement, has never been more pronounced or more personal.
I extend my heartfelt thanks to Fittergy and Remco Verkaik for their role in this narrative — not just for the gift of Resveratrol but for embodying the spirit of scientific exploration that drives their work. It’s companies like these that remind us of the value of pairing commerce with genuine human concern.
Artificial intelligence, once a subject of my youthful curiosity (Oh, how I loved reading Isaac Asimov), has now morphed into a practical ally. It stands as a testament to human ingenuity, offering a bridge between the vast world of scientific knowledge and the intimate space of patient care.
In sharing my story, I hope to ignite a spark of inspiration and to convey my profound gratitude for the tools and individuals that have given me a semblance of control in an unpredictable journey. It’s a reminder that, while we may not be able to rewrite our genetic code, we can certainly influence the narrative of our lives, one scientific discovery and one act of kindness at a time.
Thank you for seeing me.
