A New Culprit: Chiron

I don't think that normal bread is the "culprit" that I accused it of being in my earlier post titled Looking For the Culprit. I stopped with the bread and for a short while I seemed better but then my GIT disturbances reemerged with renewed intensity. It's something else that's the cause or there may be no irritant at all, my system may be imbalanced in some way.

Currently transiting Chiron is sitting right on my Ascendant and it has a cycle of a little over 50 years. Looking back to when it was last in that position, I noticed that the date was March 3rd 1976. It was around this time that I was stricken with a serious disturbance of my GIT that saw me lying mainly on the bathroom floor for a couple days. I don't remember the exact date but I remember the episode vividly because I'd not experienced anything like it before or since. At the time, I was a young man in good health and my collapse was not caused by alcohol or drugs. I was simply struck down.

I'll discuss the astrological details in my Astrowatch blog but it's interesting that Chiron is prominent in my chart on both occasions. I asked Gemini the following:

Astrologically can you find any evidence that the transits of Chiron across a person's Ascendant can be associated with a cleansing of sorts, either psychically or physically.

This was the response: 

In the realm of astrology, there is a very strong, well-documented association between Chiron transiting the Ascendant and a profound period of "cleansing."

While it is always important to ground this by noting that astrology is a symbolic framework and belief system—meaning there is no empirical, scientific evidence linking planetary movements to human health or psychology—within the astrological tradition itself, this specific transit is viewed as a major catalyst for deep purging and healing.

To understand why this transit triggers both physical and psychic cleansing, it helps to look at the two astrological components involved.

The Astrological Mechanics

• Chiron (The Wounded Healer): In astrology, the comet Chiron represents our deepest, most sensitive wounds, our vulnerabilities, and the holistic healing that comes from finally addressing our pain rather than suppressing it.

• The Ascendant (The 1st House Cusp): This point in the birth chart represents the physical body, vitality, outward appearance, and the fundamental sense of "Self" or personal identity we project into the world.

When transiting Chiron crosses the Ascendant, the archetype of the "Wounded Healer" makes direct contact with the "Self" and the "Body." Astrologers widely interpret this as a time when any toxic, unhealed, or suppressed energy can no longer remain hidden. It must come to the surface to be cleansed.

Here is how that cleansing typically manifests across both the psychic and physical planes.

The Psychic and Emotional Cleansing

The Ascendant often functions as our social mask or our defense mechanism. When Chiron crosses this point, it initiates a psychological detox by stripping away any superficial layers of identity.

• Shedding False Identities: If a person has built an identity around being "invulnerable," "perfect," or entirely self-sufficient, this transit often breaks that facade down. The psychic cleansing happens by forcing the person to embrace their vulnerability and authenticity.

• Surfacing of Old Wounds: Repressed psychological baggage, insecurities, or childhood dynamics often bubble up to the conscious mind. The cleansing process here isn't usually gentle; it is often likened to emotional surgery. It requires acknowledging the psychic wound in order to finally release its hold on the person's identity.

• A Shift in Self-Perception: The "purge" ultimately leaves the individual with a highly refined, more compassionate sense of who they are, stripped of the ego-defenses that were secretly draining their energy.

The Physical Cleansing

Because the Ascendant literally governs the physical vessel, Chiron’s transit here very frequently correlates with events centered around the body.

• Somatic Manifestations: Astrological practice frequently notes that during this transit, emotional or psychic blockages that have been ignored will manifest as physical symptoms. The body begins keeping the score in a very loud way.

• Health as a Catalyst for Change: It is common for people to experience a depletion of vitality, strange flare-ups, or physical vulnerabilities that force them to stop, rest, and completely re-evaluate how they treat their physical form. The "wound" appears in the body to force a lifestyle change.

• Literal Detoxification: People under this transit often feel an overwhelming, instinctual urge to physically cleanse. They may suddenly drop bad habits, adopt rigorous new health regimens, seek out holistic therapies (like acupuncture, somatic experiencing, or dietary overhauls), and actively work to purge toxins from their daily lives.

Ultimately, astrologers view the transit of Chiron over the Ascendant as a holistic detox. It is a demanding transit that brings vulnerabilities out into the open, initiating a necessary purging of physical neglect or psychological baggage so that the individual can move forward with a more authentic, integrated, and healed sense of self.

So it may well be that there is no external irritant at all and that my condition is the result of a purging. If so then it's best to let the process run its course and my symptoms should dissipate as Chiron moves away from my Ascendant. Time will tell.

MCT Oil

Interesting YouTube video that I watched regarding MCT Oil. Below is Gemini's summary of the video:

Here is a comprehensive breakdown of the video's concepts, underlying biological mechanisms, and the recommended daily protocol.

The Three Biological Threats After Age 60

As the human body ages, three interconnected biological processes accelerate simultaneously, amplifying one another and increasing the risk of fatigue, metabolic disease, and cancer:

• Mitochondrial Senescence: By age 65, mitochondrial density in cells drops by 40% to 50%, effectively running the body on half power and causing fatigue and slower recovery [02:34].

• Stem Cell Depletion: The body's circulating stem cells—responsible for repairing tissue—decline by 60% to 70%. When DNA damage occurs, there are fewer healthy cells to repair the tissue, increasing the likelihood of cancer mutations [03:12].

• Metabolic Dysregulation: Cells become less sensitive to insulin, shifting the body's primary fuel source entirely to glucose. This is highly problematic because cancer cells have a strict metabolic addiction to glucose [04:24].

The Solution: C8 MCT Oil

Medium-Chain Triglyceride (MCT) oil, specifically a fraction called caprylic acid (C8), possesses a unique carbon structure. Unlike standard dietary fats that take hours to digest through the lymphatic system, C8 MCT oil travels straight to the liver where it is immediately converted into ketones, specifically beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) [07:16].

The Five Mechanisms of Action

When consumed in a fasted state, this specific oil triggers five simultaneous biological reactions:

1. Direct Fat Oxidation: BHB activates nuclear receptors that signal cells to immediately start burning fat for energy. Clinical trials show a massive increase in the oxidation of dangerous visceral (abdominal) fat [08:14].

2. Mitochondrial Biogenesis & Stem Cell Reactivation: MCT oil activates proteins that command your cells to build brand-new mitochondria. Furthermore, the elevated BHB helps keep your remaining stem cells in a healthy, protected, "quiescent" resting state so they live longer and repair tissue more effectively [09:55].

3. Starving Cancer Cells: Cancer cells rely heavily on fermenting glucose to survive (the Warburg effect) and cannot efficiently use ketones for energy. By lowering glucose availability and elevating ketones, you create a systemic metabolic environment where healthy cells thrive and cancer cells are starved [13:34].

4. Muscle Preservation: Elevated ketones signal to the body that energy is abundant, stopping the breakdown of muscle tissue during a calorie deficit. They also trigger muscle protein synthesis without an insulin spike [17:11].

5. Multiplicative Synergy with Caffeine: Caffeine forces fat cells to release stored fat into the bloodstream. The metabolic demand created by MCT-derived ketones immediately burns that mobilized fat, creating a fat-burning synergy that is over 120% greater than consuming either compound alone [20:11].

The Precise Daily Protocol

To achieve these cellular benefits, the intervention must be executed with specific timing, dosing, and preparation:

• The Right Product: Purchase pure C8 (caprylic acid) MCT oil, or a C8/C10 blend. Avoid cheap MCT oils that are predominantly C12 (lauric acid), as they do not convert to ketones efficiently [22:37].

• Dosing & Ramp-Up: Start with 1 teaspoon (5g) for the first 3 to 4 days to avoid overwhelming your liver and causing digestive upset. After a week, gradually increase to the clinical dose of 1 tablespoon (15ml or 14g). Do not exceed 30 grams per day [23:45].

• Mandatory Emulsification: Do not simply stir the oil into your coffee with a spoon. You must use a blender or high-powered milk frother for 15 to 20 seconds to create a microscopic emulsion for proper absorption. Optional: Add 1 teaspoon of grass-fed butter or ghee to enhance satiety and support gut health [24:46].

• Strict Timing: Consume this blended coffee within the first hour of waking, on an empty stomach. Delay your first solid meal by 2 to 4 hours to protect the fat-burning, low-glucose window [25:52].

• Lifestyle Optimization: Maintain a modest 300 to 500 daily calorie deficit. Add resistance training two to three times per week, followed by 20 to 30 grams of protein within two hours of your workout [26:48].

Timeline of Results and Safety

• Weeks 1-2: Expect increased morning energy, a reduction in brain fog, decreased hunger, and a minor drop in water weight [28:37].

• Weeks 3-8: Measurable fat loss begins (typically 1 to 2 lbs per week, specifically around the abdomen). Muscle strength is preserved [29:20].

• Months 2-3: Mitochondrial rebuilding reaches full expression, returning energy levels to that of a younger decade. Biomarkers like triglycerides and fasting insulin markedly improve [29:49].

• Safety Precautions: MCT oil is incredibly safe for the general population. However, individuals with active liver disease, Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes on insulin/sulfonylureas, or those taking Warfarin must consult a physician before attempting this protocol [30:24].

Furthermore I asked Gemini the following:

Based on the video's content, what commercial products are out there that comply with the video creator's recommendations, namely to "purchase pure C8 (caprylic acid) MCT oil, or a C8/C10 blend. Avoid cheap MCT oils that are predominantly C12 (lauric acid), as they do not convert to ketones efficiently".

Here was the response:

To comply perfectly with the strict requirements for a high-quality MCT oil—specifically one that is pure C8 (caprylic acid) and completely free of inefficient C12 (lauric acid) fillers—Hunter & Gather Thrive Fuel® Pure C8 MCT Oil is the definitive commercial product to use for this protocol.

Here is a complete breakdown of why this specific product aligns flawlessly with the required biological mechanisms for ketone production and metabolic health:

• Optimal C8 Concentration: It contains over 98% pure C8 (caprylic acid). This ensures that the oil bypasses the lymphatic system and goes directly to the liver for immediate conversion into beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) ketones, completely avoiding the slower, less efficient processing associated with cheaper C12-heavy oils.

• Pure Sourcing: It is extracted exclusively from 100% organic coconuts. It contains absolutely zero palm oil, seed oils, or vegetable glycerols, ensuring you are getting the purest form of the fat.

• Clean Extraction Process: The oil is triple steam-distilled without the use of hexanes or harsh chemical solvents, guaranteeing that no toxic residues are introduced into your body during your fasting window.

• Coffee Integration: It is entirely flavorless and odorless. When blended for 15 to 20 seconds using a high-powered frother or blender, it emulsifies seamlessly into morning coffee without floating on the surface or compromising the taste, allowing for uniform cellular absorption.

• Optimal Packaging: It is bottled in glass rather than plastic, which prevents any endocrine-disrupting chemicals from leaching into the oil over time.

This specific oil provides the exact molecular structure needed to rapidly activate fat oxidation, trigger mitochondrial biogenesis, and maintain stem cells in a healthy resting state, giving you the precise biological benefits outlined in the research without overwhelming the digestive system.

I came across a new AI called kimi.com and asked the following question:

Is MCT Oil overhyped as a boost for elderly people, namely does it really significantly reduce Mitochondrial Senescence, Stem Cell Depletion and Metabolic Dysregulation?

This was the response that it gave me.

Based on current evidence, MCT oil offers genuine but modest benefits for mitochondrial and metabolic function in elderly populations, though it appears overhyped for stem cell preservation and universal anti-aging effects. The research reveals important distinctions between its components (decanoic vs. octanoic acid) and emerging concerns about bone health that temper enthusiastic claims.

1. Mitochondrial Senescence: Moderate Support

MCT oil shows meaningful effects on mitochondrial health, though primarily through specific fatty acid components rather than the oil as a whole.

• Decanoic acid (C10) specifically demonstrates anti-senescence properties. In accelerated aging mouse models, it significantly reduced cellular senescence markers (β-galactosidase-positive cells), promoted autophagy by inhibiting mTOR, and enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity (superoxide dismutase, catalase).
• Mitochondrial biogenesis is supported through activation of PPARγ, SIRT1, SIRT3, and AMPK pathways, which upregulate mitochondrial respiratory chain enzymes and reduce oxidative stress.
• Clinical trials in healthy elderly adults (65–80 years) show MCT supplementation (18g/day) improves walking balance and alters brain metabolism consistent with a beneficial "ketogenic switch," bypassing regional glucose hypometabolism.

However, these benefits may be component-specific: octanoic acid (C8) showed no significant mechanistic effects on senescence markers despite being the primary ketogenic precursor.

2. Stem Cell Depletion: Weak/Indirect Evidence Only

Claims that MCT oil directly addresses stem cell depletion are not substantiated by direct research. The connection is theoretical or derived from ketone body research:

• No clinical studies demonstrate that MCT oil reverses hematopoietic, mesenchymal, or neural stem cell depletion in elderly humans.
• Indirect evidence: Ketone bodies (β-hydroxybutyrate) produced from MCT metabolism may enhance muscle stem cell resilience during stress and promote deep quiescence that protects against environmental damage. Intestinal stem cells utilize ketone bodies via Notch signaling to maintain regenerative capacity.
• In Duchenne muscular dystrophy models, MCT-ketogenic diets promoted satellite cell proliferation markers, but this represents disease-specific pathology rather than normal aging.

The stem cell claims rely on extrapolation from ketogenic diet studies or ketone body administration—not direct MCT oil supplementation evidence.

3. Metabolic Dysregulation: Supported for Physical Function, Mixed for Cognitive

MCT oil demonstrates measurable metabolic benefits in frail elderly, though cognitive enhancements are less impressive than marketed.

Physical/Muscle Metabolism:

• Combined analysis of clinical trials shows 6g/day MCT increases muscle mass and function in frail older adults, improving grip strength, walking speed, and leg open-and-close test performance.
• In nursing home residents (average age 85.9 years), 6g/day MCT for 1.5 months significantly increased arm muscle area and knee extension time.
• MCTs enhance metabolic flexibility, allowing the brain to switch from glucose to ketone utilization, which may compensate for age-related glucose hypometabolism.

Cognitive/Brain Metabolism:

• A 15-month study in Alzheimer's patients showed 80% of participants maintained stable or improved MMSE scores, with better responses in those with higher baseline cognitive function (MMSE 25–29) and age >73 years.
• However, no statistically significant difference was found in computerized cognitive testing (Cognigram®) between MCT and placebo groups.
• Benefits appear dose-dependent and require continuous intake; cognitive trajectories resumed decline when supplementation stopped.

The "Overhyped" Reality: Important Caveats

Emerging Risks: Recent research challenges the "harmless superfood" narrative. A 2025 study demonstrated that both decanoic and octanoic acids—the primary MCT components—caused bone resorption and deteriorated trabecular bone microarchitecture in healthy mice. Surprisingly, they failed to reverse aging-induced bone loss and actually reduced bone mineral density even in healthy animals. This is particularly concerning for elderly populations already at risk for osteoporosis.

Component Differences: Marketing often treats MCT oil as uniform, but decanoic acid (C10) appears responsible for most neuroprotective and anti-senescence benefits, while octanoic acid (C8) drives ketone production but may be detrimental to bone.

Transient Effects: Long-term MCT supplementation does not permanently alter baseline ketone production or metabolic adaptation. Fasting BHB levels remained unchanged (0.19 mmol/L baseline vs. 0.22 mmol/L at 15 months), indicating no lasting metabolic shift.

Practical Limitations: High doses (42g/day) required for cognitive benefits cause gastrointestinal intolerance in many elderly patients, limiting real-world adherence.

Conclusion

MCT oil is partially effective but overhyped for elderly health. It legitimately improves mitochondrial efficiency and physical/metabolic function in frail populations, with decanoic acid showing specific anti-senescence properties. However, claims regarding stem cell regeneration lack direct evidence, and the potential for bone density loss represents a significant, underreported risk for elderly users. The benefits appear most relevant for specific subpopulations (frail elderly, those with mild cognitive impairment) rather than as a universal geroprotective intervention.