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Considerations for Alzheimer’s (part 1)
🕑 Added 2024-10-06 15:44:51 +0000 UTCWhat causes Alzheimer’s?
The underlying etiology of Alzheimer’s is complex and multifaceted. Like many diseases and neurodegenerative conditions, a list of factors are often at play — poor diet, lack of sleep, exposure to environmental toxins and petrochemicals (heavy metals, micro-plastics, PEFAS), electro pollution, lack of sunlight and circadian dysregulation.
Lifestyle decisions (even when genetic risk factors exist) are undoubtedly the predominant driver of most neurodegenerative conditions. While we won’t be discussing all of them at length, we will cover some basic lifestyle modifications within each large category. Then, we’ll cover some potential therapeutic ‘specifics’ for neurodegeneration and Alzheimer’s specifically.
it is still critical to note that none of the information provided here constitutes medical advice. The content presented is intended for educational purposes only. No claims regarding treatment outcomes or specific recommendations are made outside the context of documented clinical use of various compounds and therapies. Always consult with a nutritionally informed, integrative physician or functional medical provider before beginning any supplements or medications.
Why do most drugs and supplements fail?
You’ll notice that there isn’t much mention of ‘brain-boosting’ or ‘brain-augmenting’ supplements on this list. While a few have been included that I believe are beneficial, the primary reason for this is that manipulating brain chemistry often doesn’t yield the expected results. Indiscriminately enhancing factors things like BDNF through supplements—similar to how we might with pharmaceutical drugs—doesn’t always produce positive outcomes. Many nootropic compounds are highlighted for their purported benefits in neurodegenerative conditions. but they often operate under the guise of promoting cognitive functions without really considering the broader implications of tinkering with brain chemistry and various neuro-steroids. We’ve seen the drawback of this with things like SSRI’s and serotonin boosting herbs.
The issue with indiscriminate modulation lies in the complexity of biological systems. Many supplements and medications target specific pathways without accounting for the intricate networks that govern neuronal health and function. For instance, elevating BDNF across the board may lead to unintended consequences, such as overstimulation of certain neural circuits or imbalances in neurotransmitter systems. This can result in adverse effects, counterproductive to the intended cognitive enhancement. Especially when these supplements are given or recommended without any consideration for the patients unique biochemical or genetic fingerprint.
In contrast, the supplements and peptides listed below are designed to provide homeostatic or regulatory functions. Instead of broadly targeting specific biological pathways, they aim to restore balance or ‘tone’ within critical systems like the immune system, nervous system, and brain. For example, peptides like Cortexin may selectively increase BDNF, dopamine and other neurochmemicals in specific brain regions where it is needed while downregulating its activity in others, thereby maintaining equilibrium. Many bio-regulator peptides work by restoring the health and function of their respective target organs, thereby allowing those organ or tissue to begin producing sufficent quantities of their OWN hormones.
Similarly, things like molecular hydrogen may enhance autophagy in areas of the brain that require 'housekeeping' while inhibiting it in regions where it is not warranted. In this way, if the body does not require a particular therapeutic molecule, it is less likely to produce any significant effects, minimizing the risk of adverse outcomes. Some supplements included also serve as foundational building blocks and nutrients necessary for optimal health
Treatments like dynamic systems oriented neurofeedback (you can read more about NF in the NF buyers guide bellow) also work primarily through a dynamic systems oriented approach to brain training. This is done by giving the brain ‘corrective’ inputs it can use to self-correct.
Therapies & lifestyle modifications at a view
Plasmalogen replacement therapy
Metabolic health
Molecular hydrogen
Mitochondria
Cortexin & other Neuro-peptides
Thynalin (and immune peptides)
Pinealon
Deterium depletion
Probiotics, psychobiotics & gut health
Citrus pectin & heavy metal detoxification
Sunlight & circadian rhythm) and light therapy/red light)
Hyperbaric oxygen
Red light therapy
Lumbrokinase
C60
Circadian rhythms
Circadian rhythms are basically our intrinsic 24 hour cycles that regulate different physiological processes like sleep-wake cycles, hormonal release, and metabolism. Disruption of these rhythms does have a profound effects on health, particularly concerning neurodegenerative conditions. This is partially because no system in the body is separate from the biological clock. Our biological clock regulates autophagy, immune surveillance, metabolic health and glucose control (ever heard anyone refer to dementia as ‘type 3 diabetes in the brain?’), and many of our Neuro chemicals like dopamine and serotonin.
The circadian rhythm is driven by an extremely complex interplay of clock genes and proteins that form feedback loops. Core clock genes, like CLOCK, BMAL1, PER and CRY (just to name a few) interact directly in a transcriptional-translational feedback loop to regulate the expression of numerous downstream target genes. Those genes will influence various biological processes (including other genes and how they’re expressed) and neuronal function. The APOE4 gene is a well-established genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Many knows this. What most aren’t aware of is how clock genes DIRECTLY impact APOE4.
APOE is primarily expressed in the brain by astrocytes. Clock genes (particularly the ones we just mentioned like CLOCK and BMAL1) regulate the transcription of APOE. Some papers have shown that the expression of APOE exhibits diurnal patterns( levels varying throughout the day) which is dependent on the activity of these core clock genes. Disruption of the circadian rhythms (from artificial light af night and or a lack of sufficent exposure to light during the day) causes altered APOE expression. This is just ONE gene though!
As we mentioned, the CR will regulate neurotransmitter systems that play very important roles in cognitive health.
Disruption of circadian rhythms (and a lack of bright sunlight, especially in the morning) leads to altered dopamine signaling, which is particularly relevant in Parkinson’s for example. Dopaminergic neurons are probably the most sensitive to changes in circadian signaling, and dysregulation can and will eventually exacerbate motor symptoms and further cognitive decline.
Most importantly, the circadian rhythm regulate microglial activity, the resident immune cells in the CNS/brain. hyperactivation of microglia is a key hallmark of neurodegenerative conditions. It promotes a neuroinflammatory micro-environment that contributes to neuronal death and synaptic dysfunction.
I won’t bore you to death too much longer with the science, though. What should you do?
1. Block artificial light at night. Completely. No exceptions. Particularly bright light. You can do this by changing out light bulbs in your lamps with red bulbs (flicker free bulbs are best and I often recommend Bon Charge for these). Red light does not supress melatonin production at night (unless it’s super bright! Use dim ambient light, and only use what’s needed for visibility).
2. Wear a pair of blue blocking glasses (I like the twilights from TrueDark) when using screens. Consider Iris blue blocking software for laptops and color filters (setting in iPhone to make your screen red).
3. Get exposure to bright light, especially in the morning (this is the most impotent time to ‘reset’ your circandian clock) and through out the day. Exposure to red and UV light from the sun also improves mitochondria health directly.
4. Use black out shades or use a sleeping mask to avoid exposure to blue light coming in from the street at night.
Heavy metal exposure & beta-amalyoid
Heavy metal exposure is another recognized risk factor for neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s. Heavy metals like lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic can induce oxidative stress by generating reactive oxygen species and causeing cellular damage. oxidative stress promotes neuroinflammation, as heavy metals directly activate microglia. This causes the release of pro inflammatory cytokines that can compromise the blood-brain barrier. This often leads to more heavy metal accumulation in the brain, driving a vicious cycle of impaired defense and continued insult.
heavy metals also disrupt mitochondrial function, causing energy deficits and altered calcium homeostasis that triggers excitotoxicity and cell death. They also promote the misfolding and aggregation of proteins central to neurodegenerative diseases, like the common amyloid-beta and tau in Alzheimer’s and alpha-synuclein in Parkinson’s.
How can we remove heavy metals? Frequent sweating, mineral balancing, chelating agents and support the health of the liver are central to preventing the accumulation of heavy metals in the body.
Heavy metals can perform a function called ‘molecular mimicry’, where they bind to receptors on the outside of our cell in order to temporarily ‘fill’ the role that many of our essentials nutrients (calcium, magnesium, zinc just to name a few). The problem is that they usually do a shitty job and create additional problems, further exacerbating our mineral defiencies. While this guide can’t possibly provide a step-by-step approach to remove heavy metals for everyone, there are some best practices.
As mentioned, frequent sweating via exercise (or possibly through the use of a sauna. The sun is a natural infrared sauna by the way) is paramount. We can also support the livers ability to detoxify heavy metals with sulphur rich foods (broccoli sprouts, onions, eggs) and supplements like taurine. Additional chelating agents like spirullina, fulvic acid (found in Shilajit) and modified citrus pectin (likely one of the best which we have an entire section dedicated on bellow) can very effectively bind and remove heavy metals.
We also need to make sure we’re replacing key minerals (as mentioned above) like calcium, magnesium, zinc and potassium in order to prevent heavy metals from binding in the first place. A hair mineral analysis test assess mineral and metal status. This will give you insight on how to go about rebalancing your minerals. You can seek out a provider directly who can help facilitate this.
Gut health
Gut health is another core pillar to address, and likely one of the most important.
The relationship between gut health, leaky gut syndrome, and endotoxin exposure plays a big role in overall health and has probably one of the strongest casual links to neurodegenerative conditions. Leaky gut, or increased intestinal permeability, occurs when the gut lining becomes compromised, allowing toxins, undigested food particles, and bacteria to leak into the bloodstream. This causes systemic inflammation as the immune system reacts to these foreign substances.
Endotoxins, particularly LPS found in the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria (as well as mycotoxins from fungus like Candida) is the primary concern in the context of leaky gut. When the gut barrier is compromised, LPS enters the bloodstream. Most know chronic inflammation is particularly detrimental to brain health, since it leads to neuroinflammation, neuronal damage, and ultimately cognitive decline. Chronic inflammation (like heavy metals, which are honestly comparable to endotoxin here) activate microglia, causing them to release additional inflammatory mediators that exacerbate neuronal damage.
The gut-brain axis describes the bidirectional communication between the gut and the brain, emphasizing the impact of gut health on neurological function, as well as the impact of brain function back DOWN to the gut. Because it’s a bi-directional system, damage and dysfunction can be driven both ways in a vicious ‘loop’. A compromised gut barrier disrupt this communication, affecting neurotransmitter production and signaling. For example, you may not be aware that a large majority of your serotonin is actually made directly in the gut. Not the brain!
For many, spore based probiotics can be a great place to start. I ONLY recommend spores. This is because unlike other probiotics, spores actually help to ‘retool’ the microbiome by directly increasing the diversity of other keystone bacteria (like bifido and akkeromansia) which are key for immunity. They also directly target pathogenic microbes like candida alibicans and SIBO causing bacteria. Spore help to seal up the tight junctions of the gut, and significantly reduce endotoxin seepage into the bloodstream.
Many physians may also want to consider starting their patients on something like a comprehensive microbiome ‘reset’, which includes spore based probiotics and targeted anti-fungal agents. With the additional of ‘functional’ fibers afterward. Removing Candida albicans and yeast from the gut while inhibiting biofilms can be a double whammy for improving the MICRObiome (bacterial composition) and the MICObiome (small difference in wording there but that’s essentially the fungal compositon in the gut). As mentioned, pathogenic organisms like SIBO causing bacteria and yeast can greatly impact the health of the immune system and the organisms inflammatory balance.
Food
Food is obviously a central component of chronic health and disease. plan to write some comprehensive ‘starting points’ for nutrition, which I will include in a seperate article or post and link here once I finish it. Just so this doesn’t get too long
The specifics
Now that we’ve covered some foundationals, let’s dive into some specifics for Alzheimer’s as well as some relevant therapeutic targets
Cortexin
Cortexin is a safe peptide bio-regulator derived from the cerebral cortex of animals. If you’re familiar with cerebrolysin (from Austria) Cortexin is basically its ‘Russian’ Cousin. Both cerebrolysin and Cortexin do essentially the same thing. In Russian, its primarily used in neuroprotective agent following stroke and traumatic brain injury. Several of its therapeutic effects are particularly for neurodegenerative disorders, and I’ve personally seen Cortexin work wonders for early stage cognitive impairment and has virtually no major side effects
In the Russian literature, Cortexin is believed to enhance neurotrophic factor expression, particularly. BDNF is important for neuronal survival, differentiation, and synaptic plasticity. Remember what we said above — using drugs or supplements to force an outcome is often undersirable. Because peptides like Cortexin perform regulatory functions (tissue homeostasis), they can boost neurochemjcals like BDNF only when and where they’re needed specifically in the brain. Cortexin also influences the neurotransmitter systems in a similar way, particularly the cholinergic and glutamatergic systems. By modulating these systems, it’s enhance synaptic transmission and improve cognitive functions, which can be beneficial in conditions like Alzheimer’s disease
Theoretical dosing — Cortexin is administered as a SubQ injection. For those with cognitive impairment, it’s dosed at 10mg (one vial) for 10-20 days. This could be repeated every 2-3 months if symptoms improve. Longer course durations (of 20 days) likely make more sense.
https://cosmicnootropic.com/products/cortexin/
https://youtu.be/EhEXl9LYHa0?si=Z8phXU7qXOWf83t7 (video on Cortexin)
Plasmalogen replacement therapy
Plasmalogens are a unique class of phospholipids. They are found in various tissues, including the brain, heart, eyes and immune cells. Plasmalogens play essential roles in many cellular cell signaling and cell stability. Particularly, they make up a large component of the cellular, contributing to its membrane fluidity and stability. Think of plasnalogens as ‘cellular armor’. Plasmalogens also help protect cells from oxidative stress.
Dayan Goodenowe and his research focuses predominantly on the role of plasmalogens in neurodegenerative conditions, particularly Alzheimer’s disease and ALS. Goodenowe uses plasnalogen replacement therapy to restore levels of these lipids, which are often depleted in aging and neurodegenerative diseases. Plasmalogens seem to be one of the most promising treatments currently for neuro degeneration, and some of the results that have been achieved are rather astonishing.
There are two kinds of Plasmalogens —DHA Plasmalogens and omega-9 Plasmalogens.
DHA Plasmalogens tend to be the best for promting the health and function of our neurons. Omega-9 plasmalogens typically contain oleic acid and are better for supporting glial cells and the myelin sheeth.
How are they used?
Plasmalogens are administered in a liquid or capsule, and doses can often vary. Higher doses (of both the ProdromeNeuro, which contains DHA plasnalogens. And ProdromeGlial, which contains omega-9 plasmalogens) can be administered for those with more serious or degenerative congitnive impairment early on, with doses gradually tapering off. Dosing will depend on what the patient can afford, as both products (especially Neuro) are relatively expensive. Higher doses (2-3 servings daily for 1-2 months of Glial and 1-2 doses of Neuro for 1-2 months is suggested). Lower, consistent doses (1 serving daily) of Glial only can also useful for those on a budget, and this is an easy place for most to start.
Although this will typically take longer to see results. I’ve also seen good benefits for some individuals doing brief, infrequent mega-doses (2-3 servings daily once or twice a week) of Neuro. You can get in contact with Dayan Gooenowe and or one of his treatment centers bellow for more guidance. Dayan also has a clinical trial program you can apply for where I believe they supply you with the Plasmalogens for free in return for being a study participant.
https://youtu.be/SPdYR7UVfvM?si=dKG-Ah2K5qy0cG5z
Deuterium depletion
Deuterium is a stable isotope of hydrogen, consisting of one proton and one neutron in its nucleus, which makes it approximately twice as heavy as regular hydrogen, aka protium (protium is what molecular hydrogen is. Light hydrogen is good, heavy hydrogen, aka Deterium is bad). Deuterium naturally occurs in small amounts in water and organic compounds, typically making up about 0.0156% of all hydrogen found in nature. high levels of Deterium in drinking water (which can’t be filtered out) = not good
Deuterium depletion refers to the process of reducing the concentration of deuterium in the body or in biological systems. This can be achieved through various means, such as consuming a portion of your drinking water as deuterium depleted water which has a significantly lower concentration of deuterium than regular water. The idea behind deuterium depletion is that it may influence metabolic processes related to cellular energy production and function. Deterium has been predominantly studied for its role in cancer, but it’s becoming readily apparent that deterium depletion has vast implications for the treatment and management of other diseases as well.
Remember when we said that mitochondrial dysfunction is a hallmark of many diseases? Well, deuterium plays a large role in mitochondrial metabolism. Mitochondria are responsible for ATP production via oxidative phosphorylation. The presence of deuterium can affect the enzymatic reactions involved in ATP synthesis. Deuterium forms stronger bonds than regular hydrogen, slowing down metabolic reactions and reducing energy efficiency. Deuterium can alter the dynamics of metabolic pathways, particularly those involved in fat and carbohydrate metabolism. For example, higher levels of deuterium can disrupt the Krebs cycle (or citric acid cycle), which is crucial for energy production. Deterium breaks the ATP synthase protein nanomotor. It’s using aunt jemima as engine oil.
Some research shows that lowering deuterium content in the incubation medium increases the survival rate of neurons under glucose deprivation. In Alzheimer’s disease, neuronal death and metabolic dysfunction are critical issues. Deuterium depletion might help protect neurons from oxidative stress and metabolic challenges that contribute to the progression of Alzheimer's, and we have some good preliminary evidence to suggest this is true. decreasing deuterium levels in the brain prevents oxidative stress, a significant contributor to neurodegeneration. In Alzheimer’s, oxidative stress leads to neuronal damage, nflammation, and ultimately cognitive decline. By reducing oxidative damage, deuterium depletion could potentially slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
Remember when we said that mitochondrial dysfunction is a hallmark of many diseases? Well, deuterium plays a large role in mitochondrial metabolism. Mitochondria are responsible for ATP production via oxidative phosphorylation. The presence of deuterium can affect the enzymatic reactions involved in ATP synthesis. Deuterium forms stronger bonds than regular hydrogen, slowing down metabolic reactions and reducing energy efficiency. Deuterium can alter the dynamics of metabolic pathways, particularly those involved in fat and carbohydrate metabolism. For example, higher levels of deuterium can disrupt the Krebs cycle (or citric acid cycle), which is crucial for energy production. Deterium breaks the ATP synthase protein nanomotor. It’s using aunt jemima as engine oil.
How is DD done?
Making DD water is a costly process that requiring expensive machinery. For that reason deterium depleted water is not particularly cheap, nor will it be affordable or practical for everyone. However, I do believe it’s a powerful strategy worth considering for those with a chronic illness and I’ve seen it work well. Standard DD protocols typically require drinking 1/4 of your regular drinking water as DD water. Worth emphasizing here that you are NOT drink DD water as all of your water. You simply use deuterium depleted water to dilute your regular drinking water to lower the total amount of drinking water you’re consuming from 155 PPM down to 135 or 140. The more water you drink, the more deterium depleted water you’ll need to dillute to 1/4. DD can range from $300-500 per month depending on the amount of water you drink daily. You can get additional support on how to use or dilute DD water bellow on the litewater website. You can also check out the podcast on DD I linked below. You can also order a Deterium test to check your levels bellow
Litewater Scientifichttps://www.drinklitewater.comLitewater Scientific - Deuterium Depleted Water
https://youtu.be/wCEztiKMXx0?si=bumCX-bx553dbU5O
Modified citrus pectin
Galectin-3 has gained a lot of attention in the context of Alzheimer's disease and other diseases due to its involvement in various pathological processes associated with neurodegeneration and systemic inflammation. Galectin-3 is known to play a crucial role in the immune response. In the brain, it can promote neuroinflammatory processes, which are implicated in the progression of AD. Elevated levels of galectin-3 have also been observed in the brains of AD patients, suggesting a potential link to amyloid plaque formation and neuroinflammation
Galectin-3 may interact with amyloid-beta peptides, causing some of their aggregation into the plaques characteristic of Alzheimer's. This interaction can exacerbate the inflammatory response, further contributing to neuronal damage in a systemic ‘loop’. Galectin-3 is also a huge playe in the fibrotic response in the brain, which can lead to scarring and further neuronal dysfunction (fibrosis chokes cells and prevents them from getting nutrients).
Pectin (which is found in the cell walls of fruits) pectin lower gelactin 3 and also binds heavy metals and facilitate their excretion from the body. The kind we’re talking about here specifically is called MODIFIED citrus pectin, which can bypass digestion and collect heavy metals in different parts of the body. Heavy metals (like lead, mercury, and aluminum) have been implicated in many neurodegenerative diseases as we discussed. Modified citrus pectin acts as a chelator, binding to heavy metals and promoting their elimination
How is it used?
Citrus pectin has been used in more aggressive detoxification protocols at or around 3 tsp daily. For many individuals, citrus pectin can cause gastrointestinal discomfort. Most should start slow with 1/2 tsp in a glass of water on an empty stomach first thing in the morning. Then you can increase to 1-2tsp. If GI symptoms occur, doses can be lowered further (1/4tsl) and gradually increased. Higher doses (3 tsp daily, divided in half and taken in 2 seperate doses on an empty stomach away from food or supplements) can be used initially for 2-3 months to promote detoxification. I also believe that lower, consistent dosing of 1tsp daily for 4-6 months likely produces similar results. You’ll need to sleep with a nutritionally informed physician to make the right decision for you.
PectaSol Modified Citrus Pectin – 150g Powder – Total-Body Health Supplement to Support the Heart, Immune System, Inflammation Response & Healthy Aging + Maintain Healthy Galectin-3 Levels
Red light therapy & the sun
Red light therapy, particularly in the infrared spectrum, is a promising adjunctive therapy for neurodegenerative conditions. Its benefits can be attributed to several mechanisms, including enhanced cellular energy production and the promotion of EZ (aka exclusion zone) water formation in cells.
Red and near-infrared light (600-1000 nm) penetrate biological tissues and are absorbed by mitochondrial chromophores, particularly cytochrome c oxidase. This absorption increases the production of ATP the primary energy currency of your cells.
EZ water, or structured water, forms at the cellular level when we are exposed to infrared light. This structured water is impotanr for cellular hydration, enhances nutrient transport, and promotes efficient waste removal. The detoxification process within cells, mediated by the production of EZ water, helps mitigate the toxic accumulation of metals and other harmful substances. EZ water also creates a biological barrier (aka the exclusion zone) that prevents new metals from accumulating in the cell. This is very important. While things like citrus pectin and other supplements can bind metals in the sub-cellular space, we also need to facilitate the removal of metals and other toxic cellular accumulates OUT of the cell and into the biological ‘compartments’ where they can be easily chelated and extracted
Red and infrared light therapy devices can be a powerful way to hit the body with a concentrated dose of IR and red light. Infared saunas can also be useful, and help to further promote the detoxification of accumulated cellular metals and toxins once they have been removed from the cell itself.
You can also get tons of infrared and red light from the sun, particularly in the morning and evening. This is when the sun is mostly red and IR. You can spend prolonged periods of time in the sun (to facilitate detoxification) without burning during the first and last 2 hours of the day. Don’t wear sunscreen This is a cheap way to get red and Infared (and heat which promotes sweating) phototherapy. Exercising outdoors, particularly zone 2 activities like light jogging, brisk walking or riding a bike is also perfect.
For red light therapy devices in particular, you’ll want a low EMF, flicker free device. A small panel is preferable so that you can place it directly on the skin. Using a red light therapy panel directly on the skin (front and back of the head) will allow you to absorb significantly more red and infrared photons deep into the brain.
A good protocol for using red light therapy is to do 10min on the front and back of the head, either laying on the panel (with a pillow underneath to support the device and your neck) or to hold the panel directly on the forehead. 20min 4-5x a week is ideal. It’s good to occasionally take time off from red light therapy (5-6 days or so) after consistent use. This hells keep the body sensitive to the stimulus, especially if you’re accumulating lots of long wavelength light from the sun.
What device should I buy?
Medium sized, high intensity red light panels are best. I prefer the brand Gembared. These devices emit the same intensity and wave length used in many of the clinical studies on red light therapy. This is the only brand I’d recommend purchasing from. If you’d like more information on choosing an ideal device, check out my Red light therapy buyers guide here on patreon. I personally use the Beacon device.
https://gembared.com/collections/red-lights-for-night-time/products/gembared-rave-red-led-night-li
TO BE CONTINUED IN PT 2
Comments
Anthony Garcia
In regard to electro pollution this reminds me of those emf blocking devices. How much validity is there in that: 1. Bluetooth, radio, and WiFi/5g waves and the like are harmful or disrupt our cells. 2. There are stickers or devices that can emit fields to protect a user or space in general from these potentially harmful waves interfering with our body at a cellular level. Curious on your thoughts I really am not sure what to believe regarding both of those statements.
Joshua Crowther
This is great! As a contact sport athlete i often wonder at how to mitigate the damage of years of repeated contacts to the head besides the basics of sleep, diet, exercise etc. Looking forward to the second part! Also is there another red light device you recommend in the uk? Gembared doesnt do international shipping
