Important Disclaimers¶

Please read these disclaimers carefully before implementing any protocols described in this book.

General Medical Disclaimer¶

This Is Not Medical Advice

This book is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease.

Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new health regimen, including:

Dietary changes
Supplement protocols
Exercise programs
Alternative therapies
Cannabis use
Any intervention that affects your health

While the author has made every effort to provide accurate information based on current research and clinical practice, individual results may vary significantly. What worked for Bram may not work identically for you. Everyone's body, genetics, environment, and health history are unique.

The author and publisher disclaim any liability from the use of this information. This book does not establish a doctor-patient or therapist-client relationship.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Care¶

Seek emergency medical attention if you experience:

Sudden, severe pain (especially chest pain)
Joint instability or acute injury with inability to bear weight
Neurological symptoms (numbness, weakness, vision changes, difficulty speaking)
Fever combined with joint pain (could indicate infection)
Any symptoms your intuition recognizes as dangerous

Trust your instincts. If something feels medically urgent, it probably is. Don't delay seeking emergency care.

Cannabis-Specific Disclaimer¶

Legal and Safety Considerations

Cannabis remains federally illegal in the United States and is regulated differently by state, country, and jurisdiction. The legal status of cannabis varies widely and changes frequently.¹

Before Using Cannabis Medicinally¶

Consult local laws: Understand what is legal in your jurisdiction
Work with healthcare provider: Get professional guidance on appropriateness and dosing
Understand employment implications: Many employers conduct drug testing; THC will show up even if use is legal
Know medication interactions: Cannabis can interact with blood thinners, sedatives, and other medications²
Recognize it's not for everyone: Some people should not use cannabis

Special Populations — Cannabis is Particularly Risky For¶

Population	Risk
Pregnant or breastfeeding	Can affect fetal/infant development³
Personal or family history of psychosis/schizophrenia	THC can trigger or worsen psychotic episodes⁴
Adolescents and young adults under 25	Brain still developing; cannabis can affect cognitive development⁵
Certain heart conditions	THC can increase heart rate and blood pressure
History of substance abuse	May have higher risk of problematic use

Impairment Warning¶

Even low-dose THC can impair:

Driving ability
Operation of machinery
Complex decision-making
Reaction time

Do not drive or operate heavy machinery for 4-6 hours after THC use. Legal and safe are different things.

Addiction Potential¶

While less addictive than alcohol, opioids, or benzodiazepines, cannabis dependence is possible. Approximately 9% of users develop dependence.⁶ Monitor your use patterns and seek help if you feel unable to stop despite wanting to.

This book's discussion of cannabis is for educational purposes only in jurisdictions where medical or recreational cannabis is legal. The author does not encourage violation of any laws.

Mushroom-Specific Disclaimer¶

WILD MUSHROOM FORAGING CARRIES SERIOUS RISKS INCLUDING DEATH

This cannot be overstated. Mushroom poisoning kills people every year.⁸ Many toxic mushrooms closely resemble edible species.

Never Consume Any Wild Mushroom Without¶

100% positive identification from multiple experts
Verification using multiple identification methods (visual, spore print, microscopy if needed)
Understanding of dangerous look-alikes specific to your region
Cross-referencing multiple field guides and expert opinions

The "99% Sure" Rule¶

If you are 99% sure of identification, you are 0% sure. Misidentification can be fatal. When in doubt, throw it out. No mushroom meal is worth risking your life.

Common Deadly Mushrooms That Resemble Edibles¶

Deadly Species	Resembles
Amanita phalloides (Death Cap), Amanita bisporigera (Destroying Angel)	Edible Agaricus species
Galerina marginata	Hallucinogenic Psilocybe species
Chlorophyllum molybdites (Green-Spored Parasol)	Edible parasol mushrooms

Even experts make mistakes. Always use extreme caution.

Medicinal Mushrooms — Cultivation and Purchase Safety¶

The medicinal mushrooms discussed in this book (reishi, lion's mane, cordyceps, chaga, turkey tail) should be:

Purchased from reputable sources: Licensed suppliers with testing
Certified organic when possible: Mushrooms concentrate toxins from their environment⁹
Third-party tested: For heavy metals (lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury) and contaminants
Stored properly: Dried mushrooms/powders in airtight containers away from moisture
Inspected for contamination: Discard any product showing mold, unusual odor, or discoloration

Home Cultivation Safety¶

If you cultivate mushrooms at home:

Use sterile technique: Contamination with toxic molds is possible
Identify your mushrooms: Ensure you're growing what you think you're growing
Source from reputable suppliers: Buy spawn/cultures from established companies
Monitor for contamination: Green, black, or pink molds indicate contamination—discard immediately
Special caution for mold-sensitive individuals: Home cultivation involves fungal spores; may not be appropriate for those with mold illness or compromised immunity

Allergies and Sensitivities¶

Some people are allergic to mushrooms or specific species. Start with small amounts when trying new varieties. Discontinue use if you experience:

Digestive upset
Skin rashes or itching
Respiratory symptoms
Any adverse reaction

Medicinal Mushroom Interactions¶

Medicinal mushrooms can interact with:

Medication Type	Concern
Immunosuppressant drugs	Mushrooms modulate immune function
Blood thinners	Reishi has blood-thinning properties
Diabetes medications	Some mushrooms affect blood sugar
Chemotherapy	Consult oncologist before combining

Always inform your healthcare providers about any supplements you're taking, including medicinal mushrooms.

Exercise and Physical Activity Disclaimer¶

Exercise Carries Inherent Risks

The exercise protocols in this book are educational in nature and not a substitute for personalized physical therapy or medical evaluation.

Before Beginning Any Exercise Program¶

Consult healthcare provider: Especially if you have existing conditions (heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, recent surgery, etc.)
Get proper evaluation: If you have acute pain, recent injury, or unstable joints, see a professional before exercising
Start slowly: Don't attempt advanced variations immediately
Progress gradually: Increase intensity/duration slowly over weeks, not days
Stop if pain occurs: Not discomfort—actual pain (sharp, stabbing, or beyond 7/10)

Understanding "Good Pain" vs. "Bad Pain"¶

Good pain (acceptable):

Muscle burn during exercise (4-6/10 intensity)
Stretching sensation that feels productive (4-6/10)
Mild muscle soreness 24-48 hours after exercise¹⁰ (1/10)
Sensation that improves with breathing and relaxation

Bad pain (stop immediately):

Sharp, stabbing sensations (7+/10)
Joint pain (as opposed to muscle)
Pain that makes you hold your breath or grimace
Numbness, tingling, or radiating pain
Pain that persists or worsens after exercise
Any sensation of joint instability or "giving out"

The distinction provided in this book is educational guidance, not medical diagnosis. When uncertain, err on the side of caution and consult a professional.

Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience¶

Chest pain or pressure: Especially with shortness of breath, sweating, nausea
Severe dizziness or fainting
Difficulty breathing beyond normal exertion
Sudden severe pain anywhere in body
Joint dislocation or obvious deformity
Inability to bear weight on injured limb

Special Populations¶

Exercise modifications may be needed for:

Population	Consideration
Pregnancy	Avoid exercises lying flat on back after first trimester; avoid deep stretching (relaxin hormone increases injury risk)
Osteoporosis	Avoid excessive spinal flexion (forward bending) and twisting
Joint replacements	Follow surgeon's specific restrictions
Acute injuries	Rest until properly evaluated
Chronic conditions	Work with physical therapist to adapt protocols

Proper Form is Critical¶

Poor form can cause injury even with "safe" exercises. Consider:

Working with physical therapist initially to learn proper form
Recording yourself to check form
Starting with easier variations until form is perfect
Never sacrificing form for range of motion or repetitions

Environmental Considerations¶

Hydration: Drink water before, during, and after exercise
Temperature: Avoid exercising in extreme heat or cold
Surface: Use appropriate surface (mat for floor work, stable ground for standing work)
Footwear: Wear appropriate shoes or go barefoot when safe

Mold Remediation Disclaimer¶

Professional Remediation Required for Serious Contamination

Mold remediation should be performed by certified professionals, especially for extensive contamination.

Always Hire Certified Professionals For¶

Contamination over 10 square feet of visible mold¹²
Toxic species (Stachybotrys chartarum/black mold or other known toxic varieties)
HVAC contamination (spores in ductwork spread throughout building)
Hidden mold (in wall cavities, under flooring, in attic/crawlspace)
Structural damage (water damage affecting building integrity)

DIY Mold Remediation Risks¶

Attempting to remediate mold yourself can:

Spread contamination: Disturbing mold releases massive spore counts into air
Increase exposure: Close contact during cleanup = high exposure dose
Miss hidden sources: Visible mold is often just the tip of iceberg
Fail to address root cause: Without fixing moisture source, mold returns
Contaminate belongings: Improper containment spreads spores to clean areas

If You Have Mold Illness or Sensitivity¶

DO NOT perform your own remediation. Exposure during cleanup can severely worsen symptoms, even with protective equipment. The temporary high-dose exposure can cause significant setbacks in recovery.

During Professional Remediation¶

Relocate: Do not stay in building during remediation
Proper containment: Ensure remediation company uses negative air pressure and HEPA filtration¹⁴
Post-remediation testing: Require clearance testing before moving back
Address root causes: Fix leaks, improve ventilation, address drainage issues

Small-Scale Cleanup (<10 sq ft)¶

If you must clean small areas of mold:

Wear N95 mask (minimum) or P100 respirator
Wear gloves and eye protection
Ventilate area with fan blowing out window
Use soap and water or diluted bleach (1 cup per gallon)
Bag contaminated materials in plastic before removal
Shower and wash clothes immediately after

But recognize this addresses symptoms, not cause. Professional assessment is still recommended.

Finding Qualified Professionals¶

Look for:

Certification (IICRC, NORMI, ACAC, or equivalent)¹⁵
Insurance and bonding
References from past clients
Willingness to provide detailed work plan
Use of proper containment and HEPA filtration
Post-remediation verification testing

Avoid companies that:

Offer same-day testing and remediation (conflict of interest)
Refuse to provide written documentation
Use scare tactics or high-pressure sales
Can't provide proof of certification

Acknowledgment¶

By continuing to read and use the information in this book, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these disclaimers.

You understand that this book provides educational information, not medical advice, and that you bear responsibility for your own health decisions.

You agree to consult with qualified healthcare professionals before implementing any protocols described in this book.

You understand the risks involved in the various interventions discussed (diet changes, supplements, exercise, cannabis use, mushroom consumption, mold remediation) and accept those risks.

The author's goal is to provide you with information that empowers you to make informed decisions about your health in collaboration with qualified professionals. Use this book as a starting point for conversations with your healthcare team, not as a replacement for professional care.

U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Cannabis is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act. See DEA Drug Scheduling. ↩
Penn State College of Medicine researchers identified 57 medications that may interact with cannabinoids. See: "Cannabinoid drug interactions" - National Institutes of Health. ↩
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends against cannabis use during pregnancy. See ACOG Committee Opinion. ↩
Lancet Psychiatry study found daily cannabis use associated with increased odds of psychotic disorder. See: "The contribution of cannabis use to variation in the incidence of psychotic disorder across Europe" (2019). ↩
National Institute on Drug Abuse. "What are marijuana's long-term effects on the brain?" ↩
This statistic comes from a widely-cited NIDA study. The rate rises to about 17% for those who start using in adolescence.⁷ ↩
National Institute on Drug Abuse. "Is marijuana addictive?" Research Report Series. ↩
The North American Mycological Association tracks poisoning reports. Most fatalities involve Amanita species misidentified as edible mushrooms. See NAMA Toxicology Committee. ↩
Mushrooms are known bioaccumulators, absorbing heavy metals and other compounds from their substrate. See: "Heavy metal bioaccumulation by wild edible mushrooms" - Science of The Total Environment. ↩
This delayed soreness is called DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness) and is a normal response to unfamiliar exercise.¹¹ ↩
American College of Sports Medicine. "Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness" - Position stand on exercise-induced muscle damage. ↩
The 10 square foot threshold comes from EPA guidelines. Larger areas require professional containment to prevent spore spread during remediation.¹³ ↩
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. "Mold Cleanup in Your Home" - EPA guidance on when professional remediation is necessary. ↩
HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters capture 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns or larger, including mold spores which are typically 1-30 microns. ↩
IICRC = Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification. NORMI = National Organization of Remediators and Mold Inspectors. ACAC = American Council for Accredited Certification. These organizations maintain standards for mold assessment and remediation professionals. ↩