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Cheating Death
For the first time outside his private clinic, medical practitioner and pioneer Dr. Rand McClain shares what you can start doing today to increase longevity and better your health—at home or at your doctor’s office.
In this golden age of medical discovery, cutting-edge treatments are emerging that increase longevity, stave off disease, and enhance our appearance and quality of life—our “healthspan.” But chances are, these advances are not readily available at most doctor’s offices, in stores, or easy to find online.
Dr. Rand McClain takes a fresh approach to genetics, natural aging, and proactive medical treatments. He is the founder and head of the renowned Regenerative and Sports Medicine Clinic in Santa Monica, a leading practitioner of alternative and cutting-edge treatments. In Cheating Death, McClain shares the best drugs and supplements, treatment methods, and devices—approaches that are backed by extensive research as well as Dr. McClain’s own work with his patients—including:
• Little-known treatments that can reverse the effects of new and old injuries
• Emergent diagnostic and screening technologies that detect early onset disease sooner
• Breakthrough methods (some DIY) to slow down or reverse aging in the body
• Steps you can take now to enhance gene expression and side-step your “sins of the past” and poor family genetics
Best of all, McClain shows how you can get access to these therapies and jumpstart your body’s regenerative processes—everything from stabilizing mood swings, relieving depression and anxiety, extending hormone balance and sexual function, improving muscle strength and stamina, relieving debilitating pain, and restoring a youthful appearance.
Bolstered with research and recovery stories from real people, Cheating Death gives readers the tools to live healthier, longer lives.
In this golden age of medical discovery, cutting-edge treatments are emerging that increase longevity, stave off disease, and enhance our appearance and quality of life—our “healthspan.” But chances are, these advances are not readily available at most doctor’s offices, in stores, or easy to find online.
Dr. Rand McClain takes a fresh approach to genetics, natural aging, and proactive medical treatments. He is the founder and head of the renowned Regenerative and Sports Medicine Clinic in Santa Monica, a leading practitioner of alternative and cutting-edge treatments. In Cheating Death, McClain shares the best drugs and supplements, treatment methods, and devices—approaches that are backed by extensive research as well as Dr. McClain’s own work with his patients—including:
• Little-known treatments that can reverse the effects of new and old injuries
• Emergent diagnostic and screening technologies that detect early onset disease sooner
• Breakthrough methods (some DIY) to slow down or reverse aging in the body
• Steps you can take now to enhance gene expression and side-step your “sins of the past” and poor family genetics
Best of all, McClain shows how you can get access to these therapies and jumpstart your body’s regenerative processes—everything from stabilizing mood swings, relieving depression and anxiety, extending hormone balance and sexual function, improving muscle strength and stamina, relieving debilitating pain, and restoring a youthful appearance.
Bolstered with research and recovery stories from real people, Cheating Death gives readers the tools to live healthier, longer lives.
- GenresNonfiction
208 pages, Hardcover
Published January 31, 2023
18 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
March 17, 2023
Ageing, in the recent years, is being looked at as a disease – which can potentially be cured or at least the associated risks mitigated. The author refers to this as “Healthspan” – good health for much longer. This is a very detailed book offering a wide range of possibilities one can look at for increasing our healthspan.
The book starts with the possible reasons for aging. While the symptoms are evident – lower immunity, muscle loss, predisposition to illnesses, the underlying reasons are not entirely clear, but many possible reasons are being studied. The importance of diet, exercise and sleep are all covered, as one would expect. Where this book goes further than most other health books is the detailed coverage of drugs, supplements & procedures. This includes impact of NAD boosters, AC11 supplements, resveratrol, cat’s claw, red yeast rice, blood sugar lowering drugs such as metformin, peptides, rapamycin, nitric oxide and others. There is detailed coverage of stem cell therapy and the conditions it can help in. Since it is a new field, many stem cell treatments are still not FDA approved in the US, though more options are available in a few countries. There is also information on procedures such as cryotherapy, hormone replacement therapy, gene editing & others, and use of AI as we have more health data available.
The range this book covers is extensive. That, however, makes adopting a routine based on the information in this book complex considering the bewildering range of possibilities. Many of the referred drugs are prescription drugs, can have side effects, are expensive, and in some cases the long-term impact is not entirely clear. Nevertheless, it is interesting to learn the possibilities now available to increase our healthspan. This book would have been enhanced had it contained more information on foods and impacts.
The audiobook narration by L J Ganser was good. I had previously read “Lifespan” by David Sinclair which covers a similar topic. Both, that book, and this one, are good, have some overlaps, as well as some complimentary material. I recommend both as important reading.
My rating: 4.5 / 5.
Thanks to Netgalley, Tantor audio and the author for a free review copy of the audiobook.
The book starts with the possible reasons for aging. While the symptoms are evident – lower immunity, muscle loss, predisposition to illnesses, the underlying reasons are not entirely clear, but many possible reasons are being studied. The importance of diet, exercise and sleep are all covered, as one would expect. Where this book goes further than most other health books is the detailed coverage of drugs, supplements & procedures. This includes impact of NAD boosters, AC11 supplements, resveratrol, cat’s claw, red yeast rice, blood sugar lowering drugs such as metformin, peptides, rapamycin, nitric oxide and others. There is detailed coverage of stem cell therapy and the conditions it can help in. Since it is a new field, many stem cell treatments are still not FDA approved in the US, though more options are available in a few countries. There is also information on procedures such as cryotherapy, hormone replacement therapy, gene editing & others, and use of AI as we have more health data available.
The range this book covers is extensive. That, however, makes adopting a routine based on the information in this book complex considering the bewildering range of possibilities. Many of the referred drugs are prescription drugs, can have side effects, are expensive, and in some cases the long-term impact is not entirely clear. Nevertheless, it is interesting to learn the possibilities now available to increase our healthspan. This book would have been enhanced had it contained more information on foods and impacts.
The audiobook narration by L J Ganser was good. I had previously read “Lifespan” by David Sinclair which covers a similar topic. Both, that book, and this one, are good, have some overlaps, as well as some complimentary material. I recommend both as important reading.
My rating: 4.5 / 5.
Thanks to Netgalley, Tantor audio and the author for a free review copy of the audiobook.
March 6, 2023
Thanks to Tantor Audio through Net Galley who allowed me to listen to the audio version of this book.
This is an intriguing book about living longer and healthier lives. The author, Dr. Rand McClain established and runs the Regenerative and Sports Medicine Clinic. I didn't realize that scientists aren't sure why we age. Dr. Rand explains the various theories about the causes of aging. The rest of the book explores the many different ways we can slow the aging process and to treat diseases to make living longer enjoyable. Although Dr McClain tries to simplify, a lot of the information is too complicated to easily understand, especially when listening to it as an audiobook.
Fortunately, the book covers some simple and well-known methods for slowing aging. Exercise (especially high intensity interval training or HIIT) helps. Also, having a healthy diet is useful.
Many of the other methods for improving health and slowing aging are more complicated and, often, expensive. In addition, many of the methods have not been approved by the FDA and are illegal in the United States. Some of the interesting things he mentioned are stem cells and something like stem cells, called muse cells. But there are many more methods as well.
I listened to the audiobook version of this book. The narrator, L.J. Ganser, has an understandable and pleasant radio voice.
This is an intriguing book about living longer and healthier lives. The author, Dr. Rand McClain established and runs the Regenerative and Sports Medicine Clinic. I didn't realize that scientists aren't sure why we age. Dr. Rand explains the various theories about the causes of aging. The rest of the book explores the many different ways we can slow the aging process and to treat diseases to make living longer enjoyable. Although Dr McClain tries to simplify, a lot of the information is too complicated to easily understand, especially when listening to it as an audiobook.
Fortunately, the book covers some simple and well-known methods for slowing aging. Exercise (especially high intensity interval training or HIIT) helps. Also, having a healthy diet is useful.
Many of the other methods for improving health and slowing aging are more complicated and, often, expensive. In addition, many of the methods have not been approved by the FDA and are illegal in the United States. Some of the interesting things he mentioned are stem cells and something like stem cells, called muse cells. But there are many more methods as well.
I listened to the audiobook version of this book. The narrator, L.J. Ganser, has an understandable and pleasant radio voice.
November 7, 2023
‘Cheating Death' explores cutting-edge medical treatments and strategies to enhance healthspan and longevity.
In this era of remarkable medical advancements, revolutionary therapies are arising that promote longer life, combat illnesses, and elevate our well-being, referred to as ‘healthspan.’ However, these breakthroughs are often not easily accessible at typical medical practices, retail outlets, or online platforms.
To tackle this issue, a renowned doctor Rand McClain wrote ‘Cheating Death,’ a book that offers a unique perspective on genetics, the ageing process, and proactive healthcare interventions.
Author’s background
Rand McClain, Dr. is a resilient and accomplished medical professional who entered medical school at the age of 37 despite facing initial obstacles.
As the founder of RSM (Regenerative and Sports Medicine), he works with elite athletes, celebrities, and others to optimise their health. Dr. McClain is also an advisor to prominent medical companies and a sought-after media expert on health and longevity.
What is the book about?
‘Cheating Death’ is a groundbreaking book written by Dr. Rand McClain that delves into the realm of ageing, healthspan, and cutting-edge medical treatments. The book is divided into five parts, each focusing on different aspects of healthspan enhancement. It discusses mobility advantage therapies, longevity-promoting tools, hormone replacement therapies, emerging technologies, and more.
‘Cheating Death’ explores the various symptoms of ageing, such as decreased immunity, muscle loss, and susceptibility to illnesses, while acknowledging that the underlying causes are still not fully understood. It covers the expected topics of diet, exercise, and sleep but goes further by providing detailed coverage of drugs, supplements, and procedures that can potentially extend healthspan and slow down the ageing process.
The author also discusses a wide range of treatments, including NAD boosters, resveratrol, stem cell therapy, and various prescription drugs like metformin, peptides, rapamycin, and nitric oxide. The book also explores non-FDA approved treatments available in some countries and emerging technologies like gene editing and the use of AI in healthcare.
Throughout the book, the author includes recovery stories and real-life experiences of patients, making the information relatable and practical. Dr. McClain also shares his personal story of luring death, how he experienced various injuries and illnesses himself as well as how he treated his patients. This personal insight drives his passion for the subject and the desire to share life-changing treatments with others.
Key takeaways from ‘Cheating Death’
1. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can help prevent and treat various disease
The book explores various health therapies and procedures, with hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) being one of them. HBOT offers a wide range of health benefits, far beyond its original use for treating decompression sickness in deep-sea divers.
This pressurised oxygen treatment can help with various conditions, including diabetes-caused wounds, carbon monoxide poisoning, arterial injuries, and more, as approved by the FDA. Additionally, there is compelling evidence suggesting HBOT’s effectiveness in treating conditions like Bell’s palsy, asthma, depression, migraines, and spinal cord injuries. While not yet FDA-approved for certain uses, HBOT shows promise as a complementary therapy for cancer treatment, with the potential to enhance radiation therapy and mobilise stem cells for preventive cancer measures.
2. ‘Cheating cancer with polyphenols’
When it comes to cheating death, acknowledging the role of cancer is crucial. Historically, cancer has been a formidable opponent, often hindering longevity prospects. However, advancements in cancer research offer hope, with various preventive and healing therapies emerging alongside traditional treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.
Polyphenols, a class of organic compounds found in plants, have shown promise in cancer prevention and treatment. These natural compounds, such as EGCG in green tea, can convert to ortho quinones, which play a significant role in destroying cancer cells.
Early detection methods, like the ONCOblot test and GRAIL’s Galleri cancer screening test, provide valuable information about cancer-specific proteins, enabling targeted treatment approaches. Dr, McClain cites a study that revealed that green tea concentrate combined with capsaicin results in controlling and even reversing cancer in patients.
3. Good night’s sleep ensures optimal health
The benefits of a good night’s sleep are extensive and vital for our healthspan. Getting seven to nine hours of sleep each night is crucial, as it helps maintain a healthy weight, reduces the risk of diabetes and heart problems, strengthens the immune system, lowers stress levels, lessens the risk of depression, improves concentration, and positively impacts longevity.
Sleep quality is equally important, and the four pillars of sleep – duration, depth/quality, continuity, and regularity – work together to ensure a restorative night’s rest. Neglecting any of these pillars can prevent our bodies from operating properly, impacting various aspects of our health.
Poor sleep quality can lead to a range of major health challenges, such as insulin resistance, weight gain, memory issues, sexual dysfunction, autophagy interruption, excess cortisol production, and accelerated ageing.
Strengths and weaknesses, according to readers’ reviews
Strengths:
• Offers a wide range of possibilities for increasing healthspan, covering not only diet, exercise, and sleep but also in-depth information on drugs, supplements, procedures, and therapies.
• The recommendations are based on real science and the author’s own experiences.
• Complex concepts are communicated in an easy and comprehensible way.
• Includes information on the cost of various treatments, supplements, and therapies, helping readers understand the financial aspect of healthspan enhancement.
• The inclusion of personal war-story anecdotes adds a human touch to the book and engages the readers.
Weaknesses:
• Many of the technologies and methods discussed in the book are still in the early stages of investigation, making them not widely available or affordable for most readers.
Best quotes from ‘Cheating Death’
“The theory here is that, after a stroke, stem cells can replace damaged or destroyed cells and thereby restore impaired functions. A Stanford University study documented how an infusion of stem cells helped restore speech and mobility for a young woman who required a wheelchair and couldn’t talk after surviving a debilitating stroke.”
“…spending a few minutes in a cryotherapy chamber catalyzes a variety of positive effects. Nerves that are activated by cryotherapy increase their production of cryoprotective and restorative proteins including growth factors, phase II liver detoxification, and antioxidant enzymes.”
“Magnesium treatment improved mitochondrial ATP synthesis and greater ATP availability as a result, which is necessary for cellular energy supply and survival. Magnesium treatment also consistently improved longevity in mice and reduced their vascular calcification.”
Final takeaway
‘Cheating Death’ by Dr. Rand McClain is an illuminating and comprehensive guide for anyone interested in optimising their healthspan and exploring cutting-edge medical treatments. The book covers a wide range of topics, from the causes of ageing to emerging technologies and treatments that have the potential to extend life and improve overall well-being. Dr. McClain’s personal experiences and patient recovery stories add a relatable touch to the book, making it engaging and practical.
‘Cheating Death’ is highly recommended for individuals seeking to expand their knowledge on healthspan and explore the latest advancements in regenerative medicine.
In this era of remarkable medical advancements, revolutionary therapies are arising that promote longer life, combat illnesses, and elevate our well-being, referred to as ‘healthspan.’ However, these breakthroughs are often not easily accessible at typical medical practices, retail outlets, or online platforms.
To tackle this issue, a renowned doctor Rand McClain wrote ‘Cheating Death,’ a book that offers a unique perspective on genetics, the ageing process, and proactive healthcare interventions.
Author’s background
Rand McClain, Dr. is a resilient and accomplished medical professional who entered medical school at the age of 37 despite facing initial obstacles.
As the founder of RSM (Regenerative and Sports Medicine), he works with elite athletes, celebrities, and others to optimise their health. Dr. McClain is also an advisor to prominent medical companies and a sought-after media expert on health and longevity.
What is the book about?
‘Cheating Death’ is a groundbreaking book written by Dr. Rand McClain that delves into the realm of ageing, healthspan, and cutting-edge medical treatments. The book is divided into five parts, each focusing on different aspects of healthspan enhancement. It discusses mobility advantage therapies, longevity-promoting tools, hormone replacement therapies, emerging technologies, and more.
‘Cheating Death’ explores the various symptoms of ageing, such as decreased immunity, muscle loss, and susceptibility to illnesses, while acknowledging that the underlying causes are still not fully understood. It covers the expected topics of diet, exercise, and sleep but goes further by providing detailed coverage of drugs, supplements, and procedures that can potentially extend healthspan and slow down the ageing process.
The author also discusses a wide range of treatments, including NAD boosters, resveratrol, stem cell therapy, and various prescription drugs like metformin, peptides, rapamycin, and nitric oxide. The book also explores non-FDA approved treatments available in some countries and emerging technologies like gene editing and the use of AI in healthcare.
Throughout the book, the author includes recovery stories and real-life experiences of patients, making the information relatable and practical. Dr. McClain also shares his personal story of luring death, how he experienced various injuries and illnesses himself as well as how he treated his patients. This personal insight drives his passion for the subject and the desire to share life-changing treatments with others.
Key takeaways from ‘Cheating Death’
1. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can help prevent and treat various disease
The book explores various health therapies and procedures, with hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) being one of them. HBOT offers a wide range of health benefits, far beyond its original use for treating decompression sickness in deep-sea divers.
This pressurised oxygen treatment can help with various conditions, including diabetes-caused wounds, carbon monoxide poisoning, arterial injuries, and more, as approved by the FDA. Additionally, there is compelling evidence suggesting HBOT’s effectiveness in treating conditions like Bell’s palsy, asthma, depression, migraines, and spinal cord injuries. While not yet FDA-approved for certain uses, HBOT shows promise as a complementary therapy for cancer treatment, with the potential to enhance radiation therapy and mobilise stem cells for preventive cancer measures.
2. ‘Cheating cancer with polyphenols’
When it comes to cheating death, acknowledging the role of cancer is crucial. Historically, cancer has been a formidable opponent, often hindering longevity prospects. However, advancements in cancer research offer hope, with various preventive and healing therapies emerging alongside traditional treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.
Polyphenols, a class of organic compounds found in plants, have shown promise in cancer prevention and treatment. These natural compounds, such as EGCG in green tea, can convert to ortho quinones, which play a significant role in destroying cancer cells.
Early detection methods, like the ONCOblot test and GRAIL’s Galleri cancer screening test, provide valuable information about cancer-specific proteins, enabling targeted treatment approaches. Dr, McClain cites a study that revealed that green tea concentrate combined with capsaicin results in controlling and even reversing cancer in patients.
3. Good night’s sleep ensures optimal health
The benefits of a good night’s sleep are extensive and vital for our healthspan. Getting seven to nine hours of sleep each night is crucial, as it helps maintain a healthy weight, reduces the risk of diabetes and heart problems, strengthens the immune system, lowers stress levels, lessens the risk of depression, improves concentration, and positively impacts longevity.
Sleep quality is equally important, and the four pillars of sleep – duration, depth/quality, continuity, and regularity – work together to ensure a restorative night’s rest. Neglecting any of these pillars can prevent our bodies from operating properly, impacting various aspects of our health.
Poor sleep quality can lead to a range of major health challenges, such as insulin resistance, weight gain, memory issues, sexual dysfunction, autophagy interruption, excess cortisol production, and accelerated ageing.
Strengths and weaknesses, according to readers’ reviews
Strengths:
• Offers a wide range of possibilities for increasing healthspan, covering not only diet, exercise, and sleep but also in-depth information on drugs, supplements, procedures, and therapies.
• The recommendations are based on real science and the author’s own experiences.
• Complex concepts are communicated in an easy and comprehensible way.
• Includes information on the cost of various treatments, supplements, and therapies, helping readers understand the financial aspect of healthspan enhancement.
• The inclusion of personal war-story anecdotes adds a human touch to the book and engages the readers.
Weaknesses:
• Many of the technologies and methods discussed in the book are still in the early stages of investigation, making them not widely available or affordable for most readers.
Best quotes from ‘Cheating Death’
“The theory here is that, after a stroke, stem cells can replace damaged or destroyed cells and thereby restore impaired functions. A Stanford University study documented how an infusion of stem cells helped restore speech and mobility for a young woman who required a wheelchair and couldn’t talk after surviving a debilitating stroke.”
“…spending a few minutes in a cryotherapy chamber catalyzes a variety of positive effects. Nerves that are activated by cryotherapy increase their production of cryoprotective and restorative proteins including growth factors, phase II liver detoxification, and antioxidant enzymes.”
“Magnesium treatment improved mitochondrial ATP synthesis and greater ATP availability as a result, which is necessary for cellular energy supply and survival. Magnesium treatment also consistently improved longevity in mice and reduced their vascular calcification.”
Final takeaway
‘Cheating Death’ by Dr. Rand McClain is an illuminating and comprehensive guide for anyone interested in optimising their healthspan and exploring cutting-edge medical treatments. The book covers a wide range of topics, from the causes of ageing to emerging technologies and treatments that have the potential to extend life and improve overall well-being. Dr. McClain’s personal experiences and patient recovery stories add a relatable touch to the book, making it engaging and practical.
‘Cheating Death’ is highly recommended for individuals seeking to expand their knowledge on healthspan and explore the latest advancements in regenerative medicine.
April 10, 2023
Although this book is relatively short, 200 pages of text, and there are only thirty-nine footnotes, it is crammed with longevity and regenerative advice, specific recommendations of supplements. injectables, nutrition and therapies along with, often, the price you should expect to pay. The book came out in early 2023. By way of introduction Dr. McClain includes some personal war story-type anecdotes that are at once wincing and jaw dropping. Perhaps the biggest eye opener was the mention of a 2017 Swedish study of about 44,000 people that found that satins, Viagra, and testosterone reduced all-cause mortality 81 percent! I recommend this book!
March 27, 2023
Essential reading for everyone working towards a longer healthspan! Dr. McClain is more than an MD, he is a life-long athlete whom has overcome serious medical issues. A brilliant academic, he decodes the medical jargon into plain language that is easy to comprehend. His recommendations are sound, based in real science, and on his own experience, (he is not just a health professional, he is a practioner of what he believes).
December 3, 2024
Very consumer friendly book within the popular longevity field. Lots of good and actionable advice for living well including health tips many may have not heard of before. Dr. McClain encourages the reader to take control of their health and leads by example. After I read the book, my husband and I listened to it on audio-book; he was impressed with the uplifting message and general can-do tone of Dr. McClain's coaching.
March 23, 2023
Not sure about this. Most of the technologies are in the early stages of investigation. Few are widely available or affordable. Some have serious side effects (which can be ameliorated by other technologies or pharmaceuticals, which have serious side effects, which can be ameliorated by other ... etc.). Kind of interesting, but not much was applicable in today's world.
October 22, 2023
It feels like we are on the verge of real change in life span - for those of us who make it past the great winnowing happening right now.
October 4, 2025
Dr. McClain writes about the things that are currently being done and the innovations being worked on to enhance life and increase health span.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews