Glutathione & Why We Need It

Glutathione is an antioxidant that is produced by our body. It is frequently described as a small tripeptide molecule, but I’m not certain that information is very useful to many people, although it certainly sounds very official. For most people, I find that what is more useful information is to talk more about; antioxidants, what is unique about glutathione and why you need it.

Antioxidants are molecules that can neutralize other damaged molecules called free radicals. Unlike a stable molecule which includes an even number of electrons, free radicals – for one reason or another- have lost an electron and therefore have an odd number. To re-establish a normal, stable state, a free radical will “steal” an electron from another molecule. This sets up a chain reaction which will eventually damage the cell made up of these unstable molecules. Free radicals are created by forces that are both natural and manmade and which occur both within and outside of the body.

An example of free radical creation within the body from a natural force would be that free radicals are a by-product of our energy production or metabolism. Think of your body burning energy to fuel your cells like a fireplace. What accumulate at the bottom of the fire place are ashes. Free radicals are similarly a by-product of your body’s fire and like the ashes in a fireplace, need to be cleaned out in order for the fire to continue to burn efficiently. To continue the analogy, imagine how the fire progressively becomes smothered by the buildup of ashes until it eventually dies. The same thing happens to the cells in an organ, which eventually can affect the operation of the organ and in time the rest of your body. This is actually a very simplified look at aging.

Back to antioxidants. Antioxidant molecules are structurally able to donate an electron to a free radical without themselves either becoming free radicals or instead becoming free radicals that lack the ability to capture electrons from other molecules. That they accomplish by donating electrons to a free radical is that they stop the chain and the damage it causes.

Most of the antioxidants in your body are specialized and some of the best known antioxidants are Vitamins C and E, Coenzyme Q10, Alpha Lipoic Acid and finally glutathione.

Glutathione is an antioxidant that your body makes. It isn’t possible to ingest it- like we do with Vitamin C. What’s unique about glutathione is that it is found in every cell of your body and is uniquely capable of dealing with every kind of free radical (and there are many different kinds)

Many of the people suffering from what are referred to as the chronic diseases of aging – like heart disease, Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s disease to name a few are also found to have low levels of glutathione. Very low levels of glutathione have also been found in children suffering from autism.

When we are young, our bodies produce lots of glutathione but as we age (in fact as we leave our twenties) our natural ability to manufacture this vital antioxidant falls by about 10% every decade. With less glutathione in our systems, free radical damage builds up, more cells and then organs are harmed and our bodies age. Many say that we age prematurely.

So, the reason to get more glutathione into your system is to help avoid or at least hold off, those conditions that come about as our organs function less efficiently and hold off the side effects that come with that – like the pain from chronically inflamed joints or a lack of mental focus, clarity, fatigue and poor sleep that happen with aging.

Glutathione can be administered intravenously, although it is a very inconvenient and expensive process. Glutathione cannot be taken as an oral supplement because its components (in particular and enzyme called Cysteine) are easily destroyed by the gastric juices in your digestive system. What can be done it to supplement with products called glutathione precursors. MaxGXL, MaxONE & Cellgevity are all glutathione precursors, which mean that they are nutritional supplements that boost your body’s supplies of the building blocks it uses to make glutathione. These products have all been proven to increase glutathione levels by over 300% in a few months.

Go Green – Recycle your Fat

As I write this the wintertime has Ontario in an icy grip. The greenhouse is frosted around the corners and the holidays are just around the corner. working out this morning the gym was quiet but by January the place will be packed. I’m not worried about that though, because within a few weeks most of the new people will vanish again.
I question, how many of the people who quit way too fast will blame it on a shortage of energy, which is pretty dumb considering the best way to boost your energy is to workout. That’s not just me speaking either. Its the truth.

Our bodies produce energy from the fuel we provide – usually fats, sugars and proteins . First we burn the sugar. Next we burn the protein and finally when the other fuel sources are gone we get around to burning the fat. ( While I think of it, product called ASEA will help you burn fat first- check out the research here), protein lasts a little longer and the longest burning fuel is healthful fat. It melts away slowly, which must be why it’s so darned challenging to lose, but when we workout, the fats in our body along with vitamin D, recycle.

Hard exercise activates your vitamin D which in turn prompts the hormone insulin, which activates your metabolism and then the Vitamin D recycles fat from your bloodstream to feed that furnace that was activated by exercise originally and provides further fuel for more activity.

Its a method that is put into motion when you make that first step to get moving. The more work you do, the more exercise you’ll be ready to do (and want to do) and dare I add, the more energetic you’ll feel?

Naturally, you’ll also have some fat that won’t be burned and it will be recycled within your body in a number of different ways, so its a fantastic idea to only consume the healthy forms of fats. Your brain cells for example are mainly created of fat and so are hormones. With healthy fats in your diet, your brain will be built of healthier fat and your hormones will be better balanced. The same goes for cholesterol- good fats produce healthier cholesterol- bad fats don’t.

We all name fat as the enemy and sure- some types of fats are very harmful. But, we’re really our own worst enemy when we cosy up too much to the couch, our remote controls and our preferred excuses.

If you’re over 30 and feel that your energy levels are below what they should be, you might get a bit of a boost by increasing your glutathione with a glutathione precursor. Click here for information about MAXGXL – a glutathione precursor supplement.

Beautiful Skin is More than Skin Deep

The health of our skin can show us a lot about the wellness of our complete body. We need to understand how to examine the message and how to pay attention, because lovely skin is a good indicator of healthy amounts of essential nutrients.

For instance, skin hydration depends on glucosamine just as joint hydration does. So, dried up skin most likely means dried joints. Skin that is simply damaged indicates fast aging, which probably signifies fast aging of our circulatory system. Additionally, skin that is easily burned from the sun may point out that our essential fatty acid (EFA) and antioxidant reserves are low which means other tissues that rely on antioxidants and EFA for safety may also be at risk. You can improve your low antioxidant reserves and specificallyincrease your glutathione with MAXGXL

Skin has a foundation of healthy fats. Many of the topical emollients we put on our skin are some kind of fat. Having said that, we don’t actually absorb fats very efficiently through our skin. The very best way to create a healthy foundation for your skin is to supplement with essential fatty acids. Vitamin D from fish oil and Vitamin E, one of the principal fat soluble network antioxidants are excellent choices to start.

Sunlight and Vitamin D

The increasing occurrence of diabetes, osteoporosis and certain cancers could be explained partly through a lack of Vitamin D. A boost in insomnia and seasonal depression tells us that we are not getting adequate early morning sun.

We require more daylight. Now, how will we make it safe?

Acknowledge the requirement for sun and the need for caution. Plan your sun time so that you maximize the benefits while minimizing the dangers. For example, get your sunlight early in the day. Early morning sunlight does not have the excessive ultra-violet intensity that noon sun has. So, take a 20-minute walk in the early part of the day with your skin uncovered to sunlight. This will give you the benefits without the risks of over-exposure.

Or, take a twenty-minute walk late in the day with your skin exposed to sunlight. There are less UV rays in the evening than at noon, though more than in the morning. This will have a less pronounced effect but will nevertheless supply many of the same advantages.

Don’t expose your skin to midday sun for extended periods of time. Wear clothes that protect most of your skin and include a sun hat that offers shade for your face and ears.

Selected nutrients are helpful to protect against sun damage:

    Essential fatty acids work with Vitamin D in the dermis to protect against unsafe radiation.
    Vitamin C neutralizes the problem of oxidative stress.
    Antioxidants, such as those found in berries and superfruits used to make the health drink AIO with AC-11 (from from Uncaria) can help protect against DNA damage from radiation.

Tell me about sunscreen

Sunscreen is a very hot topic, but using it is entirely up to you. Human beings have been living outdoors for thousands of years without serious danger from sun exposure. The boost in skin cancer danger came about as a combination of seriously polluted air, a minimal antioxidant/nutrient diet and the 40-year sunning craze that followed the second world war. We didn’t do that in the past.

More people today die of cancer related to Vitamin D deficiency than of skin cancer caused by sunburn. Again, get some morning and evening sunlight for your health, by no means get a sunburn and keep your skin protected when you are exposed to midday sun. No mad dogs or Englishmen here.

About Network Antioxidants

Antioxidants are our body’s major protection against the injury triggered by free radicals which contribute to many chronic inflammatory and degenerative ailments. Oxy radicals are the root cause of premature aging. Among all the antioxidants, a group of five are identified as Network Antioxidants. This group of both water and fat soluble antioxidants work together to help your cells and do the job together to support each other.

When an antioxidant contributes an electron to restore a free radical, it actually becomes one, but a benign one without the potential to perpetuate the chain reaction. Unfortunately, when they are oxidized, they’re also not able to function effectively. But, what is special about the network antioxidants is that are able to help to regenerate each other and carry on the cycle of searching out and correcting free radicals.

Even though they perform together, the network antioxidants fulfill diverse tasks. The fat soluble ones, specifically Vitamin E and CoQ-10 protect the fatty cell membrane and the cell mitochondria, and the water soluble antioxidants, Vitamin C and Glutathione protect the center of the cell. ALA – Alpha Lipoic Acid is unique in that it is both fat and water soluble.

Vitamin C is the link which bridges the fat soluble and water soluble antioxidants in the network and is largely responsible for recharging Vitamin E when it becomes oxidized.

Vitamin E is closely aligned with heart attack prevention, because it’s the only antioxidant that can reach fatty parts of the cell that are not accessible to the rest of the network. It’s really not a single compound but is instead a family of fat soluble alcohols.

CoEnzymeQ-10 or CoQ-10 is found in each your cells, where it is concentrated in the mitochondria, the component of your cell that generates energy. Mitochondria are vulnerable to free radical damage which has been evidenced as a decline of energy as we age. Additionally, CoQ-10 works in the regeneration of Vitamins C, E and Glutathione

Glutathione, popularly regarded as the Body’s Master antioxidant is continually circulating through your cells, repairing your immune cells and cleaning cellular waste from your body. It supports the rejuvenation of all of the remaining network antioxidants. Raising your glutathione levels helps protect you from several inflammatory conditions, autoimmune diseases, chronic fatigue syndrome, asthma and others.

Alpha Lipoic Acid is unique among the Network Antioxidants in that it is both fat and water soluable and can support both the fatty membrane and water based interior of the cells. It is also uniquely capable of repairing itself and notably can regenerate the other network antioxidants including glutathione. It helps to stop muscle damage during strenuous workouts.

Like glutathione and CoEnzyme Q-10, ALA is produced by your body, but the production capacity decreases appreciably as we age.

ALA – About Alpha Lipoic Acid

ALA molecule

Available in every single cell of the body – much like glutatione – alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is an antioxidant that helps your cells transform glucose into energy. Unlike antioxidants like Vitamin C which can exclusively work in water or vitamin E which only works in fat , ALA operates in both water and fat. It can work anyplace in your body. Like other antioxidants, ALA neutralizes free radicals -metabolic waste – from your cells before they grow to be crowded and toxic from a build up of waste. In contrast to most other antioxidants, Alpha lipoic Acid can help to replenish other antioxidants once they have collected the odd electrons and renders them capable to continue to neutralize more free radicals.

ALA is also used as an abbreviation for Alpha Linolenic Acid which is an omega-3 fatty acid, connected with heart health, but this is not the same as Alpha lipoic acid – also known as Lipoic Acid.
Several studies have indicated that ALA may possibly be able to help lessen levels of blood sugar and combined with it’s antioxidant properties, ALA might be valuable to people suffering from diabetic peripheral neuropathy, relieving some of the discomfort brought about by nerve damage.

Researchers are studying alpha lipoic acid to measure its effectiveness against glaucoma although they are yet to acquire sufficient data, but because it can pass very easily to the brain, it is possible that ALA may well be useful as a protection against brain and nerve tissue damage. ALA is currently being looked at as a potential treatment for stroke and other brain problems with root causes based on free radical damage. Dementia is one such condition.

ALA is an ingredient in both MaxGXL and Cellgevity, both of which are available at Whole Earth Health.

A Spotlight on Vitamin C and Your Health

Every person has heard of vitamin C (a.k.a. ascorbic acid (AA) also known as dehydroascorbic DHAA in its oxidized state). In fact, vitamin C is virtually a catch all name for any compounds that exhibit the same biologic activity as AA. It’s importance was originally recognized in 1747 when James Lind observed that men could be cured of scurvy if offered oranges and lemons. It was a lifesaving breakthrough for sailors. The expression “Limey” caught on fairly quickly as a nickname for the sailors in His Majesty’s Royal Navy.

Vitamin C is the most important and readily available water soluable antioxidant within the human body. The fact that it is water soluable means that it can neutralize free radicals before they reach the cellular membrane layer. The relationship between Ascorbic Acid and glutathione– the body’s master antioxidant is unique. Vitamin C reduces glutathione back to its active form. Once reduced, glutathione will revitalize vitamin C from its DHAA or oxidized state. The symbioitic relationship explains why Vitamin C is an ingredient in Cellgevity, available from Whole Earth Health

Vitamin C is vital for the creation of collagen. It is also needed in the development of noropinephrine and serotonin. Ascorbic Acid may possibly also have some anti-clotting and blood flow advancement components by triggering the release within the body of Nitric Oxide, which is the most likely reason that Vitamin C is also a key ingredient in the supplement Pro-Argi9-Plus. (Call 1 866 993 6243 for more info)

Vitamin C is stored in both the tissues and blood in our bodies. The adrenal and pituitary glands, and lens of the eye include the highest concentrations of vitamin C inside of your body. Vitamin C is one of the thirteen essential vitamins. The term “essential” is often confused. An essential vitamin is not necessarily more important than another vitamin, rather it’s one that must come from our food since we are unable to manufacture it within the body.

Tell Me About the Food ACAI

Bowl of Acai berries

Acai is a Portuguese name for a kind of palm tree that is indigenous to Central and South America. It commonly grows in Brazil and Peru, in swampy areas and floodplains. Scientifically the plant is referred to as Euterpe oleracea. The Portuguese name means a plant that cries or expels water. Currently, acai has become very well-known especially for its fruit; which is small, round and black-purple in color. Acai fruit is used by the indigenous populations in the Brazilian amazon region as food. It is also served as a pulp and a beverage.

Globally, the curiosity in acai has been mainly based on it’s anti-oxidant qualities and of course the use as a weight loss option. The nutritional content of the fruit is composed of proteins, carbohydrates, fat, dietary fiber, nutritional vitamins and low sugar value. In the market, acai is sold as a supporting the immune system of people eating it. It has flavanoids that are responsible for countering conditions such as heart disorders. Extracts of acai are believed to have an effect against peroxyl, peroxynitrite and hydroxyl radicals. Scientists have shown a link between damage caused by free radicals and chronic sicknesses such as cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, cataracts and Alzheimer’s disease among others.

The dense nutritional value of the fruit is also shown to suppress appetite, hence its use as a weight loss option. Acai increases the libido, reduces inflammation and is believed to boost stamina and energy as well as delay some of the signs of growing old

Vitamin C Antioxidant Superfoods – Try Acerola

Acerola

Vitamin C may improve the body’s defense mechanisms and develop collagen structure. In addition, it facilitates the respiratory process. Vitamin C is recognized as a common yet effective antioxidant.

The antioxidant characteristics associated with acerola make it a perfect component in natural skin care products to battle cellular aging and its signs. Also, the acerola plant had been verified to enhance the de-oxidizing activity associated with soy as well as alfalfa components, behaving synergistically. This can be advantageous in the prevention heart disease.

There’s a possible advantage in making use of acerola as an outstanding source of vitamin C, because in addition to the ascorbic acid there are a number of other beneficial nutritional vitamins present in the berry.

What does the plant look like? Well, this particular small plant or shrub has five petaled blossoms that can be anywhere from brilliant red to pink. Acerola fruit is a cherry-like berry that incorporates many tiny seeds. Fully ripened, fresh fruits tend to be light and good tasting. They’re made up of about eighty percent liquid. The berries degrade swiftly however after they’re been picked.

A bushy plant as much as twenty feet, Acerola’s usually develop several multi-trunked clumps. Trees and shrubs without pollination may set seedless berries. Blossoms usually appear after intervals of rain as well as irrigation so flowering can happen just about any time of year (depending upon regional rain fall as well as temperatures patterns), and may actually go on all year.

Because the fruit rapidy loses quality after harvesting, you won’t see acerola in your local grocery store, which is unfortunate considering the benefits of this powerul antioxidant food. But you can gain the benefits of acerola in AIO- Premium Cellular Health, a nutritional supplement available from Whole Earth Health

Antioxidants are Important for the Brain

Human brain

From your first moment to your last and for every microsecond in between, there is a war raging in every part of your body.  Literally millions of these battles happen at the same time with oxy-radicals on one side and antioxidants on the other. It’s a war that affects your lifespan, your vulnerability to many different diseases and without question the quality of your life and health as a senior.

A human brain is highly vulnerable to oxyradical damage because although it only accounts for about 2% of your body mass, about 20% of the oxygen you take in is metabolized in your brain.  Free or oxy-radicals – unstable oxygen molecules, are created by many different things, but a major  cause is a natural and unavoidable by-product of metabolizing oxygen. Since twenty percent of your oxygen supply is used by your brain, it’s easy to understand that the cells in your brain will be subjected to a high number of free radicals.

Within your brain is a large concentration of fat molecules known as Lipids. Lipids include sterols, waxes, fats and also include a few fat soluble vitamins like E, A, D and K. Lipids store energy. They are  signaling molecules and they’re structural components of your cell membranes.  Lipid peroxidation is the name given to free radical Lipid damage and a reason for the importance of antioxidant supplements to the health and functioning of your beloved bonce.

Your brain is defended against Lipid peroxidation by antioxidants, and at best from a group called Network Antioxidants or the Antioxidant Network. The network includes Vitamins C, E, CoEnzyme-Q10, glutathione and Lipoic acid.  Network Antioxidants function as a team to clear out free radicals in the brain and are also uniquely able to repair each other. 

Among the Network Antioxidants, the most important is Glutathione also known as The Master Antioxidant. Glutathione is naturally produced in your body and can be found in each and every cell.

Surprisingly, your brain maintains lower levels of the Master Antioxidant, Glutathione than do other organs and with aging, the total supply is further depleted because our ability to produce Glutathione falls by around ten percent with every decade after our twenties.  But your brain must have Glutathione to be healthy. 

There is a powerful correlation between Alzheimer’s and aluminum. In a study conducted in 2009 on laboratory rats, two equal groups were purposely given aluminum toxins, but one group was also supplied with free radical scavengers- antioxidants.  One group recorded a significant increase in lipid peroxidation that results in a condition known as oxidative stress. Reduced Glutathione and other network antioxidants were also noted. For the group that was provided with the toxins and the antioxidants, none of these changes were measured .

Because of it’s vulnerability to the creation of lipid peroxides a plentiful store of antioxidants (in particular Network Antioxidants and most importantly, Glutathione) is key to sustaining a healthy and functioning brain. While oral glutathione supplements are not considered to be effective, you can take a glutathione precursor like Max One.

Enjoy The Many Health Benefits of Red Wine

Resveratrol can be referred to as substance which is naturally created by many plants as part of the organic defenses–to safeguard them from the outcomes linked with overcrowding, extreme weather and attacks from bugs and disease. Resveratrol exhibits a powerful antioxidant action within animals and for these benefits, Resveratrol is included in AIO- a nutritional supplement drink.

Several tests demonstrating the health advantages of reasonable dark- red wine consumption started the study on the benefits of resveratrol about ten years back. Red wine is different from white wines in that it’s fermented using the grape skins (which contain resveratrol). After fermentation the resveratrol is also in the completed red wine. Red wine also makes better gravy- perhaps not a key health issue, but certainly something worth noting. :-))

Current research on animals demonstrates resveratrol can significantly increase expected life, boost stamina, and imitate the medical advantages of a calorie limited eating plan. Also, resveratrol is an effective antioxidant that can help lessen inflammation and heart disease. In a nutshell, resveratrol is very valuable!

Reseratrol is a natural anti-diabetic compound and helps maintain glucose levels and increase insulin sensitivity. It could help reduce dependencies on medications for some people.

Many research studies have found it to increase testosterone production. For athletes this a natural and healthy aid to gain muscle. By raising the body’s own production of testosterone, muscle strength, mass, and recovery from physical exercise is improved.

Resveratrol can be used in pill form and has a seventy percent assimilation rate. This is much higher than many other supplemented nutritional vitamins and minerals. Studies have found that when taken with meals the total absorption is improved. It is suggested to take 250 mg of Resveratrol, three times a day.