What to Look Out for When Buying Glutathione

You may already be aware of the benefits of Glutathione, and you are looking to buy some so that you can see the results for yourself. Before we go into the actual buying process, let's do a brief recap on the benefits of Glutathione. That will help explain why Glutathione is gaining popularity in recent times.

Benefits of Glutathione - a brief recap.

As Glutathione is a natural antioxidant that exists in the body, it has the ability to protect the body from toxic substances such as pesticide, lactic acid, or metabolic byproducts. Toxins are high destructive substances, in the sense that they attempt to break down anything that they come in contact with. You can imagine what toxins can do to the body when they come in contact with cells. Cells actually get broken down very quickly when they come in contact with poisonous toxins. If nothing is being done to stop this process, it eventually leads to death.

The body has a natural defense to harmful toxins - Glutathione. Glutathione is produced within the cells and helps to protect the cells by neutralizing the toxins through a process called anti oxidation. When anti oxidation takes place, harmful substances become soluble, and is eliminated by the system as quickly as possible.

The health benefits provided by Glutathione are obvious. This nutrient helps to prevent cancer other diseases such as diabetes, nerve disorders, etc. This happens because the immune system is strengthened. Active Glutathione reduces the chances of toxic substances damaging cells in the body.

In addition, Glutathione has an amazing side benefit. It actually helps to smooth out wrinkles in the skin and remove freckles and pigments. It achieves this by eliminating excess Tyrosinase in the body. Tyrosinase is an enzyme that helps promote the growth of Melanin, and Melanin is responsible for dark skin color. When Tyrosinase is absent, the skin will start to whiten.

For this reason, many people start using Glutathione as a skin whitener.

Glutathione is commonly known as L-glutathione, and is promoted as a health supplement or a skin whitener by retail stores. There are also several online retailers who offer this wonderful health supplement for sale.

When buying L-glutathione, there are some things to look out for.

Firstly, you must remember that Glutathione must be produced from within the cells. In other words, amino acids must be present to simulate the environment of the cell before Glutathione can be produced. The three precursor amino acids are glycine, glutamate and cystine.

You should also determine the credibility of an online retailer by performing some due diligence. Visit online forums to read what others are saying about the products and the retailers. Are they overcharging? Are the products working like they are supposed to? If there are any concerns about the L-glutathione products, you will see others complaining about them.

A little bit of legwork is necessary to help safeguard yourself from buying counterfeit L-glutathione supplements. So spend some time to learn more about what Glutathione can or cannot do, and find out which are the established retailers who are offering genuine products.

Source: Amazines | Gen Wright

Wine Club Educations

Getting the most out of life is something all people want. This is especially after spending hard-earned money on some of the finer things in life, like a vacation to a faraway destination, or a sample of some of the most exotic cheese in the world. It is no secret that wine is a drink you can enjoy both on its own or paired up with any food to enhance the overall dining experience. The problem most people have is knowing when to choose the right wines when it comes to certain foods. Sure there are the standard rules like white wines for white meats like chicken or fish and red wines for beef and other red meats, but when it comes to specifics, just how clueless can many of us get?

Enter a wine of the month club. It should never be enough that a wine drinker will stick to such crude methods of estimation when it comes to wine pairing. The truest appreciation of wines, whether it be Italian wines, French wines, American or any other, lies in knowing and studying the subtle differences in taste and weights. Think of wines of the month clubs as a sort of wine school at home.

With monthly or quarterly deliveries of bottles of wine to your doorstep, wines of the month clubs aim to expand your knowledge not only of the wine and its various differences in taste, it will also give you valuable and perhaps even first-hand information about the vintage, the wine maker, and the region in which that particular wine is made. While it is true that certain parts of this information can be acquired through various means, there really is no substitute for having that fine Italian Vino in your glass and actually drinking the wonderful nectar for yourself.

Actual wine schooling and getting a degree as a sommelier is a very expensive process only undergone by those who are serious about making wine a career. But if your intention is knowing enough to know the subtle differences in wines and try out exotic blends for yourself at the comfort of your own home, then joining a wine of the month club is more suited for you. It is as much an education about wine as it is sommelier school minus the professional aspect of it all and at almost a fraction of the cost. It is suited mainly for causal wine drinkers interested in gaining information about the art.

Knowing what goes with a good bottle of Vino is just as important as knowing a good Vino in itself. Most wines of the month clubs offer handy suggestions as to what foods will pair best with their selections, allowing you more insight into the delicate art of food and wine pairing. This kind of knowledge is important especially if you are interested in starting your own wine tastings at home or taking a trip into various wine schools and wineries across the country.

Wine of the month clubs are excellent ways to get started in your journey to better understanding the wonderful nectar that is wine. With a wealth of experience and expertise heading each wine club, one is sure to get as much an education about the many aspects of wine, including preparation and blending, as any top wine school. The experience of being able to sample several bottles of the many wines described in the comfort of your own home is also a very good plus. Most wine clubs sent 2-4 bottles a month depending on state delivery laws and quarterly wine clubs send around 4-12 bottles of wine.

Sponsor: Wine Of The Month | VidaJoy

Anti-Aging Glutathione

The use of supplemental glutathione for anti-aging has sparked controversy in the medical community, with some researchers calling it a powerful health restorative and others saying there's just not enough evidence to justify those claims.

Glutathione (also sometimes known as GHS) is a natural compound. It is found in some foods, including many fruits, vegetables, and meats, and it can also be synthesized within the body, from three amino acids (L-cysteine, L-glutamic acid, and glycin).

Glutathione is known to be a powerful antioxidant
, effective at protecting cells from free radicals (unstable molecules formed during the process of cellular oxidation). It's active in human lungs and in many other organ systems and tissues, and plays an active role in maintaining the immune system.

Though glutathione was first isolated eighty years ago, it's metabolism within the body has only been understood since 1984. Studies and clinical trials of glutathione in the treatment of cancer, ALS, cystic fribrosis, and asthma are currently taking place, but though studies on its potential health benefits are ongoing, a relatively limited body of research is currently available.

Antioxidant = Anti-Aging?
Glutathione's potent antioxidant properties give it what appears to be enormous potential as an anti-aging supplement, because many of the health problems associated with free radical damage. Antioxidants can neutralize free radicals, preventing and even repairing the damage they do.

Preliminary research has shown a correlation between high glutathione levels and good health in older adults
, but while initial results seem promising most studies on the substance have been small and limited.

Questions About Best Method of Supplementation
One of the primary questions about glutathione is whether oral supplements are effective. Some studies have indicated that giving patients oral supplements of as much as 3000 IU resulted in no increase in blood levels of glutathione, while other research showed that taking other nutritional compounds did effectively raise blood levels of glutathione. In one trial, supplementation of vitamin C raised glutathione blood levels by almost 50%. The study concluded that vitamin C raises glutathione levels by helping the body produce it.

But though questions persist about the extent to which oral glutathione can be absorbed, small studies using other methods of supplementation have produced exciting results. Glutathione administered intravenously or intramuscularly has been found useful for preventing clot formation during operations, treating Parkinson's disease, reducing high blood pressure in diabetics, and increasing the effectiveness of certain chemotherapy drugs.

Source: EasyArticles | RAB

How Can Glutathione Help With Immunity, Detoxification Or Even Cancer

It's a known fact, everyone wants to live a longer and happier life. And really, all that is required to achieve this is to have a healthy mind and a healthy body. A healthy body is one which is full of energy, good immunity and a great detoxification system. I'm sure you agree, you need to have all the three for the best results. However something that you may not know is one nutrient specifically plays an important role in providing all three of these, and it is known as 'Glutathione'. Your body itself synthesizes this vital nutrient and all you have to do is to support your body ability to produce glutathione in adequate amounts.

Glutathione - the anti-oxidant and free radicals

Our body undergoes wear and tear continuously. It is exposed to so many harmful things. It is exposed to stress, pollution, radiation, infection, drugs, poor diet, aging, injury, trauma etc. All these pile up a dangerous group of chemicals called free radicals. These get accumulated in the cells. These free radicals meddle with the normal functioning of the cells.

Free radicals need to be removed if your bodies cells are to function normally. This is where anti-oxidants play a major role. They neutralize these free radicals and prevent them from causing further damage to the cells. Glutathione is the super anti-oxidant that is present inside the cell itself. It is present in all cells and efficiently nullifies the effects of free radicals. The incredible thing is that Glutathione is produced naturally in our body. However as we age we produce less and less, eventually allowing free radicals to run freely in our body. Creating disease and other problems we call, "the signs of aging"

Glutathione and immunity

A weak immune system is helpless in preventing various infections. If your immune system is low, for example if you have an HIV infection, even bacteria that are very mild without causing any disease can enter your body producing various symptoms. The vital molecule glutathione is present in all cells including the cells of the immune system. They readily ward off any kind of infection. You have to keep the optimum level of glutathione inside the cells. All you really have to do is keep a diet rich in glutathione and help your body to create more of it.

Glutathione and detoxification

There is a wonderful organ in our body - the liver. It synthesizes protein, stores energy and removes the toxic substances from the body. Whatever is considered a foreign substance and deemed toxic, are removed from the body by the liver. With the help of a few chemical substances and a few chemical reactions involving them, the liver neutralizes these toxic substances by a process called detoxification.

Detoxification occurs in two phases - phase I and phase II reactions. A number of chemical substances are involved in this. And the most important one is the glutathione. Though glutathione is available in many natural food substances like fresh fruits and vegetables, the liver can synthesize glutathione on its own when necessity arises.

Glutathione and cancer

With improved standard of living and better medical facilities, the diseases caused by infections have decreased. But there is an increase in the incidence of many non-infectious diseases including cancer. Research has shown that people who suffer from cancer have low levels of glutathione in their body. By keeping the glutathione at normal levels, cancer can either be prevented or its progression can be stopped.

Source: ArticleCube | Michael Van Masters

Glutathione The Untold Story

Most people know about antioxidants and their role as free radical scavengers. Most people know that examples of antioxidants include Vitamin A, C, E and the mineral selenium. Most people also know that antioxidants neutralize tissue damaging free radicals and remove them from the body.

This is where the story becomes more interesting. Like a good mystery there appears to be another character central to the theme. This character is yet to have a face or even a name, but is somehow key to how this story excitedly unfolds. Glutathione.

Glutathione is the master antioxidant of the body. It is produced in every cell of your body and is key to cellular detoxification. Glutathione is also key to energy production at the mitochondria level helping to convert metabolic processes into stored energy called ATP. These two functions both help optimize cellular function.

The story however takes a bit of a tragic turn. Glutathione levels begin to fall at about the age of 20. There is typically a 1% decline every year as we age. The body’s natural mechanism to detoxify becomes progressively less effective. Cell function begins to depart from optimal. One could hypothesize that age related diseases might have something to do with this. I am reaching for the tissues!

As always knowing more about the story allows the different pieces to fall into place. Thankfully science and research have illuminated yet another central character for us to ponder as we reach for new perspectives to improve our health.

Source: SelfGrowth | Todd Peaceheart

Glutathione - What Is It? Five Things You Should Know

You hear more and more people talking about a funny sounding word nowadays. That word is glutathione. If you are saying: "Gluta - what?" Don't worry, not too long ago I was saying the same thing.Glutathione, pronounced "glue-ta-thigh-own" can be remembered by the guys by how they fasten their tie, or by the ladies by how that thigh just seems to be glued right on. Either way works. Funny word, but this little word gets down to serious business in your body.

Glutathione is a protein that is made up of three amino acids. The amino acids are cystine, glutamine, and glycine. Together, these three amino acids combine from the foods you eat and make glutathione in your cells.

What does glutathione do in your body? It has hundreds of positive roles, but if you can remember AN IDEA , you will remember most of what it does. Here are glutathione's main functions in your body:

1. ANtioxidant: Oxidative stress or oxidation is going on in your body all day long, whether you realize it or not. And research is now tying our biggest killers like heart disease, stroke, and cancer to oxidative stress. Glutathione combats oxidative stress in your body. So you absolutely need it to survive and be healthy. And if you didn't have it in your cells right now, you would be dead.

2. Immune System Optimizer: Research is now showing that glutathione actively boosts your immune system by raising T-cell production, and T-cells are crucial in fighting infection. This points to other positive roles in treating diseases where the patient has lowered or suppressed immunity. If a person has an autoimmune disorder, then glutathione re-balances their immune system. The best description for this process is immune system optimization.

3. Detoxification: We are surrounded by toxins at every turn, in our air, food, and water. Glutathione effectively detoxifies by binding to them and taking them out of the body. In this way it supports liver and kidney function as well.

4. Energy: The mitochondria are the powerhouses within your cells. They give you energy, and if they are damaged, you may suffer from a lack of energy, such as in chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia. Glutathione has been studied and shown to actually repair damaged mitochondria on the cellular level. That means more energy for you!

5. Anti-Aging: Glutathione has also been shown in research to play a key role in the aging process. By reducing oxidative stress, its role as an antioxidant is tied in to the human aging process. More research is currently ongoing into glutathione's role in anti aging, and promising results are expected in future studies.

So now you have it -

Glutathione: Antioxidant, Immune System Optimizer, Detoxifier, Energy Restorer, and Anti-Aging Supplement. These are the five things you should know about what glutathione does.

What AN IDEA!

You absolutely cannot live without it. Glutathione is one of the most powerful words you can learn about today for great health!

Source: GoArticles | Laura McCallum

What Is Glutathione And How It Affects Your Body

What is Glutathione and why is it so important to your health and well being? The answer to this question is quite easily answered. Glutathione is your bodies most prevalent antioxidant, blood accelerator, and cell detoxifier. Glutathione is a tripeptide composed of three amino acids- glutamic, cysteine, and glycine. To top all that off, glutathione is found in every cell of your entire body, including all the bile in your body, your epithetical lining, (just a fancy word for the tissue covering your internal organs and other surfaces inside your body) the fluid of the lungs, and in your blood as it flows through your entire body.

Your body depends on glutathione. Without glutathione, your cells would shrivel up and die from unrestrained oxidation, your body would have little resistance to metabolic acids, and your liver would shrivel up from an over abundance of acidic toxins. To put it plainly, glutathione is our bodies most prevalent cell protector. Now, what I mean by that is, there are some antioxidants in our body that take on the role of oxygen, nitrogen or hydroxyl burning inside the cell. These are all types of free radicals, but glutathione takes care of all of them. So, glutathione is a type of "checks and balances" for your body.

Your body burns oxygen for fuel naturally. Now, when you think about oxygen outside of your body, if you put a match to it, the oxygen would ignite. The same thing happens inside your body. Your creating several oxidants inside your cells which could eat away at your cell, and the only thing that can "quench the fire", so to speak, is to create, instill, or generate a antioxidant into your cell that will "quench that fire".

Now, normal bi-products of oxidation can build up over time inside your cells, caused by normal cellular function. Normal environmental issues also play a huge role in the increased build up of bi-products, such as stress, smoking, household cleaning products, prescription drugs, pollution, as well as many more. The oxidative damage they cause can actually break your cells down, and cause massive inflammation at the cellular level. When you think about inflammation I'm sure the thought of breaking a arm or leg comes into mind as well as maybe a heart attack, but realistically inflammation is going on inside your body on a daily basis.

Glutathione's amazing power lies in it's ability to clean and clear oxidants out of a cell from within. Glutathione can naturally neutralize the bi-products of oxidation, and clear out every cell of your body so that the inflammation will be reduced and the cells natural function can return. This in turn keeps the cell living much longer. This hopefully screams at you, that if your keeping your cells alive much longer, your in turn keep you alive a lot longer as well!

Source: Amazines | Garret Laidler

Could Glutathione Be A Predictor Of How Long You Will Live?

All cells in the body need water, oxygen, glucose and glutathione. The levels of glutathione in our cells could be predictive of how long we will live. For exhaustion and chronic fatigue sufferers reading this, the information that follows is vital to you!

What is glutathione? It is a tri-peptide, or a small protein composed of the amino acids cysteine, glycine and glutamate. Glutathione is made in every cell of the body and it must be made by the 3 amino acids, cysteine, glycine and glutamate. Your body is either replicating healthy cells and delaying the aging process or it is replicating unhealthy cells and speeding up the aging process. Every cell makes and recycles glutathione.The largest amount of glutathione in our bodies is found in the liver, lining of the lungs, kidney, heart and brain.

Why is glutathione important?

1. It is a major antioxidant produced by the cell. It is able to neutralize free radicals and recycle other antioxidants such as vitamins C & E. Glutathione actually helps your body more efficiently use the other antioxidants.

2. It is the body's most effective detoxifier. It binds to undesirable toxins, pollutants, and cancer-causing chemicals, etc. and excretes them through the urine or gut.

3. It improves immune response

4. It helps regulate the cell's vital functions, such as synthesis and repair of DNA.

5. It contributes to the production of red blood cells.

6. It helps in wound healing.

7. It helps build lean muscle mass.

8. It inhibits harmful viruses and bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract.

9. It increases one's aerobic exercise capacity by up to 13%.

While glutathione is produced naturally in our bodies, glutathione levels decrease with age at the rate of 1% a year after age 20. In addition, levels of glutathione can be reduced by stress, exercise, infection, injury and environmental toxins. People who live to 100 years of age, will have glutathione levels similar to 30-50 year olds.

Reduced glutathione levels can result in lower energy, insomnia, cellular damage, inflammation, accelerated aging, and a weakened resistance to various diseases, including heart disease, cancer, arthritis and many other diseases. People with any defined disease have decreased glutathione levels compared with healthy individuals the same age. Low levels of glutathione are actually a marker for over 200 medical conditions. It could be said that low levels of glutathione equal cellular aging, disease, and death!

Glutathione helps to improve mental function, increases energy, improves concentration, permits increased exercise, and improves heart and lung function.

WHAT FOODS ARE HIGH IN GLUTATHIONE?

Avocado, watermelon, asparagus, walnuts, grapefruit, potato, acorn, squash, strawberries, orange, tomato, cantaloupe, broccoli.

Glutathione must be produced within the cell itself. Oral glutathione in pill form is not absorbed and will be eliminated by the liver before reaching the blood stream. Injectable glutathione is degraded by the time it gets to the cell and much of it cannot pass the cell membrane.

HOW CAN A PERSON INCREASE THEIR GLUTATHIONE LEVEL?

In addition to being able to get glutathione in some foods (as listed above), the best way to increase glutathione is through a glutathione precursor. Since glutathione is produced within the cell itself and cannot be easily absorbed into the cell, a person needs to consume a product that will enable the body to produce its own glutathione within the cells. This product would be considered to be a glutathione precursor.

A good glutathione precursor helps your body neutralize free radicals and build healthy cells. Your body replaces about 1% of your cells everyday. Your skin, body, organs, tissue are all constantly in a state of regeneration. Otherwise, your body cells are constantly dying and being regenerated. Thus, in about 3 months time, your cells and you, as a person, can make positive strides in getting healthier!

TO SUMMARIZE

The levels of glutathione in our cells are predictive of how long we will live. Few other factors are as predictive of our life expectancy as is glutathione. It may be referred to as the "master antioxidant" since it regulates the actions of lesser antioxidants including vitamin C and vitamin E in the body. It is the most important antioxidant to overall health.

Source: ArticleBase | Judy Thompson

The Benefits Of Glutamine Supplements

Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid that is found primarily in your muscles. Most bodies cannot produce glutamine in sufficient quantities, and additional sources are needed. Through diet and supplements, one can supply their body with the additional glutamine that it requires. Supplements are readily available and are commonly found in the form of powdered drink mixes, pills or tablets. Animal and plant proteins are dietary sources of glutamine as well. A diet high in fish, poultry and legumes is recommended for sufficient natural glutamine production.

PREVENTS CATABOLISM, PROMOTES ANABOLISM

Catabolism refers to the breaking down of molecules into smaller units. During and after physical exercise, catabolism typically occurs in muscles. This is counterproductive in building strong muscle tone. Anabolism is the opposite, it actually encourages the building of larger muscle fibers. Glutamine boosts the production of human growth hormones, which in turn promotes anabolism. Glutamine has been clearly linked to increased protein synthesis. The added glutamine is synthesized into new protein tissue as well.

ENHANCES IMMUNE SYSTEM FUNCTIONS

Glutamine enhances the intestines ability to resist the invasion of harmful micro-organisms, as well as promoting cell reproduction and boosting the body's immune system. Glutamine is also one of the building blocks of glutathione, the body's primary antioxidant. It is often given to patients who have cancer, AIDS, trauma, burns and other infections, as it promotes the healing of wounds. Glutamine is a common supplemental treatment for peptic ulcers and in preventing asprin-induced gastric lesions. It is often used as an oral rinse to reduce mouth sores usually associated with chemotherapy to treat cancer. It is also used to treat other cancer complications such as stomach irritation.

FAT BURNING PROPERTIES

The anabolic properties of glutamine are helpful in the fat burning process by promoting muscle growth and the production of the human growth hormone. HGH builds and protects lean muscle mass. It is also used to help sugar addicts through withdrawal.

IMPROVES MENTAL SHARPNESS

Glutamine is one of the building blocks for the production of neurotransmitters (glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid, known as GABA) in the brain. Glutamine is converted into glucose when the brain contains a deficiency. Users of glutamine supplements often report a better overall mood and feel less fatigued.

ALCOHOLISM AND SUGAR ADDICTION

Alcoholics and sugar addicts may find glutamine supplementation a way to ease the stomach pain and mental toxicity that comes when they stop consuming alcohol or sugar. It is thought that glutamine may reduce cravings.

SIDE EFFECTS AND RECOMMENDED DOSAGES

There are side effect warnings when supplementing with glutamine, and some users have experienced minor headaches. However, there are no known drug interactions or nutrient problems associated with glutamine.

The typical dosage is between 2 and 20 grams. The intestines will consume up to 5 grams at a time. This means that any supplementation for the purpose of building muscle, added immunity strength beyond the intestines, fat burning or mental clarity should take doses greater than 5 grams. The typical patient will take in glutamine twice a day, once in the morning and again after a workout or before bed. It is best taken on an empty stomach.

Choose L-glutamine over D-glutamine, as it more closely resembles the substance in its natural form. While studies are still out concerning other uses for glutamine, many benefits are already proven and widely accepted.

Source: ArticleCircle | pptwhite

Dramatically Increase Your Body's Glutathione

Your body naturally creates a powerful antioxidant called Glutathione or GSH. Glutathione helps to counteract free-radicals - those dangerous by-products of breathing oxygen and exposure to toxic substances which are found in our air, water, and food. Glutathione also regulates the body's ability to recycle its store of other antioxidants including vitamin A, C, E and Co-enzyme Q10. Basically, glutathione is required to maintain a healthy immune system.

Glutationone is a small protein made up of three amino acids, glycine, glutamic acid and cysteine. Glutathione is not easily absorbed by cells because of its large molecule size and so must be synthesized within the cell(intracellularly). Each cell produces its own glutathione as needed. The amount each cell can make is determined by the availability of the amino acid cysteine.

Glutathione defends our body against disease, toxins, viruses, radiation, oxidative stress and the effects of the aging process. Research shows that low glutathione levels are linked to chronic illnesses. Some of these illnesses are cancer, multiple sclerosis, HIV, AIDS, autism, alzheimer's disease, parkinson's disease, atherosclerosis, asthma, allergies, skin problems, diabetes, chronic fatigue syndrome, cataracts, pregnancy complications, low sperm count, liver disease, cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, kwashiorkor and seizure. Some scientists estimate that a 30% reduction of glutathione is enough to cause cellular dysfunction which in turn leads to illness and disease.

Glutathione levels are depleted by aging and excessive stress upon the body's immune system through exercise, infections, medications and environmental toxins. By age 20, we start losing glutathione at a rate of 8-12% per decade. As we grow older, our body's production of glutathione is reduced. At this same time, it's need for glutathione is further increased.

Our bodies extract glycine, glutamic acid and cysteine from our food. Foods which are rich in sulfur-containing amino acids have been found to be the best sources of these precursors of glutathione. Glutathione is found in fish, meat, eggs, milk, fruits & vegetables(fresh or frozen). Cooking & pasteurization usually destroy all glutathione (spinach is an exception). Other rich dietary sources of glutathione are asparagus, broccoli, potatoes, bell peppers, carrots, onions, garlic, tomatoes, avocado & walnuts. Grains and pasteurized dairy products are poor sources for glutathione. Undenatured whey protein contains moderate levels of naturally occurring glutathione. It is also one of the best known building blocks for glutathione. Sadly, most supplements containing glutathione do not increase the body's glutathione levels since most glutathione breaks down in the digestive system.

Your diet will not be high in glycine, glutamic acid and cysteine (the precursors of glutathione) unless you eat a lot of freshly harvested, toxin-free, uncooked fruits, nuts and vegetables. There are only a few proven ways to increase intracellular glutathione. Usually, with a proven glutathione deficiency, you can have supplementation administered by a health care professional. Such supplementation will be administered intravenously, intramuscularly or by aerosol. However, remember that your body can manufacture glutathione when given the correct nutrients.

Source:  Amazines | Aprill Ralowicz

The Problem With Glutathione As An Anti-Aging Supplement

In simple terms What is Glutathione?

Glutathione is a naturally occurring antioxidant that exists in every cell in the human body including the skin.  It is said to be the world's most powerful antioxidant.  While it does occur naturally, over time the natural production of glutathione declines with age and that deficiency causes age-related diseases.

How does Glutathione benefit me?
       
Glutathione is the human body's most abundant, natural antioxidant. Glutathione protects your vision, strengthens the immune system, aids in turning carbohydrates into energy, and prevents the accumulation of oxidized fats that may contribute to atherosclerosis.

The Glutathione in your skin helps protect your skin from sunburn and wrinkling.  There is an old saying that goes like this: "As your skin goes, so goes the rest of your body".
Glutathione  may help offset the physical effects and problems of aging. Adequate levels of glutathione are needed to help the immune system fight off free-radical damage, infection, and illness. Glutathione can prevent or diminish symptoms of conditions like asthma and rheumatoid arthritis.

What are the results of Glutatione deficiency?

Glutathione deficiency is a leading cause of  oxidative damage in the human body, which plays an important role in aging and the devastating effects of many diseases including Alzheimers, Parkinsons, liver disease, cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, HIV, AIDS, cancer, heart attack, and diabetes.  A Glutathione deficiency can have a debilitating effect on the nervous system, causing problems such as lack of balance and coordination, mental disorders, and tremors. Any illness such as the flu or even a bad cold, chronic conditions like asthma and rheumatoid arthritis, simple injuries, or heavy exposure to pollutants can cause a Glutathione deficiency. This is because your body uses more Glutathione when it is producing white blood cells and attempting to rid the body of toxins.

Can I get enough Glutathione in my diet?

Glutathione is found in almost all fruits and vegetables. Winter (yellow) squash, asparagus, avocados, cantaloupes, grapefruits, okra, oranges, peaches, potatoes, spinach, strawberries, tomatoes, and zucchini are all good sources of GSH. Some vegetables, such as broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and kale, not only provide the body with Glutatione, but also actually stimulate the body's production of more of this amazing antioxidant. Cooking destroys a lot of the glutathione in fresh fruits and vegetables.  In order to get the most Glutatione from these foods is by eating them raw or steamed. Foods high in glutamine, such as lean meats, eggs, wheat germ, whey protein and whole grains, can also stimulate the liver to produce more Glutathione naturally.

How effective are naturally occurring forms of Glutathione?

Although Glutathione is found naturally in many fruits, vegetables, and meats, absorption rates of glutathione from food sources in the human gastrointestinal tract are low.

Can I take a Glutathione supplement?

Although glutathione is marketed as a nutritional supplement, there is no evidence that most Glutathione supplements actually increase the levels of Glutathione in the cells. However oral supplements of whey protein do appear to aid in the restoration of cellular levels of Glutathione.
Glutathione is also included in many multivitamin and multi-nutrient formulations, however their effectiveness come into question.

Are there any side effects of supplementing with Glutathione?

There is no Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for Glutathione, but supplements have no known harmful side effects. Glutathione supplements can be expensive, but there is some question about the body's ability to absorb most supplements efficiently.
There appear to be no risks associated with Glutathione supplementation, even using up to several grams a day.

What are the precautions?

At this time, the only established precautions are sensitivity to any of the inactive ingredients in the various preparations of Glutathione or the products used to stimulate Glutathione levels. There are some studies that suggests supplementing it may be helpful to some cancer patients.

Conclusion

Increased levels of Glutathione (GSH) strengthen your immune system, increase your energy level, and enhance the body's fight against aging and the ailments of aging. Increased levels of GSH also result in a faster recovery from strenuous exercise regimens.

Your enhanced immune system will make you less susceptible to illness and the effects and multiple ailments of aging. You will also experience a higher level of alertness and experience a more rapid recovery from strenuous exercise with shorter periods of soreness.

Source:  SearchWarp - Merrill Noreen

The Advantages Of Antioxidant Supplements For Glutathione

With all the press that antioxidant supplements for glutathione are receiving these days it can be very difficult to sort out what is fact and what is fiction. Does your body really need to be supplemented with Glutathione, or is it just another clever attempt on the part of the wellness market to sell you supplements you don t really need and encourage you to open your bank accounts to them? Until you understand what Glutathione does and how it can benefit you, it can be impossible for you to determine whether or not Glutathione supplementation is the best course of action to keep your body healthy.

What is Glutathione?

The first question most people ask when they re discussing the benefits of antioxidant supplements for Glutathione is, what is glutathione? Glutathione has made a reputation for itself as the mother of all antioxidants, one of the primary considering factors when it comes to ensuring the wellness and strength of your immune system.

Glutathione, like most proteins, is made up of chains of amino acids that assist the cell in reproducing. The primary function of Glutathione is to help the lymphocytes, the cells responsible for fighting the body s foreign invaders through the annihilation of the foreign substance and the development of antibodies, repair and reproduce to strengthen the immune system and protect the body from infection and disease.

When the body is deficient the doctor usually recommends antioxidant supplements for glutathione. Why? Because when the body becomes deficient in this vital substance several things begin to happen:

1) The body is unable to reproduce cells efficiently and the immune system is dramatically weakened, leaving the body more vulnerable to attack from foreign substances such as viruses and bacterium and more likely to succumb to the abnormalities that lead to cancer and other chronic conditions.

2) The cells begin to age more quickly than they normally would without antioxidant supplements for glutathione, leaving them fragile to the effects of time and free radicals.

3) The body begins to find it more difficult to detoxify organs such as the liver and kidneys, which in turn leads to a build up of toxicity in the rest of the body (since these organs are the body s natural filters).

Physicians for years have been using Glutathione to treat conditions such as cancer and HIV/AIDS in the hope that its regenerative properties will be sufficient to help the body begin to heal itself and fight off the effects of the disease; however, it is only in recent years that their widespread ability to helphealthy patients improve their immune system has truly come to light. Many companies are now offering antioxidant supplements for Glutathione as a part of their regular supplement inventory, but be forewarned, glutathione supplements are not able to be absorbed by your body at a cellular level. What you need for glutathione supplementation is the right natural ingredients to enable your body to produce this master antioxidant at the cellular level.

Antioxidant supplements for Glutathione aren t about making you feel better when you have a disease. They exist to help your body prevent the disease in the first place and you know what they say. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

Source: ZingArticles - Faye Brown

Glutathione For A Healthier Pregnancy

All parents-to-be nurture the dream of a healthy pregnancy and baby.

But the modern environment and diet is deficient in many factors essential for the health of mother and fetus. One of those factors is antioxidants.

The role of antioxidants like folic acid in preventing birth defects like spina bifida and cleft palate is well known. It is now included in all prenatal vitamin supplements.

But the role of antioxidants like glutathione and Vitamin E in pregnancy is often overlooked.

Glutathione is the body's master antioxidant. It helps to regenerate stores of other antioxidants like Vitamin C and E.

It also protects both mother and fetus from the damaging effects of free radicals and oxidative stress.

Many pregnancy complications and birth defects have been linked to oxidative stress, free radical damage and low glutathione levels in the mother and fetus.

Environmental and lifestyle factors are known to cause oxidative stress and lower glutathione levels - resulting in birth defects, abortion and miscarriages in pregnancy.

Some of the known teratogens (causing birth defects) in pregnancy include:

o Radiation
o Pesticides and Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)
o Air pollution
o Heavy metals (mercury, cadmium, arsenic)
o Vinyl chloride
o Acryonitrile
o Excess Oxygen (hyperoxia)
o Anti-psychotic and anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs)
o Thalidomide
o Cigarette smoke
o Alcohol (ethanol) consumption

Maternal health factors that increase free radicals and cause birth defects include:

o Diabetes
o Pre-eclampsia
o Infection and Inflammation

Numerous studies have shown that glutathione (GSH), vitamin C and E are crucial in the development and growth of the fetus, maintenance of a healthy pregnancy - and, even before pregnancy, in fertility and conception.

Glutathione and other antioxidants attenuate oxidative stress in pregnant women with inflammation or maternal conditions like diabetes and pre-eclampsia, and in fetuses at risk for developing cystic fibrosis.

Supplementation with glutathione precursors and antioxidants can decrease the incidence of birth defects and protect both mothers and the fetus from the damaging and possibly fatal consequences of pregnancy complications.

Glutathione (GSH ) also prevents or minimizes the oxidative stress that occurs during labor and the birth process.

Perinatal or birth asphyxia/hypoxia (deprivation of oxygen supply to the brain) in preterm deliveries and labor can lead to cerebral palsy, respiratory distress syndrome, irreversible brain injury, and permanent neurological and intellectual handicaps.

Administration of the glutathione precursor, N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC), to the pregnant mother partially prevents oxidative stress during the birth process in premature infants.

Currently, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology advises all pregnant women to take a prenatal vitamin containing antioxidants.

In addition, they advise eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, the best sources of antioxidant protection.

Source: ArticleAlley by Priya Shah

Why Does Whey Protein Help You Lose Weight?

Whey protein is the preferred protein supplement for weight lifters, people wanting to lose fat, and people looking for a healthy drink. It is made from dehydrated whey, which comes from dairy milk, and marketed as a protein powder.

All serious bodybuilders take whey protein as a supplement after a draining workout. Why is it so popular?

To help understand the popularity of whey protein, you need to understand it's composition. Whey protein is made up of of several different types of proteins: Alpha-lactoglobulin, Beta-lactoglobulin, Bovine serum albumin (BSA), Immunoglobulins, lactoferrin, and lactoferricin. It also is full of calcium, potassium, sodium, phosphorous and several vitamins.

First of all, whey protein is an extremely balanced source of amino acids and protein peptides. This means its nutritious and helps your body create muscle. Secondly it has a high efficiently for absorption by your body. It is easier to turn into new muscle than egg, soy, or other meat proteins.

The antioxidant, glutathione, cannot be produced unless you have plenty of an amino acid called cysteine. Luckily, whey protein is full of this particular amino acid cysteine.

In order to make new muscle tissue as quickly as possible, your body needs the branched-chain amino acids leucine, isoleucine, valine. Whey is full of the BCAAs, and especially with leucine it helps synthesize new muscle after a exhausting workout. This reason alone is enough to make whey protein an important post-workout supplement if you are really serious about gaining muscle.

The chemical glutamine is also found in whey protein. This molecule aids in muscle recovery and gets you back to the gym faster!

Compared against other proteins available, whey protein is the fastest to be absorbed by your body. In it's form of whey protein isolate it might be absorbed up to 3 times faster than other proteins like casein, cheese, meat, etc.

Another huge ancillary benefit of whey protein powder is that lactose, which is found in most whey protein mixtures, is used by your body too. Inside your intestines it becomes galacto-oligosaccharides - these chemicals are good for your intestinal bacteria. Without these bacteria your digestion would fail.

Source: EasyArticles

Turmeric Supplements Can Improve Memory With The Right Dosage And Compatible Ingredients

Taking turmeric for memory might be a good idea, but your best choice for supplementation is a well designed multi ingredient product that includes an enteric coating. Single ingredients supplements are, in many cases, a waste of money.

When it comes to the spice turmeric, the active component is curcumin. Researchers have measured blood levels of curcumin after volunteers consumed as much as 10 grams of the spice and found the level to be very low. This means that the compound has low “bio availability”.

There are many other nutrients that have low bioavailability because of the size of the molecules or because they are changed by digestive acids. One of them is glutathione, which must be reduced, in order to pass through the intestinal walls and enter the bloodstream. Others include SAM e, resveratrol and curcumin, which are changed by stomach acids into an unavailable form.

One of the “tricks” for increasing the bioavailability of curcumin, so that you can get the benefits of taking turmeric for memory, is to add piperine to the formula. Piperine has been shown to increase the bioavailability of curcumin by 2000 .

When you see single ingredient supplements on the market that contain 500 or 600mg and then you see another multi nutritional supplement that contains only 50mg, you may think that the higher dosage would be more beneficial. But this is not a case of more is better.

Large doses can cause indigestion and worsen gallbladder disease. High doses have been shown to cause liver problems in animals. We don’t know how this correlates to humans, as yet, but better safe than sorry.

When curcumin is protected as it passes through the stomach, it will not cause digestive problems. When it reaches the upper intestine and passes into the bloodstream, the liver is not involved. And, since piperine enhances the bioavailability of the nutrient by 2000 , a 50mg dose is plenty.

There are a couple of reasons to consider turmeric for memory. A 2004 study suggests that it inhibits the formation of plaques in the brain that lead to Alzheimer’s. An observational study indicates that people who eat curry frequently have better mental clarity. In addition, the compound has a positive effect on the neurons in the brain.

All of those things are good, but one of the other causes of memory loss and decreased mental clarity low oxygen levels and poor circulation in the brain. Gingko biloba improves the oxygen content and the circulation. Green tea extracts have been shown to increase alertness, as well.

If you want the best results, you should be taking ginkgo biloba, green tea, SAM e and turmeric for memory. You would likely spend hundreds of dollars per month to take all of them. A better value for your money is a multi nutritional supplement that contains them all, along with essential vitamins, minerals and amino acids.

If you are not well nourished, you will be fatigued and “fuzzy headed”. Taking turmeric for memory does not contribute to your nutritional intake. Improving that intake may solve many of your health problems.

Source: ZingArticles - Valerie Rosenbaum

Chavez Miranda Aseoche Law Offices

The Firm is known for its battery of zealous and aggressive trial lawyers.

“No quarters asked , No quarters given. ” has been the battle cry of all the members of Firm since its inception in 1992, which led to numerous cases won for its clients.

The Firm’s comprehensive litigation practice covers all aspects of criminal, civil, administrative, tax and commercial transactions.

Sponsored by: Francisco I Chavez

The Delicious Path Of Antiaging Nutrition

Plant nutrients play a key role in anti aging. Fruit, vegetables, and plant extracts have an array of chemical constituents, called phytochemicals or phytonutrients, that are hugely beneficial to skin health and beauty.

In plants, phytochemicals confer characteristics like color, which can help the plant by providing an attractive beacon to passing bees to help in pollination. Or they offer a protective effect to the plant to prevent insects from harming it, or repel grazing animals. But they have often been found to have benefits for human health when analyzed in laboratories. It is these chemicals in plants that make fruit and vegetables so much more valuable than simply the macro nutrients like vitamin C.

Antioxidants are one class of phytonutrients, though there are many. Antioxidants work by supplying an extra oxygen molecule to those molecules that are missing one, called free radicals. If antioxidants don't supply the missing oxygen molecule to free radicals, the free radicals will take an oxygen molecule from another compound in the body, making one that was previously healthy and intact itself a free radical. Free radicals are not 'baddies', simply unstable chemical molecules, but the effect they have on the body is negative, as they can damage cells. Free radicals are produced as a normal by product of the metabolic processes of our cells, as well as by our immune system as it counteracts the effects of pathogens and the environment.

The trick is to keep the balance in the body where there is enough of a supply of antioxidants to cope with the body's production of free radicals.

Free radicals affect the skin in three main ways. They can alter the fatty layers in your cellular membranes. These fatty layers provide structure to the cell, and control which nutrients and other agents can pass in and out. They can alter the DNA within cells, which aside from the potential to develop into serious illnesses, can make your skin inclined to wrinkles and sagging before its natural biological time. Altered DNA creates a blueprint for collagen and elastin fibers that don't function as healthy, normal ones would. And to compound matters, the skin's pores need healthy collagen and elastin fibers to stay tight and small. So another undesired result is open, large pores.

Free radicals also lead to a process called the cross-linking of collagen fibers. This occurs in the skin's dermis, as a result of collagen and elastin fibers becoming hard, thick, and then binding together. Cross-linked fibers create wrinkles, skin sag, and cause your regular expression lines to become etched in your face as a permanent fixture. With healthy collagen and elastin fibers these expression lines would simply disappear once you moved your facial muscles in a different way. And enzymes that metabolize collagen are encouraged by free radicals, which, given the importance of collagen in youthful looking skin, is best minimized.

Other phytonutrients in plants that are of importance to skin beauty are carotenoids and flavanoids. Flavanoids are great for the health of blood vessels. They strengthen the capillaries that supply important nutrients to the skin's cells, as well as supporting cellular membranes. Healthy cell membranes regenerate quickly, and slow the aging process. Carotenoids also strengthen cell membranes. It seems carrots are not just good for eyesight! And flavanoids help reduce inflammation, as well as increasing levels of glutathione, which is an antioxidant.

Source: EasyArticle

Detoxification Hazards

Reducing toxin exposure decreases the body's overall burden of toxins both directly, by avoiding the addition of new toxins, and indirectly, by improving the body's ability to defend itself. Lifestyle, environment, and dietary factors are essential in creating the body's total toxic load. The use of alcohol, caffeine, and prescription drugs is a lifestyle factor that increases the toxic burden. Environmental factors include exposure to volatile organic compounds such as solvents and formaldehyde, which are found in products ranging from automotive fuel to household cleaners and building materials. Foods represent the most common source of exposure to toxins; approximately 3,000 chemicals are used by the food industry for various types of food processing. Another 12,000 chemicals are used in food packaging materials. Numerous studies have found pesticide residues in a significant percentage of food samples. Organically grown and unprocessed or minimally processed foods may be an option to reduce toxin exposure. Avoiding exposure may necessitate significant changes in lifestyle and the Enhancing gastrointestinal function improves digestion and, consequently, increases absorption of nutrients. Gastrointestinal function is inadequate if the proper digestive enzymes and pH are unbalanced. Enzymes such as lipase, amylase, pancreatin, pepsin, and protease may be inactive in those patients with gastric or pancreatic hypofunction. This will lead to malabsorption of nutrients, food intolerance, and food allergy. Foods that aren't completely digested can putrefy in the intestine, producing toxins. Using plant enzymes can assist in promoting digestion and absorption of nutrients in those individuals with imbalances of gastrointestinal pH.

Lifestyle factors also influence digestive function. Thorough chewing of food is imperative to adequate digestion because it provides mechanical breakdown of foods and the necessary surface area for enzymatic activity to take place. Normal digestive secretions and motility may be impaired by depression and anxiety. Raw foods promote digestion because of their naturally occurring enzymes.

Fiber is essential for the maintenance of normal gastrointestinal function. Soluble fiber is fermented by colonic microflora, resulting in the production of short chain fatty acids such as butyric acid, which is essential for normal colonic functioning. Dietary fiber helps to bind to toxins and aids with elimination through the bowel. Oral use of bentonite clay has also been shown to help bind toxins and prevent their systemic absorption.

The gastrointestinal tract is considered one of the largest immune systems of the body. Faulty bowel mucosa compromises not only digestive and absorptive functions, but also vital immune functions. Defects of permeability can be caused by intestinal parasites, dysbiosis, impaired digestion, pancreatic insufficiency, food allergies, and the use of alcohol or NSAIDS.

Normal bowel flora help to prevent the establishment of intestinal pathogens through competitive inhibition. Probiotics such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria species contribute to a healthy intestinal environment by maintaining optimum pH and producing important nutrients and enzymes. Elimination of intestinal pathogens is necessary for a healthy intestinal tract because they are often responsible for production of toxins, thereby placing an additional burden on the system. Preparations 10 restore balance to the intestinal flora include formulas containing plant extracts from Artemisia annua, allicin, berberine, Hydrastis canadensis, and Allium sativa. Enemas or colonic irrigations may be advised to facilitate toxin removal.

Glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase, beta carotene, vitamin E, selenium, and N -acetylcysteine are substances essential to detoxification. Vitamin and mineral co-factors required for cytochrome P-450 reactions include riboflavin, niacin, magnesium, iron, and several trace minerals. Cruciferous vegetables and quercetin have also been shown to support Phase I detoxification. Phase II detoxification is promoted by usage of calcium d-glucarate, which is a natural ingredient in certain fruits and vegetables and results in increased elimination of toxins. Other helpful agents include amino acids such as glycine, cysteine, glutamine, methionine, taurine, glutamic acid, and aspartic acid. Dietary supplementation may help to replace depleted supplies of nutrients needed for detoxification.

Dietary support to encourage hepatic detoxification includes emphasis on freshly prepared natural, organic, unrefined, and unprocessed foods containing a minimum of additives and chemical residues. Fresh vegetables and fruits, whole grains, and unrefined starches should constitute a significant portion of the diet. Red meats, animal fats, sugar and other simple and refined carbohydrates, salt, alcohol and caffeine should be consumed in moderation or, preferably, avoided. Elimination of allergenic foods can facilitate mucosal healing and decrease the body's total load of toxins.

The total body burden of toxins and resulting tissue damage tends to accumulate over time, leading to a cascade of illnesses. A comprehensive approach is needed to address reduction of toxin exposure, healing of the gastrointestinal tract, and support of the hepatic detoxification process.

Hazards

As the toxin load of the body decreases, there may be symptoms of headaches, fatigue, irritability, body aches, and strong cravings for foods removed from the diet.

Clinical considerations

Patients with serious medical concerns should consult with a medical practitioner before making any dietary, lifestyle, or prescription changes.

Caution patient that detoxification should be carried out only under the guidance of a qualified medical practitioner.

Training Resources for special training, which is advisable to facilitate optimal outcome, can be found through HealthComm International, Inc., Clinical Research Center, P.O. Box 1729, 5800 Soundview Drive, Gig Harbor, Washington 98335; Attn: Jeffrey S. Bland, PhD; or through Great Smokies Diagnostic Laboratories, Ashville, NC

Research summary

Toxicity overload is becoming epidemic and is responsible for a host of chronic degenerative diseases. Reducing exposure to toxins, improving digestion, replacing intestinal pathogens with healthy bacteria, and support of detoxification with appropriate methods all contribute to lessening the toxic burden and promoting healing and optimal health.

Source: EasyArticles

Natural Vitamins And Herbs Can Help The Body Fight Jaundice

Jaundice is the result of a buildup of bilirubin in the blood. This buildup causes a yellowing of the skin and eyes. Bilrubin is a yellow-brown substance that results when old red blood cells break down. If this waste product is not removed from the bloodstream by the liver, as it should be, a backup of bilirubin in the blood occurs, which produces the yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes that is associated with jaundice. Those with jaundice may have darker urine than normal, while the stools may appear lighter. Jaundice may be accompanied by fluid retention in the trunk of the body, fatigue, generalized itching, nausea, rashes on the skin, and vomiting.

Jaundice is not a disease in itself, but rather a sign of any one of several blood or liver disorders. Some conditions that can cause jaundice include cirrhosis of the liver, pernicious anemia, hepatitis, and hemolysis which is the abnormal destruction of red blood cells. Jaundice can also be a sign of an obstruction in the path of the bile flow. Bile flows from the liver through the bile ducts, to the gallbladder, and then to the intestinal tract.

If, for any reason, any part of the biliary tract is obstructed, the bile passes back into the bloodstream instead of into the digestive system. This flow of bile, which contains bilirubin, then produces jaundice. Sometimes, jaundice can be caused by some form of parasitic infestation like a tapeworm or hookworm. Jaundice can also be caused by a bite from a flea or mosquito that carries a viral, bacterial, or parasitic infection. It can also be caused by a tumor, a gallstone, or inflammation.

Some degree of jaundice is especially common in newborn babies, especially those that are premature. This condition is not considered to be serious in babies. Generally, this condition occurs because a new baby’s liver is limited in its ability to process bilirubin. In most cases, the condition will quickly resolve itself.

The following nutrients are considered to be very important in treating and preventing jaundice. Coenzyme Q10 should be taken as directed on the label to promote tissue oxygenation and remove toxic substances from the body. Colostrum should also be taken as directed on the label, as it improves immune function and protects the liver. Grape seed extract should be taken as directed on the label, as it acts as a powerful antioxidant and aids the liver in removing toxic substances from the body.

L-glutathione should be taken in dosages of 500 mg daily to protect the liver, while raw liver extract should be taken as directed on the label to assist in building the liver. SAMe aids in relief of stress and depression, eases pain, and produces antioxidant effects that can improve the health of the liver. It should be taken as directed on the label. Vitamin B complex is necessary for proper digestion, absorption of nutrients, and formation of red blood cells. It also helps to maintain the health of the eyes, liver, and skin.

Vitamin C should be taken in dosages of 3,000 to 6,000 mg daily, as it combines with toxic substances to render them harmless and remove them from the body. Additionally, burdock root, red clover, celandine, chaparral, dandelion, oregano, and Silymarin (milk thistle) are very beneficial herbs for helping with jaundice.

If you choose to take natural supplements for jaundice just remember that this is a sign of a more serious issue in the body that must be addressed. Always consult a physician before starting vitamin supplements. Natural vitamin supplements like the ones listed above are available at your local or internet health food store.

*Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Natural vitamins not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always consult with your professional health care provider before changing any medication or adding Vitamins to medications.

Source: ArticleStreet

Green Tea Antioxidants In Anti Aging Supplements

The green tea antioxidant is believed to help prevent heart disease and various types of cancer, as well as providing numerous other health benefits. Some of which you are likely to notice immediately.

The green tea antioxidants are known as catechins and they are unique. Only the camellia sinensis plant and some cocoa plants contain them. You may have heard new claims that chocolates are good for your health. These claims do not apply to all types of chocolate. The cocoa plant that it is derived from must contain catechins and most of them do not.

Camellia sinensis is the plant that most green and black teas are derived from. But the black tea leaves are processed using heat and humidity. These processes apparently destroy the catechins, because they are not found in black teas.

Researchers began trying to identify the green tea antioxidant because of what is known as the Japanese Paradox. The paradox is a lower than expected incidence of heart disease and certain types of cancer among Japanese smokers that regularly consume the beverage.

When the green tea antioxidants were identified, they were hailed as the explanation to the paradox. Now, it appears that other factors must come into play. Research is still being conducted that may help clarify the whole thing.

In addition to green tea antioxidants, researchers have looked at a variety of different nutrients that are consumed by populations living in different areas of the world. Typically, it was something like the Japanese paradox that drew their interest. For example, there is a lower than expected incidence of heart disease in Southern France, despite a diet that is high in dietary fat. The explanation for that may be resveratrol, a compound found in red wine.

Like the green tea antioxidant, resveratrol prevents free radical damage, as do common vitamins like A, C and E. But the green tea antioxidants and those found in red wine have unusual activity that the common vitamins do not.

Resveratrol stops cancer cells at all stages of development. It prevents their formation, their growth and their progression. It stimulates a signal that causes the cancer cell to kill itself, while preventing healthy cells from dying. The green tea antioxidant has only been shown to slow tumor growth.

When it comes to heart disease prevention, cholesterol levels are of primary importance. It seems that some people experience high cholesterol levels regardless of what type of diet or level of physical activity they strive for. This is thought to be genetic by many in the mainstream medical community, but natural health advocates believe that it has to do with the other nutrients that a person consumes on a regular basis.

The green tea antioxidants have been shown to lower cholesterol levels, but other nutrients are also important to heart health, including arginine, glutathione and other amino acids. What I’m trying to say is that a supplement containing only the green tea antioxidant is not your best choice, if you want the best health that you can get. And, who doesn’t want that?

Source: ZingArticles | Dr Valerie Rosenbaum

Eye Supplement

Your eyes are precious gift and should last a lifetime. But unfortunately, many people take their sight for granted. The reality is that most people do not believe that they are at risk for developing eye problems. And ironically, the bulk of those appear to the 78,000,000 Baby Boomers who are actually in the highest risk category. And to make matters even worse, a great majority of “graying” America does not even get regular eye screenings even if they have a family history of eye disease. Most are also totally unaware of the factors that may increase their susceptibility for developing eye problems.

Today, virtually the entire medical community is in total agreement that everyone is at risk for eye health problems. So here are a few common-sense health rules to support healthy eyes.

1. Don’t smoke...and if you do, stop. Smoking exposes your eyes to high levels of oxidative stress. And while the connection to age-related macular degeneration has not been clearly identified, it is known that smoking increases your risk.
2. Exercise...it improves circulation and helps keep eyes moist, clear and functional.
3. Have an eye examination every two years. Much like mammograms or stress tests, detecting eye problems at an early stage is crucial to preventing further damage.
4. Wear protective glasses while playing sports.
5. Take periodic breaks from the computer or from other close work to relax your eyes.


It's time the ‘Baby Boomer’ generation, who are now in their 50s and 60s, became more serious about eye health and age-related vision impairment problems because if left undiagnosed or untreated they could cause permanent dysfunction.

Obviously, age-related eye disease can seriously affect your quality of life and well-being. Vision impairment makes it more difficult for older adults to live independently and face the challenges of everyday living. Plus, failing vision increases the risk for accidents and falls. Impaired vision may also reduce a person’s capacity to develop and maintain relationships and to participate in various activities, which can then lead to depression and social isolation. But what you may not realize is that with diminished vision, you may also have cognitive impairment or problems with thinking, learning and memory, according to a study in the Archives of Ophthalmology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

Nutrition plays a vital part in the health and care of our eyes. Certain vitamins, minerals, and herbs are generally known to support, protect and preserve healthy vision. Not only is a healthy diet important for immediate and long-term eye health, but several research groups are studying these nutrients to see how much of a role they have in reducing the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.

Antioxidants Vitamins A, C and E play a vital role in eye health along with other important nutrients.

Vitamin A
Vitamin A is found abundantly in food sources that contain carotenoids, the red and yellow pigments in plants and animals which act as antioxidants. Certain carotenoids, such as lutein and zeaxanthin are found in large amounts in the lens and retina of our eyes.

Science Daily (December 6, 2004) reported a study from Ohio State University that provides evidence from laboratory experiments done on human lens cells showing that lutein and zeaxanthin, help to protect the cells from exposure to ultraviolet light, a leading cause of cataract formation.

Vitamin A is currently being studied for its role in assisting the body in reducing the risk of night blindness and the risk of blindness from macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in the world.

Sources of Vitamin A include liver, butter, squash, peaches, apricots, broccoli, spinach, yellow peppers, bilberries, the yellow of eggs and of course, carrots.

Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that assists the body in reducing the level of protein buildup in the eyes which may lead to blurring of vision. Without adequate supply of Vitamin C, studies show that eye vision may begin to deteriorate. It is interesting to note that the concentration of vitamin C in the vitreous humor (the clear liquid in the eyeball) is about twenty-five times more than the concentration of Vitamin C in our blood. It is 100 times more in the retina.

Citrus fruits, berries, peppers, tropical fruits, are good sources of Vitamin C.

Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant working to counter the effects of oxidation on the tissues and structure of the eyes. Much research is underway to see whether Vitamin E may nutritionally support ocular health by helping to reduce or retard the risk-potential of cataracts and macular degeneration (AMD).

Sunflower seeds and nuts are good sources of vitamin E.

B-Complex Vitamins
B-Complex Vitamins are associated with eye health. Studies have theorized that a deficiency of B-complex may result in light sensitivity, paralyzed eye muscles, itching, burning, blood shot, and watering eyes.

* Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) is important for eye metabolism.
* Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) affects the mucous membranes and helps keep the tissues in the eyes and nose moist. It also maintains the supply of glutathione, a major antioxidant in the lens of the eye.
* Vitamin B3 (Niacin) helps to increase the flow of blood to the optic nerve.
* Vitamins B5 (Pantothenic acid) is particularly important for eye stress. A deficiency may result in nerve and optic degeneration.
* Vitamin B7 (Biotin) is an energy metabolizer and a synthesizer of niacin.
* Vitamin B12 affects the optic nerve tissue by helping to strengthen it.
* Vitamin B9 (Folic acid) is known to improve general visual problems.



Minerals
Minerals such as Selenium, helps your body to absorb vitamin E and also helps it to make its own antioxidants. Zinc helps in the absorption of vitamin A in the body. It is also part of an enzyme that reduces the number of free radicals.

Other Nutrients for Eye Health

* Alpha Lipoic Acid provides powerful antioxidant protection.
* N-Acetyl Cysteine helps prevent dry eyes by keeping the moisture level in the eyes in balance.
* Choline is important in the management of glaucoma.
* Bilberry helps improve the flow of blood through the capillaries in eyes. It is also used to treat diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration.
* Grapeseed improves the peripheral circulation of the eyes, and also strengthens the capillaries.
* Eyebright is an herb which helps to soothe distressed eyes.
* Ginko biloba helps reduce puffiness of eyes and dark circles.
* Bayberry root powder has astringent and antibacterial properties.


Fresh sources of these nutrients are the best support for eye health. But if this is not always possible, consult with your health provider about the benefits of supplementation. There is accumulating scientific and clinical evidence which supports the fact that the potent and protective blend of special nutrients may significantly help fortify the eyes and help support healthy ocular tissue, retinal function and good vision into old age.

Source: EasyArticles

Glycation And Why You Care

What is glycation? In short glycation is a scientific term for what happens when sugars, such as fructose or glucose, combine with proteins or lipid molecules. Additionally, glycation is the process bakers and cooks refer to as browning. You may be shocked to learn that this browning actually happens to us as we age. From an anti-aging perspective this is not a good thing.

With this information it is easy to see that we have two forms of glycation that we need to be concerned about. We have Endogenous glycations, which predominately occur in the bloodstream and exogenous glycations that occur out side the body.

Advanced Glycation Endproducts (AGEs) are formed when sugars are cooked with proteins and fats. What you may not realize is that very often sugars are added to many of our foods specifically to enhance this browning effect. Worse yet once absorbed by your body AGEs are well known pro-inflammatory and disease initiating compounds. AGEs have been implicated in many age-related chronic diseases such as: Type II Diabetes, Cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Cancer, Neuropathy and the list goes on.

Did I mention that Glycation and AGEs have a very important partner in the damage of our tissues? That partner in the initiation and acceleration of these diseases, especially oxidative stress and inflammation, are the free radicals that we are learning so much about. To make matters worse glycated proteins are estimated to generate 50 times more free radicals than non-glycated proteins. Again, from an anti-aging standpoint this is something of great importance.

By now I hope that you are starting to get the idea that our bodies were not designed to handle the simple sugars that find their way into our diets. In short, at the cellular and DNA levels, sugars are a disaster waiting to happen. Do you find yourself, struggling against fatigue? More times than not, that fatigue is self induced by virtue of the fact that sugar raises blood glucose levels so fast that the body has to respond by secreting large amounts of insulin. This cycle creates a huge spike in energy quickly followed by extreme fatigue. Think about most of the energy drinks on the market today where caffeine and sugars are the most prominent ingredients. Watch for an upcoming article on energy drinks.

Ok, I’ve dumped a lot on you in a very short amount of time. In a perfect world we could totally eliminate sugars from our diet. While I know that this is not very practical, I will please with you to do everything in your power to reduce the amount of sugar in your diet. Keep in mind that by some estimates the average American consumes roughly 24 teaspoons of sugar daily. Those 24 teaspoons per day equates to more than 100 pounds of sugar in a year.

So first and foremost reduce the simple sugars in your diet. Secondly, reduce and/or eliminate AGE laden foods by limiting browned or charred foods. A short list of some of those foods include: well done meats, poultry, eggs, barbecued or grilled meats, poultry and fish. One of the worst is deep fried foods. As I stated this is a VERY short list.

Lastly, for some good news. Scientists have discovered that alpha lipoic acid can arrest the glycation process. Additionally, it has been discovered that N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) slows the glycation process. As an added benefit scientists discovered that lipoic acid aids in the restoring of glutathione and vitamin C. As you may imagine the flavanoids found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains have been found to reduce the glycation of hemoglobin.

In conclusion, while glycation, AGEs and their partner in crime, free radicals, lead to the initiation of many of our age related diseases we have the ability to avoid being plagued by these problems. In fact it is really more than a choice on our part. If you have watched anyone in their later years and thought to yourself that you wanted a different path: you have that option. The downside to that choice is that it is not about making that decision for a single day. What you have to commit yourself to is a lifestyle change. That change includes: the reduction of simple sugars, over cooked foods – especially deep fried foods and then ensure that you are getting adequate amounts of antioxidants, nutrients and flavanoids in your diet. While not always easy to get through our daily diets, with the abundance of high quality supplements, green drinks and other whole food sources, we have the tools we necessary to live a long healthy life.

Source: EasyArticles