Monthly Archives: September 2014

The Role of Antioxidants in Health

Antiox4x4JacquieIconBy Jacquie Eubanks
BSN, RN
 

While oxygen is essential to life, it is also a highly reactive molecule.  In the human body, oxidation occurs when oxygen molecules become electrically charged due to normal cellular activity, metabolic energy production or exposure to environmental factors such as smoking, chemicals, radiation or pollution.  While the process of oxidation is critical to human function, it can cause an oxygen molecule to become a highly reactive free radical atom.  These unstable free radicals are dangerous to human health because they chemically react with healthy stable cells, setting off a chain reaction which can damage DNA or proteins within the cell.  Oxidative cell damage is implicated in the development of many diseases, including heart disease, cognitive impairment and cancer, and is believed to be a cause of premature aging. 

To counteract or neutralize free radicals, the body produces antioxidants to protect itself and prevent disease.  Your body’s ability to produce antioxidants is dependent upon factors such as genetics and the amount of toxin exposure, whether in the diet, the environment or through unhealthy lifestyle choices.  The role of antioxidants is to prevent or neutralize free radical formation and keep the remainder at an optimum level, as some free radicals are used by the immune system to destroy pathogens.  The natural production of antioxidants tends to decline with age and can be overwhelmed by the creation of free radical cells.  When free radicals outnumber antioxidant defenses, oxidative stress can result.  Oxidative stress plays a significant role in chronic inflammation, known to be the root cause of many age-related degenerative diseases.

Vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids and phytochemicals all play antioxidant roles in human health.  A number of different antioxidants can be found in a well balanced diet high in colorful fruits and vegetables.  To stay youthful and healthy, a wide variety of antioxidants is essential.  To measure the value of a dietary or supplemental antioxidant, the USDA developed a scale known as the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity or ORAC score.  The higher the ORAC score, the more free radical fighting potential the food or supplement contains.  Antioxidants work synergistically, so a cocktail of antioxidant nutrients is ideal for optimizing your free radical defenses. 

Foods with a high ORAC value include spices, such as turmeric and cinnamon, sulphurous vegetables, such as garlic, broccoli and cauliflower, fruits, such as acai and blueberries, vegetables, such as artichokes and asparagus, and beans, including pinto and the small but powerful red bean.  Combining a variety of foods will increase the antioxidant capacity.  The USDA recommends a minimum of 3,000 – 5,000 ORAC units daily.  A typical American diet, low in fruit and vegetable consumption, may not reach beneficial levels.  In order to receive the more optimal amount of about 12,000 units, high ORAC value fruit and vegetable consumption would need to increase to 8 – 9 daily servings. 

High level powerful antioxidant supplements include: 

  • Astaxanthin – This naturally occurring carotenoid gives color to seafoods such as shrimp, crab, lobster and salmon.  Widely recognized as one of the most powerful antioxidants, astaxanthin is a potent anti-inflammatory and pain reliever.  Astaxanthin helps to protect the skin from damage caused by ultraviolet radiation and is excellent for exercise recovery and improved energy levels. 
  • Ubiquinol – As the reduced form of CoQ10, which plays a key role in cardiovascular health, ubiquinol is an easily assimilated antioxidant that significantly raises the blood serum levels of CoQ10.   These higher levels help to increase energy and aid high-energy tissues of the heart, liver and brain.  As the body’s ability to convert CoQ10 to ubiquinol declines with age, supplementing with ubiquinol after age 40 can lead to superior absorption. 
  • Turmeric –  Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, is a powerful anti-inflammatory and a potent antioxidant that not only neutralizes free radicals but also boosts the activity of the body’s own antioxidant enzymes.  Curcumin is believed to increase Brain-Derived Neurotropic Factor (BDNF), which aids the growth of new neurons and helps fight degenerative brain processes.  One very significant benefit is support of  endothelial function, which helps to regulate blood pressure. 
  • Resveratrol – This heart healthy antioxidant found in red wine, chocolate and some berries, helps to reduce LDL cholesterol, curbs chronic inflammation and may help protect the lining of blood vessels. 
  • Pycnogenol® –  Sourced from the bark of the French maritime pine tree, pycnogenol is a potent natural free radical scavenger.  The health benefits of the active compounds found in pycnogenol are well established and range from immune system support to artery protection. 

Supplements for antioxidant support: 

PaleoGreens - MintPaleoGreens – Mint by Designs for Health – This great tasting greens food is made with organic cleansing, regenerative and alkalizing grass juices, algae, enzymes, prebiotics and high ORAC value vegetables, fruits and berries.  One serving has the equivalent antioxidant capacity of 4 servings of vegetables based on ORAC.  Also available in Lemon/Lime or Unflavored.  Gluten and soy free. 
 
Astaxanthin 4 mg
 
Astaxanthin 4 mg by Pure Encapsulations – This powerful antioxidant, derived from Hawaiian microalgae cultivated under pristine conditions, supports skin, macula, joint, immune and cardiovascular health.  Gluten and soy free. 
 
 
 
Bio-Cyanidins
 
Bio-Cyanidins by Biotics Research – This product provides superior botanically based antioxidant support with Pycnogenol and grape seed extract (95% OPCs).  Gluten free. 
 
 

WEEK 6: 90-Day Healthy Weight Challenge

PSCteam2JenniferIconBy Jennifer Bement
Social Media Manager
 

We have lost over 100 lbs!!! This week we were rewarded with reaching the milestone of over 100 lbs lost. While we have set goals that are within reach individually, it really is a great feeling to reach such a milestone together.

There are four supplements aside from weight loss supplements that the entire group is taking and here’s a bit about each one and why we’re taking them:

ProOmega Lemon 1000 mg Fish Gels

 

Nordic Naturals ProOmega Lemon fish oil supplement – This fish oil supplies high potency omega-3 fatty acids that support cardiovascular health and the body’s natural anti-inflammatory response.

 
Multi-Probiotic 15 Billion (200900)Douglas Laboratories Multi-Probiotic 15 billion – Taking a probiotic is important because the gut rules the rest of the body. Once a healthy intestinal tract is in place, it provides immune system support and allows the rest of the body to function more efficiently (very important in weight loss.)
 
Digest Gold™ W/ATPro
Enzymedica Digest Gold – This potent digestive enzyme helps with the digestion of soluble and insoluble fiber along with beta-glucan and carbohydrates allowing the body to fully benefit from the nutrients in consumed food.
 
 
PhytoMulti without Iron
 
Metagenics PhytoMulti – This multivitamin is enhanced with select bioactive plant compounds and optimized with essential vitamins and minerals for multidimensional health support.
 
 

Each participant is taking the above vitamins and supplements, but the participants were also broken down into three separate groups depending on their weight loss goal, physical activity, and other factors to determine which weight loss supplement they would take. Next week we’ll share some information about those supplements and how they are performing.

Featured Brand: Allergy Research Group

AllergyReaearchGropupSusanBiconBy Susan Brown
Health & Wellness Editor
 

Since 1979,  Allergy Research Group® has been providing high quality, hypoallergenic nutritional products.  Their in-house Research and Development team formulates original and leading edge products in support of optimal health.   As a pioneer of hypoallergenic supplements, Allergy Research Group® utilizes only the purest and highest quality raw materials with the lowest allergy potential.  All products are manufactured under Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) standards using advanced technologies to allow for maximum nutrient delivery, absorbency and effectiveness.  Strict quality control procedures are implemented at every stage of production.  All products are tested for identity, purity and potency both in-house and by certified independent analytical laboratories.  In addition, all active and inactive ingredients are fully disclosed in labeling. 

Some of our customers’ favorites include: 

200 mg of Zen
 
200 mg of Zen – This product offers a unique and natural way to promote calmness and relaxation with a combination formula of L-theanine and GABA.  Gluten and soy free and suitable for vegetarians. 
 
 
Super Vitamin B Complex
 
Super Vitamin B Complex – This advanced and complete vitamin B complex provides substantial amounts of all eleven B vitamins, including co-enzyme forms of B2 and B6 for enhanced bioavailability.  Gluten and soy free and suitable for vegetarians.
 
 
Super D3 (Vitamin E derived from Soy)
 
Super D3 –  This natural sourced vitamin D, as cholecalciferol, is produced from sheep’s wool lanolin.  This product also contains vitamin C and soy derived vitamin E. 
 
 
 
CoQH-CF
 
CoQH-CF™ – This reduced form of coenzyme Q10, known as the antioxidant ubiquinol, supports cellular energy production and provides cell protection from oxidative stress.  Gluten and soy free. 
 
 
Multi-Vi-Min®
Multi-Vi-Min® – This hypoallergenic multivitamin and mineral formula is well tolerated by those with an intolerance toward complex nutrient formulas.  Only the purest USP grade materials are utilized.  This product does contain iron.  Gluten and soy free and suitable for vegetarians. 
 
 
BifidoBiotics with L. sporogenes (HEAT SENSITIVE PRODUCT)
 
BifidoBiotics with L. sporogenes –  This multi-probiotic is uniquely encapsulated to resist gastric juices in order to establish the delicate microflora in the large intestine.  Heat sensitive product.   Suitable for vegetarians.