Posts Tagged ‘Free Radicals’

How to Cure Anemia Naturally

Comments: 0May 23rd, 2011 by admin



Those who suffer from Anemia either have a reduced number of red blood cells or a reduced amount of hemoglobin (the component of red blood cells that attaches to oxygen and transports it in the blood). Since there is less oxygen available to the cells in the body, Anemics have less energy to perform normal functions. The most common cause of Anemia is iron deficiency… iron is used to make hemoglobin. Most Anemics are on medication for life. We are interested in fixing the nutritional deficiencies underlying the condition to heal the ailment completely.

Iron is a trace mineral of vital importance to the body. Although there is only about a teaspoon of it in your body at any one time, it is essential in the formation of Hemoglobin, the red pigment of blood. There are two types of iron: Heme and Non-Heme. Now, Heme is more easily absorbed by the gastro-intestinal tract (10-30%) while Non-Heme is only about1-10% absorbed. Heme is available in the tissues of animals. That’s right, the more available source of iron is found in meats and dairy than in plants. But we suggest only obtaining your iron from vegetable sources. Why?

The interesting fact is that despite a less absorbable form of iron, vegetarians are no more likely to suffer from iron deficiency than non-vegetarians. Draper and Wheeler have stated there is no indication of increased prevalence of iron deficiency amongst vegetarians. Anderson found the iron status of long-term vegetarian women to be adequate, despite a high intake of fiber and phytate which INHIBITS the absorption of iron!

In fact, because iron can be stored in the body, too much iron can cause problems. Too much iron consumption leads to the production of free radicals (a molecule with an extra electron that will steal a negatively charged hydrogen electron from DNA, tissues, or organs which causes disease and aging). High levels of iron have also been found in association with heart disease and cancer. The buildup of iron in the tissues has been associated with a rare disease known as hemochromatosis, a hereditary disorder of iron metabolism that causes bronze skin pigmentation, cirrhosis of the liver, diabetes, and heart disorders. All of this leads us to the conclusion that despite animal foods, you should never get your iron from a supplement. First, the pill will not have all of the other organic nutrients (copper, manganese, molybdenum, Vitamin A, and the B complex) necessary to absorb the iron safely. Second, in pills, you will get something like ferrous oxide (oxidized iron: In other words, RUST).



Symptoms:

Weakness, fatigue, overall pallor, dizziness, pale lips and eyelids, depression, pale and brittle nails, and coldness of the extremities

Recommendations:

An all natural whole food supplement can be helpful. VITAFORCE(TM) is extremely abundant in organic iron and has extraordinary blood building properties. Iron is up to 16 times more absorbable if taken with Vitamin C and this is properly balanced naturally in VITAFORCE(TM). It is also extremely rich in all the other nutrients necessary for healthy blood. If you are anemic, then drink juices rich in chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is responsible for the green pigment in plants (called the “blood” of plants). Chlorophyll has almost the exact same chemical makeup of hemoglobin (less one iron molecule), both are responsible for carrying oxygen in the blood. Since the chemical makeup is almost identical, chlorophyll can quickly and easily be converted to hemoglobin. If the juices are rich in organic iron, then you have all the qualities for a blood transfusion. For example, the fresh organic juice of carrots, beets and beet greens dramatically increases the red blood cell count in the body. Dark leafy vegetables and especially They have extraordinary blood-building properties. Other foods that contain iron are asparagus, bananas, beets, dulse, kelp, whole grains (esp. millet & kamut), leafy greens, raisins, parsley, peas, plums, squash, prunes, purple grapes, broccoli, and yams.
Things to Avoid:

All inorganic supplemental forms of iron; none of the iron supplements use organic iron, so you cannot absorb any of it and it gets pissed away or lodged in your tissues where it can cause disease. Caffeine and tannins (in tea), and calcium inhibit iron absorption. So, avoid coffee and tea. Beer, candy bars, dairy products (milk, cheese, butter, ice cream, etc…), and soft drinks. Additives in these foods interfere with the absorption of iron. Foods containing oxalic acids inhibit the absorption of iron. Eat only in moderate amounts; almonds, cashews, chocolate, cocoa, soda, and most nuts and beans.
References:

1) James F. Balch, M.D, Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C, “Prescription for Nutritional Healing,” (1997)

2) Anderson, B. et al. The iron and zinc status of long-term vegetarian women. Am J of Clin Nutr v.34 (6),(1981):p.1042-1048.3) Draper, A. & Wheeler, E. The diet and food choice of vegetarians in Greater London. Center of Human Nutrition, London.(1989)

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How to Get Rid of Age Spots – A Detailed Guide to Find the Right Anti Aging Product

Comments: 0April 3rd, 2011 by admin



If you have this question in your mind and are trying desperately to find the right answer – don’t worry. I had the exact same question in my mind a few years back. I had a age spot on my face and I was desperate to find a solution for that problem.

After spending a lot of time and money on useless methods, I came across the perfect solution. Ever since then, I haven’t had any skin problem. So, I thought of sharing that secret with you people today.

In order to find out how to get rid of age spots, you should first know what causes age spots in the first place. Age spots are primarily caused by overexposure to sunlight. When you go out in the sun, especially mid-day sun, the melanin cells in your body protect you from the sun’s damage. As you go out more and more, these melanin cells grow in number to protect your skin again and again. As a result, after sometime, you will find that your skin has become darker and blotchy.

Aging is also one of the causes of age spots. Insufficient amounts of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid and the damage caused by free radicals are also considered important reasons for the formation of age spots. Now, let us see what can be done to get rid of these age spots.

The answer to the question ‘how to get rid of age spots’ is twofold – you need to find the right skin care product with the right ingredients and use it regularly. Really, it is as simple as that. The problem, however, is that if you don’t know what is good and what is bad for your skin, finding the best skin care product can be really tough. So, first let us take a look at that.

What is bad for your skin?

Artificial chemicals are bad for your skin. Chemicals like phenol carbolic acid, parabens, triclosans, liquid paraffin, parabens, and artificial fragrance, which are commonly found in most skin care products today, are extremely harmful to your health. They can cause a variety of health problems like allergic reactions, depression, anemia, stroke, renal failure, and even cancer. So, if you find a product with these chemicals, stay away from it.

What is good for your skin?

Natural substances are good for your skin. They are effective and safe to use. Though organic products tend to cost a little more, they are way better and safer than products with artificial chemicals. So, always buy organic products.

How to get rid of age spots?

To get rid of age spots, you need to use a good anti aging cream that has the following substances.

Nutgrass root extract – This is a very powerful natural substance that can get rid of age spots and lighten your skin naturally. This slows down the formation of melanin in your skin and whitens it naturally. This substance is so powerful that when someone asks me the question ‘how to get rid of age spots’, this is the first thing that comes to my mind.

Cynergy TK – This is easily the most effective anti aging substance known to skin experts to date. It contains functional keratin. It boosts the production of natural proteins in your skin and promotes the growth of new skin cells as well.

Maracuja – This is a very special passion fruit extract from Brazil which is known for its revitalizing properties. It is a natural emollient and it helps regulate the production of sebum in your skin.

Nano-lipobelle H EQ10 – When you discuss the question ‘how to get rid of age spots’, you cannot help but mention the important role played by antioxidants. Nano-lipobelle H EQ10 is one such powerful antioxidant that fights the free radicals that damage your skin very badly. By neutralizing these free radicals, nano-lipobelle helps keep your skin young for a long time.

Phytessence wakame – This is a special type of sea kelp extract from Japan which is known for its anti aging properties. It increases the amount of hyaluronic acid in your skin and reduces wrinkles and lines.

There you have the answer to the question How to get rid of age spots Use a good anti aging skin cream with these ingredients and find out the difference today.

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Getting to the Root of Nutrition: Vitamins

Comments: 0November 19th, 2010 by admin



After the macronutrients: protein, fat and carbohydrates, food is known to contain an ever-growing list of nutrients known as micronutrients. The word micronutrient signifies that they are found in small amounts compared to the macronutrients. The first micronutrients, vitamins, were first identified in the early 1900s. Most act as co-enzymes in larger chemical “equations” which regulate the structures and functions of all cells in your body. If you can imagine a math equation without the equals sign, you can imagine what might happen in your body if a cell is missing one of these vital nutrients at a critical moment. Cellular jobs may simply not occur due to the lack of any one of these vitamins. Because these needs are occur regularly throughout life, it is your job to ensure that your body is not missing any of these vitamins from day to day.

Some micronutrients are not called vitamins, simply because they do not fully meet certain chemical or biological definitions. Even so, some of the micronutrients are considered as important as vitamins or they are required for the vitamins to function in the body. Folate is a great example and is now recommended as a supplement for pregnant women because of its proven effects in reducing neurological birth defects.

Here are some of the functions of the known vitamins and related micronutrients according to the National Institute of Health.

Vitamin A helps in the formation and maintenance of healthy teeth, skeletal and soft tissue, mucous membranes, and skin. It is also known as retinol because it generates the pigments that are necessary for the working of the retina. It promotes good vision, especially in dim light. Vitamin A may also be required for reproduction and breast-feeding. Beta-carotene is a precursor to vitamin A that has antioxidant properties, helping the body deal with unstable chemicals called free radicals.

Thiamine (B-1) helps the body cells convert carbohydrates into energy. It is also essential for the functioning of the heart and for healthy nerve cells, including those in the brain.

Riboflavin (B-2) works with the other B vitamins and is important for body growth and red blood cell production. Similar to thiamine, it helps in releasing energy from carbohydrates.

Niacin is a B vitamin that helps maintain healthy skin and nerves. It is also important for the conversion of food to energy and may have cholesterol-lowering effects.

Vitamin B-6 is also known as pyridoxine. The more protein a person eats, the more vitamin B-6 is required to help the body use the protein. It aids in the formation of red blood cells and in the maintenance of normal brain function. It also assists in the synthesizing of antibodies in the immune system.

Vitamin B-12, like the other B vitamins, is important for metabolism. It, too, helps in the formation of red blood cells and in the maintenance of the central nervous system.

Pantothenic acid is essential for the metabolism of food. It is also essential in the synthesis of hormones and cholesterol. Biotin is essential for the metabolism of proteins and carbohydrates, and in the synthesis of hormones and cholesterol. Cholesterol is needed for the functioning of cell membranes, particularly in the brain.

Folate (folic acid) works with vitamin B-12 in the production of red blood cells. It is necessary for the synthesis of DNA, which controls heredity as well as tissue growth and cell function. Any woman who may become pregnant should be sure to consume enough folate — low levels of this substance are associated with devastating birth defects such as spina bifida. Many foods are now fortified with folic acid to help reduce the level of such birth defects.

Vitamin C, also called ascorbic acid, promotes healthy teeth and gums, helps in the absorption of iron, and helps maintain normal connective tissue. It also promotes wound healing and is an antioxidant.

Vitamin D is also known as the “sunshine vitamin,” since it is manufactured by the body after being exposed to sunshine. Ten to 15 minutes of sunshine three times per week is adequate to produce the body’s requirement of vitamin D. This vitamin promotes the body’s absorption of calcium, which is essential for the normal development and maintenance of healthy teeth and bones. It also helps maintain adequate blood levels of calcium and phosphorus, which are minerals necessary for many functions.

Vitamin E is also known as tocopherol and is an antioxidant. It is also important in the formation of red blood cells and the use of vitamin K.

Vitamin K is known as the clotting vitamin, because without it blood would not coagulate. Some studies indicate that it helps in maintaining strong bones in the elderly.

You may notice some missing letters in this list of vitamins. This is because some letters were assigned to chemicals which were later reclassified as something other than a vitamin. This doesn’t mean they’re not important. For example, the essential “Omega 3 fatty acid” was once classified as a vitamin and now exists at the top of a newer category of essential fats.

Understanding micronutrients, and their importance, adds a vital piece to the puzzle of achieving and supporting optimal health. There are other categories of micronutrients and in the next article we’ll continue to explore these vital components of a healthful diet.

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Vitamin E As the Everyman’s Antioxidant

Comments: 0August 2nd, 2009 by admin



Vitamin E is a vitamin which is fat soluble. It should be taken with meals, and in supplement form is usually in an oil base. It has an antioxidant effect, so much so that it is frequently added to vegetable oils and other fatty foods to prevent them from going rancid and to increase their shelf life. It is also used as a preservative in skin creams. Deficiency usually manifests in neurological problems resulting from poor nerve conduction. Neuromuscular conditions such as spinocerebellar ataxia and myopathies are the usual result. Anemia is also of concern because red blood cells take on damage from too many free radicals, which are usually scavenged by this nutrient.

Some of the highest food sources of vitamin E are wheat germ oil, with 26.2 iu per tablespoon, almonds with 7.5 iu per tablespoon, and descending from there safflower oil, corn oil, soybean oil, turnip greens, mango, peanuts, mixed nuts, mayonnaise made with soybean oil, broccoli, dandelion greens, pistachio nuts, spinach, and kiwi. The amounts of vitamin E are relatively low, except for wheat germ oil, so supplementation is usually the route that people are advised to increase their intake.

Vitamin E’s antioxidant effect is enhanced by Vitamin C. Taking 220 mg of vitamin C will raise vitamin E levels by 18%, while raising beta carotene by 13%. Vitamin C can reinvigorate the vitamin E and beta carotene after they have already been degraded by neutralizing free radicals. Vitamin C does this by lending one of its electrons to the vitamin E, for example, after it has spent one of its own in deactivating a free radical by giving up its own electron. This is why it may be wise to supplement your vitamin E intake with some vitamin C. In 1997 it was also observed that vitamin E can also help to regenerate vitamin C, so there seems to be a dual symbiotic relationship between these antioxidant vitamins.

Vitamin E is sold in natural as well as synthetic forms. Studies have shown that the natural form is much more effective at what vitamin E is known for than the synthetic version. The synthetic version is known as dl-alpha tocopherol while the natural is d-alpha tocopherol. Other studies have shown that it is more beneficial to take vitamin E supplements in a mixed tocoperhol form rather than in alpha form only. Vitamin supplements are clearly marked in this way. When buying vitamin E, look for d-alpha as part of a mixed tocopherol formulation containing the other forms (d-beta, d-delta, & d-gamma) of this vitamin.

Some physical conditions which may be positively affected by this vitamin are age related macular degeneration, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, cataracts, glaucoma, heart disease, Parkinson’s disease, and pregnancy.

Vitamin E is a worthy addition to any healthy diet.

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Copper Deficiency

Comments: 0May 31st, 2009 by admin



Copper deficiency can be very dangerous and one of the common signs of this deficiency is an anemia that is unresponsive to iron therapy but can be corrected by iron supplements. Supplements will play a very important role with this deficiency. A deficiency of this nutrient may also result in a much lower than normal number of white cells, a condition that can lead to a increased susceptibility to infection. In the body, copper shifts between the cuprous (Cul+) and the cupric (Cu2+) forms, although the majority of the body’s copper is in the Cu2+ form.

The ability of this nutrient to easily accept and donate electrons explains its important role in the oxidation reduction reactions(redox), and in the scavenging of free radicals. These oxidation reactions have a lot of similarities to acid based reactions, as redox reactions are basically a family of reactions connected with the transfer of electrons between species. They are a matched set as you can not have a oxidation reaction without reduction reactions happening at the same time.

Simply put, oxidation reactions refers to a loss of electrons while reduction refers to a gain. Each is referred to as a half-reaction, simply because the two need each other to formulate a whole reaction. Hippocrates is said to have prescribed this nutrient and similar compounds to treat diseases as early as 400 B.C. and scientists are still uncovering new information regarding the functions of it in the human body.

This nutrient is also critical as a functional component of a number of essential enzymes known as cupro enzymes. The copper dependent enzyme, cytochrome c oxidase, play a critical role in cellular energy production. By catalyzing the reduction of molecular oxygen (o2) to water (H2O), cytochrome c oxidase generates an electric gradient used by the mitochondria to create energy-storing and vital molecules.

This nutrient also helps in the process of cross linking collagen and elastin, which is essential for the formation of strong and flexible connective tissue. Elastin is the protein in numerous connective tissues, giving them an elastic effect. It is extremely important in your arteries, and also helps your skin to return back to its normal self when pinched.

This nutrient also plays a role as an anti-oxidant. Super-oxide dismutase (SOD) functions as an antioxidant by catalyzing the conversion of super-oxide radicals (free radicals) to hydrogen peroxide, which can subsequently be reduced to water by other antioxidant enzymes.

An adequate copper nutritional status appears to be necessary for normal iron metabolism and red blood cell formation. “Anemia” is a clinical sign of deficiency of this nutrient, and iron has been found to accumulate in the livers of copper deficient animals, indicating that it is required for iron transport to the bone marrow for red blood cell formation.

Clinically evident or “frank copper deficiency” is relatively uncommon. Serum levels of this nutrient and may fall to 30% of normal in cases of severe deficiency. One of the most common clinical signs of deficiency is an anemia that is unresponsive to iron therapy but corrected by copper supplements. Cow’s milk is relatively low in in this nutrient, and cases of deficiency have been reported in high-risk infants and children fed only cow’s milk formula.

High risk individuals include premature infants (especially low-birth weight), infants with prolonged diarrhea, infants and recovering children from malnutrition, and individuals with malabsorption syndromes, including celiac disease, as well as short bowel syndrome due to surgical removal of a large portion of the intestine.

This nutrient is found in a wide variety of foods wide but it is most plentiful in organ meats, shellfish, nuts, and seeds. Wheat brand cereals and whole grain products are also good sources.

The best foods for copper are:

Liver, (beef, cooked), oysters, clams, and crab meat (all cooked), cashews, sunflower seeds, hazelnuts, almonds, peanut butter (chunky), lentils (cooked), mushrooms (raw), shredded wheat cereal, chocolate (semi-sweet), and hot cocoa mix.

Copper supplements are available as cupric acid, gluconate, copper sulfate, and copper amino acid.

There are several very good brands of supplements available in today’s markets that can assist with this deficiency.

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Iron Imbalance Can Lead to Clinical Depression

Comments: 0March 19th, 2009 by admin



Iron and clinical depression

It is an established fact that iron is very essential for neurological functions and development. Iron deficiency is very prevalent all over the world. This deficiency can lead to depressed neurotransmitter response, leading to clinical depression. When iron is not transported from the blood plasma pool to the cerebrospinal fluid, depression can set in.

The Importance Iron Balance

The importance of iron for sustaining good health cannot be underestimated. Lack of iron can lead to exhaustion, clinical depression, vulnerability to viruses, cancer, and various degenerative conditions.

On the other end of the spectrum, excess iron or change in the iron-binding capability leads to a situation where the free unbound iron causes or aggravates all diseases, infections, cancers and toxicities.

Therefore, in our efforts to acquire the right proportion of iron or lose excess iron, we must not overlook the fact that iron must be bound and properly guided through the body from the time of ingestion to excretion.

If we do not pay attention to bind and properly guide iron during the detoxification process, the toxic effects of iron may nullify its various benefits.

It is very difficult to determine the exact iron content in the body, since no test or combination of tests, under any clinical condition, can give us the accurate estimate.

Before laboratory investigations lead us to any conclusion, it must be understood that the results of each laboratory test may be influenced by factors such as infection, inflammation, liver disease and malignancy. Sometimes laboratory tests are inadequate.

Most elements can either donate or accept electrons in order to attain a stable electronic configuration; but iron can both, donate as well as accept electrons.

Due to this ability of iron, it is highly reactive and can be highly toxic. Hydrogen Peroxide in our body readily dismutates in the presence of iron, giving rise to free radicals. Unbound iron speeds up this process of producing free radicals. Free radicals play havoc by damaging cell structures and ultimately killing the cell, resulting in various diseases.

The role of Proteins

Most living organisms bind iron atoms to protein molecules in order to prevent this damage done by unbound iron. This enables them to restrict the damaging action and take advantage of the various benefits offered by iron.

Proteins play an important role in metabolism by speeding up biochemical reactions by their enzymatic action. Enzymes produced due to chronic inflammation, action of free radicals and change in the related subclinical markers cause a breakdown of connective tissue, which holds the body together.

The words protein, peptide and polypeptide tend to be a little confusing. Although they have common characteristics, they are distinct.

Protein is a complete biological molecule with a three dimensional structure, whereas peptide is a finite chain of amino acids which lacks proper structural arrangement. A polypeptide is an infinite chain of amino acids which also lacks a proper structure.

Biochemical screening is a test done to detect the presence of any disease. Such tests have revealed that every degenerative disease results from six subclinical defects, namely, pH imbalance, anaerobic metabolism, free calcium excess, chronic inflammation, connective tissue breakdown and oxidative stress.

Our body metabolism and exposure to pollution gives rise to extremely reactive ions called free radicals. Free radicals are produced due to iron imbalance which indicates that iron is not bound to protein and therefore, is free to cause damage to cells.

Iron deficiency or Copper deficiency?

Acute inflammation is actually a positive sign since it triggers the immune system to fight diseases and withhold iron. This is kept in mind by health professionals while formulating medications for treating cancer, iron deficiency, excessive tiredness, memory loss and depression.

Sometimes tests show that a person has low iron content in blood serum. Prescribing iron supplements may pose a risk because low iron may actually indicate low copper content.

When clinical tests show low serum iron, elevated Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) and low Transferrin Saturation, it could not only mean that there is free iron but also a copper deficiency.

How do we know? Let’s get a little technical. Ceruloplasmin is a copper protein complex found in blood plasma. Ferritin is a protein complex that is found in cells, and it stores iron in soluble and non-toxic form. Transferrin is a blood plasma protein that binds iron tightly and therefore, reduces free iron. Now, Ceruloplasmin takes iron from Ferritin and attaches it to Transferrin. Two molecules of iron can be attached to a single molecule of Transferrin. Therefore, there is a vacancy for two iron molecules on every Transferrin molecule. In a normal person, only 30% of these vacancies get filled. When fewer iron molecules are attached to Transferrin, the TIBC rises. This is an indication of low copper. Since copper is low, it cannot produce Ceruloplasmin and the above-mentioned process of attaching iron to Transferrin cannot take place.

In short, clinical tests that show low iron content in blood serum may actually indicate low copper content. Therefore, prescribing iron supplements may aggravate the condition.

What else does free iron indicate?

Also, when there is free iron, it can mean that there are not enough amino acids. Amino acids are the most abundant neurotransmitters available in the brain. Research has shown that a lack of specific neurotransmitters may induce clinical depression. Antidepressants regulate the action of these neurotransmitters thereby providing relief to the person.

Moving towards the Right Solution

If the above-mentioned factors are studied well, a proper diagnosis and treatment for clinical depression can be arrived at.

The risk of infection, disease and high toxic levels can be reduced once we identify iron imbalance. Thereafter appropriate measures must be taken to restore the iron balance. Therefore we must consider a few factors:

1. Since intestinal mucosa contains Transferrin, it must be well maintained.

2. Protein levels should be optimally maintained.

3. The right balance of aerobic-anaerobic metabolism must be attained. Too much of anaerobic metabolism results of production of toxins and resulting in fatigue, which is a symptom of clinical depression.

4. Overpowering acid stress by maintaining alkalinity

5. Getting rid of toxins and organic solvents that may hinder the iron binding action done by proteins.

6. Individuals who are diagnosed to have free iron should take to a diet rich in whole eggs and cultured dairy products.

7. A proper phlebotomy and testing program must be conducted to monitor iron overload.

Since iron deficiency or excess plays a key role at every step in the diagnosis and treatment of clinical depression, we should be careful to monitor its status in order to avoid the chain of events that are triggered by its imbalance.

Last but not least, a clinical depressed person who snores, needs to address to apply snoring remedies in order to stop the snoring and support their biochemistry.

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