Archive for December, 2009

Supporting our immune system by adding antioxidants to help get rid of the free radicals damaging our cells is a route worth checking into. We can do this through our diet and supplementation of some specific precursors like MAXGXL to help produce Glutathione, which is probably the single most important defense against the damage caused by free radicals in our cells. We also need to deal with our stress levels and for goodness sake get off the couch, get some exercise and put the jumbo burger down!

Besides glutathione, there are other antioxidants that are major immune system supporters. They include Vitamins E and C along with the B-vitamins. Vitamin A is helpful and CoQ10 is a powerful antioxidant and sadly- our production of it declines with age. Minerals that are also important immune system supporters include copper, zinc and selenium. The Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and flax seed oils have been found to act as anti-inflammatories and to offset suppression of the cellular immune system.

Probiotics are particularly important to the health of our intestinal immune system since our entire gastro intestinal tract relies on live beneficial bacteria (Microflora). Among other things, Lactobacillus improves the activity of our natural killer immune cells. Grape Seed Extract – Resveratrol – is yet another potent antioxidant with powerful immune system boosting properties and can also increase the activity of our cellular glutathione.

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Do you know of the Free Radical Theory of Aging? Up until recently I didn’t know a theory existed. But it appears to be a leading contender to explain the aging process.

The Free Radical Theory of Aging was originally proposed by Dr. Denham Harman. It’s summarized as follows:
Free radicals can be manufactured within the body as part of the normal metabolic process and outside of the body from toxic sources – cigarrette smoke is a great example. The reactions that these free radicals create in our bodies are a key cause of aging, disease development and -death. When the bodies main defense mechanism against free radicals – that would be – aren’t availabe or produced in sufficient quantity to deal with the free radicals, the damage that they create in the cells accumulate, causing mutations in the sequence of genetic material. As these mutations accumulate the systems of the body deteriorate leading to the development of aging and degenerative diseases.

In short – when we are missing out on the antiaging benefits of enough antioxidants in our systems, free radicals are left to damage cell structure, cluttering up our system with damaged cells, toxins and making it more difficult for our bodies to adapt to environmental stresses.

Now, we’re all going to age, but obviously if I’m going to live to 95 (that’s my plan) I would like to experience as many of those years in the best health I can be in and to do that, I will keep my body well supplied with the best antioxidants.
Maybe I’ll choose antioxidant supplements like CoEnzymeQ10 and maybe I’ll consider a product like MAXGXL to provide my body with the nutrients it needs to produce it’s own master antioxidant- Glutathione. But I’m convinced that I’m going to call on the anti aging power of antioxidants for a long time to come.

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Cholesterol Facts

With all the news and warnings about the dangers of high cholesterol, many people view cholesterol as a “bad??? substance that should be eliminated completely from our lives. In truth, cholesterol serves some important functions in the body. In order to understand how cholesterol affects the body, one must first understand what cholesterol is.

Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is attached to the fats in our bloodstream and is present in all of the cells of the body. Cholesterol comes from food that we eat, as well as being manufactured directly by the liver. Cholesterol is an important regulator in the bloodstream, as it helps to regulate the formation of many cells as well as hormones. However, to have too high or too low of a cholesterol count in the blood can be a very dangerous factor, often leading to a heart attack or a stroke. Although cholesterol is prevalent in the blood stream, it cannot dissipate in the blood. The cholesterol maneuvers throughout the body attached to lipids (fats).

There are two main types of cholesterol. The first type is called LDL cholesterol, and the other is HDL cholesterol. LDL cholesterol, otherwise known as low-density lipoprotein, is considered the “dangerous??? cholesterol. LDL cholesterol can build up on the artery walls. Over time this plaque build-up blocks blood flow, reducing circulation and causing stress and damage to the heart. This raises blood pressure, and eventually leads to heart disease or a heart attack. Individuals that have higher levels of LDL run a much higher risk of having heart disease. Although LDL is affected by genetics, there are several precautions that individuals can take towards keeping safe LDL levels.

The other form of cholesterol is HDL, or high-density lipoprotein. HDL is considered the “good??? cholesterol. HDL cholesterol is important for the body to have as this type of cholesterol helps filter out LDL cholesterol from the lining of the arteries, as well as transporting fat in the bloodstream (triglycerides) to the liver so that it can be excreted from the body. It is believed that even having high levels of HDL is safe, as it can help protect one’s heart from a heart attack or stroke. Low counts of HDL could potentially lead to a heart attack and stroke, however this is rare for people eating a western-style diet, which is typically high in both forms of cholesterol.

Most of the cholesterol in our bodies comes from the foods we eat. Foods high in fats, particularly saturated and trans fats, contribute to high levels of LDL cholesterol. Meat and dairy products are the main sources of LDL cholesterol, while leafy vegetables, fruits, and nuts are more nutritious alternatives that have higher levels of HDL cholesterol. While genetics does play a role in cholesterol levels, a change in diet is the most effective way to lower dangerous cholesterol levels, and reduce your risk of heart disease and associated health problems.

Certain natural substances found in Vasacor, including plant sterols, fish oils, and policosanol have been shown in numerous clinical studies to be highly effective in promoting healthy cholesterol levels, particularly when combined with a healthy diet and exercise. If you are concerned about your cholesterol levels, now is the time to make a change, and Vasacor can help.

Read more other useful articles about:
- running for weight loss
- walking for weight loss
- instant weight loss
- rice diet
- diet grapefruit

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