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Optimal Health Institute's Anti-oxidant Primer
One of the prevailing theories of aging is that we suffer progressive damage from oxidant stress. Just what does this mean and how might we combat this problem? Every day our body produces something called free radicals from normal metabolism and exposures to stress and environmental toxins. These molecules are highly reactive, meaning they tend to bind to our cell membranes, proteins, even DNA, and they cause damage which leads to degenerative diseases. To combat this or neutralize these effects, our body produces antioxidants. These molecules literally “soak up” these excess free radicals and help to avoid further damage. Unfortunately we are often in short supply of adequate antioxidants, especially with the multiple stressors many of us face each day. There is a growing scientific literature that supports supplementing our bodies with a variety of naturally occurring antioxidants. While we need oxidant stress to be healthy, we unfortunately suffer from too much oxidant stress. The goal therefore is to attain a better oxidant stress level by using a balanced antioxidant formula. At Optimal Health Institute, we have designed an antioxidant formula that you take every day to help you achieve this goal.
|
Supplement |
Amount |
Action |
|
Grape Seed Extract 95% |
75 mg |
Also known as oligomeric proanthocyanidins, but grape seed extract is a lot easier to say. They have powerful antioxidant capabilities and initial research indicates that they may be as much as 50 times more potent than vitamin E with regard to antioxidant ability. They also strengthen and repair connective tissue, including that of the cardiovascular system and they moderate allergic and inflammatory responses by reducing histamine production. |
|
Green Tea Extract 90/50 |
200 mg |
Green tea has been shown to be a very effective antioxidant. It is also possibly effective for improving brain function, and in preventing and treating heart disease and cancer. It may also be helpful in reducing the risk of Parkinson’s disease. |
|
Blueberry Leaf Extract |
200 mg |
Blueberry is used to prevent cataracts and glaucoma, and in improving urinary tract health. It is also thought to be helpful in the treatment of diarrhea, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, and ulcers. Recent research indicates that it is also a very powerful antioxidant. Blueberry extract may also be beneficial in diabetes. |
|
Rosemary Extract |
150 mg |
Rosemary not only has antioxidant properties, but it is also used for cardiovascular conditions such as hypertension. Some research has shown that rosemary can be helpful in the treatment of hair loss, flatulence, and joint pain. |
|
Alpha Lipoic Acid |
100 mg |
ALA is likely the most powerful antioxidant. Unfortunately, our body produces less ALA as we get older (the time we need it most!). ALA helps to neutralize the effects of free radicals on the body by enhancing the antioxidant properties of vitamins C and E and glutathione. It also plays a role in the proper functioning of two key enzymes that convert food into energy. It is also essential for the metabolism of blood sugar, and is very important in diabetes. |
|
N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) |
200 mg |
NAC is necessary in order for our bodies to produce glutathione, and also possesses antioxidant properties. Most studies of NAC have focused on its use in the treatment of viral infections. NAC may help to protect our bodies from environmental toxins, and may help in the treatment of cancer, cardiovascular and pulmonary disease. As antioxidants, both NAC and glutathione may protect against many of the disorders associated with aging. |
|
Glutathione |
50 mg |
Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant enzyme. Many of the studies of glutathione have focused on its role in the treatment of cancer. Studies have shown that the brains of Parkinson’s disease patients have decreased levels of glutathione, and supplementation may help symptoms of the disease. |
|
Quercetin |
100 mg |
Quercetin has been used for treating atherosclerosis, high cholesterol, and other cardiac diseases. It is also helpful in the treatment of diabetes, allergies, asthma, viral infections. Some research indicates that it may play a role in the treatment of cancer. |
|
Silymarin Extract 80% |
250 mg |
Silymarin is also known as Milk Thistle, and is most commonly known for it’s ability to protect the liver, but also has strong antioxidant effects by preventing free radical damage. Milk Thistle is helpful in adrenal disorders, inflammatory bowel disorders, weakened immune systems, and all liver disorders. May also be helpful for psoriasis. |
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