Showing posts with label Detoxification. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Detoxification. Show all posts

Monday, February 11, 2008

Aging is slowed by calorie or protein restriction

In rodents a calorie restricted diet, significantly increases lifespan, decreases reproduction, and markedly decreases cancer rates.

It has been suggested that Darwinian fitness in animals is increased by the delay of reproductive function during periods of low food availability and that the saved resources are invested in maintenance of the body until food resources are available for successful reproduction.

Protein restriction appears to have the same effects on rodents as calorie restriction, though it is less well-studied. An understanding of mechanisms for this marked effect on aging and cancer is becoming clearer and may in good part be due to reduced oxidative damage.

The suggestion that maintenance functions are enhanced in calorie-restricted rats thus resulting in less oxidative damage is supported by the findings of more efficient DNA repair, better coupled mitochondrial respiration and a delay in the age-dependent decline of antioxidant defenses.

The higher level of antioxidant defenses could also account for the enhanced immune response in restricted animals. We have recently shown that either calorie or protein restriction decreases the rate of accumulation of oxidized protein that accompanies aging in rats and preliminary results suggest a decrease in preneoplastic foci and oxidative lesions in DNA as well.

Thus, the overall effect of these enhanced maintenance activities appears to be a reduction in oxidative damage to DNA and protein, a decrease in DNA and protein lesions, and a decrease in somatic mutations. Markedly lower mitotic rates are observed in a variety of tissues in calorie restricted compared to ad libitum fed rodent, which may also contribute to the decrease in tumor incidence.

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*Dietary restriction activates the pituitary adrenocorticotropic axis resulting in a decrease in the release of reproductive and mitogenic hormones. Decreases in mitogenic hormones such as insulin, TSH, growth hormone, estrogen, and prolactin decrease the likelihood of hormone-induced cancers, as has been shown in various animal studies. This is consistent with suppression of mitogenic hormones and decreased proto-oncogene expression. The lowered incidence of mammary tumors observed in calorie-restricted rats has been attributed to reduced circulating levels of the mammotropic hormones estrogen and prolactin.

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Aging and Dietary Restriction

Evolutionary biologists have argued that aging is inevitable because of several tradeoffs. One tradeoff is that a considerable proportion of an animal's resources is devoted to reproduction at a cost to maintenance, which means that the maintenance of somatic tissues is less than that required for indefinite survival. Of the vast array of maintenance processes that are necessary to sustain normal function in somatic cells, those that defend the cell against metabolism derived oxidants are likely to play an important role.

Metabolism has costs: oxidants by-products of normal energy metabolism extensively damage DNA, proteins, and other molecules in the cell, and this damage accumulates with age.

Another tradeoff is that nature selects for many genes that have immediate survival value, but that may have long term deleterious consequences. The oxidative burst from phagocytic cells, for example, protects against death from bacterial and viral infections, but contributes to DNA damage, mutation, and cancer.

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Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Inflammation, Free Radicals, and Cytokines

Although acute Inflammation is an important immune system response, chronic inflammation has also been linked to many diseases, including heart disease. Besides the pro-Inflammation cytokines, Inflammation may be related to the overproduction of free radicals (Janeway CA et al 1999).

A free radical is an atom or group of atoms (i.e., a molecule) with unpaired electrons. Free radicals are extremely unstable and react easily with other molecules, thereby changing their chemical composition. Oxygen is especially susceptible to free radical formation. The free radicals derived from oxygen are known as reactive oxygen species, or oxidants.

When the body has increased levels of reactive oxygen species (i.e., when it is experiencing oxidative stress), widespread damage may result. At high concentrations free radicals can damage fats, proteins, and nucleic acids. They can also cause cell death, gene mutations, and cancer ( Moslen MT 1994). Several diseases may be the result of cellular and genetic damage caused by free radicals, including several immune disorders ( Moslen MT 1994).

In order to reduce the damage caused by elevated free radicals and cytokines (which are both part of the natural immune system), the body fights back by producing antioxidants and hormones such as cortisol to suppress the immune system (Grimble RF 1996). Antioxidants are valuable because they pair with unstable free radicals, thereby limiting the damage free radicals can inflict on other cells.

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Physical and chemical barriers

The body's first lines of defense are the skin and mucous membranes, which prevent the entrance of many pathogens.

There are many secondary barriers.

For example, tears, sweat, and saliva combat some bacteria, and the hydrochloric acid and protein-digesting enzymes secreted by the stomach are lethal to many, but not all, pathogens (Janeway CA et al 1999; Beers MB 2004).

Click here for more information about Glutathione and its benefits in our immune system.

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Sunday, February 3, 2008

Parkinson's Disease Diagnosis

It is difficult to diagnose Parkinson’s disease in the early stages. Early on, Parkinson’s disease is diagnosed almost primarily by its symptoms, and studies indicate that physicians make an incorrect initial diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease in between 10% and 40% of cases. Blood tests are not helpful for diagnosis.

Parkinson’s disease is just one of several neurologic movement disorders that produce similar symptoms.

It is important that the physician you are seeing has experience with all of the different disorders that can masquerade as Parkinson’s disease.

In some of these diseases people quickly become totally disabled; in others, the disease progresses extremely slowly; and in yet others, illness is chronic (always present) and may have more severe symptoms as time goes on. Because the natural history, or progression, of these diseases varies greatly, proper diagnosis is crucial. People need to know which disease they have.

The Neurologic Examination
When performing a neurologic examination to evaluate a patient with a movement disorder, the doctor takes a medical history and performs a physical examination. The doctor asks the patient and the family members or friends about symptoms and observes the patient, asking him or her to walk around the room, sit down, stand up, turn around, and so on.

Diagnostic Tests
Unfortunately, there is no diagnostic test that can confirm Parkinson’s disease. Laboratory testing of the blood of patients with the symptoms typical of Parkinson’s disease only rarely uncovers any abnormality.

Electroencephalograms (EEGs) record some aspects of brain electrical activity, but they are not effective in spotting Parkinson’s disease.

Important Roles of Glutathione
Fight against oxidative cell damage (Free Radicals)• Protein Synthesis• Amino Acid transport• Cellular detoxification• Immune system enhancement• Enzyme activation• Fight Inflammation• ATP (energy) production

Our cells are constantly under attack by Free Radicals, which can cause a reduction of our cells ability to function optimally.

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Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Balloon Flower Root

Changkil saponins (CKS) isolated from the roots of the Chinese herbal medicine, Platycodon grandiflorum A.

DC (Campanulaceae), commonly called Balloon Flower Root or Jie Geng, have been found to increase intracellular glutathione (GSH) content and significantly reduce oxidative injury to liver cells, minimise cell death and lipid peroxidation.

Detoxifies your body
Antioxidants are well documented and known to possess vital roles in health maintenance and disease prevention. Glutathione is your cell's own major antioxidant.

Maintaining elevated Glutathione levels aids the body's natural antioxidant function.
Biochemical Pharmacology 47: 2113-2123 1994

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Vitamin E on glutathione-dependent enzymes

Reactive oxygen species and various electrophiles are involved in the etiology of diseases varying from cancer to cardiovascular and pulmonary disorders.

The human body is protected against damaging effects of these compounds by a wide variety of systems. An important line of defense is formed by antioxidants.

Vitamin E (consisting of various forms of tocopherols and tocotrienols) is an important fat-soluble, chain-breaking antioxidant.

Besides working as an antioxidant, this compound possesses other functions with possible physiological relevance.

The glutathione-dependent enzymes form another line of defense.

Two important enzymes in this class are the free radical reductase and glutathione S-transferases (GSTs).

The GSTs are a family of phase II detoxification enzymes. They can catalyze glutathione conjugation with various electrophiles.

In most cases the electrophiles are detoxified by this conjugation, but in some cases the electrophiles are activated.

Antioxidant do not act in isolation but form an intricate network. It is, for instance, known that vitamin E, together with glutathione (GSH) and a membrane-bound heat labile GSH-dependent factor, presumably an enzyme, can prevent damaging effects of reactive oxygen species on polyunsaturated fatty acids in biomembranes (lipid peroxidation).

This manuscript reviews the interaction between the two defense systems, vitamin E and glutathione-dependent enzymes.

On the simplest level, antioxidant such as vitamin E have protective effects on glutathione-dependent enzymes; however, we will see that reality is somewhat more complicated.

by: RI van Haaften, GR Haenen, CT Evelo, A Bast
Drug Metab Rev, Vol. 35, No. 2-3. (g 2003), pp. 215-253.

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Monday, January 21, 2008

Types of Free Radicals

Where do free radicals come from?

• Amino Acid transport
• Cellular detoxification
• Immune system enhancement
• Enzyme activation

Types of Free Radicals
The fight against free radicals is often a tricky one. There is not a mythical, ambiguous, or singular form on free radical. Science has confirmed that there are many different types of free radicals including:

• Superoxide
• Hydrogen Peroxide
• Single Oxygen and Hydroxyl Radicals

Important Note: Not all antioxidants can sufficiently match up with all types of free radicals.

The great news about Glutathione is that regardless of the type of free radical, Glutathione has the ability to properly match up and neutralize it, thus increasing cellular protection and function

Click here for more about Glutathione and its benefits to our body.

Friday, January 18, 2008

GSH has five major functions

Antioxidant:
Antioxidant is a substance that neutralizes destructive free radicals; some are manufactured by the metabolic processes of the body, others are derived from foods, the air we breath, exercise, stress and disease.GSH is the most powerful Antioxidant occurring naturally in the cells of the body. Through its significant reducing power, GSH also makes major contributions to the recycling of other Antioxidant that have become oxidized. Healthy cells homeostatically oppose free radicals through the use of Antioxidant, of which GSH plays a significant role. The effectiveness of other Antioxidant like vitamins C and E depends on the availability of GSH.

Help Prevent Disease:
Oxidative related diseases: accelerated aging, cell destruction, causes damage to DNA cellular patterns which leads to cancer, arteriosclerosis, coronary artery disease, Parkinson’s disease, diseases of the immune system, diabetes, cataract formation, Alzheimer’s, macular degeneration, COPD, allergy/asthma, stroke.

Detoxification:
GSH also plays a main role in detoxification..primarily in Phase II Liver detox. It "binds" to many toxins by its sulfur molecules and aids in forming a complex which the body then rids itself of.

Immune System Support:
When the immune system responds to an invader, it releases a blitz of free radicals to aid in the offensive agent's demise. This could create damage to local tissue and your body, but GSH rallies around the area to quench the free radicals that are produced in excess.

Protection from Radiation:
A recent research article published in the journal Radiology states that “radiation from a single whole-body scan is equal to that from 100 mammograms and is similar to that received by survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan – about 1 mile from the explosions – according to radiation biologist, David J. Brenner of Columbia University. The radiation from one scan is enough to produce a tumor in one out of 1200 people, and for those who have annual scans the risk increases to one tumor in every 50 people. With inadequate intracellular GSH the risk is greatly increased.

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Role of glutathione redox status in liver injury

GSH is the most abundant redox molecule in cells and thus the most important determinant of cellular redox status.

Thiols in proteins can undergo a wide range of reversible redox modifications (e.g. S-glutathionylation, S-nitrosylation, disulfide formation) during times of increased exposure to reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, which can affect protein activity.

These reversible thiol modifications regulated by GSH may be nano-switches to turn on and off proteins, similar to phosphorylation, in cells. In the cytoplasm, altered redox state can activate (e.g. MAP kinases, Nrf-2) and inhibit (e.g. phosphatases, caspases) proteins, whereas in the nucleus redox alterations can inhibit DNA binding of transcription factors (NF-kappaB, AP-1).

The consequences include promotion of expression of Antioxidants genes, and alterations of hepatocyte survival as well as the balance between necrotic versus apoptotic cell death.

Therefore the understanding of the redox regulation of proteins may have important clinical ramifications in understanding pathogenesis of liver diseases.
Han D , Hanawa N , Saberi B , Kaplowitz N

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Role of the Glutathione Metabolic Pathway in Lung Cancer Treatment and Prognosis

Inherent and acquired drug resistance is a cause of chemotherapy failure, and pharmacogenomic studies have begun to define gene variations responsible for varied drug metabolism, which influences drug efficacy. Platinum-based compounds are the most commonly used chemotherapeutic agents in the treatment of advanced stage lung cancer patients, and the glutathione metabolic pathway is directly involved in the detoxification or inactivation of platinum drugs. Consequently, genotypes corresponding to higher drug inactivation enzyme activity may predict poor treatment outcome. Available evidence is consistent with this hypothesis, although a definitive role for glutathione system genes in lung cancer prognosis needs to be elucidated. We present evidence supporting a role of the glutathione system in acquired and inherited drug resistance and/or adverse effects through the impact of either drug detoxification or drug inactivation, thus adversely effecting lung cancer treatment outcome. The potential application of glutathione system polymorphic genetic markers in identifying patients who may respond favorably, selecting effective antitumor drugs, and balancing drug efficacy and toxicity are discussed.
Ping Yang, Jon O. Ebbert, Zhifu Sun, Richard M. Weinshilboum

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The role of glutathione in aging and cancer.

The incidence and mortality rates from most cancers increase exponentially with age. It is likely that this aging phenomenon is partially due to specific changes that occur in the host resulting in an increased susceptibility to neoplasia. Our hypothesis is that one such host factor is a deficiency in GSH, based on the importance of this compound in the detoxification of a wide variety of exogenous and endogenous carcinogens and free radicals, as well as in the maintenance of immune function. American Health Foundation, Valhalla, New York 10595.
PMID: 1426093 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Antioxidants are well documented and known to possess vital roles in health maintenance and disease prevention. Glutathione is your cell's own major antioxidant. Maintaining elevated glutathione levels aids the body's natural antioxidant function.

Click here for more about Glutathione and its benefits to our body.

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Glutathione ability to slow the aging process

Studies at the Louisville School of Medicine have clearly shown that Glutathione possesses the unique ability to slow the aging process.

While Glutathione aids in the protection of all cells and membranes, a study at Harvard Medical School found that Glutathione is especially able to enhance immune system cells, protecting against damage from radiation and helping to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy and x-rays and alcohol.

As a detoxifier of metals and drugs, Glutathione also aids in the treatment of blood and liver disorders.

As individuals grow older, Glutathione levels drop, and the ability to detoxify free radicals decreases.

It can protect against cadmium, copper, and acetaminophen (the active agent in Tylenol) toxicity. Glutathione aids the liver in detoxification, slows the aging process, helps the cardiovascular and immune systems, and is helpful in preventing or treating many other health conditions.

Click here to demonstrate to you why glutathione is so important to your health and well-being.

Monday, January 7, 2008

How Do You Know If You Have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

Symptoms of CFS

Extreme Exhaustion.
You may be getting plenty of rest and sleep, but can’t seem to shake off the deep feeling if tiredness that consumes your body. This is probably the most common symptom of CFS and often robs the sufferer the ability to concentrate or become highly active; physically or mentally.

Headache.
Headaches are fairly common, so how can you tell if it has something to do with chronic fatigue syndrome? Often, CFS patients describe headaches as a type they have never experienced before, whether it be in pattern or severity. If you are not used to headaches, and are starting to get them frequently, or in a particular area, or of a particular strength, this may be related to chronic fatique syndrome.

Weakness, Aches and Pains.
Muscle ache and pain that you are not used to feeling may appear in areas of your body. Lymph nodes in the upper body, around the neck or in armpits, may become swollen and tender.

Flu Like Symptoms.
Many people diagnosed with CFS report that it started with feelings of the flu. Being tired and having headaches both tie into this symptom. Some experience a sore throat, or feel generally “out of sorts”. Clammy hands and feet, rapid breathing, brisk heartbeat and chest pain are also symptoms of this ailment.

Loss of Memory.
Loss of memory is common among CFS patients and can affect your life in various way. This particular symptom can come and go as CFS persists and thrives in your body.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a Real Disease
Many people have a hard time accepting CFS as a legitimate disease. Your doctor, however will tell you that it is a very real, very life damaging disease that must be dealt with. Since many scientist and physicians believe this disease attacks when and because your immune system is weakend, it is important to keep it strong and healthy.

Natural products like Glutathione MAXGXL boost and maintain energy levels and normalize your immune system without harmful side effects. Keep in mind that CFS is a real problem that should be dealt with before it damages your life!

Click here to demonstrate to you why glutathione is so important to your health and well-being.

Other symptoms associated with Fibromyalgia

* Pain in muscles
* Weariness
*Sleeplessness
* Pain in joints
* Restless legs
* Headaches
* A tingling feeling, or feeling of numbness
* Memory impairment
* Feeling nervous
* Feeling depressed

You can do the following:

If you are diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, your doctor will prescribe medication and/or therapy for you.

But there are some personal management techniques that you can also employ:
* Make sure you take some time each day to relax and detox
* Wake up and go to bed at the same time each day, and make sure you get enough sleep
* Exercise on a regular basis; start out slowly and work toward more strenuous activities
* Educate yourself to keep up with the latest research
* Look for a support group

Click here to demonstrate to you why glutathione is so important to your health and well-being.

History of Fibromyalgia

Even though Fibromyalgia has been around for hundreds of years, it remains a mystery to this day. It has been known by many different names, like chronic muscle pain syndrome, fibrositis, tension myalgias and psychogenic rheumatism.

Fibromyalgia is a combination of Greek words:
“Fibro,” meaning fiber
“My,” meaning muscle
“Algia,” meaning pain


History:
1800s Fibromyalgia was first described doctors. They called it muscular rheumatism.

1824 A doctor in Edinburgh described the “tender points” associated with Fibromyalgia

1880 Another doctor, describing the same condition, named it neurasthenia.

1904 An article referred to it as fibrositis. (“itis” means inflammation.)

1913 A physician named Luff noted that fibromyalgia symptoms changed as barometric pressure lowered as a storm approached.

1976 The term Fibromyalgia replaces the term fibrositis, recognizing that the condition is not caused by inflammation.

1987 Fibromyalgia was recognized by the American Medical Association as an illness and cause of disability

1987 The term fibromyalgia was used in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

1990 The American College of Rheumatology establishes guidelines for diagnosing fibromyalgia

Having Fibromyalgia can be frustrating because it is hard to diagnose and is often misunderstood. Unfortunately, doctors still don’t know what causes Fibromyalgia. And some refuse to recognize the disease because it can’t be diagnosed through x-rays and tests.The American College of Rheumatology has created guidelines to help assist physicians in diagnosing and studying the condition. However, not all doctors agree with the established guidelines for diagnosis. Some don’t recognize the disease while others think that the criteria are too strict.

Glutathione Deficiency Side Effect of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Though medical health professionals have yet to identify a specific cause of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, they have been able to delineate several contributing factors that may lead to or exacerbate the condition. One of these factors appears to be a glutathione deficiency.

What is Glutathione?
Glutathione is a tripeptide that has many different functions to support a healthy body. The three amino acids that comprise glutathione are:
*Glycine
*Cysteine
*Gamma-glutamic acid

What does Glutathione do?

Glutathione serves the body in many important ways:

1. modulator of cellular homeostasis
2. detoxification of metals and oxyradicals
3. strong free radical scavenger, prevents damage to DNA and RNA
4. boost immune function
5. creates enzymes to assist the liver with detox

Click here to demonstrate to you why glutathione is so important to your health and well-being.

Thursday, January 3, 2008

How Do You Know if You Need to Detoxify?

Everyone should detox at least once a year. A short detoxifying program is generally safe; in fact, scientific studies show that a detox is beneficial for health.

However, cautions against detoxifying for nursing mothers, children, and patients with chronic degenerative diseases, cancer or tuberculosis. ***Consult your health care practitioner if you have questions about whether detoxing is right for you.

Today, with more toxins in the environment than ever, "it's critical to detox," says Linda Page, N.D., Ph.D., the author of Detoxification (Healthy Healing Publications).

Page recommends detoxing for symptoms such as unexplained fatigue, sluggish elimination, irritated skin, allergies or low-grade infections; bags under the eyes; a distended stomach even if the rest of your body is thin; menstrual difficulties; or mental confusion.

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How Does Detoxification Work?

Basically, detoxification means cleaning the blood. It does this mainly by removing impurities from the blood in the liver, where toxins are processed for elimination. The body also eliminates toxins through the kidneys, intestines, lungs, lymph and skin.

However, when this system is compromised, impurities aren't properly filtered and every cell in the body is adversely affected.

A detox program can help the body's natural cleaning process by:

1) Resting the organs through fasting;

2) Stimulating the liver to drive toxins from the body;

3) Promoting elimination through the intestines, kidneys and skin;

4) Improving circulation of the blood; and

5) Refueling the body with healthy nutrients.

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