Tag Archives: Antioxidant

Magnesium Depletion and Chronic Diseases

Magnesium Depletion and Chronic Diseases

The metabolism of carbohydrates and fats to produce energy (which includes ATP production) requires numerous magnesium-dependent chemical reactions. Magnesium is also required for a number of steps during DNA and RNA synthesis. Glutathione, an important antioxidant, requires magnesium for its production.

If that makes you think magnesium is such an essential metal then there is a host of more surprises for you. Magnesium is truly an essential mineral that your body requires for maintaining its normal nerve and muscles function. Magnesium helps keep the body’s immune system healthy. It is also essential in maintaining your heart rhythm and is necessary for the building of strong bones.

In addition, Magnesium is involved in a minimum of 300 biochemical reactions in the human body. This means that a deficiency in magnesium compound can lead to a wide range of disorders including muscle spasms, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, migraines, anxiety disorders, cerebral infarction and even osteoporosis.

A deficit in magnesium also referred to as magnesium depletion is caused as a result of dysregulation of the state of magnesium in the body. This is the result of dysregulation of the mechanisms that control the metabolism of magnesium. These could occur in the form of a failure of these mechanisms causing magnesium homeostasis. It could also be as a result of intervention of iatrogenic or endogenous factors which eventually disturb the magnesium status.

Some studies observe that this depletion cannot be corrected simply by nutritional supplementation alone. Rather, certain specific dysregulation correction mechanisms are crucial in remedying the condition.

Magnessium_Deficiency

Magnesium depletion should be clearly differentiated from magnesium deficiency in the body. Deficiency is a disorder of magnesium that simply results from an inadequate intake of the mineral in the diet. An oral magnesium supplementation is recommended and is enough to correct the disorder.

High Risk Groups For The Magnesium Disorder

There are certain groups of people that are more vulnerable to the magnesium related disorders given its primacy in a number of body processes. Studies have identified long distance athletes as a potentially high risk group with regard to magnesium deficiency. These are people who conduct strenuous long distance exercise. They tend to lose electrolytes through their sweat and need to replenish their essential minerals such as sodium, phosphorus and potassium, but most particularly magnesium levels.

People who drink a lot of alcohol may also need adequate replenishing of magnesium lost during dehydration. Those who suffer diarrhea as well as others who may be dehydrated through other means also need to replenish their magnesium levels as well as the levels of sodium metal, potassium and phosphorus.

The elderly and those who have poor functioning kidneys may be subject to loss of magnesium through urine. This happens when the kidneys cannot retain the magnesium in the blood or reabsorb it through its tubules resulting in dysregulation of this essential mineral. Consequently the person’s system will not be excreting less magnesium when the mineral stores are low. In addition, the elderly naturally need the mineral since the amount of magnesium absorbed by the body decreases with old age as the amount excreted increases.

If you have any form of gastrointestinal disorders, chances are that your colon will not be able to absorb enough of the mineral. Most magnesium in the gut is often absorbed through the large intestines. This means that people with gastrointestinal disorders such as Crohn’s disease are faced with the risk a possible magnesium deficiency.

The same goes for those who consume high amounts of Fiber. The bodies’ ability to make use of magnesium has been found to be affected by taking in a lot of fiber in the diet. The ratio of this effect is yet to be established through further research. Still on the question of diet, low protein consumption is also said to have an effect on magnesium in the body.

Magnesium Sources

magnesiumMagnesium is found in a number of food products that can be found readily in the market. Foods high in magnesium include nuts, dark leafy greens, seeds, beans, fish, bananas, whole grains, dried fruit, avocados, yogurt and dark chocolate. This is however not the entire list of foods rich in magnesium. There are a lot of other products that contain magnesium in large amounts. These can be found at AwareMed. In fact, AwareMed is the best place where you can purchase magnesium.

Consuming too much magnesium may typically be dangerous and can make you diarrhea. This is why AwareMed emphasizes having the magnesium chelated.

Nuts, dark chocolate, molasses and seeds are high calorie foods and good sources of magnesium. They should thus be eaten in moderate amounts by those who have high body mass index (BMI).

Other sources of magnesium such as almonds, dark chocolate and spinach are rich in oxalates and these inhibit the absorption of some magnesium. The foods are however still good sources of the metal.

Noteworthy is, Brazil nuts are a rich source of selenium. Too much selenium may lead to unfavorable conditions like bad breath, diarrhea and even loss of hair.

The following factors may affect magnesium absorption

Absorption of the mineral may be enhanced by taking diet rich in fermentable carbohydrates such as those found in dairy, grains and fruits. Protein foods also may help with the absorption of magnesium while eating foods that are high in insoluble fiber is likely to deter magnesium absorption.

Grains, vegetables and seeds may contain phyrates that somewhat deter the absorption of magnesium. On the contrary, the soluble fiber as well as the fermentable carbohydrates that are found in the same foods are likely to counter this effect. This makes most plant foods a powerful source of magnesium.

Magnesium Depletion and Chronic Diseases

 

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Breathe Easier with Bromelain

Breathe Easier with Bromelain

A mixture of several enzymes that are naturally found in pineapple juice and its stem, Bromelain, has been found to treat successfully a wide variety of disorders that are responsible for other severe diseases. This proteolytic enzyme is held as being useful in the digestion of proteins.

Some of this proteolytic enzyme is said to be absorbed by the body without being broken or processed into a different form. Because of this characteristic the enzyme is believed to have other effects outside the gastrointestinal tract.

What is most important though is not these behavioral aspects. Rather, its curative nature is what really matters. Medicinal assessments have recommended it as an organic anti-inflammatory used for various conditions including arthritis.

In Germany, Bromelain is also one of the commonest supplements sanctioned by the E Commission for dealing with swelling and distension of the nose as well as the sinuses that come as a result of surgery or other forms of injury.

It is from this perspective that Bromelain comes out as being highly useful in helping people with breathing related issues. One may use the enzyme to help alleviate the effects of these nasal inflammations and this way their breathing is expressly improved.

Sinusitis

Inflammation of a person’s nasal sinus may be treated by the use of Bromelain. It has been recommended by doctors in different parts of the globe as a corresponding treatment for patients of Sinusitis.

Bromelain

From preliminary medical studies, doctors say that it is helpful in reducing congestion of the chest which eventually improves breathing and suppresses coughing. Commission E approves of it as a good alternative for dealing with nasal swellings and inflammations that remain after one has been operated on. The approval is supported by a hoard of previous studies which indicate that the enzyme may bring relief from symptoms of sinusitis.

Other areas

Given that Bromelain is an enzyme it helps with the digestion proteins. As we know, breathing is not purely about inhaling and exhaling through our noses.  A lot of other factors come into play in effecting a perfect gaseous exchange. Bromelain therefore comes in handy to help with cases of bloating that could prevent one from enjoying a free flow of breath.

The enzyme helps with a number of digestive related symptoms including excessive gas in the stomach and conditions like the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It is effective used alone but can always be used together with other enzymes of similar purposes such as the lipase which help in digestion of fats. Another enzyme it can be used with is the amylase which digests starch in the body.

Bromelain forms

The enzyme can always be taken in the form of capsules or tablets. The pineapple extract is processed and made into these forms for ready use just like other medicines. As a digestive aid though, it is often taken together with meals, but is recommended to be ingested in between meals when the purpose is to treat inflammatory conditions as this will optimize chances of absorption.

Breathe Easier with Bromelain

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How Useful Are Amino Acids in Preparation for Phase 2 of Detoxification

What is detoxification?

This is a process through which toxins are removed from the body. These toxins are neutralized, transformed or gotten rid of from the body. The common sources of these toxins are the diets we take, the drugs we use, and exposure to the environment.

Why should I undergo detoxification?

As mentioned earlier, detoxification is the process of removing toxins (harmful substances) from the body. When these toxins are left to remain in your body, they result into many negative health effects. The benefits of detoxification are therefore many, and they are equal to ‘healthy’ living. Some of these benefits include the following:-

  • Detoxification results into increased energy levels. Energy is very important for our bodies to remain active. When detoxification is done, it helps how bodies much, by increasing the energy they get.

detoxification

  • Detoxification improves our immunity. Detoxification will help recovering drug addict regain immunity. When a person is recovering from addiction, the level of immunity determines how fast the person will recover. The increase in this immunity leads to quick recovery from addiction and improved resistance from illnesses. This improves the health standards of the person.
  • Addiction is known to have a negative effect on the mental focus. When a person is recovering from addiction, detoxification helps the person regain mental focus.

Which are the phases of detoxification?

There are two important phases of any successful detoxification. These phases are normally categorized as phase I and phase II. These two phases are biochemical processes which facilitate the body to get rid of toxins. These two phases are based on the ability of the body to gradually get rid of waste.

What happens at these phases?

The following is a brief description of what happens at each of the phases of detoxification.

  • Phase I of detoxification

In this first stage, it is all about solubility. All the chemicals which are not soluble to water are converted to comparatively electrically charged or polar fusions with the help of enzymes which append a reactive or a polar group. This occurs in a manner that little changes in molecules can occur during the second phase. This makes it possible for the body to naturally excrete them when they finally dissolve in water.

Most of the changes that occur during phase one involve oxidation and reduction.

This stage builds on the result of phase one. In this stage, different chemicals are either conjugated or added to the existing chemical. Consequently, the toxic chemical now changes to water soluble compound and therefore it can be excreted from the body. Sometimes xenobiotic possesses a cluster on the chemical from before. In such a scenario, detoxification is not necessary at phase I. The xenobiotic should therefore be directly decontaminated during the process of conjugation of the chemical in the phase.

Which are these essential amino acids helpful in phase II detoxification?

Amino acids are useful in the process of conjugation. This conjugation is sometimes referred to as acylation. Some of these amino acids include:-

  • Glycine – this amino acid offers secondary help. It supports glutathione synthesis. It also helps in reduction of toxicity of some substances like phenols or benzoic acid. This amino acid prepares the body early before addiction recovery by reducing the amount of toxins within the body.
  • Glutamine- this is another important amino acid, which is essential for phase II detoxification. The advantage of this amino acid is that; it helps to heal the GI track and also reduces craving for addictive drugs, a property which helps very much during drug addiction recovery.

detoxification

  • Taurine – this is a very important amino acid in detoxification phase II. It is known to enhance metabolism and play an important role in the detoxification of ethanol. It also prevents hepatic fibrosis.
  • Cysteine- this is regarded as a very special amino acid. It is a sulfur containing amino acid, which is synthesized in the liver. These amino acids are normally involved in many metabolic pathways. This amino acid has advantage over the other amino acids in that; it can be converted into many other forms. For instance, it can be converted into cysteine and taurine. Researchers have found that cysteine can form glutathione, which is a known powerful antioxidant and detoxifier that functions in many different enzymes systems.
  • Methionine- this is an essential amino acid, and our bodies cannot manufacture it. It must be taken with our diets to our bodies. This amino acid is known to be an important cartilage forming substance.
  • Tyrosine – this is an essential amino acid, which is used in the synthesis of structural protein. This amino acid has a key role when used in phase II of detoxification, since it is used in the production of neurotransmitter. This amino acid is involved in many important functions and it is sometimes considered to be all purpose amino acid. Another advantage of tyrosine is that it has been found to sharpen brain. This is a very helpful property for a person recovering from addiction, which in many cases paralyzes the functioning of the brain.

Detoxification process is a serious treatment procedure and should only be carried out by professional who are certified and really understand what they do. At Awaremed Wellness and Resource center, we understand all steps and phases of detoxification. If you need help with any addiction treatment, call in and keep reading our blog.

How Useful Are Amino Acids in Preparation for Phase Ii Detoxification

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NADH and Cancer

NADH Helps in Eliminating Cancer-Causing Free Radicals

NADH is an abbreviation for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide. The last H stands for a high energy hydrogen and shows that it is a reduced form of the coenzyme 1 which is another term for NADH. The coenzyme 1 is present in the entire human as well as the animal cells. The coenzyme 1 helps the body in producing cellular energy so as to function properly.  It is also very important as it triggers the production of dopamine and serotonin. Coenzyme 1 has been found to relieve symptoms such as fatigue, loss of concentration, jet lag, muscle injury, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s as well as memory loss. This coenzyme 1 has also been proposed by researchers to have an effect on cancer cell growth and metastasis.

Biologically, enzymes are known to catalyze processes and help in creation of products that our bodies need to continue living. It is the enzymes that help in the breakdown of foods as well as uptake of the digested foods for use by the body. The enzymes however can be able to accomplish these processes if another factor collaborates with them to complete these functions, this factor that is needed for enzymes to accomplish these biological processes is called a co-enzyme. Without the coenzymes the enzymes will not be able to work properly. Coenzyme is a necessity for enzymes to be active and work favorably.

Coenzyme 1 is an enzyme that helps in the production of energy at the cellular level. In case the NADH is not sufficient, the production of energy in the cells will be slowed and the little energy available will not be able to let the cells work normally. The common symptom for this is fatigue. The coenzyme is the fuel that drives the machines that generate cell energy and it is needed in sufficient supplies to produce more energy. NADH is such an important coenzyme, however it declines in level with aging. Enzymes that are dependent on NADH also reduce in levels as you grow old. This may lead to energy deficiency at the cell level.

Is naturally found in foods

Just like other most valued nutrients, NADH can be found naturally in the foods we eat. This coenzyme is present in all living cells be it animal cell or plant cell. It can therefore be found in the foods we eat daily. Meat, fish and poultry have the highest levels of coenzyme 1. In fact meat contains higher levels of NADH as compared to fruits and vegetables. This is against the dietary common belief that all vital nutritional components can only be found in fruits and vegetables. However, the way we cook our foods kill this vital coenzyme. Scientists advice that even if we were to eat raw meat we would still lose some of the NADH as the stomach gastric acid degrades the NADH in the foods when they reach the stomach. Typically, the NADH is found in high levels in the animals as they need it to produce energy for movement and locomotion. It can also be found in birds particularly in the heart and their flight muscles.

Due to the fact that plants do not move from place to place, they do not need much energy, therefore their NADH production is much lower than in animals. Vegetarians have had cases of deficit in the coenzyme 1 which leads to low energy in the cells. They can get the needed coenzyme by using supplements of the stabilized NADH popularly known as Enada to enable their bodies to work optimally.

This coenzyme is helpful in curbing cancer as it is very good at reducing the free radicals that are known to cause cancer. These free radicals are often produced when the cells during metabolic processes. The body has antioxidants that help it defend the normal cells from being damaged irreversibly by the free radicals. One of the body’s most vital components of the antioxidative protection shield is the NADH as it is very rich in reduction abilities of any compounds in the cells.

The intercellular content of the free radicals increases greatly in the presence of free radicals inducers such as radiation or cytostatics. The body’s protective system against the free radicals is not always maimed by the internal fluctuations in the production of free radicals. However the antioxidative protection system may be overwhelmed by high levels of free radicals that invade the body from outside. The higher the amounts of free radicals in the cell the greater the damage it can cause to the cells. In most cases the DNA make up of the cell will get altered which leads to formation of cancerous cells.

NADHTo avoid cancer, it is important for the body to eliminate the large amounts of the free radicals. In most cases due to the toxicity of the outside environment, the body may have too much free radical for it to handle. Eating foods that are rich in NADH helps in eliminating free radicals as NADH is the most potent antioxidants which are also known to scavenge for the free radicals, eliminating them from the body thereby reducing cancer risk. Since the levels of NADH production declines with age, it is advisable that the aged should supplement NADH to avoid their bodies being overwhelmed by the toxic free radicals. The same applies to vegetarians, vegetables do not contain lots of NADH and so it is better for them to use NADH supplements.

You need to learn on ways to prevent the disease. You need reliable information to help you do this. Contact Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) for more information on health matters and be empowered to take good care of your life. Check her website for more information

NADH Helps in Eliminating Cancer-Causing Free Radicals

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High Dose Vitamin C Therapy and Addiction Treatment

High Dose Vitamin C Therapy

This is a technique of addiction treatment, which is based on nutritional therapy. Vitamin C is a critically important water-soluble antioxidant, since it protects proteins and lipids from free radical damage which is associated with infection, intensive exercise and other stressors that can injure cells. High dose vitamin C has been studied as treatment for patients with varied illnesses especially its ability to help drug addicts in recovery.

What is high-dose vitamin C?

Vitamin c is also referred to as L-ascorbic acid or ascorbate. This is actually a nutrient which human beings should get from food as part of dietary supplement since our bodies cannot manufacture it. It works with enzymes to play a key role in making collagens.

Vitamin c can reach high levels when taken to the blood vessels via intravenous (IV) the when taken by mouth. These high levels have proven strong to the extent of killing cancer cells.  Deficiency in this vitamin when severe causes scurvy.

High Dose Vitamin C Therapy

Oranges are rich in Vitamin C

What is the function of Vitamin C?

The following are some of the important functions of vitamin C;

  • Vitamin C helps in the protection of cells and keeping them healthy.
  • Another importance of vitamin c is that it is necessary for the maintenance of healthy connective tissue, which gives support and structure for other tissues and organs.
  • Another remarkable function of vitamin c is that I help in the healing of wounds.

How is ascorbate administered?

There are usually two ways through which vitamin C can be administered. One of the ways is through intravenous (IV) infusion or alternatively be taken by mouth. Researches have indicated that the levels of vitamins reached when the intravenous method is used are higher than when taken by mouth.

Are there side effects when vitamin C therapy is used?

From the past pool of clinical experiences IV administration does not have any side effects. However, there are some disadvantages. The course of therapy for instance is long.

What makes Vitamin C essential in treatment of addiction?

Vitamin C offers a natural means of treating patients from addiction. Vitamin c is known to be an essential tool in the making of neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters are important to our bodies since they are responsible for carrying thoughts, feelings, and commands all around our bodies. Particularly, we need vitamin c which will produce serotonin, the neurotransmitter that is affected by most commonly used medications for depressions and addictions generally. It is recommended that we include fresh fruits and vegetables in our daily diets.

What are some of sources of natural vitamin C?

Vitamin C and Addiction TreatmentThe sources of natural vitamin c include fruits and vegetables. These are the main sources of vitamin c in our bodies. It is encouraged that anyone who wants to consume fruits and vegetable should go for the fresh ones. The following are some of the sources of vitamin C;

  • Strawberries – these are foods rich in vitamin c and on top of vitamin c, they will provide you with fiber and antioxidants.
  • Citrus fruits – these fruits include oranges, grape fruits lemon and limes.
  • Acerola Cherry – these are small fruits which are normally red in colour. They are scientifically known as Malipighia punicifolia.
  • Papayas – papayas are common fruits all over the world and a good source of vitamin C.
  • Black Currant – this is another rich source of vitamin c, with around 180mg per serving. It is also rich in other nutrients like potassium, iron, vitamin B5 and phytochemical.
  • Kiwi – it may come as surprise to learn that these small bright green fruit has more that vitamin C than an orange. They have also been proven to be high in flavonoids and have as much potassium as bananas. Recent researches have indicated that children who eat these Vitamin C rich fruits will experience stronger respiratory tract than children who do not eat of it.
  • Guavas – guavas are good source of vitamin c, with one serving containing over 250mg. this is even over twice your daily needs and they will also provide you with fiber, folic acid, potassium and manganese. This makes guavas one of the best foods to add in your diet. The good thing with guavas also is that they are readily available, with their availability almost in every supermarket.
  • Melons – melons are also rich in vitamin C, with one cup providing around 67mg of vitamin c. on top of vitamin c, it will provide you with plenty of Vitamin A and Potassium. Water melons are known to give plenty of vitamin c, as one serving will provide around 112% of your daily requirements.
  • Dark leafy greens – greens are also a good source of vitamin c. these greens include:- kale, mustard greens, turnip greens, watercress, Spinach, and others. They all provide different amounts of this nutrient.
  • Broccoli – this can be eaten raw or cooked. One serving of it will give you 90mg of vitamin c. it is also one of the known detox foods to add in your daily diet.
  • Cauliflower – one serving of cauliflower will give you up to 46mg, and also it is rich in vitamin K, folate and dietary fiber.
  • Tomatoes – another good source of vitamin c that we cannot leave out is tomatoes. This is almost an obvious ingredient in every diet. Try using dried tomatoes as they are rich in many other nutrients on top of vitamin c.

Note that the sources of vitamin c, the list is too long and we cannot exhaust it here. The examples given above should only give you a light of some of the foods rich in vitamin c. Therefore choose your diet wisely today and benefit from this vitamin!

High Dose Vitamin C Therapy

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