The crucial role of Sulfur in health and glutathione

March 25, 2015

The crucial role of Sulfur in health and glutathione: Understanding the effectiveness of sulfur

The crucial role of Sulfur in health and glutathione must be taught across the board. indication of low sulfer include depression and fatigue.

In our daily effort in ensuring that our body is duly protected from the various attacks of the environment and other sources, the application of sulfur becomes very important. We all have a duty to keep healthy and that is why discussion about the crucial role of sulfur in health and glutathione becomes necessary. To start us off doctor Dalal Akoury a medical professional and founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center brings us up to speed about certain benefits of sulfur. She says that sulfur plays an important role in the formation of proteins. These protein chains are held together by peptide (disulfide) bonds provided by sulfur amino acid cysteine. And because our bodies are held together with proteins in all the connective tissues, without sulfur we would literally turn into a splash of cells and spread over the floor. Not forgetting that enzymes which are proteins are charged with the regulation and enhancement of most biochemical processes in our bodies but for this to be done effectively, the supply of sulfur is very necessary that will also include the glutathione enzymes.

The crucial nature of sulfur is that it enables the collagen which is the main constituent of cartilage that keeps our joints working properly.

Sulfur is the main constituent of protein keratin that our hair, nails and skin are made of. Sulfur is what gives them their shape, flexibility and strength.

As for the beauty of the skin, sulfur is responsible for keeping the skin cells flexible and permeable, thereby enabling our skin to serve certain roles of the kidneys as many toxins exit the body with sweat.

Sulfur is one of the raw materials, alongside amino acids and vitamins, necessary to create healthy new cells with flexible walls. This flexibility allows fluids to flow freely through the tissues in response to changes in atmospheric pressure. This reduces cell inflammation and pain sensations.

Sulfur is a component of insulin. A diet rich in sulfur containing foods may enhance the body’s ability to produce insulin and lower the dependency on injections in diabetic patients.

Sulfur and MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) promote healthy digestive function by boosting digestive enzyme activity, building healthy lining tissue and promoting bowel activity.

Protein is the main structural component of myelin sheaths, the protective layer covering the nerves. Insufficient sulfur may cause demyelination to occur, especially in the presence of elevated oxidative stress or exposure to toxins that may trigger the onset of neurodegenerative diseases and peripheral neuropathy.

Sulfur is a component of vitamins B1 (thiamin), B5 (pantothenic acid that converts to coenzyme A) and B7 (biotin) required for the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and glucose.

Sulfur is required for manufacturing of alpha lipoic acid in the body, an important antioxidant and a glutathione cofactor that has been shown to elevate glutathione levels.

MSM, an endogenous cellular metabolite that acts as sulfur donor in many trans-methylation reactions, is also able to act as an antioxidant and free radical scavenger.

And last but not least – sulfur is a critically active component in the reduced (active) form of a glutathione molecule (GSH). Sulfur sulfhydryl group is represented by “SH” in the common abbreviation for glutathione (GSH). It is the sulfur containing amino acid cysteine, the most crucial building block for glutathione that contributes sulfur to it. At low levels of intake cysteine is preferentially incorporated into proteins rather than glutathione. Thus, the availability of cysteine determines how much glutathione and how fast a cell can produce in response to a threat.

Sulfur is also what is responsible for glutathione’s antioxidant and detoxifying powers – free radicals, toxins, heavy metals, etc. “stick” to sulfur to be eliminated from the body.

Organic sulfur as sulfur containing amino acids can also increase the
synthesis of S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) in the body. SAMe is a form of methionine partially converted to cysteine that cells can use in the synthesis of glutathione. Synthetic SAMe is also a pharmaceutical drug that is used in the treatment of liver diseases and in Europe as a mood stabilizing medication.

The crucial role of Sulfur in health and glutathione: Methylsulfonylmethane

It was reported that MSM may also be used as a precursor for the synthesis of methionine and cysteine, and act as a source of sulfur which may induce new GSH synthesis. Methyl Sulfonyl Methane, better known as MSM, is a naturally occurring sulphur compound that may play a role in the synthesis of glutathione (GSH), one of the most important intracellular antioxidants, through its transulfuration pathway.

As we continue into the discussion, it is important to note that sulfur amino acid insufficiency compromises glutathione synthesis, to a greater extent than hepatic protein synthesis, in the presence and absence of an inflammatory stimulus. The resulting effect may be compromised antioxidant defenses. Functioning of T cells is dependent on intracellular glutathione concentrations and may also be affected by sulfur amino acid insufficiency. And finally on this is that part of MSM’s action is to improve your body’s ability to make its own antioxidants.

The crucial role of Sulfur in health and glutathione: Who may benefit from taking MSM supplement?

Vegetarians and vegans may be at high risk of sulfur deficiencies because of the lack of sulfur-rich animal foods in their diet and the normal processing of plant foods that destroys MSM, although cysteine and methionine are present in some plants. Those who favor these eating styles may benefit from taking MSM supplement.

People who do not consume sufficient amounts of sulfur rich foods and eat mostly processed foods will benefit from taking supplemental MSM.

MSM supplement may be beneficial to those on a protein restricted diet, for example due to kidney disease.

MSM has been used extensively to relieve arthritic pain, joint pain, back pain, migraines, skin conditions, allergies, autoimmune diseases, digestive issues, and to promote the healing of burns and scars. It may be beneficial for people with these health conditions.

Athletes, both professional and amateur, may find MSM supplement helpful in the process of healing sports related joint injuries and for faster recovery. Research also indicates that insufficient intakes of sulfur amino acids during training may promote inflammation.

MSM supplement may help maintain glutathione levels by improving alpha lipoic acid levels, by helping decrease inflammation and oxidative stress, by participating in the metabolism of cysteine and methionine, and by contributing the continuous supply of sulfur for many vital processes in the body. This supplement may be useful to those interested in optimizing their glutathione levels.

The crucial role of Sulfur in health and glutathione: Dosages for the MSM supplement

Finally for a typical maintenance dose of supplemental MSM is 1,000-3,000 mg a day. However the MSM supplements will always come in capsules and in powder form, the latter being more cost-efficient for larger doses. The effectiveness of a dose depends on the severity of a condition and the length of time the MSM supplement is taken. It may take up to 2 months of daily use to notice any health benefits. For further needs you may want to schedule for an appointment with doctor Akoury today.

The crucial role of Sulfur in health and glutathione: Understanding the effectiveness of sulfur

IV NAD: The Best Addiction Treatment

March 1, 2015

IV NAD Is the Best Addiction Treatment

After a long term use of drugs of abuse as a result of addiction to the drugs, the body’s cells, tissues, organs and neurotransmitters will be affected adversely by the drugs. It is therefore important to correct this during treatment therapy. NAD IV therapy can be used to replenish the drained enzymes and target brain restoration

What is IV NAD?

NAD is an abbreviation of Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide. It is a coenzyme that is present in all living cells. The compound is a dinucleotide, this simply means that it consists of two nucleotides joined through their phosphate groups. One nucleotide contains an adenine base and the other nicotinamide. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide exists in two forms, an oxidized and reduced form abbreviated as NAD+ and NADH respectively. It is therefore safe for us to say that NADH is a reduced form of NAD. IV NAD is a crucial coenzyme in metabolism. In metabolism, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide is involved in redox reactions, carrying electrons from one reaction to another. The coenzyme is, therefore, found in two forms in cells: NAD+ is an oxidizing agent – it accepts electrons from other molecules and becomes reduced. This reaction forms NADH, which can then be used as a reducing agent to donate electrons. These electron transfer reactions are the main function of NAD. Therefore there is need for a balance between the NADH and the NAD to maintain a favorable environment for homeostasis. Apart from its functions in electron transfer, the NAD has other functions in the body such as being a substrate of enzymes that add or remove chemical groups from proteins, in posttranslational modifications. Owing to its importance on performing these functions, the enzymes involved in IV NAD metabolism have been targeted to help come up with drugs that could heal different complications.

IV NAD

The IV NAD and the NADH are crucial in the production of energy in the mitochondria. What happens after eating is that the vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, proteins and fats from our diet provide the building blocks to our bodies. Energy that is produced from citric acid cycle makes NAD and links it to hydrogen forming NADH which enters the electron transport chain in the mitochondria and is sparked with oxygen which breaks the nutrients to give energy through oxidation. This energy enables the heart to beat sufficiently and enable muscle contraction providing cellular energy that is required by the body cells to function. The energy that is produced is also used by the brain therefore if the level of NADH is low then the brain will not function well at the same time if NAD level is low then production of energy will be low. There is need to establish a favorable ratio between the NAD and NADH since without a good balance of the two then there will be fatigue and depression which are factors that mostly deter addicts from quitting using their substances of abuse.

In most cases IV NAD deficiency is first evident in brain-related symptoms of poor concentration, difficulty focusing, and attention deficit disorders. If the energy shortage lasts long enough, brain neurons cannot synthesize neurotransmitters. When this occurs, the molecules of consciousness such as serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline are affected. Anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance and other mood changes can then arise. These are not good for addicts as they may trigger them to use drugs as escapade. Many addicts got trapped after trying using drugs as self-medication against fatigue and depression. This even lowers NAD level even further and it is a continuous vicious cycle. It is also important to note that the crucial enzymes that catalyze the Citric Acid Cycle are inhibited and may get destroyed by chemical toxins that create oxidative or free radical damage. The sources of this damage are substances of abuse like cigarette smoke, drugs, and chronic stress. This problem may also be caused by exposure to myriads of toxins.

IV NAD the best therapy for addiction

Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide often abbreviated as NAD is a metabolic co-enzyme and is charged with the important job of structuring, repairing, and remodeling every cell in the body. Drug use often leads to destruction of many cells and nerves in the body and therefore any addiction treatment therapy must seek to restore the health of the damaged tissues in order to give a lasting healing effect on the client. It is therefore important that there are adequate levels of NAD in the body.

IV NAD

IV NAD deficiency in the body can be corrected by having an IV NAD therapy. This will not only increase the production of energy but will also increase the level of NADH which is critical for enzymatic action. The IV NAD goes straight to receptors in the brain and so is not digested in the stomach. Another reason for ensuring balance between NAD/NADH is that the correct ratios will help in restoring damaged neurotransmitters by drugs. It is a detoxifier that works faster as it takes only few days rather than weeks or months to flush out stored drugs from the body and its organs, replenish balance in the brain, and reverse damage. Results can be mental clarity, cognitive function increase, focus and concentration returns, more energy, better mood, positive outlook.

And finally, AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center encourages addicts to come for addiction recovery .We have qualified doctors who will see to it that every addict is helped to break the bond of addiction and enjoy life of freedom. Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) is committed to availing help to every patient. Call on her at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for help.

IV NAD Is the Best Addiction Treatment

Magnesium Depletion and Chronic Diseases

November 29, 2014

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

Magnesium 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.

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

August 31, 2014

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.

Phase II of detoxification

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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