Glutathione

Glutathione is a substance that is made up of three amino acids existing in almost every cell of the body. The amino acids include cysteine, glutamic acid, and glycine. However, before it can work effectively in the body, glutathione must be generate within the cell from its precursors.

The immune system is the body’s prime source of defense against illnesses and diseases. The presence of glutathione helps maintain the normal function of the immune system, thus promoting the body’s overall health. Scientific evidence was found stating the significant role of glutathione in the multiplication of lymphocytes, the cells that mediate specific immunity. Because of this, glutathione therefore contributes to the development of an effective immune response against diseases. The substance has been used in connection with the colon cancer.

As a result of their normal functioning, the cells of the immune system, such as the lymphocytes, produce many oxiradicals. These substances cause the cells to need higher concentrations of antioxidants. With glutathione, an antioxidant, in abundance, this need can be fulfilled.

How Glutathione is synthesized

The body manufactures glutathione in a variety of ways. Typically, the body needs the three amino acids to manufacture the substance. But in the event that these amino acids are depleted, the body can use the food we take in order to manufacture the substance needed to manufacture these three amino acids which are in turn used to manufacture glutathione. This is the natural method for the body to create glutathione. The site of glutathione synthesis is the liver.

The body’s natural antioxidant is cysteine which is the precursor of glutathione. The substance helps in the regulation of the antioxidant redox state and allows the body to recycle its store of antioxidants, including vitamin A, C,E, and co-enzyme Q10.

About 80 to 90% of substances that leaves the stomach and intestines passes through the liver. These substances contain important nutrients which the liver can metabolize into vital forms that can be used by the body.

Substances such as alcohol, caffeine, medications, and nicotine are processed by the liver using glutathione to remove them from the blood. For years now, scientists have been interested with the role of glutathione in alcohol metabolism.

How to Increase Glutathione Levels in the Body

Increasing the level of glutathione in the cells of the body can be done in only a few ways. First is it to take in nutrients through foods. Second is to use a whey protein designed to present to the cells the required amino acids in the exact sequence to create glutathione.

The first way is the natural way of producing glutathione in the body. Your body can manufacture the substance with the correct nutrients available through food intake.

Barley is rich in amino acids. Barley, the right type of barley that is, can and will produce the needed substance to create the three amino acids that make up glutathione within the cells. Other great sources of this substance are fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables, fish, and meat. Asparagus, avocado, and walnuts are particularly rich dietary sources of this substance.

Antioxidants

What are antioxidants? How antioxidants work? How much is enough? Questions like these are just so common for those who are experts in this field of study. The answer to those questions greatly varies for there is greatly vast information about antioxidants. To know some of those, read on.

Antioxidants are particularly nutrients that are located in the human body and in plants, like the fruits and vegetables. These nutrients are vital in the proper functioning of our body and so they help in maintaining health by slowing the destructive aging of cellular molecules. The antioxidants then act as cell protectors.

As the cells function normally in the body, they absolutely produce damaged molecules which are called free radicals. These free radicals are largely wobbly and steal components from the other cellular molecules like fat, protein, or DNA, which caused the spreading of the damage.

Since these damages will largely cause some other damages on the system, the antioxidants help prevent the widespread of the cellular destruction by means of willingly giving components to stabilize free radicals. Essentially, the antioxidants return to the surface level of the cell to steady rather than to cause some damages on the other cellular components. However, if those free radicals are left unchecked, they can cause heart damage, cancer, cataracts, and a weak immune system.

In addition, the antioxidants are important in improving the immune responses and vaccine recognition in dogs and cats. Many experts have considered that such may be especially serious for young animals that are being vaccinated while their immune system is still improving. And aside from that, antioxidants are significant that they can reverse the reduction in immune-cell function for the senior dogs and cats. It is then noted that a mix of many antioxidants in average amounts may be more likely to be effective than high levels of one antioxidant.

The antioxidants, as nutrients that are found in the body and in plants, come in different types. These include vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and particular compounds that are known as carotenoids like the lutein and beta-carotene.

These nutrients are much beneficial in preventing heart disease for it prevents the spreading of the free radicals. In particular, vitamin E which is a common kind of antioxidants may protect against cardiovascular diseases by means of defending against the LDL oxidation and the artery-clogging plague development. Numerous studies also considered antioxidants to be helpful in lowering the risk of cancer. It is noted that the vitamin C intake will lower the rates of cancer, specifically the cancer of the mouth, larynx and esophagus.

The good sources for antioxidants are composed largely of fruits and vegetables. The highest concentration is said to be found in the most deeply and brightly pigmented vegetables and fruits like the spinach, carrots, red bells, and tomatoes.

However, even though antioxidants are considered a vital component for good health, still no one knows if the nutrients should be taken and how much is enough. Also, there is a very little information about the long term consequences of mega-doses antioxidants. Taking the chemicals without the aid of the experts or without the absolute comprehension of their effects may just damage such balance.

Essiac Herbal Tea

The term “essiac” in Essiac herbal tea is a common vernacular for an herbal tea attributed to Rene Caisse, a Canadian nurse. Essiac is actually her last name spelled backwards.

Essiac Herbal Tea for Cancer: The Herbs

Originally, the formula for the Essiac herbal tea for cancer contained eight herbs but Rene refined it to just four herbs. These herbs in Essiac herbal tea are Burdock root (Arctium lappa), Sheep sorrel (Rumex acetosella), Slippery Elm bark (Ulmus fulva), and Turkish rhubarb (Rheum palmatum).

Burdock Root (Arctium lappa)

The roots of the Burdock plant are harvested for folk medicinal use and have gained much attention after the success of the Essiac herbal tea formula for cancer. They contain vitamins B complex and E and trace minerals, including potassium, phosphorous, chromium, cobalt, iron, magnesium, silicon, zinc, and sodium.

This herb is said to have anti-tumor properties as reported by many clinical studies. It is considered as one of the finest blood purifiers, classified as an alternative, diuretic, and diaphoretic.

Sheep Sorrel (Rumex acetosella)

Sheep Sorrel is high in vitamins A, B complex, C, D, K, and E. Aside from that, it also contains minerals, including calcium, iron, silicon, magnesium, sulfur, zinc, manganese, iodine, and copper. For centuries, this plant has been used as a folk remedy for cancer in both Europe and Asia, and more recently (with the release of the Essiac herbal tea formula for cancer) in North America. It is considered as an astringent and a diuretic that can break down tumors and alleviate some chronic conditions and degenerative diseases, such as cancer.

Slippery Elm (Ulmus fulva)

The bark of the slippery elm has been used by many herbalists as a nutritious drink said to heal and soothe various discomforts. It is said to have an antibiotic and anti-microbial effect as well as an ability to remove toxins from the body. For this reason, it is used as an ingredient in Essiac herbal tea for cancer.

Turkey Rhubarb (Rheum palmatum)

The root of the Turkey rhubarb contains vitamin A, many of the B complex, C, and P. It also contains calcium, chlorine, copper, iodine, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, potassium, silicon, sodium, sulfur, and zinc. Rene Caisse used this in the Essiac herbal tea for cancer as opposed to the common rhubarb for the reason that it is much more effective and tastes less bitter.

The rhubarb root is a gentle laxative that stimulates the bodily organs to expel of waste matter, thus purging the body of many toxins that are frequently the cause of tumor-forming cells.

Shark Liver Oil

Shark liver oil is as its name implicates derived from the livers of deep-water sharks. Shark liver oil is used to fight cancer and boosts the immune system. The shark liver oil is a by-product of the fishing industry. Sharks are not hunted for their oil alone. The practice of using shark liver oil as a medicine for wounds and to fight flu spans for centuries already. Japanese seamen called shark liver oil as samedawa or ‘cure all’. In the 1950s, it was discovered that a natural immune-boosting compound called alkylglycerols are found in high concentration in the shark liver oil.

Other less concentrated sources of alkylglycerols are found in the bone marrow, liver, spleen and breast milk of both mature cows and humans. This compound is the focus on medical interest on shark liver oil as a possible accompaniment to cancer treatment and an immune booster. It also contains squalamine which is a substance that fight breast, lung, brain and skin cancer by choking off the tumor’s blood supply. Shark live oil also contains squalene in large amounts which is an anti-oxidant and bacteria-fighter. It also has omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin A.

There are several health benefits one can derive from using shark liver oil. These benefits include:

* It adds to the conventional cancer treatment. In Europe, this is widely practiced. Research shows that alkylglyerols in shark liver oil may boost the immune system and prevent the spread of disease. The shark liver oil also strengthens healthy cells to ease the side effects of cancer chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

* It fights infections, inflammations and heal wounds. Its immune boosting properties help speed up the healing of colds, flu and various skin infections.

* It is also believe to be a remedy for asthma, arthritis, skin inflammations of psoriasis. But these claims remain to be proven.

In order to get the most out of shark liver oil, you should purchase shark liver oil products that contain ‘alkylglycerols’ which is a disease-fighting ingredient. 1000 mg capsule could provide at least 200 mg of alkylglycerols. Other healing compounds found in shark liver oil are squalamine and squalene. Do not take more than the recommended dietary allowance or dosages of shark liver oil. More does not necessarily mean better. See your doctor if you take the product more than 30 days. You may require a blood test and a dosage change because long-term use might alter blood consistency.

To accompany cancer treatments, take 1 to 2 capsules, three times a day with meals.
To fight infections, take 1 to 2 capsules a day for 7 days with meals. Food will increase the absorption of the product’s active ingredients. Pregnant women are cautioned not to use this supplement. Consult a doctor first. There are no known drugs or nutrients interaction linked with shark liver oil. Possible side effects when taking shark liver oil include: mild stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, indigestion. These rarely occur however if oil is taken at recommended doses.

Herbal Vitamins

Nature offers a host of plants with various medicinal and therapeutic uses. For eons, our ancestors have used the leaves, bark, berries, roots, gums, seeds, stems, and flowers from plants found in their surroundings to treat all sorts of sicknesses and ailments. Because of its many benefits, the people during the ancient times came to see plants as symbols of life, worshipping them and calling them “sacred.” Today, we call upon that old belief as the dietary supplement industry market extracts of those same herbs of long ago.

Herbs are known to be rich sources of vitamins and minerals. In fact, almost all vitamins and minerals essential for the body are found in herbs. Below are a few herbs and the herbal vitamins they contain.

Alfalfa – Herbal Vitamin

Native to the Middle East, the Alfalfa plant was once regarded as the “father of all herbs.” It is a perennial flowering plant of the genus Medicago under the pea family, Fabaceae. It is known for its many therapeutic benefits and has been used for years as an herbal vitamin.

The part of the alfalfa plant that is used is the leaves. Like most leaves of herbal vitamins, the alfalfa contains rich concentrations of calcium, magnesium, potassium, beta-carotene, and vitamin A, vitamin B-12, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K. In addition to that, this herbal vitamin is found to contain all eight of the essential amino acids and traces of fluoride.

Aloe Vera – Herbal Vitamin

Aloe Vera is a group of plants belonging to the family Asphodelaceae. There are about 400 species of Aloe, growing in the drier parts of Africa, especially in South Africa’s Cape Province. This herbal vitamin is considered as a succulent and as such, its leaves and stems are filled with liquid sap. It is the sap of the aloe that is used for medicinal purposes. Since the ancient times, the aloe has been recognized as an analgesic, used for treating burns and skin conditions, such as scrapes, sunburns, and insect bites. It is said to be rich in vitamin C, which is good for the skin.

Capsicum – Herbal Vitamin

Capsicum frutescens or Cayenne is a species of pepper under the nightshade family of plants. It is highly valued for its fruit, which is usually dried, pounded, or pulped to produce the famous cayenne peppers used for culinary purposes. This herbal vitamin is highly nutritious and very rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin B-complex. Moreover, it also contains the minerals iron, calcium, and phosphorous. The cayenne pepper is red because of its high concentrations of vitamin A.

Herbal Teas

So you are looking for available herbal teas, do you? If so, then you should know first that herbal teas are basically determined as those that respond to hot water. Herbal teas are now widely manufactured and offered from different health food outlets due to the increasing demand of the tea drinkers and especially those who are health conscious people. And even if you just surf on the internet, you will greatly find some offers for herbal teas. That is how widely popular herbal teas are.

So if you wanted to know some of the popular and beneficial herbal teas in the world today, just read on.

Persimmon Herbal Teas:

Persimmon herbal teas are basically a product from the Plum flower. Plum flower is in fact one of the most well-known herb houses in the whole cosmos. It is much interesting to learn that this particular brand of herbal tea is sulfur free, chlorine free, and aluminum phosphate free. In the process, the herbs are packed and the packages are then injected with nitrogen and sealed. The use of sulfur, chlorine, and aluminum phosphate was made unimportant by this brand for the reason that the lack of these treatments enhances the development of anaerobic organisms which then results to much safer and higher quality herbs.

Birch Teas:

Birch teas are herbal teas that are taken from the bark of the tree itself. It comes in black, white and yellow birch and the dry leaves can be applied for a year. Particularly, this form of herbal teas is used as a decoction, extract, tincture and infusion which are intended for chronic skin problems, rheumatism, and headaches. Aside from that, the teas are also considered to have a potential for treating kidney stones and fever. Greatly, when it is cold, it can act as a mouthwash.

Raspberry Herbal Teas:

Raspberry is one of the well-known herbal plants that have potential for treating multiple ailments. This is basically one of the reasons that raspberry herbal teas are produced from its leaves. This certain tea, according to some studies, will help to control the onset of diarrhea, and this mainly acts as a blood purifier and tonic. Today, the raspberry herbal teas are used as an infusion, extract, tincture, decoction, as well as poultice. And it has a great taste similar to that of the ordinary black tea.

Alfalfa Herbal Teas:

Here come the alfalfa teas which are also acclaimed as one of the great and widely produced and offered herbal teas in the world. The alfalfa teas are considered as a rich source of Vitamins A, C, D, E, and K, including B complex, biotin, carotenes, calcium, trace minerals, iron, and many other nutrients. These herbal teas are now applied in the form of extract, as infusion, dietary supplement, and vegetable.

Parsley

Parsley is a common herb mostly found in kitchens and is widely used in cooking. This herb comes in a number of varieties. The parsleys are differentiated primarily by the appearance of their leaves. They could be curly, flat or divided. Flat-leafed variety is the most popular for medicinal purposes. The ancient Greeks used parsley medicinally in ancient times. Homer recorded that warriors used parsley to feed on their horses. Romans were also credited for being the first ones to use it as food. They ate parsley in large quantity. They also made garlands out of parsley to banquet guests to combat strong odors and discourage toxicity.

Parsley is aromatic albeit mildly and has a sweet taste. It contains starch, mucilage, sugar, volatile oil and Apiin. Apiin is white, inodorous, tasteless and soluble in boiling water. The most popular use of parsley is as a flavoring to sauces, soups, stuffings, rissoles, minces and many others. They are also used in vegetable salads.

For medicinal purposes, the two-year old roots are used. The leaves could be used too for medicinal purposes. The dried leaves and roots are used in making parsley tea. The seeds are used to extract oil called Apiol which is known for its curative value. The best kind of seed that can produce Apiol is from the Triple Moss curled variety. Those in the whole sale drug business usually obtain its seeds from the farmers on the East coast.

Formulations for parsley are teas, juices and fluid extracts which are made from herb’s fresh or dried leaves, roots and in some cases seeds. All these forms are popular in Germany. They take parsley to prevent and cure urinary tract infections, control indigestion and gas and to aid in digesting. As an antidote to bad breath you can pluck parsley from the dinner plate and chew it until the odor is gone.

Parsley herb is good source for iron and minerals. Parsley is a wonderful detoxifier. It has properties than can flush the kidneys and soothe the bladder including the digestive tract. Parsley also have high Vitamin A & C content.

Parsley also does the following functions:

- Lower blood pressure

- Detoxifying and cleansing the body

- Acting as a natural antibiotic

- Has strong deodorizing properties

Parsley does not have any known drug or nutrient interactions. It is generally safe to use in recommended amounts in cooking and medicinal purposes. But care should be exercised in consuming huge amounts of the herb especially the seeds for extended periods. The high concentration of essential oil in the seeds could irritate the stomach, kidneys and other organs.

Parsley dosages include fluid extract root, ½ to 1 drachm. Fluid extract seeds ½ to 1 drachm. Apiol oil 5 to 15 drops in capsule. The roots are collected for the medicinal purposes in the second year usually in autumn or late summer when the plant has flowered. The oil is extracted from the seeds or rather fruits when fresh. Then they are supplied to druggists.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is known for its capacity to enhance vision. It was first isolated in 1930. The body gets its supply of vitamin A through animal fats. The rest is synthesized in the intestines form beta-carotene and other carotenoids which can be found in a number of fruits and vegetables. Vitamin A is stored in the liver. Small amounts can be found in human tissues called retinoids coming from the vitamin’s effect on vision especially retina.

Vitamin A offers a number of health benefits of the body. Among them are:

- Undoubtedly it is the best nutrient for healthy eyesight. It helps in the proper functioning of retina of the eye. And is vital for the mucus membrane surrounding the eyes. It is essential in preventing night blindness.

- It prevents infections such as colds, flu and bronchitis. Since it maintains healthy mucous membranes, Vitamin A helps in fighting colds and other common infections. It also helps in healing the damaged lung tissue in chronic bronchitis and prevents recurrences.

- It fights cancer. Since Vitamin A boosts the immune system then it is valuable in treating breast and lung cancer. And in increasing survival of leukemia patients. Also, protects from melanoma.

- It treats skin disorders such as acne, eczema, psoriasis and rosacea. This is due to the fact that Vitamin A is essential for healthy skin.

- It controls cold sores because of its anti-viral properties.

- It corrects hair and scalp problems which is often a sign of Vitamin A deficiency.

- It encourages healing of minor burns, cuts and scrapes.

- It protects against certain gastrointestinal problems because it protects the lining of the digestive tract thus relieving inflammatory bowel disease and ulcers.

Vitamin A is available in various formulations: tablet, suppository, softgel, ointment, liquid, cream and capsule. The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for Vitamin A is 5000 IU daily for men and 4000 IU daily for women. For those who have vitamin A deficiency symptoms include lesser resistance to infection, flaky scalp, heavy or prolonged menstrual periods, night blindness or even complete blindness. For those that have more than enough, this can cause serious health problems. It is impossible though to get excessive Vitamin A because the body only makes what it needs. Caution should be exercised when taking ‘performed’ vitamin A because it has been synthesized already. Symptoms due to toxicity of Vitamin A include: dry skin, brittle nails, excessive hair loss, bleeding gums, weight loss, irritability, nausea and fatigue.

As a special reminder when buying vitamin A products, keep in mind that some manufacturers use retinol equivalents (RE) instead of international units (IU). To get the recommended daily allowance, one RE is equivalent to 3.3 IU. Vitamin E and zinc helps the body in using Vitamin A. So take a daily dose of both vitamin and mineral in order to get the desired RDA.

To improve resistance to colds, flu and other viral infections, take 50,000 IU twice daily for five days. Reduce it to 25,000 IU a day for not more than 10 days. Do not take vitamin A with isotretinoin or other acne drugs as they can cause high blood levels of vitamin A which leads to side effects. Do not use more than the recommended dosage. And if pregnant, do not take more than 5,000 IU of vitamin A daily. Higher dosage than that could cause birth defects.

Zinc

Zinc is considered as an essential trace mineral. The criteria for knowing whether a trace mineral is essential include presence of nutrient in healthy tissue, if it is found in fetus and newborns and if the body maintains homeostatic control over its uptake in bloodstream or tissue and its excretion.

Zinc is relied on by every cell in the body and hundreds of body processes. It is needed in the immune system, the enzymes that produce DNA to the senses of taste and smell. The body does not manufacture zinc on its own. But this mineral is widely available in drinking water and certain foods.

Zinc has provides the body a number of health benefits, among them are:

- It fights colds and flu. Zinc lozenges can lessen the length and severity of cold and flu. Zinc actually destroys cold virus. Choose zinc lozenges in the form of gluconate, ascorbate or glycinate. Avoid zinc sorbitol, mannitol or critic acid since saliva makes these chemicals ineffective.

- It speeds up healing of canker sores and sore throat. Zinc boosts resistance to canker sores and sore throat. It heals them faster.

- It supports healing of skin wounds, eczema, rosacea, burns and other irritations. It repairs the top layer of the skin by helping to process the essential fatty acids that promote healing.

- It controls acne. Zinc promotes skin health by improving the immune system, lowering inflammation and promoting healthy hormone levels resulting to control of acne.

- It lowers tinnitus. Tinnitus is caused in part by low levels of zinc.

- It treats eye problems. It enhances the benefits of vitamin A.

- It controls diabetes. It improves level of insulin thereby aiding people with type 1 or 2 diabetes control their disease effectively.

- It minimizes digestive complaints by its capacity to promote healing.

- It protects against osteoporosis. It fosters mineral absorption and keep bones health.

- Treats infertility problems related to hormones. Zinc fosters proper cell division during the earliest stages of conception in women. And in men, it is necessary for adequate testosterone levels and sperm counts.

- It reduces enlarged prostate. Zinc promotes health of prostate gland in men and relieves symptoms of BPH or benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Zinc comes in various formulations such as: tablet, lozenge, liquid and capsule. The recommended intake is 15 mg for adult men and 12 mg for adult women. To treats disorders, higher doses are required. Too little of zinc may cause increased risk for colds and flu, impaired wound healing and reduced sense of smell. Skin ailments, low sperm counts and blood sugar tolerance may happen.

Too much that is at 200 mg a day can result to nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Tasking more than 100 mg a day in supplements for long period of time can cause disorders such as reduced levels of HDL or ‘good’ cholesterol.

Zinc may interact with certain drugs and nutrients such as copper. Taking zinc for more than a month may cause reduction the absorption of copper. Take the supplements two hours after iron because this may cause absorption problems too. Zinc can also cause decrease in absorption of antibiotics. Take it two hours after antibiotics such as tetracycline, doxycycline and minocycline. Total daily intake of zinc from food and supplements should not be more than 150 mg a day.

Herbal supplement dictionary

Herbal supplement dictionary pertains to herbal supplements that could bring out holistic health. The herbal supplement dictionary provides information on what are the herbal supplements, what they are, how much you should use and what they do to the body and what cautions, if any, should be exercised if using them. Some of the herbal supplements found in the herbal supplement dictionary are:

Calcium: This is a very vital to bones and is necessary to prevent osteoporosis. For up to 50 years old use 600 mg twice a day. For 50-71 years old, 600-800 mg twice daily and for above 70, 800 mg twice daily.

Magnesium: lowers risk for heart disease, promotes bone and sexual health. Women are required 400 mg of magnesium per day and 333 mg for men.

Folic acid: Is a water-soluble vitamin B that is vital in forming coenzyme for protein synthesis. Required dosage of folic acid is 400 mcg. Patients that are at risk for heart disease need 800 mcg.

Selenium: It is necessary for the synthesis of GPx (glutathione peroxidase) which is an antioxidant. It strengthens the immune system and reduces the risk of prostrate cancer also lung and colorectal.

Iron: This is a good mineral for menstruating women or those with iron deficiency. The recommended dosage for iron is up to 18 mg per day.

Vitamin A: This supplement is fat-soluble which plays a major role in vision and could reduce the risk of cancer. You need to take 5,000 IU per day.

Vitamin B5 or Pyridoxine: Is a group of compounds that contain nitrogen. It is included in the herbal supplement dictionary. Recommended dosage is 2 mg.

Vitamin B12: This is responsible for carbohydrate and protein metabolism. You need 6 mcg daily.

Vitamin E: is a fat soluble vitamin that scavenges the free radicals. You need at least 400 IU daily. Increase it to between 800-1200 mcg if you have heart disease.

Vitamin D: Is fat soluble vitamin that enhances the effects of calcium. You need 10-20 minutes of sunlight to get vitamin D or 400 IU daily. It is good for treating osteoporosis and arthritis.

Vitamin C: Is a water soluble vitamin which has antioxidant effects. It strengthens the immune system, decreases severity of colds and prevents cancer. You need 600 mg twice daily.

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