The RIGHT Way to Detox. Counting Calories or Counting Chemicals?

Spring is a time where we become more aware of the importance of detoxification due to the changing of the season and the need of the body to shift into new energies and lifestyles. 

From beauty magazines to wellness bloggers, we see many talking about their favorite detoxes. Detoxes for skin, rapid detoxes, juice detoxes, colon cleanses – you name it! It seems everyone has their own take on how to detox your body.

BUT .... is it appropriate, safe, or right for you?

Let’s chat about what it means to truly detox your body. No lemon drinks or apple cider vinegar fasts – this article shares how to truly detox your beautiful bod - through your detox pathways and a look at the different ways you can support them for truly safe and effective detoxification.

First things first. 

Your body has four major detoxification organs, and they are:

• Your liver
• Your kidneys
• Your digestive system
• Your skin
  
  Other detoxification pathways include your lungs and lymphatic system but these are the four major organs that can easily be supported for effective and improved detoxification.

We are exposed to tens of thousands of chemicals every day. While everyone should be working to reduce their daily toxin exposure, the truth of the matter is unless you live in a bubble – you can’t possible eliminate all toxin exposure. That being said, no one should rely on detoxification alone – read about how to Reduce Your Daily Toxin Exposure, in my free guide.

When it comes to being healthy, implementing detoxification techniques should be right up there with diet and exercise. This advice goes for everyone, but is especially important for anyone dealing with chronic health issues. Let’s look at the four detoxification organs more closely and learn how you can support each for optimal detoxification that goes beyond a trendy one time spring cleaning. 

1. Detox Through Your Liver

When it comes to your body’s detoxification pathways your liver is the workhorse of organs. The largest solid organ in your body, your liver takes quite the beating as it filters through toxins, proteins, fats, and more.  

Your liver is about the size of a football and is divided into two lobes, which has eight segments. Compared to the rest of your body, your liver requires a lot of blood and contains between 10 to 13 percent of your entire blood supply in it at one time.

Though your liver has a ton of work to do when it comes to detoxifying your body, it’s up for the challenge – provided you give it the support it needs. Detoxification in the liver happens in two-parts – phase 1 and phase 2. Each phase has different requirements, which you can support through diet and supplementation.

You can support Phase 1 liver detox with:

• B vitamin supplements
• Folate
• Glutathione
• Polyphenols
• Quercetin
• Lycopene

You can support Phase 2 liver detox with:

• Vitamin B5
• Vitamin B12
• Vitamin C
• Folate
• Glutathione
• Magnesium
• Essential amino acids

Studies have also found that intermittent fasting supports Phase 2 detoxification.

Foods known to positively impact liver detoxification include:

• Cruciferous vegetables
• Grapefruit
• Resveratrol
• Fish oils
• Green and black tea

2. Detox Through Your Kidneys

You have two kidneys located on either side of your spine just below the ribs. Your kidneys filter between 120 to 150 quarts of blood each day, which produces one to two quarts of urine. Your urine contains excess fluid and waste as a method of detoxification.

Blood is filtered through a million nephrons, where each contains a glomerulus and tubule. These prevent large molecules from passing through while filtering out waste products. Additionally, nuclear factor erythroid 2 (Nrf2) is a transcription factor known to protect the kidneys from oxidative stress. To improve your body’s detoxification processes, you’ll need to be sure to support these important processes.

You can support kidney detoxification with:

• Vitamin B12
• Resveratrol
• Isoflavonoids
• Astaxanthin

Foods known to boost kidney detoxification include:

• Coffee
• Garlic
• Turmeric
• Ginger
• Rose
• Rosemary
• Blueberry
• Broccoli
• Seaweed
• Beets
• Cranberries

 

3. Detox Through Your Digestive System

Going to the bathroom is another major detoxification pathway. If you aren’t going regularly or are constipated, this is more than a discomfort – you’re actually not getting necessary waste out.

Also, if you have any digestive issues – like leaky gut for example – your gut detoxification pathway isn’t functioning at its prime and that’s also an issue.

You can support digestive detoxification with:

• Making sure you address any underlying gut issues. This means healing leaky gut, eliminating gluten and food sensitivities, and anything else that might be preventing your digestive system from functioning optimally.
   
• Use detox binders – Detox binders, like activated charcoal and certain clays, can help collect toxins along the digestive tract and help your body eliminate them through your waste.

Foods that can support gut detoxification include anything that supports a healthy microbiome:

• Probiotic foods including sauerkraut and kimchi
• Prebiotic foods like Jerusalem artichoke and garlic
   

4. Detox Through Your Skin

Your skin plays an important role in biotransformation and detoxification through eliminating toxic substances. Your skin also helps reduce oxidative stress through sweating, it’s metabolizing enzymes, and redox regulation. The best ways to support your skin’s natural detox pathways is by eating nutrient dense foods and sweating more.

You can support detoxification through your skin with:

• Exercise – One of the best things about exercise is it gets you sweating. Sweating is an important detoxification pathway in your body that only works when it’s turned on. Meaning, if you’re not sweating on a regular basis you aren’t getting the benefits of this detoxification pathway. When you exercise, make sure you sweat so you get the most out of your work out.
   
• Infrared saunas – Infrared saunas heat your core temperature and make you really sweat. This has been shown to help your body excrete heavy metals like arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury. Plus, infrared saunas are incredibly enjoyable. I recommend you look for an infrared sauna near you and incorporate it into your weekly routine today.
   
• Dry brushing – Dry brushing actually works through stimulating the lymphatic system but it also can help remove toxins on the surface and exfoliate dead skin too.

If you’re going to jump on the detox bandwagon this spring, I recommend you use methods that actually work. Instead of choosing something trendy, why don’t you incorporate some of these detox techniques into your everyday life so you can reap the benefits of detoxification on a daily level.

Too many people are counting calories and not enough people are counting chemicals and it’s time we paid attention with better detoxification practices.

---

Thank you Dr Jill Carnahan for sharing this great information. Find the full article here.

Resources:

• https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/liver_biliary_and_pancreatic_disorders/liver_anatomy_and_functions_85,P00676
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4488002/
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3591652/
• https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/kidney-disease/kidneys-how-they-work
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4488002/
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3415238/
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3312275/

Know your pH if you're going to detox...it's critical.

The Key Players of Detoxification Warning:  It is not suggested to detox without knowing the level of pH in your body. Why?  If you throw your body into a "dump mode" it will only shift from one side of your body into another, never being fully excreted. This can leave you in a much worse place than what you started with.  Read on to learn about the "TRIO" which is used prior to detoxification.
3 Products to Promote an Optimal pH and Whole Body Health 1.  Coral Legend 2oz - The best in ionized minerals yet found. A unique marine coral powder, rich in naturally ionized cal­cium, magnesium and trace minerals (NOT colloidal minerals); an optimal 2 to 1 ratio (calcium to magnesium); 100% pure coral (no added sand or other fillers). 2.  Premier Aloe (Powder or Liquid) - Highly charged, concentrated organic aloe powder combined with pure organic pome­granate: the “gateway” transporter of the ionized coral minerals, a natural chelating agent bonding the minerals to the aloe’s amino acids, thereby targeting them to the organs and endocrine glands. 3.  Premier D3 Serum - Rich  natural vitamin D, an absolute requirement for ab­sorbing calcium
1. Premier Ionized Coral Powder The highly ionized minerals in our unique coral (ionized calcium, magnesium, trace minerals) allow immediate absorption. 2. Helps Promote Optimal pH Quickly Considered the best pH balancer by many doctors and biochemists. 3. Easily Dissolvable 100% fine-mesh coral powder (absolutely no additives), easily dissolv-able in water or other liquids. Great delivery with instant assimilation. 4. Feeling Great Imparts an immediate sense of well-being for most people usually within a few minutes or within 24 hours. 5. Incredible Results Both doctors and patients report many health-benefitting results such as greater flexibility, easier breathing, faster running times, clearer mental thinking, sound sleep, etc.
pH Acid • Feeling lousy, pessimistic • Angry, irritable • Fatigue, no energy • No desire to help others	pH Optimal • Feeling great, optimistic • Happy, joyful • Full of energy • Desire to help others The Key To Great Health
What Is Your pH? To test your own body’s pH, collect a small sample of your first morning urine in a clean cup. Check the pH of your urine by dipping a small piece of pH tape into your urine; then immediately match the color of the tape to the pH color chart on the roll. The number corresponding to the color tells you the pH. After you wet the tape, do not wait. Immediately match the color. If you delay for a few minutes, you may get a false reading. Ideal pH: An ideal first morning urine pH range is between 6.4 to 7.0. Acid pH: A urine pH below 6.0 is in the acid range (minerals badly needed; time to rebuild your mineral status). Highly alkaline pH: a urine pH over 8.0 is often a danger sign, warn­ing you that your pH is too far out of range. (Minerals are exhausted; you may be in emergency alkalosis where the body is using anything it can [i.e. ammonia] to try to buffer the increased acid load.) If the body’s pH becomes acidic, it becomes harder and harder for the body to uptake other nutrients, such as minerals, vitamins or herbs. The key is to establish the proper acid/alkaline balance of your body.* An acidic pH creates a hostile internal environment, like a raging storm, making the body struggle to get the nutrients it needs. The more acid you become, the worse you will most likely feel. As the body’s pH comes into better balance (pH 6.4 to 7.0), it is like a sunny spring day; your body can easily assimilate miner­als that were very difficult to absorb at a more acid pH. The first morning urine pH is an accurate reflection of the body’s tissue pH. Obtain a roll of pH tape to measure your own first morning urine pH. The Calcium Factor The body must reduce any form of calcium into its ionized form in order to use it. Since up to 92% of the calcium in Coral Legend is already ionized, the body can use the calcium immediately without having to break it down. (Great news for the elderly and those with poor digestion.) A key role of ionized calcium is to neutralize acidic compounds anywhere in the body, before damage takes place. Ionized calcium is critcial in order to help promote cleansing.* (Even a great herbal detox won’t work very well without ionized calcium.) The GateWay Factor We call Coral Legend the “Gateway Factor” because as it begins to promote the proper acid/alkaline balance in the body, it can also potentiate (like a “gateway”) the uptake of other nutrients as found in food or supplements.* Once the acid/alkaline balance moves back into a more optimal range, nutrients are more accessible and uptake is greater. Up To 10 To 20 Times More Oxygen In an alkaline environment, you have abundant oxygen. As the pH of the urine drops, less and less oxygen is available to the tissues. Small changes of 1/10 to 2/10 in pH can mean 10 to 20 times more oxygen availability. Ionized calcium (as found in coral) is the key mineral to help keep the pH near ideal.* Nutritional Breakthrough We have found that the ionized minerals in Coral Legend have spectacular tissue bioavailability when mixed with Premier Aloe Powder. When mixed with Coral Legend, the amino acid structure of the aloe powder ideally targets the coral minerals to the soft tissue for greater metabolic efficiency. In addition, Premier D3 Seruml is needed to supply an ideal source of vitamin D. Vitamin D is a requirement for the intestinal absorption of calcium. Without sufficient vitamin D, you cannot adequately absorb calcium. Most people do not consume enough vitamin D in their diets. The pH Trio is the perfect daily nutritional foundation for every family member. Contact Kassandra at  kassie@kasiaorganicsalon.com  for any questions or to purchase your pH Trio!

Reference: http://www.radiantlivingcenter.com/

Get it while it is HOT!

Get it while it is HOT!

The Kasia Team has been busy keeping the heat on this month!  In the Infrared...that is!

We celebrate the growing visits of cleansing and relaxation as well as the ability for you  to take the time out of your schedule to pay attention to YOU

If you have not tried this new modality of "Beautiful Health" ...here is your chance!

I think you would agree Contact First Name, the time of year in using a sauna could not be better.  Remember, you can adjust the heat as you build up your comfort and sweat.

Get it while it is HOT! The Power Of 10!  ..... Save $110!

Our Power of 10 Special is a package of 10 sessions of thirty minutes of relaxing sauna sessions for $290 (originally $400)

Our Power of 5 Special is a package of 5 sessions of thirty minutes of relaxing sauna sessions for $175 (originally $200) Have you detoxed lately?

Treatment and therapy for many symptoms can incorporate FIR saunas and their powerful effects.

Your Skin: A study published in The Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy showed significant improvements in skin appearance after just 12 weeks of sauna skin therapy using near-infrared technology. Participants experienced a reduction in wrinkles and crow's feet, as well as improved overall skin tone, including softness, smoothness, elasticity, clarity and firmness. Sunlighten's Solocarbon Custom Spectrum is the only infrared sauna heater on the market with near-infrared technology!

Healthy Weight:  When it comes to burning calories with infrared heat, only Sunlighten saunas have been clinically shown to dramatically aid in weight loss. Results from a 2009 study indicated that Sunlighten saunas are beneficial for lowering weight and waist circumference in just a 3-month period.

Additional FIR sauna benefits can include:

* * promoting killing of pathogenic bacteria, viruses, fungi & parasites * * reducing stress, fatigue, pain & sleep disturbance * * reducing depression * * preventing seasonal affect disorder

Learn more HERE

Stop by Kasia Organic Salon to cleanse, relax, and rid some stubborn calories today!

Essentially Fabulous! How to Attack Hormone Imbalance Using Organic Essential Oils

Hormonal imbalance is a condition that is unique to each individual and therefore requires personalized treatment—what works for one person may not work for another. A doctor will likely prescribe those with a hormonal imbalance (such as menopause) prescription drugs and a hormone therapy treatment course, however this is no longer a favored treatment by the most doctors and patients due to its long-term health risks. The good news is for those who prefer to go natural, there is no doubt that using a combination of essential oils and a body detox will leave you feeling fabulous while battling the symptoms of menopause.

Are We Experiencing Hormone Havoc?

Contrary to the medical mindset, menopause is not a hormone deficiency disease. Menopause is the result of industrialization and the recurring chemicals (known as xeno-estrogens) in our environment. An unhealthy lifestyle, including changes to our diet and lack of exercise, are caused by our hectic pace of life and wreak havoc on our hormonal system.

The Effects of Xeno-Estrogens

Harmful chemicals in our food, beauty products, cosmetics, air and water supplies are creating a toxic environment within our bodies which lead to disruptions in our delicate hormonal balance. As a result of xeno-estrogens in our environment, there are cases of women as young as their mid-30s entering menopause.  But it is not just mature women who are experiencing the devastating effects- this toxicity is also progressing young girls into womanhood as young as 8 years old (with the average age in the USA being 12).

What are Xeno-Estrogens?

Xeno-estrogens are synthetic estrogens or estrogen-like compounds. They are found in dairy products, meat (including chicken and beef), soy-based products and personal care products.  They leach from the plastics we store our foods in, the Teflon we cook in and even the cans our processed foods come in.

Pesticides and fertilizers have also contributed xeno-estrogens to our water, air and soil reserves-- as you can see our world is full of these estrogen-like compounds. While we can never eradicate them from our environment, we can avoid things that will cause further upset to our hormone imbalance, especially while going through menopause.

Xeno-Estrogens and Menopause

Most of the symptoms associated with menopause are the result of estrogen dominance- the excess of estrogen compounds in our bodies.  This imbalance of estrogen to progesterone can cause problems such as:

• decreased sex drive
• irregular or abnormal periods
• mood swings or depression
• weight gain (estrogen turns energy into fat)
• osteoporosis

Scary stuff, but rest assured that you can help your body fight estrogen dominance by rebalancing your hormones and detoxifying your body. Here are the key steps to balancing your hormones:

1. Reduce stress
2. Reduce chemical-laden personal care products
3. Reduce toxicity from synthetic estrogens
4. Increase progesterone levels
5. Treat symptoms of imbalance with essential oils
6. Lymphatic massage

In addition to balancing your hormones, a body detox program is essential. Detoxification can include steps such as changing the foods you eat, doing an internal cleanse and partaking in homeopathic healing treatments such as lymphatic massage. What Happens During A Detox?

There are two phases that take place in the body as you start to cleanse.

* Phase 1: Fat-soluble toxins are converted to water-soluble substances.  If this is process is not adequately accomplished, it leads to free radical production in the body.

* Phase 2: Conjugation is the combining of water-soluble substances with another compound to be released through the kidneys (as with chelation).  This must be accomplished quickly, and requires adequate fuel: antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.

Supplementation During Detoxification

When laden with chemicals, the body needs a helping hand to aid in the detox process. Cleansing and hormonal support nutritional supplements can give your body extra aid efficiently flush toxins. Medical Foods by Metagenics is a supplement that provides a balanced source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that will allow the body to ease through these two phases.

Meta I 3 C is a naturally occurring compound found in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, brussel sprouts, and cabbage. Through its ability to promote the breakdown of estrogen to its beneficial, protective metabolite—2-hydroxyestrone—indole-3-carbinol may be safe and effective way to help achieve beneficial balance in estrogen metabolism.

Indole-3 Carbinol

(I3C) over Diindolylmethane (DIM)

Both I3C and DIM do the exact same thing, converting estrogen into beneficial metabolites, with clinical evidence to support them. DIM, however, is poorly absorbed, making it necessary to use special forms available on the market that enhance its bioavailability.

Glutathione

Glutathione is also the most critical and integral part of your detoxification system.  Toxins cling to glutathione molecules, which then carries them into the bile and the stool -- and out of your body. For those who have been exposed to chemicals such as xeno-estrogens, we can see the importance of having enough Glutathione in the system.

Glutathione is a powerful yet very simple molecule that is produced naturally in your body.  It is a combination of three simple building blocks of protein needed for good health and maintaining body function.  Normally glutathione is recycled in the body, except when the toxic load becomes too great. You can raise your Glutathione up to 300% by using supplements such as Protandim.

Cleanse Your Body With Essential Oils:

Essential oils are versatile which makes them a great way to help detoxify your body- use in the bath, as a face spritzer or massage oil for excellent results. Massage therapy is not only relaxing and restorative; it allows your body to excrete toxins up to 200 times faster than on its own.

Important Essential Oils For Hormone Rebalancing and Detoxifying

Limonene is a compound found in particularly high levels in citrus oils. Limonene increases glutathione levels in the body making things like lemon, grapefruit and orange essence great detoxifiers, especially for petrochemical substances. Use grapefruit oil as massage oil for an ultra- clarifying, cellulite-busting treatment.

It has also been found that simply inhaling the aroma of citrus oils will balance hormones.  Their fragrance stimulates the endocrine system (most notably the hypothalamus) which has a role in governing hormone balance.

Invest In A Purifying Blend

The therapeutic benefits of using a purifying blend are endless, but some of the major advantages are:

• Balanced emotional and physical excesses such as resentment, jealousy, overeating, and alcohol and drug addictions
• Enjoy a cleansed blood and lymphatic system while flushing out toxins.

Try This At Home

A ready-made, high grade therapeutic purifying blend to aid in your cleansing and rebalancing regime is the Elizabeth Van Buren Purifying Easy Blend. This soothing blend of essential oils includes Juniper, Grapefruit, Angelica Root, Lemongrass, Lemon, Rosemary, Cypress, and Fennel in a moisturizing Jojoba oil base.

Essentials Oils to Promote Progesterone

Reducing excess estrogen in the body is important for good health, but don’t forget about the importance of having enough progesterone. Thyme, as well as oregano oil, will support progesterone production and help to balance estrogen compounds in the body.

For a balancing boost of progesterone production, simply place 1-2 drops of the oil on the bottom of the feet. Do not over-use oregano! Use daily for 10 days, and then give your system a rest.

Quick Tips For Managing Menopause Symptoms:

For hot flashes, peppermint oil can be massaged into the bottom of the feet or the back of the neck.  You can also mix it with water and spritz it.

Other oils to consider are geranium, citrus oils such as wild orange, grapefruit and lemon, and clary sage.

Reduce Hot Flashes Naturally:

Add 11 drops Geranium and 7 drops Lemon to warm bath water for a soothing soak. You can also use 1 oz Jojoba Oil and massage it into the body to relieve hot flash symptoms, and remember to avoid caffeine and alcohol for best results.

Banish Night Sweats:

Add 10 drops Grapefruit to 10 drops Geranium and massage into the body.

Fight Fatigue:

Apply peppermint oil over the liver and adrenal glands.

Rev Up Your Libido:

Try ylang ylang, ginger, peppermint, clary sage. 

Menopause Relief Essential Oils Shopping List:

If you are looking to combat the symptoms of menopause, the following essential oils are worth purchasing:

Geranium

Rose

Chamomile

Grapefruit

Rosewood

Orange

Clary Sage

Lavender

Fennel

Peppermint

How To Buy The Best Essential Oils

When buying essential oils, research is the key to getting the best results. With fewer than 2% of all essential oils in the USA being true therapeutic grade, it’s no wonder many people experience allergic reaction, or little to no results.

Only purchase oils that are 100% Pure Therapeutic Grade and have been GC/MS tested. This will ensure that your oils are authentic, pure and not mixed with any synthetic ingredients. Try Elizabeth Van Buren Essential Oils for GC/MS tested, high grade essential oils that will leave you feeling energized and healthy.

Lifestyle Tips to Keep Hormone Balance in Check

In addition to adopting a healthy diet and exercise regime, remember these tips to ensure you treat your body right, and keep your hormone levels in check:

• Never heat food in plastic containers, always use glass instead.
• Get rid of plastics- drink water from a tap filter or if you must have bottled, use glass.
• Do not drink water in plastic bottles that have been left in the car or frozen in the freezer.
• Eat natural, whole foods as much as possible and cut out processed and packaged foods from your diet.
• Use natural beauty products- this includes shampoo, cosmetics, body creams and hair dyes.

Kassie Kuehl is a respected leader and educator in natural health and beauty care. The founder of Kasia Organic Salon and many result orientated "beautiful health" products, and experts in ammonia free hair color.  Kasia remains on the cutting edge of all-natural, chemical free, and organic professional hair, skin, and body products and services.

To become an Informed Beauty, contact Kassie at 612 824 7611, or visit www.kasiaorganicsalon.com.

References:

1. http://www.gritman.com/EO_Papers/Menopause4.html
2. PEDIATRICS Vol. 111 No. 1 January 2003, pp. 110-113

Age at Menarche and Racial Comparisons in US Girls

William Cameron Chumlea, PhD^*,Christine M. Schubert, MS^*,Alex F. Roche, MD, PhD, DSc^*,Howard E. Kulin, MD, Peter A. Lee, MD, PhD,John H. Himes, PhD, MPH, Shumei S. Sun, PhD

1. “Hormone therapy: Is it right for you?” Author: Mayo Clinic Staff Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hormone-therapy/WO00046

Glutathione, a Key Antioxidant and Anti-aging Factor

Did You Know?    Your Cells Can Produce Super Anti-Oxidant Enzymes

According to Dr Joe McCord, who has been nominated for the Nobel Prize in Medicine four times, our cells have the ability to produce super anti-oxidant enzymes that can each eliminate up to "one million free radicals per second, every second, 24 hours a day", without being depleted!  This makes all other plant based anti-oxidant products pale in comparison - because one molecule of a plant derived anti-oxidant only eliminates one free radical molecule and they are both eliminated in the process.

Everything that eats has to go to the bathroom, including our body cells, and every cell that lives on oxygen has the byproduct of free radicals.  Our cells have a gene that can be "switched on" again so they can produce the same levels of super anti-oxidant enzymes as a healthy 20 year old, which is the same levels as found at birth!

The single most important factor in this understanding and slowing down of aging, is in the area of free radicals. Free radicals are reactive molecules found in the body.  They are produced by cells every time food is metabolized, by the immune system to fight infection, and by various types of toxins that one can be exposed to in day to day life.  Free radicals are unstable and their goal is to become stable by acquiring an electron. This results in a deleterious chain reaction. As one free radical becomes stable, another free radical is formed. This can be a real problem and eventually lead to accelerated aging and disease when the electrons grabbed, to stabilize free radicals come from cell membranes, mitochondria, DNA, and so on...

Substances called antioxidants, neutralize free radicals by donating their own electrons. Antioxidants normally come from our diet, but if our diet does not provide the body with specific vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients we will have difficulty quenching free radicals and we will experience oxidative stress. In other words, free radicals start outnumbering the antioxidants and start doing damage to the body.

Just as oxidation causes an apple to turn brown when exposed to air and metal to rust, oxidation causes the body to age. And poor dietary choices aren't the only contributing factors of oxidative stress. The following is a list of factors that impact levels of free radicals and the ability to deactivate their destructiveness:

* pollution,

* drugs,

* radiation,

* stress,

* trauma,

* injury,

* burns,

* and infection by viruses and bacteria.

There are many antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, and E, minerals like selenium and zinc, but the most powerful antioxidant of all is glutathione. An endogenous or intracellular antioxidant, it is found in every cell of the body. Other antioxidants are exogenous, meaning they come from outside sources, ie the food we eat. Glutathione, however, is manufactured within the cell using specific building blocks or precursors from food. The reason the glutathion is the key cellular antioxidant is that when other antioxidants become imbalanced after the loss of one of their electrons, glutathione neutralizes the danger and recharges the antioxidants by donating an electron. These spent antioxidants can once again go about their job protecting the body.

Results of a new peer-reviewed study published online in the journal Free Radical Biology and Medicine clearly demonstrates that the synergistic impact of the active ingredients used in the formulation of Protandim(R) dramatically increases the body's production of glutathione, a key antioxidant and anti-aging factor, as well as increases important antioxidant enzymes

Dr. Joe McCord, a co-author of the study, commented, "The results of this study may change how we view aging and the factors that impact healthy aging. Notably, glutathione, which is of particular interest to many disease researchers, was increased more than 300 percent with Protandim. Glutathione plays a key role in the immune system and when glutathione levels drop, a person's ability to fight disease also decreases. In addition to the findings on glutathione, the study also shows that Protandim delivers an antioxidant benefit to the body that exceeds those provided by vitamins E and C."

McCord added, "Contrary to popular belief, our bodies don't actually rely upon the intake of vitamins, such as C and E, to maintain proper antioxidant balance; rather we utilize a complex network of antioxidant enzymes to maintain health and protect against oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is damaging to our bodies in that it is a major contributor to aging, weakened immune function, and over 200 diseases. In fact, the use of direct antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, as an effective way to reduce oxidative stress has been largely discredited in the past few years. Under some circumstances, vitamins such as C and E can actually promote oxidative stress rather than relieve it. Protandim(R) reduces oxidative stress by enhancing the body's entire network of antioxidant enzymes."

The study was conducted by scientists at the University of Colorado Denver and Ochsner Medical Center and illustrates that all five of Protandim's active ingredients contribute synergistically to the composition's activity, allowing it to work at low, pharmacologically attainable doses of each. Even low doses of Protandim were shown to induce human cells to increase their production of many antioxidant enzymes, and other anti-aging factors.

Learn more here about Glutathione and Protandim!