Ok, I admit it, I’m over 40, and I have lovely silver strands adorning my head. I used to think those women who said 40 was a turning point in their aging process were just exaggerating. I still hear women over 40 complain about their skin, hair, nails, wrinkles, sagging body parts, excess weight gain, diminished memory, exhaustion and hormones. I don’t consider 40 old, it’s not even middle aged to me. I think 50 is closer to middle age, but I’m noticing a few things changing in my body.
We are all aging and all going to die at some point. I know there are surgeries, potions and supplements to counter the affects of aging. If someone wishes to have a facelift that is their decision, and I completely respect this. I’d rather grow old gracefully, naturally and surgery-free. I’m less worried about how I look and more concerned with my health – the healthier I am the better I look!
I have good news! I found something that can work with both health and your looks…
(Keep reading to find out more about this natural magic ingredient)
Aging is the result of Oxidative Stress. The more we have the quicker we age. Oxidative stress damages our cells and shortens the telomeres. Telomeres are the repetitive DNA at the end of our chromosomes which protect them from deterioration. (www.news-medical.net/health/Telomere-What-are-Telomeres.aspx Sep 15, 2014 ) When these shorten, we age more quickly and are increasingly vulnerable to disease.
What is Oxidative Stress?
One simple example is rusting iron. Rust is the result of oxidation due to exposure to oxygen and moisture. We need oxygen to live but high concentrations are corrosive and toxic. When we digest our food and combine it with oxygen from the air we breathe we create fuel on which our bodies run. When you use this energy it is like burning fuel, and there are dangerous by-products from your metabolism that damages your cells. Another name for these by-products is free radicals. Just being a couch potato causes free radicals because your body is continuously creating energy to run every system in your body.
The constant production of free radicals occurs during the normal course of metabolism plus other exposures from the environment such as heavy metals, toxins in the air, food and water. Also processed foods, natural and artificial radiation, stress levels, dehydration, and other sources of oxidizing activity like tobacco smoke and alcohol. Oxidative stress is the total burden your body experiences from both basic metabolism and environmental factors.
Free radical damage and oxidative stress causes inflammation, which is part of every single disease pattern science has ever identified. Reducing inflammation also slows the aging process.
How can we reverse Oxidative Stress? Antioxidants counter Oxidative stress, but we often don’t get enough or the right kinds. There are abundant antioxidants in organic, vine ripened vegetables and fruits. But often we don’t eat enough or a wide enough variety.
One of the Most Potent Antioxidants that Science has Found is Glutathione.
Glutathione is the mother of Antioxidants! It is absolutely necessary for anti-aging, cancer prevention, heart disease, dementia, general disease prevention, and supports optimal health. It miraculously makes me feel like I’m reversing the hands of time from the inside out. I found out that graying hair is often a sign of oxidative stress and the need for more antioxidants. Glutathione to the rescue!
Your body is brilliant and capable of healing and regenerating so it can produce it’s own glutathione. Unfortunately many things that impact this production are out of your control such as pollution, radiation, aging, trauma, toxins, and medications (there are many pharmaceutical residuals found in our water supply these days). Things you do have more control over are diet (poor diet prevents your body from making and using glutathione), stress, some medications (seek holistic and alternative support first), finding and dealing with latent infections (infections will also stop your body from making and using glutathione). Toxins and chemicals in your food, air, water and home along with work environment are often in your control.
Everything mentioned above depletes your glutathione levels. This means that your cells are even more susceptible to oxidative stress and thus cell destruction, free radical damage, infections, aging, disease, and even cancer.
And about 1/3 of all people suffering with some degree of illness, are missing the essential genes that support healthy detoxification and glutathione production. This increases disease, aging and suffering. But there is hope. You can be genetically tested to see if you are one of these people or begin taking Glutathione now.
One way to increase your glutathione levels naturally is to eat more high sulfur foods such as garlic, onions and the cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussel sprouts, kale, collards, and watercress to name a few).
Exercise also naturally increases your glutathione levels, increases detoxification, and helps support healthy immune function. Begin slowly and work up to High Intensity Interval Training – short bursts of exercise going all out. Like 30 seconds of intense cardiovascular exercise and 30 seconds rest. You may prefer 40 or 60 seconds of all out cardio followed by 40 or 60 seconds of rest. Do 3 sets of these 5x week. Slowly work up to 10-15 sets. Avoid long bouts of exercise or long distance training, this creates more oxidative stress, aging, degeneration and tissue destruction.
You can also begin to take supplements that help you recycle glutathione and therefore better produce and utilize it in your body. These include:
- Alpha Lipoic Acid
- N-acetyl-cycstein
- Selenium (in the form selenomethionine)
- Methylation support: B12 (methylcobalamin NEVER use cyanocobalabin), B6 and Methyl Folate in the form of 5 methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF)
- Vitamin C and E
Next weeks’ blog will discuss the pros and cons of different types of Glutathione supplements and how to take them. See you with more great news on anti-aging next week!
Please post your comments and questions on my Facebook page – I look forward to hearing from you!
Blessings of Vibrant Health,
Kristin Grayce McGary