"Researchers have estimated that each cell in the body takes approximately 10,000 free radical "hits" per day." If you ever wondered why an apple turns brown after you cut it or why iron rusts when exposed to the elements, you are questioning the damage and destructive effects of oxidants (free radicals) normally found in the environment. Oxidation causes similar harm to the cells of your body. When you breathe, digest food, exercise or just sleep, your body produces potentially harmful agents called "free radicals." Excess free radicals impair the functioning of the human body and not only accelerate the aging process, but many degenerative human diseases including cancers, heart disease, diabetes, macular degeneration, cataracts, osteoarthritis and alzheimer's have been recognized as being a consequence of free radical damage. Free radicals are unpaired oxygen molecules found in the body. This makes them reactive and unstable. There are many natural actions of the body which produce free radicals. Immune system cells, for instance, kill bacteria by deliberately producing free radicals which instantly attack the bacteria and kill it. There are many important and beneficial sources of free radicals within the body. But, there are also free radicals being produced within the body far in excess of what is needed for proper functioning. When in excess, they ricochet wildly throughout the body damaging cells and oxidizing holes in the cell walls. They disrupt and harm the function and structure of your DNA, mitochondria and cell membranes. They can deplete your immune system and cause premature aging. Supplementation for Optimal Aging and Health We are exposed to free ra-dicals through stress, sources such as pollution, toxins, food additives, aerosol products, and cigarette smoke. Our body's organs, tissues, and cells are weakened through excess free radical damage. Some weakening is part of the natural aging process however; the introduction of more and more free radicals breaks down our body's natural ability to fight back.

The body has its own natural antioxidants-substances that neutralize free radicals before they can damage substantial numbers of cells. If the antioxidants don't stop the free radicals, or if there are insufficient antioxidants in the body, the damage accumulates and fast-forwards aging and disease. Antioxidant . It is nutrients can be minerals, vitamins, or plant phytochemicals. The minerals zinc, selenium, magnesium, and manganese function as important nutrient cofactors or "helpers".

Glutathione is found in the body and is the body's primary antioxidant present in nearly all of our cells and works together with other cellular antioxidants including selenium, vitamin C, vitamin E, and alphalipoic acid. Glutathione is very important. It enhances the immune system, plays a protective role against the damaging effects of bacteria, viruses, pollutants, and functions as a major detoxifying agent of chemical compounds including carcinogens and drugs. Boosting glutathione levels in the body has been proven to be essential in the treatment of disease. Supplementation of glutathione becomes necessary due to the increasingly polluted environment we live in, along with our elevated stress and free radical levels.

Today there is a large amount of research data suggesting that high dietary intakes of antioxidant-rich fruits, vegetables and supplements lower the risk of many degenerative conditions and old-age diseases. Consuming foods with a high ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) value can fight off free radicals and may help slow the processes associated with aging. Some of these foods include blueberries, blackberries, prunes and spinach.

Levels of Radical Activity

"The question is no longer whether to take antioxidants...The only question is, how much? "

There are now ways to measure the levels of free radical activity in your body. Through Nutritional Screening Assessments and Home Antioxidant Test Kits, you will be able to measure the amount of free radical damage. These tests can define the need for antioxidants and or determine whether or not the antioxidants you are currently taking are enough.

Free radicals attack lipid (fat) compounds in cell membranes and in the blood and alter other molecules causing them to become oxidized. This process of oxidizing fats is called "lipid peroxidation" and reflects the oxidative stress to body fat molecules created by these free radicals. The degree of lipid peroxidation may be determined by using these tests, as they measure the by-products of this process.

These tests are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. They are used as a guide so a person may adjust their lifestyle, modify their diet and include a nutritional supplementation program to enhance their antioxidants stores to prevent the damaging effects of free radicals. These medically developed assessments are one of the finest tools of preventative care. Because we all know that prevention is the best medicine and the long term damage of free radicals can be kept to a minimum with the right approach.

Supplementation for Optimal Aging and Health

Daily MUSTS

Thione Lozenges - A unique blend of antioxidants that have been formulated to mimic the body's own antioxidant defense system. This product combines, L-glutathione, with its own synergistic antioxidant partners (nacetyl- cysteine, vitamin A, C, E grape seed extract, selenium, zinc and manganese) to keep the antioxidant cycle working to fight free radicals. It has been formulated as a lozenge. The cells in the lining of the mouth are capable of absorbing glutathione and its partners and effectively delivering them into the blood and to all the organs of the body. Research has shown that the lozenge form is a far superior delivery method than capsules or tablets that are taken orally and absorbed via the small intestines..

CoQ10 - or Coenzyme Q10 is found in the mitochondria of all cells. It has been shown to exhibit activity as a free radical scavenger and antioxidant. The antioxidant effects of CoQ10 are well- established. In heart disease, CoQ10 has shown benefits in patients with heart failure. It may strengthen the heart, improve energy levels and improve immune function. Individual's taking cholesterol-lowering medications may benefit from CoQ10 supplements because these medications can reduce blood levels of CoQ10.

Alpha-lipoic acid - functions as both a water and fat-soluble antioxidant. It can enter virtually all parts of the cell to neutralize free radicals and boost glutathione levels. It directly recycles and extends the lifespan of Vitamin C, glutathione and coenzyme Q10 and it indirectly renews vitamin E.

Greens Formulation - Rich in phytonutrients from green foods, super foods and herbs, greens products are a must each day. Greens, particularly those with the addition of blueberries are of particular interest because of their high antioxidant capacity. Dietary supplementation of an extract from blueberries has been shown to provide additional protection against free radicals

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