Natural Health Solutions - Michele Sevier

Is it Better to Burn Out or Just Fade Away?

Out of the blue and into the black
They give you this, but you pay for that
And once you're gone, you can never come back
When you're out of the blue and into the black.

Hey hey, My my…. Neil Young, Out of the Blue

Today’s reality is vastly different than yesterday’s dream. Juggling life’s professional and personal demands is difficult at the best of times. Physical activity and healthy eating are often put on the back burner in our fast paced society. Energy levels wane, fatigue grows, and sleeping habits suffer. We become so wrapped up in day-to-day living that we forget the negative burden stress and its associated lifestyle choices place on our well-being - particularly our heart health.

According to David Sculthorpe, CEO, of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, “Eight out of 10 Canadians know that heart disease and stroke can be prevented, postponed or treated by making healthy lifestyle choices but they are focusing on the barriers rather than the opportunities. Three-quarters said they would be more active and over half said they would eat healthier meals if they could. And one of the leading barriers that keeps them from following through? Time.”

The statistics are grim. One in three Canadian deaths is from heart disease and stroke, and it is the number one killer of women. The good news is that heart disease is largely preventable, particularly through the adoption of healthy diet and lifestyle choices.

Without a doubt, time constraints are a significant challenge for most of us. But in the best interest of self and family preservation and fulfillment, we need to stop focusing on the barriers and excuses. It is time to be mindful of the simple solutions (diet and regular activity) that can improve our health and mood. Taking time for yourself should be your first priority.

For more information visit www.heartandstroke.com . Reports on Canadians’ Heart Health

New to Diabetes?

You’ve just been diagnosed as a diabetic, and your doctor has advised you to improve your diet and lifestyle for better health. What do you do?

Diabetes is a condition in which your body is unable to either produce and/or properly utilize insulin. Insulin is vital for normal metabolism and without it the body cannot effectively use and store the glucose (sugar) from our food for energy. Initial symptoms may include excess thirst, frequent urination and infections, fatigue, blurred vision and poor wound healing. Long-term complications are vast, especially with uncontrolled blood sugar regulation. They include heart disease, high blood pressure, depression, kidney disease, neuropathy, retinopathy and blindness, and autoimmune disorders, such as arthritis, thyroid disease, etc. Proper management of diabetes and optimal blood sugar control is crucial to reduce the risks associated with this illness.

How can you best manage this disease?

Sound nutritional choices are an important component of any diabetic’s treatment strategy. Healthy eating is paramount to keeping blood sugars and excess weight under control. Since diabetes is a condition in which your body cannot properly use and store food for energy, a healthy diet along with regular exercise is vital for diabetics and individuals with pre-diabetes or metabolic syndrome. Balanced meals containing whole foods (fresh vegetables, fruit, whole grains, fibre and lean, quality protein) are vital. Eating three times a day at regular times helps manage diabetes.

Whey Protein – an excellent form of lean protein is immunity-enhancing as it increases antioxidant protection. Whey helps minimize infection and improve gut health. When used in combination with exercise, whey helps improve muscle mass and healthy body composition.

Healthy Fats – Omega-3 EFAs (essential fatty acids) from fish oil rich in EPA and DHA protect against heart disease, help reduce triglycerides and apoproteins (markers of diabetes) and improve mood. Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, herring and sardines) are excellent sources of omega 3 EFAs. For those unable to consume adequate amounts of fish, the nutrition house omega 3 extra EFA supplement contains the highest potency EPA/DHA in the natural health market.

Nutritional and Herbal Supplements Specific to Diabetes

High Potency Multivitamin — Essential for most individuals, a high potency multivitamin is a must for diabetics. Many of the vitamins and minerals contained in these formulations carry a protective and necessary role for good health. For instance, vitamin E is considered the most potent and important fat-soluble antioxidant. It protects the lipid membrane of the cell walls (especially nerve cells), preventing free radical damage. Many diabetics are deficient in vitamin C. Vitamin C is a water-soluble antioxidant that, among its many functions, is vital for collagen production and wound repair. Its cardiovascular benefits include its ability to slow atherosclerosis and reduce blood pressure. This important vitamin is normally found in high concentration in the eyes, so proper intake of this nutrient will support eye health. Another mineral deficiency that diabetics are prone to is low magnesium levels, and those suffering from severe retinopathy appear to have the lowest levels. Magnesium plays an essential role in a wide-range of biological functions, and its deficiency appears to aggravate insulin resistance and predispose diabetics to heart disease. The B vitamins are important for neurological health. Vitamin B6 helps prevent diabetic neuropathy, while vitamin B12 supplementation may improve pain in patients suffering from neuropathy.

Chromium is a trace mineral that is required for carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism. It facilitates the uptake of glucose into the cells. Deficiency of this nutrient is a factor in diabetes and obesity. Supplementing with additional chromium can help improve blood sugar control, decrease triglyceride and LDL levels. For individuals suffering from a chromium deficiency, the use of chromium may aid in weight loss and improve healthy body composition.

Alpha-lipoic acid is a powerful antioxidant that is both fat and water soluble. It is known for its ability to protect brain and nerve cells from free radical damage. Research shows that it may help regenerate nerve fibres as it is known to improve blood flow to peripheral nerves. Lipoic acid helps improve blood sugar regulation and insulin sensitivity and can help increase energy levels.
Gymnema sylvestre is an herb that can support metabolic control through its ability to reduce intestinal absorption of glucose and enhance insulin function. Gymnema improves blood sugar control in type 2 diabetics.

The above are only some of the nutrients available to support diabetics and their specific health needs. In order to improve quality and length of life, proper blood glucose control is imperative to reduce the likelihood of complications. Exercise and physical activity are essential to help manage and prevent diabetes. Weight loss, including a decrease in fat mass and an increase in muscle mass, can improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control. Exercise can boost cardiovascular health, improve good cholesterol and mood.

A Strong Immune System Can Help Fight Colds and Flu

Just a few weeks into the fall season, and it seems like everyone around you is already coughing and sneezing. Are you next? Not if you become proactive now and use preventative solutions to help ensure that your immune system is working optimally.
So what can you do to maintain the optimal health necessary to help your body fight off those nasty bugs that cause respiratory infections and cold and flu woes? First-line defences include simple yet effective hand washing and proper hygiene, as well as maintaining a healthy diet rich in essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients. Reducing stress can keep the body strong and more resilient against micro-organisms.

Additionally, growing research of natural health supplements provides practical natural solutions for consideration. Here are some of the scientifically backed, immune-boosting ingredients and brands that are popular consumer picks from Nutrition House. You may want to include some of these in your infection-prevention regime.

• Vitamin D has been a hot research topic for the past few years. Recent findings support the use of vitamin D for the prevention of common respiratory infections, including cold and flu. There is some indication that vitamin D deficiency, commonly occurring in the winter months due to lack of sunshine, may be linked to the increase of these conditions. Because vitamin D is not abundant in our food sources, supplementation may be required. For instance, to obtain the daily 1000 IU recommended by the Canadian Cancer society, you would need to consume 10 glasses of milk each day. Nutrition House’s own Vitamin D extra 1000IU in a 108-capsule size versus the standard 90-count gives you more nutrient power and value.

• Elderberry is a traditional herbal medicine used to treat fever, colds and flu. Black elderberry is rich in antioxidants called anthocyanins that appear to have an antiviral effect and support the body’s immune system. Sambucol® Elderberry Extract is a well-studied, effective remedy to help speed recovery and boost immunity, reduces severity of symptoms , and shortens duration of influenza A and B.

• Olive leaf extract derived from the olive tree is a natural remedy for respiratory infections. Olive leaf extract contains a number of phytochemicals that exhibit antibacterial and antiviral properties to help fight colds, flu and other infections. Barlean’s Olive Leaf Complex provides potent immune support for seasonal wellness.

• Echinacea is one of the better known herbs that help boost the immune system. Echinacea is traditionally used to help fight off infections, especially of the upper respiratory tract, while relieving associated symptoms and shortening the duration of illness. Natural Factors Echinamide Anti-Viral Potent Fresh Herbal Tincture is a clinically tested herbal formula designed to stop a cold, flu or other virus in its tracks.
• Probiotics, or good bacteria, elicit a number of positive health effects, particularly in supporting a health immune system. Research shows that probiotics may be useful for preventing respiratory infections in adults and children. Progressive HCP® 70 Full Spectrum Probiotic strategically implants healthy flora throughout the entire digestive tract to strengthen immune functioning.

Building stronger immunity is a top health concern for many consumers as the threat of superbugs and antibiotic-resistant disorders increases. As we move into the winter months, it makes good sense to protect ourselves with healthy habits and common sense supplementation to stay cold- and flu-free throughout the upcoming season.

Getting to the Point

Many avid readers hesitantly admit they skip to the end of a novel to find the outcome - even before starting the book! Although I have never developed this habit for a good fiction novel, I will often read the conclusion of a scientific paper prior to reading the entire body. It may not prove to be a good thriller, but it can sure provide some solid evidence-based research. For instance,

Conclusion

“Poor nutritional habits in children that lead to low concentrations of water soluble vitamins in the blood, impair brain function and subsequently cause violence and other serious antisocial behavior. Correction of nutrient intake, either through a well-balanced diet or low dose vitamin-mineral supplementation corrects the low concentrations of vitamins in blood, improves brain function and subsequently lowers institutional violence and antisocial behavior by almost half. “ (1)

The beauty of this study highlights the potential benefit of a low-dose vitamin-mineral supplement. It was done on school-aged children between the ages of 6 and 12 in order to determine if the children taking these nutrients would produce significantly less violence and antisocial behavior in school. The results showed that those on the vitamin- mineral supplement produced lower rates of antisocial behavior including threats/fighting, being disrespectful, disorderly conduct, defiance, obscenities and more.

As a parent, I am always looking out for what is best for my family. I know the value of a well-balanced diet, but during my daughters formative years I found it downright difficult to meet this goal. Due to the frustration and concern for her optimal health, a multi-vitamin/mineral formulation (along with her essential fatty acids of course!) was part of her daily regime- and why not? Vitamins, minerals and nutritional supplements can play an important role in good health, and best of all a little insurance and peace of mind for the Mom in me.

1. Schonenthaler, S., J and Bier, I., A. (2000). The effect of vitamin-mineral supplementation on juvenile delinquency among American schoolchildren: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.

Easy as 1, 2, 3 — A Back-to-School Nutritional Checklist for the Whole Family

It’s September, and that means new clothes, backpacks, school supplies, and agendas — all tools required to keep our children, whether in elementary, high school or post-secondary levels, on a well-stocked, educational journey to success. But beyond equipping your children with the external fundamentals to good grades, are you also providing them with the best nutrients necessary for optimal learning, focus, concentration, energy and overall well-being? And as parents juggling hectic schedules, do you pass the grade?

Good nutrition fuels children for school and play. Simple, healthy solutions can remove the stress and pressures of hectic schedules, ensuring each member of the family can keep the pace. Remember that it is important to lead by example, so make sure that you also follow your own advice. Here is a simple checklist to help the whole family excel in nutritional basics:

1) Breakfast — it’s the most important meal of the day. But who has time or the inclination with everything that needs to get done to stay on schedule?
Simple Solution: A whey protein smoothie for breakfast. It’s great for the whole family, extremely quick to prepare, and tastes good. Even picky, breakfast-haters will enjoy a delicious, tasty beverage, especially when they see their parents opt for one too. Whey protein is an exceptional, dietary protein rich in calcium that contains immune-enhancing constituents and can improve healthy body composition. Combine a scoop of whey protein with the milk of your choice (dairy, soy, almond or rice), add some fresh or frozen fruit then blend together for a nutritious breakfast smoothie for the whole family. A protein smoothie also makes a great after-school or post-exercise/sports snack. Nutrition house carries a number of fantastic proteins including the Prosport line and the Precision All Natural Whey Isolate. For those looking for the best, Precision’s All Natural line is free of artificial flavours, sweeteners, colours and preservatives.

2) Fuel the brain with omega-3 fish oils.

Increasing research highlights the need for fish and fish oils rich in omega-3 EPA and DHA, physiologically essential nutrients required by the body for all life stages, including pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, adulthood, and aging. DHA helps support the development of the brain, eyes and nerves. It is required in high concentration for optimal mental performance. Omega -3 fish oil can help support cardiovascular health and promote healthy mood balance. Your local nutrition house store carries omega-3 fish oils in flavoured liquids, chewable forms, as well as high-potency capsules. The nutrition house omega-3 extra is the highest potency available.

3) Fill the nutritional gap.

Eating well daily is difficult at the best of times. And consuming enough fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and lean protein regularly is a downright challenge. The easiest way to ensure the optimal intake of vitamins and minerals every day is with a daily multivitamin supplement. A multivitamin helps you fill the nutritional gaps often found in the majority of diets, regardless of one’s age. Like fish oils, multivitamin formulations come in a variety of forms including chewable, gummy, capsule, tablets and liquids, and are often specific for children, teens and adults. The nutrition house multi extra (for adults) is a high-potency multi with added Siberian ginseng to help increase energy and reduce the effects of stress on the body.

A nutritionally sound diet is the foundation for healthy development, learning and functioning, but with the hustle and bustle of busy lifestyles, it’s sometimes difficult to find simple, choice solutions. Regardless of life stage, investing in your family’s well-being with these three easy steps will support optimal health. Now that’s more than a passing grade.

Oil of Oregano in Jeopardy?

Oil of Oregano is a very popular natural health supplement commonly used to help reduce upper respiratory infections.

And up until a short time ago, oil of oregano was readily accepted by the NHPD (Natural Health Products Directorate) and met Health Canada regulations. But that may soon change. And not necessarily for the better.

According to the CHFA (Canadian Health Food Association), "Health Canada's concern with certain oil of oregano preparations stem for the level of the substance carvacrol (note: carvacrol is an alcohol that is naturally present in oil of oregano). Carvacrol can be toxic to humans in high concentrations, including those concentrations found in certain oil of oregano Natural Health Products."

So what does that mean to you the consumer? Oil of oregano may not be available in the future, or at least with any significant concentration of carvacrol. Health Canada is requesting new evidence to prove the safety of this supplement (ie: human clinical trials). As it stands right now, few clinical trials have investigated the safety of carvacrol within humans.

Yet it appears that this is not currently a safety issue, but rather Health Canada looking for new evidence to prove that oil of oregano is safe. And perhaps as early this fall, it is possible they may issue a stop sale on this popular traditional natural health remedy.

The CHFA is encouraging consumers to get involved in the natural product industry. They have published a new website geared specifically towards consumer education. Go to wwwnhpsnotdrugs.ca for more details.

Workplace Stress – A Challenge for Many

Does your manager or associates cause you undue stress? Is your work environment negatively impacting you health? Work pressures including long work weeks and job demands, or financial pressures from insufficient work hours can negatively impact your emotional health. This on top of other life pressures increases frustration, anxiety and sleep disorders.

To cope, we place ourselves on auto-pilot hoping for some much needed relief from the pressures of modern day living. But the good news is that there are some simple, effective solutions to help ease the associated symptoms of stress. Removing stimulants including caffeine, alcohol and sugar will help reduce the negative impact these substances have on the central nervous system.

And that’s not all. Two of the most popular supplements for sleep and stress include Natural Factors Tranquil Sleep and Mental Calm. Mental Calm can help reduce feelings of anxiety, producing a sense of calm while improving mental clarity. And if you refuse to forgo that monstrous cup of java, Mental Calm can help decrease the irritability and caffeine jitters associated with excess caffeine intake. And when you are ready for some restful, recuperative sleep, look no further than Tranquil Sleep. Tranquil Sleep can help you fall asleep, calm the mind and reduce night time waking. Wouldn’t it be nice to wake up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day? And when the stress begins to build at work, supplementing with Mental Calm will help alleviate those stress symptoms. Tranquil Sleep and Mental Calm are available in capsules or chewables. I love the chewables – I figure it helps reduce the habit of gritting my teeth when I am under undue stress!

Middle-age Stumbling Down Memory Lane

Is this you: you put down your glasses, and seconds later you don’t know where? Or you’re in the middle of a talking point and suddenly you can’t figure out where you’re heading with it? Or you’ve just seen a movie and a couple of days later you don’t remember any of the characters’ names? Are these little but seemingly more frequent memory lapses beginning to worry you?

The truth is that the aging process does bring about many changes, both structural and biochemical in nature. Whereas extreme symptoms are not normal, and may be related to vascular disease or conditions like Alzheimer’s, stroke, head injury, depression, dementia, substance abuse or medication side-effects, age-related decline in cognitive function can sometimes be attributed to factors including stress, free radical damage, poor diet and unhealthy lifestyle choices such as smoking, excessive drinking and inactivity.

Education, awareness and prevention are always the first line of defense in keeping the brain nimble. Stimulating the brain through mental challenges and continuous learning may help ward off cognitive decline, as may optimal nutrient intake. The decrease in cognitive abilities can be somewhat attributed to our diet and the consumption, or lack thereof, of essential nutrients needed for the brain.
What are these critical nutrients?

According to clinical research, omega-3 fish oils benefit a number of health conditions including cardiovascular, brain and vision health. These essential fats, and in particular omega-3 DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), provide the physical building blocks for the brain. Suboptimal concentration levels of DHA in the brain due to insufficient dietary intake have been found to result in cognitive deficits1. Essential fats are now recognized as a physiologically essential nutrient required for optimal neuronal cell functioning and mental performance.

Another recent study published in the Journal of Medical Food found that elderly persons with normal or slight cognitive dysfunction showed significant improvement in memory and attention span after using green tea and l-theanine when compared against a placebo group.

Clinically studied for its effect on acute and chronic cognitive function, bacopa monniera is an herb that has been traditionally used to enhance memory and concentration. Bacopa’s active constituents enhance nerve impulse transmission. Although Bacopa appears to have no immediate cognitive-function benefit two hours post supplement intake, research does reveal that with longer use, i.e. a minimum of 12 weeks, there is a significant improvement in verbal learning, memory consolidation, and speed of early information processing.

Other nutrients may also help support the brain, memory, and cognitive function. The B vitamins are important as many neurotransmitters require these vitamins. Lecithin contains the essential nutrient choline, a precursor for acetylcholine, which is an important neurotransmitter involved in memory and numerous other functions.

So if your memory has been acting fuzzy lately, it’s worth trying a preventative program based on a multifaceted approach: a nutritious, whole foods diet rich in colourful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats and lean protein; regular activity; stress reduction; continual learning; stimulating brain activities; and a few well-placed natural health supplements. And then waking up and smelling the coffee might not take 10 minutes trying to find where you just put down that darn coffee cup.

1. http://www.dhaomega3.org/Overview/DHA-for-Optimal-Brain-and-Visual-Functioning

Keeping an eye on healthy vision

Probably the most worrisome health concern for Baby Boomers as they age is the increased possibility of visual impairment or vision loss. For this reason, early detection is critical in successfully preventing and treating eye conditions such as macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, before they lead to major visual changes.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of visual impairment and blindness in the greying population for which there are no definitive medical treatments. Macular degeneration destroys the central vision by damaging a part of the retina called the macula, leaving peripheral vision unaffected. Symptoms include dim or blurry central vision, a blank or blind spot, objects appearing distorted or smaller than they are, and trouble with tasks like reading or driving.

While the cause of macular degeneration is not fully understood, there is some thought that it is partially caused by free-radical damage to the retina. Macular degeneration is caused by hardening of the arteries that nourish the retina. There are two classifications of macular degeneration: dry and wet. New abnormal blood vessels form rapidly behind the retina in wet AMD, leaking damage-causing blood and fluid to the macula. Medical treatment may include laser surgery, injectable drugs, or photocoagulation. In contrast, dry macular degeneration, which progresses slowly, is caused by build-up of drusen, small yellow deposits that form within the layer of the retina, and loss of pigment. Its advancement can be further slowed or halted by taking high doses of specific nutrients and antioxidants. These include the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin found in high concentrations in the retina but especially concentrated in the macula, vitamins A, C, and E, along with the minerals copper and zinc, as low dietary zinc levels appear to be related to an increased risk for developing AMD. In addition, a recent study1, summarized by the DHA/EPA Omega-3 Institute on its website, reveals that higher intakes of DHA/EPA and fish containing long-chain omega-3 fatty acids were related to a decreased occurrence of macular degeneration in women.

Cataracts, a clouding of the lens in the eye, are another leading cause of vision loss. More than 2.5 million Canadians have cataracts. Symptoms include blurred or hazy vision, poor vision at night or in bright light, dulling or change in colour vision, loss of contrast, or seeing “ghost” images. Most cataracts are related to aging, but can be a side effect of diabetes. Cataract formation appears to be partially caused by a faulty antioxidant defense system due to a deficiency in the body’s master antioxidant, glutathione. Supplementing with vitamins C, E and the mineral selenium, along with alpha lipoic acid can help increase glutathione levels. Interestingly, cataract patients tend also to be deficient in the antioxidants of lutein, zeaxanthin and vitamin A.

Though our eyes may be the window of our soul, it is the simple act of looking out a window with healthy eyes that matters most. Through preventative measures including a healthy diet filled with a colourful array of fresh fruit and vegetables rich in antioxidants, and the addition of select natural health supplements, vision health can be maintained to ensure the glow of our golden years is filled with the colours of the rainbow.

1. Reference: Dietary Omega-3 Fatty Acid and Fish Intake and Incident Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Women. Christen , W. G. et al., Arch. Ophthamol., in press , 2011. Div. of Preventive Medicine and Aging , Dept. of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA

Confronting Aging – Inside and Out

As the baby boomer generation continues to increase in age, so does its passion to remain youthful, both inside and out. Beating the clock is now a multi-faceted, science-driven industry. From its age-old quests to find the elixir of life, to modern exploration of how microcellular activity contributes to metabolic breakdown, scientific research continues to advance its goals to enhance bodily energy, vigour and performance, and fade or stall the visible signs of aging.

Early research unveiled the fact that aging, technically cell damage, is caused by lifestyle and environmental influences — a result of ‘wear and tear’ on the body from overuse or abuse of poor dietary and lifestyle factors, such as excess sugar, alcohol, caffeine, fat and overexposure to sunlight. However, today we also know that there are many other metabolic factors implicated in the aging process, including inflammation, insulin resistance, mitochondrial dysfunction, and harmful free radicals.
Free radicals are unstable oxygen molecules, a by-product of the metabolic process that creates energy in our cells. But as is found with many other beneficial functions, there can be a detrimental consequence. In this case, the cumulative effect of free radicals takes its toll over the years, resulting in both internal and external damage. What we can’t see are the compromised membranes impeding the creation of hormones, protein, and enzymes, nor the affected DNA that can lead to reproduction of faulty cells. But what we do witness daily are the facial wrinkles, sagging skin, blotches, growths and spots, along with creeping chronic aches and pains, lack of energy, and other health issues.

The body has its own natural defense system of antioxidants to seek and diffuse the negative impact of free radicals. However, not all necessary micronutrients can be manufactured by the body so they must be supplied either by a nutritious diet or via supplementation. Scientific research is focusing on a specific antioxidant program which may help control DNA-damaging free radicals. Researchers at McMaster University have demonstrated that a complex dietary supplement, containing 31 various ingredients including antioxidants, herbals vitamins and minerals, may be effective in improving aging or age-related pathologies.

Dietary supplements provide protection to the body as a whole. Working from the inside out, they aid in supplying elements to help reduce DNA damage, facilitate cell renewal, and increase circulation, as well as other powerful health benefits. Some potent antioxidants include green tea, CoQ10, alpha lipoic acid, resveratrol, vitamins A, C, E, selenium, and carotenoids like lycopene, beta-carotene and lutein. For instance, green tea which is rich in polyphenols can help protect against cancer, reduce cardiovascular disease, stroke, and appears to aid in the prevention of osteoporosis. And alpha- lipoic acid, which helps to make cellular mitochondria more efficient thereby reducing free radical formation, also helps to fight insulin resistance and support neurological health. Although there is no one single nutrient that does it all, a combination of ingredients and products when paired together can provide the necessary benefits to keeping healthy both inside and out.

Conversely, creams and other topical preparations deliver their anti-aging benefits from the outside in. Research has shown that green tea polyphenols when used topically can help stimulate the proliferation of skin cells to assist in reversing the outward signs of aging, and in improving various skin disorders such as rosacea and psoriasis. Furthermore, green tea may protect against sun damage and sunburn, as it reduces inflammation caused by ultraviolet radiation and restores the levels of glutathione (GSH) which is the body’s main endogenous antioxidant.

The vast amount of current literature and science supports the use of powerful antioxidants and critical nutrients to protect, prevent, maintain and sustain total well-being. Though the fountain of youth may remain an eternal legend, a daily regime consisting of healthy diet and activities with the support of a comprehensive selection of warranted antioxidants is the commonsense path to providing the foundation to youthful living.