Individual cells demonstrate age when the telomeres that cap the ends of chromosomes shorten. The significance of this is, when cells divide and reproduce, the genetic content is not lost because the telomere caps help protect the precious DNA of the chromosomes.  Genetic code  is not lost but the lifespan of the new cell is reduced.  It is lost because the telomere shortens.

Each time the cell divides it loses a little of its protective telomere cap. Inflammation in the form of free radicals also accelerates the shortening of the telemeres. This oxidative damage shortens the cellular life span.

A second experiment was done from skin biopsies.  The 16 subjects who were followed were between the ages of 28 and 91 years.  The fibroblast cells of the skin were subjected to 20 cell divisions in the laboratory.  Of course the telomere caps were shortened as expected.

The rate of destruction was related to the cells that were most deficient in anti-oxidants. specifically glutathione peroxidase and super oxidase dimutase.  These enzymes are powerful anti-oxidants.They neutralize oxidation and subsequent inflammation that is destructive to the cell’s lifespan.

It is well known that free radical oxidation  accelerates  inflammatory  degenerative diseases like coronary artery disease; this shorten the life expectancy of the individual. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. It can be measured by the rapid shortening of the telomeres. How rapid telomeres shorten is associated with unchecked free radical damage. Good antioxidant are important in reversing declining health from heart disease…Denis Van Loan D.D.S.

Technorati Tags: anti oxidants, coronary artery disease, telomeres

In recent years it has come into focus that free radicals such as smoking and inflammatory toxins or foods produce the degenerative diseases of aging.  It is well established that inflammation is the key destructive force ultimately causing coronary artery disease. How does this happen?  Why are some people more affected than others?  Throughout the history of mankind there was always a search for extending longevity and normal lifespans.  It is only in recent years that many of the secrets of aging  have come to light, but inflammation is the key.  The whole process is complex, but on a biochemical level we know much more now.

Key to all aging is the free radical damage. Just what is free radical damage?  It is a chemical process on a molecular level that involves the electrons that every atom has.  Atoms are the basic elements that go into the building of molecules and compounds that make up all matter.  It just so happens that the organic molecules of your body are extremely complex yet are still subject to the laws of biophysics.

Every atom has electrons perpetually circulating around the nucleus of the atom. They are negatively charged particles that orbit the nucleus of the atom and are the most reactive part of the chemical process.  The whole body, including thinking, is propelled by chemical reactions. There is a constant exchange of electrons and up-building as well as breakdown of chemical processes.  The problem of free radical damage occurs when incomplete compounds, in need of electrons, steal their needed electrons from other weaker compounds. This causes oxidative damage and inflammation, the mother of all degenerative disease.

Oxidative, free radical damage often becomes cumulative. This occurs when there are too few electron donors (called anti-oxidants).  All chemical processes of the body produce some free radicals.  (Even exercise and digestion)  The problem occurs when the body is overwhelmed with too many free radicals and too few anti-oxidant donors.  This easily occurs because the environment is loaded with toxins, foreign substances along with the poor dietary intake for the needed electron donors anti-oxidants.

Compounds deficient in electrons are somewhat analogous to a vacuum force, pulling in electrons.  They tend to suck in the needed electrons to make their atom or molecule more stable.  They cause inflammation.  Inflammation in coronary arteries produces an accumulation of dangerous plaque that can result in a heart attack.  This plaque is called atherosclerosis. It increases blood pressure and clot formation that can obstruct coronary arteries, producing the heart attack.  This is what defines coronary artery disease.

Where do the needed electrons come from? They are best released and donated from anti-oxidant compounds like vitamins A, C and E, polyphenols, as well as certain enzymes like glutathione that are designed just for that purpose.  These substances carry extra, or donor, electrons.   In addition, certain bioflavonoids, most richly available in fruits and vegetables, are also excellent donors. This is why a good diet is so important to a healthy and long life. Anti-oxidants have spare electrons to give.  This makes them most available so that the hungry free radicals do not rob electrons from weaker compounds.

The victims of the theft (the weak molecules) are then sick and when trillions of them accumulate, your body ages and slows down. So here is what happens in the process of aging and free radical damage on a molecular level.

As already alluded to, oxidative damage is the process whereby  substances deficient in electrons damage other atoms or molecules.  A good example is the rusting of iron.  It is called oxidation.  Oxidation in artery linings attracts cholesterol and calcium and results in a plaque buildup; the condition is called atherosclerosis.   It is sometimes also called hardening of the arteries or arteriosclerosis.

Free radical damage can happen throughout the body. This is oxidative damage  on a cellular level, with its accompanying inflammation. This process results in a shorter lifespan. You may be asking, I thought oxygen was good for you?  It is; however, too much oxygen causes free radical damage.  Oxygen is needed by every cell but excessive amounts are destructive.  There is a limit to the aerobic (oxygen) capacity.

Just as most food substances are good in adequate amounts, overabundance is destructive to health. It upsets the chemical balance.

Glutathione has especially shown itself a powerful  anti-aging agent in other experiments. Anti-oxidant vitamins like C and E lose the spare electron and become ineffective as anti-oxidants.  Glutathione is able to replenish the spare electron lost by vitamins C and E.  These vitamins are no longer suicidal in anti-oxidant function but are re-charged and re-cycled to be anti-oxidants again.

The bottom line is this.  Breakthrough recent research has uncovered the process that causes aging.  Free radical damage increases aging and degenerative diseases like heart disease and cancer. Why breakdown sometimes occurs and sometimes does not often hinges on anti-oxidant activity that cancels out the oxidative damage.

The evidence of why free radical oxidative damage is so destructive is evident in the shortening of the telomere caps on your chromosomes. Shortened telomeres correlate to and measure the degree of aging process in the whole body.  This subject is worthy of a whole blog post that will soon follow..Denis Van Loan D.D.S.

Technorati Tags: anti oxidants, arteriosclerosis, coronary artery disease, free radical damage

According to Dr. Mark Stengler in his Bottom Line Natural Healing Newsletter of January 09, metabolism and weight control greatly benefit from resveratrol. Much current research is now being done. Preliminary studies show two areas of why longevity is extended. The first is believed due to the activity of the longevity gene, SIRT1; it is stimulated and activated. The second is correlated to oxidative damage . . . the mother of all degenerative diseases.

Robb and others in their research on the biochemistry and biophysics (published in that journal) found a 14 fold increase in the activity of MnSOD (SOD2). The significance of SOD2 is that it reduces oxidative damage due to free radicals which need electrons.

Needed electrons are stolen from weaker compounds, unless anti-oxidants are available.  Free radicals propel heart disease and produce cancer.  Free radicals cause oxidative damage; however, anti oxidants propelled by SOD2 reduce inflammation and inhibit degenerative diseases like cardiovascular and cancer.

SOD2 confers resistance to mitochondrial dysfunction and thereby directly helps heart strength. The mitochondria are the energy factories in all cells. The heart muscle needs at least 4 to 5 times the amount of energy that other cells need. Heart failure is reduced as well as definitely reducing the inflammatory effect of the free radicals.

Heart failure, due to lack of energy from the mitochondria, plus inflammatory atherosclerosis, are the primary factors in heart disease. Resveratrol enormously reduces heart disease. Resveratrol is the most plausible reason for increased life expectancy. (It inhibits other degenerative diseases, thereby also extending longevity)

In animal studies, mice fed unhealthy fats and free radical damaging diets, confirm that indeed oxidative damage was reduced by resveratrol and life expectancy was increased. In other words in spite of a lousy diet with exposure to free radicals, the resveratrol supplemented mice lived longer and had more physical endurance.

What are the health benefits that resveratrol researchers are finding? “Reduced heart attacks”, “Less damage from strokes”, “Improved cognition”, “Less fat accumulation”, “Enhanced immune system against viruses”, “Reduced cancers”, “Youthful endurance and physical activity”, and “youthful appearance”.

All degenerative diseases benefit from the reduction of free radicals; they are paramount to all degenerative diseases. A heart healthy diet and good supplements make sense for staying healthy and living longer.

Some scientists began to question is resveratrol alone the full cause of increased longevity? It turns out there is evidence of another factor.

Dr. Jay Rowen, M.D. reports in his June 2009 newsletter, Second Opinion, that there appears to be another factor in the red wine that contributes to longevity. It comes to light from research done at the University of California in Davis. Dr. Andrew Waterhouse, professor there, reports that ingredients called saponins are not only present in the resveratrol but also in the wine itself. They come from the wax in the wine skins.

Research shows that the saponins are plant sterols that are similar to cholesterol but are not harmful, but helpful to your health in two ways. They are a substitute for the cholesterol.  They hinder accumulation of it in the arteries plus they are antioxidants that reduce inflammation. Antioxidants reduce free radical damage that affects your DNA and genetic code. Damaged DNA produces sick cells that lead to all kinds of degenerative diseases.

The bottom line is this.  Resveratrol, found in the red grape skins and the red wine itself,  is shown to confer longer life expectancy. A small daily amount of red wine appears to be a health benefit.    This does not mean overindulgence in wine is a good thing because it can create health damage by cirrhosis of the liver and disruption of health in general.  At this point resveratrol supplementation is the best answer to longevity for most.  Researcher Dr. Carrie Doenell reports weight loss and energy improvement of 75 %.  She recommends a supplement of 125 mg daily…Denis Van Loan D.D.S.

Technorati Tags: anti oxidants, free radicals, heart disease, mitochondria, resveratrol, SOD2

It has long been known that vitamin C is important to optimal heart function. Congestive heart failure was observed by the work of Taylor over 70 years ago in 1937.  Guinea pigs with scurvy were observed to have high rates of heart failure.

Of course the key cause of scurvy is a lack of vitamin C. This produces inflammation, fluid retention and swelling.  Vitamin C is an anti-oxidant that reduces inflammation and strengthens the immune system; it facilitates better muscle function.

Singh and Chan, (1974) reported a remarkable reversal of an enlarged heart in a scurvy patient.  After 14 days of vitamin C therapy the heart size was normal, and heart failure symptoms reversed.

Congestive heart failure is accompanied by edema, which is fluid accumulation that causes swelling.  Vitamin C, because it is a good antioxidant, reduces irritation and inflammation that causes swelling.

The action of vitamin C is not only good to reduce edemic swelling, but also helps excrete the extra fluids by its diuretic effect. Abbasy (1937), Schaffer (1944).  The heart muscle benefits by excretion of the fluids that block optimal muscle activity.

Kahn et al (2001) found that low levels of vitamin C correlated to increased heart disease and increased mortality from all causes.

The study found those with the highest levels  of vitamin C  (top 20%) had half the mortality risk compared to those with the lowest vitamin C levels. This statistic was true regardless of other factors such as age, smoking, diabetes and hypertension.

The study by Kahn in 2001 was no small study it involved 30,466 subjects and clearly demonstrated that the risk of death from heart disease and other causes is reduced dramatically by good vitamin C levels.

The majority of alternative health care providers believe that the RDA of vitamin C is too low.  Many recommend 1000 mg or more of vitamin C daily…Denis Van Loan D.D.S.

Technorati Tags: anti oxidants, congestive heart failure, scurvy, vitamin C

Cancer cells have an 800% increased rate of metabolism.  This greedy consumption of glucose produces huge amounts of lactic acid.  This is another problem with cancer metabolism.  It causes an unhealthy acid condition for most cells.  The acidic ph of most environments is bad for everything from aquatic insects to humans.

A German Nobel prize researcher Dr. Otto Warburg said: “Cancer has only one primary cause. It is the replacement of normal oxygen respiration of the body’s cells by an anaerobic (no oxygen) cell respiration”. Normal cells need oxygen but cancer cells are killed by oxygen and they produce acidic conditions in your body.

When the body’s ph is too acidic, immunity breaks down.  Free radicals cause oxidative damage that weakens and makes cells sick.  Your health resistance is lowered and you become susceptible to infections, sickness, colds and CANCER.

This abnormal cell metabolism not only makes a sick environment for normal cells but it also rapidly gobbles up glucose and, when depleted, ultimately attacks proteins of the body.  It is estimated that 40% of cancer patients die from malnutrition.

Gluconogenesis is the name for the body’s process of converting amino acids (protein) into fuel in the form of glucose.  This takes place when the supply of sugar is inadequate.  This is a major cause of the wasting away process found in terminal cancer or starving humans.  Pure sugar is first used, then more complex carbohydrates and fats are used and finally muscle tissue is consumed.  Toxic wastes and lactic acid are produced.

The anaerobic (non-oxygen) metabolism of cancer cells produces only 5% of the available energy from the glucose. It is very inefficient.  Normal cells (with oxygen) can get most of the energy from the glucose molecule.  The energy produced is ATP…which is the fuel for every cell in your body.

So enormous is the appetite of cancer cells for sugar that in Europe a therapy uses this principle to advantage. Cancer patients are injected with glucose to accelerate the metabolism.  Glucose metabolism lowers the ph by increasing the lactic acid production.  This makes the cancer cells more vulnerable to the heat which is administered at 42 degrees Centigrade.

After heat treatment the patient is subjected to chemotherapy or radiation which kills the overactive cancer cells.  The procedure is called SCMT (Systemic Cancer Multistep Therapy).

What are some studies that validate the co-relationship of sugar to cancer proliferation?  One study compared the cancer rate of rats fed sugar to those with starches or more complex carbohydrates.  The rats on the sugar diet had significantly more cancers.

In another study on mice, 68 of them were injected with breast cancer cells.  Three groups were tested, one with high levels of glucose, one with medium levels of glucose and one with low levels of glucose.  After 70 days only 33% of the high sugar consumers survived.  Those on medium or normal diet survived 66% of the time.  In the case of the low sugar consumers only 1 out of 20 developed cancer.

Tests on animals cannot be relied upon to predict exactly what will happen with humans.  However, a 4 year study done in the Netherlands validates this theory that sugar fuels cancer. It tracked the status of cancer of the biliary tract on 111 cancer patients.  The control base was 480 patients.  The high intake of sugar doubled the incidence of those who developed cancer.

Another worldwide study involving 21 modern countries, from all parts of the world, found that sugar consumption was a strong risk factor for breast cancer.

Sugar fuels cancer and produces unhealthy toxins.  Sugar also depresses the immune system by its influence on neutrophil leukocytes. (White blood cells)  The phagocytic index (white blood cell killing ability) decreases with consumption of sugar.

At one time it was standard practice in hospitals after surgery or birth delivery to give a liter of glucose to patients.  When this was actually tested it was found that healing and resistance to infection got worse.  This is no longer recommended.  The body’s ability to fight cancer is no doubt compromised by sugar.

What then discourages the proliferation of cancer?  A number of large studies, like one conducted at Harvard University, find that high consumption of vegetables and low intake of sugar and sugar converting (starch) diets, reduce most cancers by up to 70%.

The most co-related cancer fighting vegetables are the cruciform vegetables…cauliflower, broccoli, kale, and cabbage. The intake of 3 to 5 servings of these per day is shown to be the most effective. Green, leafy vegetables are also beneficial because of their minerals, flavonoids and enzymes.

The body uses over 3000 enzymes.  Enzymes are triggers and often necessary links in a biochemical reaction.  Many are destroyed by heating as low as 118 degrees Fahrenheit.  This is why raw vegetables are an important source.  Likewise, the number of known flavonoids is over 4000.  These are responsible for the color in fruits and vegetables. Have you noticed when you cook vegetables, they often lose their color?

Flavonoids function as anti-oxidants.  What this means is they counteract oxidative damage caused by chemical reactions in the body.  Normal biochemistry as well as toxic substances rob electrons from substances in the process of body chemistry. This is called oxidative damage. Too much oxidative damage can weaken organ systems as well as degrade DNA.  When DNA is damaged, rogue cells develop and this can spawn cancer. Numerous good studies demonstrate that raw, natural (unpreserved) food can dramatically reduce cancers.

A two time winner of the Nobel prize was Dr. Linus Pauling.  His amazing research found that vitamin C (an anti-oxidant vitamin) has a similar molecular structure as glucose and could be used against cancer.  Oral consumption of vitamin C is limited in its ability to get inside cells.  Dr. Pauling was able, with IV injections, to get large amounts of vitamin C into cells.  As a result his good research, he found a 500% reduction of some cancers.

Unfortunately the arrogant medical community, no doubt propelled by drug company interests, rejected his research and discredited him with flawed research on vitamin C.  Recent research has validated his accurate, well conducted research.  Dr. Thomas Levy, a cardiologist has written a book, called “Stop America’s # 1 Killer” that verifies Dr. Pauling’s careful and creditable research. It is basically how vitamin C is so effective against heart disease as well as cancer…Denis Van Loan D.D.S.

Technorati Tags: anti oxidants, cancer metabolism, flavonoids, glucose, metabolism of cancer, sugar, vitamin C

Resveratrol was an amazing new discovery that apparently enormously extended life expectancy in numerous studies, worldwide. A study in Burgundy France found the longevity of residents was 46% longer, in spite of a diet that consumed fats and other proven poor foods.  It was first believed that the resveratrol in the red wine grape skins, especially abundant in Burgundy, was the reason. There is more to it than that.

There is a flurry of current research that is investigating why this phenomenon of increased longevity is occurring. Harvard University, Mayo Clinic, UCLA Medical and many others are astonished by the powerful effect on life spans. There appears to be three main reasons that explain why grape skins are so effective in extending longevity.  They contain: 1. Resveratrol, 2. pterostilbene, and 3. powerful gene stimulation.

Resveratrol apparently causes stimulation of the longevity gene, SIRT1.  Pterostilbene lowers cholesterol, triglycerides, helps lower excess glucose, is anti-fungal and counteracts a substance called cytochrome P450. This latter is an enzyme that promotes disease when free radical oxidants are present.  Both resveratrol and pterostilbene are powerful anti-oxidants that reduce oxidative damage that is harmful to your body’s cells.

Robb and others in their research of biochemistry and biophysics find there is a 14 fold increase in the activity of SOD2.  Why this is significant is because SOD2 greatly reduces inflammatory free radical damage in the body’s biochemistry.  Oxidative damage is reduced because electron deficient substances are not allowed to cause as much free radical damage and its accompanying inflammation.

With the exception of hereditary or genetic caused diseases, all degenerative diseases are caused by inflammation. Cancer, heart disease, arthritis, kidney, fibromyalgia, diabetes,  Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s  are major ones most people are familiar with.

Free radical damage causes oxidative damage which translates into inflammation and cellular DNA damage, producing degenerative diseases.

“We know that most degenerative diseases are limited to free radical damage.”… James Balch, M.D.  In 1954 Dr. Denham Harmon said this: “A single common process, modifiable by genetic and environmental factors, was responsible for ageing and death of all living things.” This is truer today because of the increased insults to your body and its genetic code. Disease is produced by damaged DNA and inflammation.

Heart disease is the number one killer in the Western world.  Supplements are becoming available that enormously reduce the risk of heart disease and other degenerative diseases.

The research worldwide in Poland, Japan, France, here in the USA and other places validates the remarkably powerful effect of the ingredients in the red skin of grapes.   Unfortunately, only small amounts of the powerful, longevity producing ingredients are in grape skins.  The good news is supplements are now becoming available that contain resveratrol and most recently pterostilbene…Denis Van Loan D.D.S.

P.S. Send a friend to read this on my blog:  http://naturalhealthsecrets.ws (copy & paste the link into your email)

P.P.S.  Comments on this post are welcome.

Technorati Tags: anti oxidants, free radicals, pterostilbene, resveratrol

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant vitamin.  Glutathione is a most powerful master defender and anti oxidant that guards your health.  The two work together. As antioxidants, both vitamin C and glutathione give up electrons to greedy free radicals…the instigators of all degenerative diseases.

In the case of vitamin C, it needs to have electrons replaced to continue it’s efficacy as an antioxidant. Glutathione does this.  If  inflammatory free radicals  are not reduced, serious problems occur with the heart and coronary artery disease.

LDL cholesterol plaque and calcium build up in the arteries and cause atherosclerosis. This literally is  “hardening of the arteries”. There is less flexibility in the arteries and accompanying cardiovascular inflammation.  This results in coronary artery disease, increased blood pressure, increased blood clotting and ultimately more heart attacks and strokes.

Glutathione helps the arteries by producing nitric oxide  (NO), a vasodilator. This relaxes the smooth muscle in the coronary arteries and reduces the risk of spasm that further reduces blood flow to heart muscle.  (Research confirms that glutathione increases NO, relaxes vascular spasm and improves blood flow.)  Most importantly, as an anti oxidant it reduces inflammation and neutralizes toxins. Vitamin C is also a key issue here.

Cardiologist Dr. Levy says:  “The scientific evidence clearly indicates that a focal vitamin C deficiency (”arterial scurvy”) in the endothelial linings of the arteries is the common link between atherosclerosis and all important coronary heart disease risk factors.”

Dr. Levy goes on to say about current medical literature:  “Atherosclerosis cannot be initiated without this condition of arterial scurvy existing first.”

Cardiologist Dr. Levy reports on a 2007 study that concludes, after heart attack, large oxidative damage occurs.  With diminished cardiac antioxidants like vitamin C and glutathione, the damage is more severe.

The bottom line is this:  maintain good levels of glutathione that come from a heart healthy diet of fresh vegetables, fruit, essential amino acids and especially additional alpha lipoic acid, L-carnitine, vitamins C & E, selenium and the omega 3’s. ..Denis Van Loan D.D.S.

Technorati Tags: anti oxidants, coronary artery disease, Dr. Levy, glutathione, heart disease risk, vitamin C

Glutathione (GSH) is central to immune defense.  It functions to provide:

• A powerful antioxidant
• A potent detoxifier
• A co-factor in enzyme reactions
• “Go power” to the army of white blood cells who fight all invaders
• Amino acid transport to build and repair proteins
• Re-supply of electrons to antioxidants such as vitamins C and E.

Glutathione is a powerful anti oxidant that defeats free radicals which are at the root of all degenerative diseases. Free radicals cause oxidation and inflammation because they are hungry for electrons.  Their chemistry is deficient in one or more electrons.  If they cannot find willing donors, they steal electrons from weaker molecules.  This is enormously disruptive, even to the extent they can change the DNA and genetic code of your cells.  Just as iron rusts due to oxidation, so also do your cells degrade due to oxidation caused by free radicals.

At the vary least, free radicals make the individual cells sick.  At the worst they can cause cancerous tumors to form. Glutathione not only willingly supplies electrons to the greedy free radical compounds but it also helps repair and build proteins.  The joining of GSH with other compounds facilitates the conjugation and repair of proteins where needed.  This is especially important to the preservation of your DNA.

Vitamin C and vitamin E are also good donors of electrons to help fight disease caused by free radical damage.  They do “run out” of electrons but glutathione recharges and re-supplies these needed electrons.  They cannot re-supply themselves.

For those of you who are wondering about electrons…electrons are part of the structure of every atom. They are negatively charged particles that orbit around the central atom nucleus which has a positive charge.  They are much like our solar system.  They are so tiny they cannot be seen but have perpetual energy and are necessary for every function in your body.  All chemical reactions of the body involve electrons, without their availability the body would cease to function.

Toxins corrupt and tax  normal biochemical function. They preferably need to be excreted from your body, whole or in part,  or else they become stored in your fat… or react adversely with your chemistry. Glutathione (GSH) plays an enormous role in this regard.  Without electron exchange and flow, cells and ultimately the body, die.

Inflammation is at the root of all cardiovascular disease…heart attack and stroke. Inflammation is caused by the oxidative effects of free radicals, especially toxic compounds.  Unless neutralized, this inflammation produces atherosclerotic plaque formation, increased blood pressure and cardiovascular accidents (heart failure, heart  attack and stroke).

In numerous studies, glutathione is found to always be deficient when disease conquers your body. This includes cancer, arthritis, diabetes, auto-immune diseases, brain and kidney diseases as well as cardiovascular disease.

Whole foods, as opposed to packaged and preserved ones, especially raw cruciform vegetables, help provide the raw materials your body needs to manufacture glutathione. Toxins and junk food tax and take their toll causing increased disease… eliminate these foods...Denis Van Loan D.D.S.

Technorati Tags: anti oxidants, electrons, free radicals, glutathione, inflammation

What is free radical damage?  It is oxidation of your body chemistry that can decrease your longevity by making body cells sick. How does this happen?  Free radical compounds are chemicals that are hungry for electrons.  They steal electrons from weaker compounds if electrons are not freely available from anti oxidants compounds.  What are some examples of anti oxidant electron donors?

Examples of willing electron donors are vitamins A, C and E.  Thousands of flavonoids from fruits and vegetables provide  good sources.  Poly phenols from phytonutrients of tea, coffee and even seaweed can be rich sources.

“We know that most degenerative diseases are limited to free radical damage.”… James Balch, M.D.  In 1954 Dr. Denham Harmon said this: “A single common process, modifiable by genetic and environmental factors, was responsible for ageing and death of all living things.” This is more true today because of the increased assaults on your body and its genetic code.  Disease is produced by damaged DNA and inflammation.

All tissues in the body are subject to degenerative disease. Heart disease is arguably the greatest loser  because it is the number one killer in the Western world. Number two cancer is a prime example of degenerative breakdown of health. There is a proliferation of toxic chemicals and substances that attack the mitochondria, nucleus and the DNA of every cell in the body, often altering the genetic code, causing aging and pre-mature death.

Nearly everyone knows the term “carcinogen” is associated with cancer. What this means is that certain substances, chemicals… can cause alteration of healthy cells which turn into cancer cells.  In layman’s terms, the mitochondria and genetic code of the cells get “screwed up”.  This spawns a misfit, rogue cancer cell.  If enough of these cancer cells proliferate and multiply, tumor cells develop. (anti-oxidants are helpful in preventing this)

Fortunately a healthy body is able to cope with and neutralize some free radical damage, even eliminating cancer and damaged cells.  Good supplementation, vitamins, and raw vegetables that are all proven anti-oxidants, are of enormous benefit.

There is a limit to what the body can handle in detrimental foreign substances. On a daily basis your body takes in toxins in the form of air, water,  food,  free radicals oxidants and  foreign substances.

Your body handles toxins each day, eliminating chemicals and foreign substances. Unfortunately our modern environment sometimes overwhelms your body with huge amounts  that are carcinogenic…cancer causing.  Other diseases like heart disease, arthritis and brain diseases are also propelled by free radical damage.

There are, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 80,000 toxic chemicals that we are exposed to. These foreign substances include, but are not limited to:  herbicides, pesticides (4 billion lbs. in USA per yr.), mercury, cadmium, aluminum, lead, solvents, asbestos, preservatives, trans fats, prescription drugs, cleaning agents, inhaled smoke and auto exhausts, cosmetics, ammonia, artificial food products and numerous biochemical pollutants.

These products cause inflammation and sometimes even genetic aberrations that can cause cancer and other degenerative diseases.

When your body is overwhelmed, then disease and dysfunction prevail. Ultimately life and longevity is compromised.  You lose health!

Water and air pollution are a major source of these noxious chemicals.  We further add to the toxic burden by consumption of excessive trans fats, sugar, alcohol, sodium, caffeine, nitrates, and other “foods” that overload our bodies. Normal function is impaired…Denis Van Loan D.D.S.

Technorati Tags: anti oxidants, cancer, degenerative disease, free radicals, heart disease, longevity

We are 5% of the worlds population but consume 50% of the prescription drugs.  Are drugs the answer? You do the math!

We cannot control what the more than 600 drug lobbyist and the deluge of enormous profits  that drug companies generate. We can, however, live more healthy lives and extend our longevity by understanding the cause of aging and disease.

Aging is due to deterioration of cellular health.  This is caused by free radical damage. What is free radical damage?  It is inflammation caused by foreign substances (even some drugs & man adulterated foods).  Toxins and pollutants are obvious foreign objects that tax your body and shorten your life.

How do free radicals cause damage? These foreign substances pollute your body chemistry.  They steal electrons from essential bio substances in your body. One of the primary ways cellular health is affected is within the mitochondria of the cell.

The mitochondria are the energy factories in every cell and they also have DNA  that is affected. Chromosomes that carry the genetic code of your cells get shortened with the onslaughts of free radicals.  This reduces the health of the cells and their assimilation of essential nutrients the body needs. Health degrades.

When you are young, there is optimal function and less accumulation of cellular damage caused by the free radicals. The body is efficient and able to handle some ill effects without  noticeable degradation. There is a build up of tissues, called anabolism.  With age, catabolism occurs…a net loss of cells and function.  Your body becomes less efficient.

The type of food you consume can be an asset or detriment. Excessive amounts of sugar, salt, trans fats and preserved foods compromise health.  The needed nutrients (enzymes, phytonutrients and vitamins) are lacking.  The body becomes less efficient in its operation and aging and declining health ensue.

Raw fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts and whole grains are so essential.  Why? Heat destroys the majority of enzymes at 126 degrees Fahrenheit.  (There are over 3000 enzymes used by the body)  It does not end there.  Certain minerals, especially magnesium (used in over 325 chemical reactions of the body) are necessary to assimilate the needed nutrients.  Vitamins A, C and E are also anti oxidants that work best with whole foods.

Numerous studies demonstrate reduced cancer, heart disease (#1 killer) and all inflammatory diseases diminish when abundant (3 to 5 servings a day) of fresh fruits and vegetables  are consumed. Nuts and whole grains likewise provide essential and auxiliary  nutrients, catalysts and minerals.

Other phytonutrients (from plants) in the form of flavenoids (sources of color there) are needed also. There is reportedly over 4000 flavenoids which are antioxidants that are believed to neutralized these inflammatory free radicals.  They come from fresh, raw fruits and vegetables.  Many have not been researched, but those that have, prove to be real allies to health and longivety.  They reduce free radical damage and health degeneration.

In summary what extends longevity?

1. Reduce sugar consumption (reports vary…from 136 to 157 pounds per person per year)  It is in every prepared food and beverage. It is a risk factor in heart disease, cancer and diabetes…leading killers.
2. Reduce salt (sodium) and increase potassium. (Excess sodium is associated with high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease)  The balance should favor potassium but is usually the opposite.  (Sodium is in virtually all prepared foods)
3. Reduce toxic exposures, like smoking (A high risk factor in heart disease and cancer)
4. Get adequate essential nutrients and vitamins. (with age more are needed because of a less efficient body) Take a quality multiple vitamin as you get older.
5. Take proven supplements: D-ribose,  L-Carnitine and CoQ-10 for energy and heart health.
6. Consume raw fresh fruits and vegetables that provide phytonutrients, enzymes, minerals  & flavenoids
7. Take  in essential fatty acids ( Omega 3’s ) from supplements like flax oil or deep sea fish oils.
8. Add resveratrol supplement that stimulates the longevity gene and is an anti oxidant.
9. Perform exercise and good weight control. (obesity is a high risk factor in many diseases and statistically shortens longevity)

Technorati Tags: aging, anti oxidants, free radicals, longevity, resveratrol, supplements, vitamins