Children and Food Intolerance

Most parents think food allergy and food intolerance are the same. They aren’t.

SEVERAL hours after a delightful dinner, your child begins having abdominal pains and severe diarrhoea. As the tears stream down your child’s face, you start to panic. Is your child suffering from a food allergy?

Before you jump to any conclusions, take a step back. While the prevalence of food allergy has increased dramatically in many countries over the years, especially among children, food intolerance still remains a much more common problem.

Food intolerance is generally less severe than food allergy. In fact, almost everyone at one time or another has had an unpleasant reaction to something they ate.

While food intolerance may not be life threatening, it is a cause of concern for growing children as it may limit their access to certain important nutrients that are essential to their development.

Ask a clinical allergist

If you suspect your child is suffering from either food allergy or food intolerance, seek professional help to help you differentiate between the two.

While there are many “DIY” testing kits/methods in the market claiming to be able to diagnose food allergies and food intolerance, a clinical allergist is still the best-qualified professional to diagnose either condition.

What is food intolerance?

Food intolerance refers to the adverse reaction(s) that people have to certain foods or ingredients that they consume.

These reactions may range from simple bouts of burping, to a case of full-blown diarrhoea that occurs every time the food is eaten, especially if in large quantities.

Food intolerance happens when something in a food irritates a person’s digestive system or when a person is unable to properly breakdown the food. Thus, food intolerance is actually a digestive system response.

How do I know if it is food intolerance?

As food intolerance is a digestive system response, most of the symptoms are also associated with digestive health problems.

Watch out if your child experiences unpleasant symptoms such as:

·frequent burping
·nausea
·vomiting
·bloating
·abdominal pain
·diarrhoea

These symptoms may develop quickly - within minutes of food consumption - or take up to a few days to manifest. Usually, they will worsen as they develop.

Watch out!

If your child develops symptoms such as skin reactions and breathing difficulties, bring him to the doctor immediately as your child may be suffering from a food allergy.

Food allergies are immune system responses that should not be taken lightly as they can elicit a sudden and fatal reaction.

How food intolerance occurs

Food intolerance can be caused by a few factors. The most common is a lack of enzymes that are needed to digest certain foods.

Enzymes are proteins produced by our bodies to break down food that we consume. When there is a lack or inadequate amount of a specific enzyme, some food may remain undigested and in larger components in the small intestines.

As a result, the level of fluid and salts in the large intestines increases. This helps the naturally occurring bacteria in our large intestine to ferment the undigested food into acids. This may cause symptoms of food intolerance such as bloating and abdominal pains.

Apart from that, food intolerance may also be a result of the chemical ingredients that are added to some food to enhance their taste and provide colour. As these ingredients are not naturally occurring, the body, especially the child’s body, may not be able to tolerate them.

It is important to be aware that it may not be a particular food itself, but the ingredients it contains that are causing the symptoms.

Parents, take note!

Food intolerance can begin at any age and it may run in families. Though you may not be able to control how and when it manifests, you can definitely play a big role in reducing your child’s risk of experiencing food intolerance.

·Breast milk is best

Breastfeed your child exclusively for as long as possible, especially in the first six months of his life. This works well as primary prevention for food intolerance as well as food allergy.

Not only is breast milk considered the most nutritious source of food for your child, it is dense with antioxidants that will boost Bifidus bacteria (Bifidobacteria) in the gut, keeping the intestinal lining healthy.

Additionally, breast milk also contains fewer foreign proteins that will irritate your child’s digestive system. So feeding your child breast milk lowers the chance of you feeding your child something that his body may not be able to tolerate.

·Cook healthy

Eating out increases your child’s risk of suffering from food intolerance, as you may not be aware of the additives or ingredients that are being used. Instead of eating out, make it a habit to cook your own meals for your child. Not only will you be able to control the ingredients used, you will be able to ensure that your child receives a wholesome and nutritious diet.

While preparing meals, always remember to check the food labels and ingredients for suspected triggers.

·Watch the quantity

If you have figured out the specific food(s) that trigger your child’s food intolerance, the next best step would be to avoid serving it. However, certain foods are needed for growth and it would not be wise to eliminate these completely. If your child is intolerant to such a food, try serving it in a much smaller amount, but more frequently.

Food intolerance can be very difficult to deal with as different people may develop different reactions. If your child has food intolerance, be aware of the food that goes into his mouth, whether you do or don’t know if it may cause a bad reaction. Learn to identify the risk factors and ways of managing it early in your child’s life, rather than trying to treat them later.

> Associate Professor Dr Amir Hamzah Abdul Latiff is a paediatric immunologist and president of the Malaysian Society of Allergy and Immunology. This article is courtesy of the Malaysian Paediatric Association for the Positive Parenting Programme. For further information, please visit www.mypositiveparenting.org.

Source: Parenthots

CoQ10 Supplement - Coenzyme Q10 - For Everyone Over 40

Author: Jack Whitley

CoQ10, or Coenzyme Q10, is a vital antioxidant found in every cell of our bodies. It is also known as ubiquinone. It was not discovered until 1957, and was not available inexpensively until the last decade. Low CoQ10 levels are associated with many illnesses and medical conditions. Taking CoQ10 helps with coronary heart problems, many types of cancers, neurodegenerative diseases, periodontal issues, diabetes, and many other conditions. Taking CoQ10 slows down the aging process, builds up the immune system.

CoQ10 cannot be obtained from your diet because we synthesize our CoQ10. It is not found in your food. As we get older our serum (it is fat soluble and not found in plasma) and organ levels fall. Our heart levels fall severely starting at the age of twenty and our brain levels fall severely starting at the age of forty. This was not as much of an issue fifty years ago. Because of poor diet and lifestyle it is now a major issue. So how does CoQ10 relate to all of this? It is important for all people over the age of 40 to take CoQ10 supplements. You must take 100 mg of real Japanese bioengineered CoQ10 a day. If you are taking it for a serious condition take 200 mg a day for 6 months and then lower your dosage to 100mg. It is important to take CoQ10 with food or flax oil because it is oil soluble, meaning it needs oil to help with absorption. All “special delivery systems” are scams.

As with all supplements there are frauds to be aware of when buying CoQ10 supplements. Real CoQ10 costs about $800 a kilogram (2.2 pounds) in 2009. There are three different types of frauds: low dosage, cheap Chinese or Korean product, and ubiquinol. Low doses, like 30 mg offer false “special delivery systems”. Cheap Chinese or Korean CoQ10 is made from tobacco stems and is unstable. The price may look and sound good, but they deteriorate quickly. CoQ10 is expensive to produce. Do not buy cheap ubiquinol; buy real bioengineered ubiquinone. Ubiquinol breaks down quickly as is very unstable. There is no way to stabilize it.

CoQ10 is a great supplement for your heart and arteries. Coronary heart disease is THE leading cause of death around the world. In one study patients that were expected to die from heart failure rebounded with “extraordinary clinical improvement” (Bio. Research Comm. v 102). People with this disease generally have lower levels of CoQ10 in their blood and heart muscle. CoQ10 has the capabilities of lowering your blood pressure without any change in your diet or your exercise regimen. However, with this said, it’s always important to maintain a good diet and exercise for optimum health. Numerous studies have been done that support CoQ10 being good for the heart. In one study 65 cardiologists treated 806 patients for heart failure. They indicated “significant” benefits from CoQ10 (Klinische Wochenschrift, 1988, v 66). In another study patients were given 50-150 mg of CoQ10 every day for three months. 80% of the patients had improvements. (Clin. Invest., v 71S).

CoQ10 has been shown to help in the fight against cancer. Generally, cancer patients of most types show low levels of CoQ10 in their blood. Knud Lockwood, MD., a cancer specialist in Copenhagen Denmark studied 32 “high risk” breast cancer patients. His treatment was antioxidant vitamins, essential fatty acids, and CoQ10 (Bio Research Comm. March 30, ’94:199:1504-8). After 24 months all of his patients were still alive. One patient, age 74, had a tumor removed from her right breast. She refused additional operations to remove any additional growths. Instead she began taking 300mg of CoQ10 daily. In three months she had an examination and a mammography and it revealed there was no evidence of the tumor or metastases. Dr Lockwood has treated over 7,000 cases of breast cancer over 35 years. He wrote that until using CoQ10 supplements he had “never seen a spontaneous complete regression of a 1.5-2.0 centimeter breast tumor, and has never seen a comparable regression on any conventional anti-tumor therapy.”

Our brains are subject to strong free radical damage and we need effective antioxidants to prevent this. Therefore, the CoQ10 supplement should be added to this list of brain supplements. For example, Huntington’s chorea is a neurodegenerative disease in which brain cells die prematurely. It’s been shown that Huntington’s patients have low levels of CoQ10 (Ann. Neurol. V41, 1997). There is no cure for Alzheimer’s but CoQ10 has been proven to have value in prevention of this disease (Lancet v 340, 1992). It was also shown that patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease also have low mitochondrial levels of CoQ10 (Neurochem. Tnt. V25, 1994). In conclusion, the supplementation of CoQ10 can help benefit your brain and help you have a clear, sharp mind all of your life.

CoQ10 also is beneficial for many other illnesses and medical conditions. It has also been shown that diabetics have low levels of CoQ10 (Medicine v7: 1976). This would also include other blood sugar metabolism problems such as hypoglycemia, low blood sugar. People with various lung diseases have been shown to have low levels of CoQ10 (Clin. Invest. V71:1993). Those suffering from lung diseases such as asthma, COPD and bronchitis may benefit from taking 100mg of CoQ10. Infertility is another huge problems in America. This comes from, like many other medical conditions, poor diet and lifestyle. Evidence has shown that CoQ10 can help with low sperm counts and inability to conceive. Other studies have shown that CoQ10 helps in sports performance and physical endurance, which would also help improve one’s sex life.

What about gum problems? Well, generally, people with any kind of periodontal condition have low levels of CoQ10. CoQ10 has powerful healing properties for the gums. It is not easy to find a toothpaste made with real CoQ10.

Taking CoQ10 can also help you age slower. It will slow down the aging process, which is basically caused by oxidative cell stress. CoQ10 will also help you build up your immune system. This will help increase the white cell count in the blood, which is very important for immunity. It also increases the power of the macrophages to help with stronger immunity. CoQ10 also raises your immunoglobin G levels for stronger immunity. Research has shown that AIDS patients can benefit from the supplementation of CoQ10.

As you can tell CoQ10 supplements are very powerful. It is beneficial to the immune system and for numerous medical conditions. New research continues to be done on the benefits of CoQ10. It should be one of the most important supplements you take for a long and healthy life. Everyone over the age of 40 can benefit from the supplementation of CoQ10.

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Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/supplements-and-vitamins-articles/coq10-supplement-coenzyme-q10-for-everyone-over-40-1321287.html

About the Author:
This article has been written by Cape Fear Naturals as a part of our customer service to our valued website visitors.

If you are interested in this product or other natural health products please visit http://www.capefearnaturals.com

June 2009, Volume 2,3, copyrighted

Co-Enzyme Q10

Author: naturalremedies

CoQ10, also known as Coenzyme Q10, is regularly produced by the human body and is necessary for the basic functioning of cells. CoQ10 plays a very important role in producing energy for the human body and since levels are said to gradually decrease with age, taking a CoQ10 supplement is very beneficial and can easily increase natural levels over time. It is often used and recommended to help numerous conditions.

CoQ10 enzyme is similar to Vitamin K. It provides support in cellular reactions that lead to energy production in the form of adenosine triphosphate or ATP. The body has some reserves of ATP that can sustain heavy exertion of 5-8 minutes. After this the body needs to produce more ATP, which requires excessive amounts of CoQ10.

CoQ10 Advantages:

Fighting Disease - CoQ10 has many benefits. Its antioxidant properties can help with a number of diseases such as gingivitis, diabetes, etc. It can also slow down the effects of Parkinson’s disease.

The Nervous System - CoQ10 helps in electron transfer, cell respiration, energy production and oxidation reactions.

Burning Fat - CoQ10 can stimulate metabolism of the body, which could help in reducing weight.

The Heart - CoQ10 is present in huge amounts in the heart for its proper functioning. Proper amounts of CoQ10 in the body can reduce the risk of heart failure.

Coenzyme Q10 has many benefits. Its antioxidants alone help with a number of diseases such as gingivitis and diabetes. CoQ10 helps in electron transfer, cell respiration, energy production and oxidation reactions and is clinically proven to support heart health. It is necessary for energy production and is also sometimes recommended by caregivers to help individuals with other ailments such as:

CoQ10 Deficiency Causes:

- Heart Failure

- Heart Attack (Prevention and Recovery)

- Cardiomyopathy

- High Blood Pressure

- Diabetes

- Gum Disease

- Kidney Failure

- Migraines

- Parkinson's Disease

- Alzheimer's Disease

- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

The advantage of co-enzyme q10 is that with help of this you can loose some considerable amounts of weight along with proper weight loss program but only if you have deficiency of co-enzyme q10. Weight loss results are not much astonishing for those who don’t have deficiency of co-enzyme q10 but still take it as an added supplement. Exercising and eating properly must be first objectives and then add co-enzyme q10 supplement to your diet so as to kick start your weight loss program effectively.

As the person grows older, its density in our body decreases. Its rate has a considerable dip after the age of 30 years. CoQ10 plays a major role in absorption and usage of oxygen by our body’s cells. It also helps the body in energy production with protection and strengthening of our immune system. This is very important for body builders and athletes. It helps the energy production in the form of ATP. This enzyme helps in many disease like congestive heart failure, diabetes etc. It helps heart by increasing the flow of blood with oxygen to the heart and thus preventing cholesterol buildup. This enzyme also helps in fat loss and thus weight loss but its effects are not very well known. In a study conducted on overweight people it was found that almost half of them has low level of this enzyme.


Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/wellness-articles/coenzyme-q10-939423.html

About the Author:
Read About Fast Weight Loss also Read about Co-Enzyme Q10 and Weight Loss and Running

Enzymes - The Future Of Sports Nutrition?

An understanding of the importance of enzymes might just be one of the key elements missing in ones awareness of optimal health. When I first heard about enzymes I had no idea what they were. I had a clue that they had something to do with digestion but I felt there was more to this miracle biological element. In fact, the more I have learned about enzymes the more I am convinced they are probably one of the most important elements in a lifestyle which lends itself to super nutrition.

When we put food or liquids in our mouths the enzymatic process begins to break down foods. This process continues in the stomach and the small intestines and is critical to breaking down foods so that the nutrients in the food can be broken down and absorbed. These nutrients include Fats, Proteins, Carbohydrates, Vitamins and Minerals. If our bodies are not able to absorb the nutrients, we feel weak, tired, and unfulfilled. Why wouldn’t our bodies be able to absorb the nutrients?

There are several reasons:

1 – The food we are eating does not contain the nutrients either because the food was overcooked and the nutrients were partially destroyed or the food was grown in nutrient deficient soil

2 – Our bodies lack the necessary enzymes because the biological processes that produce the enzymes have been compromised and overloaded with toxins

Every time we put food or liquids into our mouth we are indeed making a choice as to how we want to live our life. Foods that are deficient in enzymes force the body to overwork itself to produce what is needed to break down the foods. Have you ever wondered why people take naps after they eat? The body is overworking to digest the food which has been consumed. Most people will not feel exhausted after eating an organic salad and fruit which are rich in enzymes.

Why else are enzymes so important. Just as important as their role in digestion, enzymes are the key that transport nutrients into our cells. They transport the nutrients throughout our body and bring them to where they are needed. And what might possibly be the most important thing about enzymes is that when enzymes do not have anything else to do in the digestive track they become like soldiers moving around the body working on inflammation.

This can be a huge concept in our understanding of health and nutrition especially for very active athletes who frequently are inflamed after workouts. I personally take enzyme supplements such as Bromelain and papain once or twice a day or after a hard race or workout. Papayas are high in the enzyme papain and pineapples are high in the enzyme Bromelain. These enzymes can also be purchased in supplemental form.

It is important to get high quality supplements if you want to take enzymes in supplemental form and they should be taken with food if you eat a lot of cooked foods (Which most people do). You can also take them on an empty stomach and they have a cleansing affect on the body as they will perform like little Pacmen that go around the body repairing tissue and reducing inflammation.

If you really want to get the most benefit from enzymes and their amazing affect on the human body get them from fresh squeezed vegetable and fruit juice. You can go to your whole food grocers which can juice them for you on the spot using cucumbers, carrots, celery, beets, kale, parsley, etc. You will not only get the squeezed out enzymes but you will also be getting the vitamins, minerals and chlorophyll which will help keep your body in an alkaline state and as vibrant as ever.

You can take this to any level you want.

Level A – Xtreme Health

Eat raw living foods more frequently (uncooked). Take enzyme supplements daily before eating. Take enzyme supplements between meals occasionally to help roam the body and do their job as pacmen roaming the body and reducing inflammation and eating bad toxins.

Level B – Much better than most people.

Take an enzyme supplement at least once a day.

Level C – A step above what you’re doing now.

Eat something raw with every meal. Pineapple, celery, carrots, other raw vegetables or fruits.

Have the most Awesome day Ever.

Author: Will Byron
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

The Importance Of Enzymes

Author: Helena Ederveen

Enzymes are specific proteins that increase the rate of chemical reactions in the human body. They act as a type of catalyst by attaching to substrates and transforming them into another substance. There are currently about 4,000 have been identified but we know there are millions more.

Enzymes occur naturally in the human body and without them, we couldn't survive. These enzymes continually regenerate while maintaining the body's systems and protecting us from disease. They keep the body functioning properly and ward off deadly diseases.

All processes of the human body are made up of chemical reactions that scientists refer to as metabolic reactions. Enzymes are what make this metabolism happen. Without the presence of these essential enzymes, processes such as digestion, breathing, reproduction, coagulation of the blood, or even sensory perception would not be possible. Enzymes are an integral part of our survival.

When most of us think of enzymes, we initially think of digestive enzymes because they are what we hear the most about in the news and media. But digestive enzymes only make up a small subset of enzymes present in the human body. Enzymes are constantly causing complex reactions within our bodies to perform every life function. So numerous and elaborate are these reactions, it would be impossible for a scientist to recreate them. The exciting thing is that the enzymes can perform these biological reactions without being used up in the process. They can virtually perform their function forever.

Coenzymes such as amino acids, vitamins, and minerals are required to complete these metabolic processes. They exert a specific influence of the chemical reactions taking place by the body.

Enzymes play many vital roles in the body. Once specific function is to reduce and alleviate inflammation such as arthritis or tendonitis. Certain enzymes break down the specific proteins that can cause pain to joints and connective tissue. As the enzymes work to reduce these proteins, the joints and tissues are protected and allowed to heal.

Enzymes are also present in the digestive system and aid in food digestion and are also absorbed into the bloodstream where they can fight foreign proteins saving us from maladies such as chronic fatigue syndrome and other autoimmune diseases.

Other enzymes groups work to break down the nutrients present in food to a form our body can easily use. Proteases work to convert proteins to amino acids. Lipases work to convert fat into fatty acids. And, Amylases work to convert carbohydrates into glucose.

From there, our cells release oxygen, working with yet other enzymes to release the energy our bodies need for survival

Without a properly functioning digestive tract, poor health is inevitable. Food must be adequately broken down so that nutrients can be extracted. If proper digestion does happen, problems will quickly arise. The mucosal lining of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and anus will be damaged and could lead to disease or even death. This is a painful process and one is urged to see a doctor specializing in these matters if they believe their digestive system is not functioning to the best of its ability.

Our bodies are precision instruments akin to a Swiss watch or German sports car. We must take great care to look after it and provide it with the proper nutrients it needs for survival. Although the body is known as the great adapter, meaning it will try to acclimate to its environment, we should still make sure we are providing everything it needs to function properly. Proper nutrition and exercise are key, as well as a yearly physical with your doctor.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/wellness-articles/the-importance-of-enzymes-813164.html

About the Author:
Helena Ederveen born in 1943; Clinical Nutritionist; Master Practiotioner NLP;Advanced Practitioner Eriksonian Hypnosis; Associated Member Australasian College Nutritional& Environmental Medicine. Specialized in Snoring Treatments, sleep apnoes,Fibromyalgia and Excessive tiredness.For more informaion go to my website http://www.apneasleep-snoringtreatments.com

Enzymes - Essential Nutrients For Good Health

Author: Kwan H Lo

Enzymes are proteins that catalyze a chemical reaction. Each enzyme has unique chemical structure that it can speed up the reaction of certain substrates. Enzymes are involved in all body functions such as digestion, respiration, transportation and detoxification. Deficiency and malfunction of some critical enzymes can lead to serious illnesses or death.

Two types of enzymes, digestive enzymes and antioxidant enzymes are particularly important to our health. Digestive enzymes break down the food, enabling the absorption of nutrients which are required to sustain life. Antioxidant enzymes protect our body from the attack of free radicals. The latter is responsible for many degenerative diseases such as aging, cancer, heart diseases, etc.

Digestive enzymes can be further divided into 3 categories: amylase, protease and lipase. Amylases are found in saliva, pancreatic and intestinal secretions. Their function is to break down sugars (carbohydrates). Different types of amylase break down different types of sugars. For examples, lactase breaks down lactose, sucrase breaks down sucrose. Proteases are found in the stomach acid and the pancreatic and intestinal secretions; their function is to break down proteins into amino acids. Lipases, found in pancreatic and intestinal secretions, are involved in fat digestion.

The most important antioxidant enzymes in our body are superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase. SOD is responsible for the breakdown of superoxide into hydrogen peroxide whereas catalase breaks down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. Compared to vitamin C and E, SOD, catalase and other antioxidant enzymes are more powerful free radical scavengers and they will not turn into free radicals themselves in their action.

Both digestive enzymes and antioxidant enzymes are synthesized naturally in our body and are available in a variety of foods, such as fruits, vegetables, sprouts and fat containing foods. However, since enzymes are very sensitive to heat, most enzymes are destroyed in cooking. In addition, several studies have shown that our body's ability to produce enzymes decreases as we age. Therefore, for those who are elderly or who are eating mostly cooked food, the consumption of enzyme supplements can either help you assimilate more nutrients from the foods or protect you from free radical damage.

If you want to purchase enzyme supplements, remember to read the label carefully. First of all, look at the source of the enzymes, are they plant-based, animal-based or extracted from microbes? For vegetarians, they should seek out enzymes extracted from plant or microbial source packed in vegetarian capsules. Secondly, is the enzyme supplement composed of single enzyme or a mixture of enzymes? Single enzyme supplement such as bromelain is often used for other purposes (anti-inflammatory). For digestive aid, it is better to consume a mixture of enzymes including amylase, protease, and lipase which work together to break down starch, protein and fat. Similarly, a mixture of antioxidant enzymes (SOD and catalase) work better than single enzyme alone. And lastly, compare the potency (and not the weight) of different enzyme products. The more active the enzyme, the more food it can digest and the higher the unit of potency.


Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/enzymes-essential-nutrients-for-good-health-510223.html

About the Author:
Kwan H Lo owns an online site promoting high quality discount supplements , including New Chapter vitamins and Garden of Life vitamins .

Astaxanthin, A Member Of The Carotenoid Family, Is A Powerful Antioxidant

Author: Darrell Miller

Astaxanthin is a member of the carotenoid family responsible for the red color of many types of algae. Being a carotenoid, it is a powerful antioxidant and free radical scavenger as well as support proper eye function.

However, such a bland statement belies the true worth of astaxanthin in its fight against free radicals. It is of particular benefit in its ability to absorb the high energy of singlet oxygen, releasing it as heat, and returning the singlet oxygen to its ground neutralized state. Singlet oxygen is a particularly harmful and reactive oxygen species of free radical that is formed in the body as part of our normal metabolism, and that contains a high level of free energy that can be used to oxidize and destroy the cells of your body.

In achieving this, astaxanthin is regarded as one of the most potent plant derived antioxidants known, being up to ten times more active than beta carotene, Lutein or its cousin canthaxanthin. So why are antioxidants so valuable to our biochemistry and what would happen if they did not exist?

Free radicals are thieves that use your body as their operating ground. They operate by stealing an electron from a molecule that comprises part of you, and in some cases when this occurs the cell from which the electron is removed is destroyed. Generally electrons go around in pairs, but occasionally an electron pair can lose one of the electrons during a chemical reaction. Many such reactions occur naturally inside the body, especially during the production of energy from blood sugars in the mitochondria, and such a molecule containing a single unpaired electron is called a free radical. Free radicals are also generated by the reactive components of many pollutants such as traffic fumes and cigarette smoke, tars and pesticides, and also by the effect of UV radiation in sunlight.

The only purpose of a free radical is to steal an electron from the first source it can find. Such reactions occur very rapidly after the free radical has been generated, and if this electron belongs to another body cell, then the cell is destroyed leading to effects such as premature aging or even cancers. Free radical oxidation of the LDL lipids that carry cholesterol around the blood causes the deposition of fatty plaques inside arterial walls that eventually become constricted or even blocked, leading to heart disease or strokes.

That is why antioxidants that destroy these free radicals are so prized, and the more of them that there are in your body then the less affect the free radicals will have on you. You will retain your youthful looks longer, and will be less liable to suffer from heart disease, cancers, circulation problems and conditions such as diabetes. Many abnormal conditions can be laid at the door of free radicals.

The stronger the free radical, the more harm it can do to you and a strong antioxidant such as astaxanthin is a very powerful weapon in your armory against them. Astaxanthin is a member of the oxygenated xanthophylls, and its high level of antioxidant power likely comes from the ketonic and hydroxyl functional groups of the ionone ring structure. It is more polar than most carotenoids, and this is a likely reason for its ability to span the cell membrane layers, with the active groups close to the hydrophilic-hydrophobic interface. They are thus more readily available at the sites where most free radicals tend to be found and provide immediate protection to the cell membrane and also to the intracellular mitochondrial membrane.

Many antioxidants destroy free radicals by donating an electron, and become oxidized themselves. Astaxanthin, however, does not do this, but instead adds the free radicals to its long double bonded chain hence avoiding oxidation and rendering it much more powerful than normal antioxidants. It is unusual among antioxidants in that it is also able to cross the blood-brain barrier, and so reduces oxidative stress that can cause neurological disorders in general, and also problems with eyesight. It can also attach itself to lipoproteins to enable it to be carried throughout the bloodstream, being available anywhere that free radicals are generated. The carotenoid is also active against active oxygen species that are responsible for inflammation.

Another property is its ability to neutralize the oxygenated free radicals formed by the photo-oxidation properties of UVA and UVB radiation. Included in these are the previously mentioned highly reactive singlet oxygen and also triplet oxygen that astaxanthin is able to neutralize without becoming oxidized. In fact reactive oxygen species in general can cause oxidative stress, and they have been thought responsible for many forms of disease and health conditions, and the powerful effect of astaxanthin in targeting many of these has led it to be regarded as highly beneficial to the immune system and to health in general.

Another benefit is the ability of the substance to help prevent the oxidation of high density lipoproteins (HDL) that are responsible for carrying cholesterol in the blood back to the liver for destruction. Free radical oxidation of HDL impairs its ability to transport cholesterol, and so decreasing the level of such free radical oxidation will by definition increase the quantity of good HDL available, and hence reduce the concentration of cholesterol in the blood. Studies have proved this to be the case, and astaxanthin supplements are very beneficial to those suffering from high blood cholesterol levels, and helps protect them from heart disease and strokes.

The substance is naturally available from a wide range of marine sources, such as lobsters (where it was first discovered), shrimp, salmon, trout and in a wide variety of red and green algae. The substance is also used as a red pigment. Carotenoids are essential, meaning that they are not produced in the human body and can only be obtained in our diets.

For that reason, the most convenient way to take it, apart from continually eating shrimp and lobster, is as a supplement. Astaxanthin is available either as a powerful antioxidant in its own right, or in combination with other substances with which it acts to provide a very strong deterrent to any free radicals that think they can freely roam your body.


Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/astaxanthin-a-member-of-the-carotenoid-family-is-a-powerful-antioxidant-326539.html

About the Author:
More information on antioxidant Carotenoids like astaxanthin is available at VitaNet ®, LLC Health Food Store. http://vitanetonline.com/

Overcome Male Infertility 144--How to Treat Infertility With Maritime Pine Tree (Pinus pinaster)

Author: Kyle J. Norton

As we mentioned in previous articles, infertility is defined as inability of a couple to conceive after 12 months of unprotected sexual intercourse. It effects over 5 millions couple alone in the U. S. and many times more in the world. Because of unawareness of treatments, only 10% seeks help from professional specialist.We have spent most of the time in this series discussing the conventional and Chinese medicine in treating fertility. I believe, it is the best time to change the subject by discussing how to treat male infertility with maritime pine tree ( pinus pinaster ).

I. Definition Maritime pine tree also known as pinus pinaster, it is a pine, belongs to the family Pinaceae and native to the western Mediterranean region. It has been used in traditional medicine to strengthen the immune system fighting against infection and inflammation.

II. How to treat male infertility with maritime pine tree
1. Pycnogenol
Researchers found that Pycnogenol extracted from the maritime pine tree improves the quality and function of sperm in men with fertility problems by a mean of 38% and 19%, respectively, after only 90 days of use, because of it's bioavailable and bioactive antioxidant compounds.

2. Procyanidin
Maritine pine tree contains high levels of procyandin which is an powerful antioxidant not only helps to strengthen the immune system fighting against forming of free radicals, but also decreases the risk of oxidative sperm cells resulting in increasing the quality and motility of sperm.

3. Vitamin A
Beside is powerful antioxidant, it also helps to maintain the friendly cervical mucus that is important for the invasion sperm and helps to stimulates the production of follicles and certain hormone for process of egg fertilization and implantation into uterus.

4. Vitamin C
Vitamin C not only helps to reduce the risk of infertility caused by nutrients deficiency, it also increase the blood flow to the abdominal region by strengthening the wall of small vein in the test, leading to increasing the sperm quality and motility.

5. Organic acids
Maratine pine tree also contains high levels of oganic acids which helps not only the digestive system in absorbing vital vitamins and minerals for our body needs, but also increases the production of quality sperm and sperm motility.

III. Risks
Over dose risk, please consult with your herbalist before applying.


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I have been studying natural remedies for disease prevention for over 20 years and working as a financial consultant since 1990. Master degree in Mathematics, teaching and tutoring math at colleges and universities before joining insurance industries. Part time Health, Insurance and Entertainment Article Writer.