Dr Jocelin’s Weekly Health Tip is on how to prepare your natural immune support cabinet before cold and flu season begins.
Tag: Vitamin C
Why take glutathione and vitamin C together?
According to the National Health Council, a troubling 50 percent of American adults suffer greatly with their health. Thankfully, recent research has shown that a pair of natural substances – glutathione and vitamin C – can help to increase the body’s natural antioxidant defense system. This, in turn, helps to reduce the risk of excess oxidative stress – which leads to a diminished quality of life.
Researchers have found that these natural compounds work in concert, with each helping to replenish and recycle the other. Let’s take a closer look at the health benefits that are obtained by taking these two natural substances together.
Glutathione and vitamin C: Two “superstar” antioxidants join forces
Glutathione – one of the most powerful antioxidants in the body – is also its premier detoxifying molecule, working to neutralize pathogens, environmental toxins, and carcinogens. In addition, it boosts the immune system, increases strength and endurance, and encourages the body to form lean muscle rather than fat.
In fact, so strongly tied is glutathione to health and well-being that scientists can use glutathione levels to predict longevity – quite a testament to its influence in the body!
Unfortunately, glutathione levels can be threatened by toxic drugs, environmental toxins, and chronic stress – as well as by normal aging. Unsurprisingly, healthy young people have the highest levels of glutathione, while elderly, hospitalized patients have the very lowest.
Like glutathione, vitamin C can help to boost immune system function. In fact, studies have shown that vitamin C increases production of life protective antibodies and promotes the function of phagocytes, the body’s scavenger cells.
In addition, vitamin C – which has potent antioxidant, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties – can protect fragile cell membranes and prevent damage to cell DNA, as well as to important proteins and enzymes (including glutathione). It is also a cofactor in the production of collagen – which is essential to arterial and heart health.
So, it’s clear to see: insufficient stores of glutathione and vitamin C can cause serious health issues.
Stronger together: Glutathione and vitamin C empower each other
Together, these two antioxidants neutralize harmful free radicals. This is important, because free radicals cause the unhealthy peroxidation of cell membrane lipids, leading to eventual cell death and increased likelihood of sickness.
Noted functional physician and author Dr. Mark Hyman uses the “hot potato” analogy to explain the antioxidant actions of glutathione and vitamin C. Free radicals get bounced like a “hot potato” from one antioxidant to another, shuttling from vitamin C to vitamin E – then on to lipoic acid, and finally, glutathione.
Glutathione “cools off” the free radicals while recycling the other antioxidants, sacrificing itself in the process. However, the process ends with the regeneration of more glutathione. In other words, glutathione and vitamin C function as a “buddy act,” in which each has the other’s back.
Vitamin C also helps to protect glutathione in the tissues, while glutathione coverts worn-out vitamin C (dehydroascorbic acid) back into its active form. In fact, a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition demonstrated that glutathione can actually alleviate vitamin C deficiency.
Boost glutathione and vitamin C with diet and proper supplementation.
You can help your body increase its glutathione production by eating sulfur-rich foods, such as garlic, onions, and cruciferous vegetables including Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, and arugula.
When it comes to ramping up vitamin C intake, red bell peppers, kiwi fruit, strawberries, and citrus fruits are among the best sources.
Adding supplements of both can be a great idea as well. Bottom line: when it comes to protecting your health, glutathione and vitamin C are “on the job.” Maybe it’s time to put this dynamic duo to work for you?
Be sure to pick up your Vitamin C and Glutathione supplements on your next visit to Whitaker’s Natural Market.
Portions of this health tip are from Natural Health 365.
Weekly Health Tip – Immune Boosters
Dr Jocelin’s Weekly Health Tip is on immune boosters to help prevent getting sick.
5 ways to avoid gallstones naturally
According to the most current data about gallstones – deposits of crystallized cholesterol in the gallbladder or bile ducts, about 15 percent of the American population are affected by this preventable condition.
And, while many gallstones are “silent” and cause no symptoms, serious complications – including bile duct infection, pancreatitis, and an increased risk of heart disease and gallbladder cancer – can sometimes occur. The good news: a variety of natural nutrients and supplements can help slash your risk of developing these potentially troublesome deposits.
Just don’t expect your conventionally trained physician to talk to you about this.
In fact, the “typical response” of Western medicine is to surgically remove the gallbladder (a procedure known as cholecystectomy), if there’s a problem. But, again, you ought to know that there are many non-invasive, non-toxic techniques to ward off gallstones. Let’s take a closer look!
Warning: The standard American diet is a perfect “recipe” for promoting the development of gallstones
When it comes to raising the risk of gallstones, a high toxic (such as vegetable oils, soy oil, etc) fat, high calorie, and highly processed diet is a primary culprit. Unfortunately, with the ease of obtaining “fast” foods, junk foods, and highly processed foods, this is the diet of far too many people.
Other factors that can raise the risk of developing gallstones include obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, increasing age, and certain medications, such as diuretics. Genetics can also play a role. And, women are statistically more likely to develop gallstones than men.
The following substances have been shown in human and animal studies to be particularly effective against gallstones.
Observational study: Vitamin C supplementation slashes gallstone risk
A potent antioxidant, vitamin C works in the body to scavenge harmful free radicals and reduce the oxidative stress that plays a role in gallstone formation. By helping to convert excess cholesterol into bile acids, vitamin C may help reduce cholesterol concentrations, thereby decreasing the chance of gallstones.
In a 2009 observational study involving over 2,100 subjects, researchers found that regular vitamin C users were a whopping 66 percent less likely to develop gallstones than those who didn’t supplement.
Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil discourage gallstone formation
Fish oil, rich in beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, has received kudos from natural health experts for its ability to reduce inflammation, support healthy cardiovascular function, and ease depression. Now, research shows that EPA and DHA, the primary fatty acids in fish oil, also help prevent gallstones. Like vitamin C, EPA and DHA inhibit cholesterol crystallization and improve bile composition.
SAM-e is a useful tool for promoting gallbladder health
SAM-e, short for S-adenosylmethionine, is a molecule found naturally in the body. With potent anti-inflammatory and mood-elevating effects, SAM-e is currently used to treat a variety of ills, including arthritis pain and depression. This versatile compound also has a protective effect on the liver and gallbladder.
In addition, SAM-e improves bile flow and decreases cholesterol concentration – two important defenses against gallbladder problems. Like vitamin C, it contributes to antioxidant protection, and reduces the oxidative stress that can trigger gallstones.
Note: researchers have found that women with increased estrogen levels are more likely to suffer from gallstones. Significantly, SAM-e reduced bile cholesterol by almost one third in women taking oral contraceptives.
Natural health experts normally advise SAM-e dosages in the area of 600 mg to 1,200 mg a day.
Curcumin from turmeric: The “golden spice” has a glowing reputation for fighting gallstones
Curcumin, the active ingredient in the medicinal spice turmeric, has long been valued by natural healers for its ability to ease inflammation, combat infection, and fight cancer. A carotenoid, or natural plant pigment, curcumin is responsible for the brilliant yellow-orange coloration of turmeric.
Both animal and human studies have shown that curcumin has the ability to improve cholesterol and lipid metabolism, increase bile flow, reduce gallbladder inflammation, and promote normal bile acid metabolism.
EGCG in green tea may fight not only gallstones – but deadly gallbladder diseases as well
EGCG, or epigallocatechin gallate, is a flavonoid found in green tea. This potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory has been demonstrated to prevent gallstones in animals – and human studies back this up. Not only does EGCG prevent gallstones, but it appears to play a role in warding off some of the potentially life-threatening forms of gallbladder disease.
A population-based study in China, published in International Journal of Cancer, showed that drinking at least one cup of green tea for six months cut the risk of developing gallstones by 27 percent, the risk of bile duct cancer by 35 percent, and the risk of gallbladder cancer by 44 percent. Not a bad payoff for merely sipping a daily cup of fragrant and refreshing green tea!
Take action: Reduce the risk of gallstones with natural techniques
You can cut your risk of gallstones by removing white sugar, refined carbohydrates, and saturated or trans fats from your diet – while eating plenty of fiber-rich fresh fruits and vegetables and healthy amounts of monounsaturated fats (such as those found in avocados, nuts, and olive oil).
And, it couldn’t hurt to add garlic, onions, fenugreek, and cayenne to your diet – all have been associated with lower risk of gallstones.
And, finally, increasing your activity level can help ward off gallstones, too. One study showed that between two and three hours of moderate exercise per week could lower the odds of developing gallstones by 25 percent.
Be sure to check out Vitamin C, Fish Oil, SAMe, Curcumin, and EGCG supplements as well as our large selection of green teas on your next visit to Whitaker’s Natural Market. Also, if you are already struggling with gallstone, talk to Dr Jocelin about a natural gallbladder cleanse.
Dr Jocelin’s Weekly Health Tip on Natural Cold and Flu Care
Dr Jocelin’s Weekly Health Tip this week is on how to deal with colds and flus naturally. She also includes tips specific to children and babies, ear infections, sinus infections, sore throats, and bronchitis.
Vitamin C shown to improve blood sugar levels and reduce blood pressure in patients with type 2 diabetes
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently reported that fully one third of the American population is prediabetic, with elevated blood sugar (glucose) levels that can – if untreated – lead to full-blown type 2 diabetes. Diabetes, which currently affects over 30 million Americans, causes the risk of heart disease to skyrocket – and can feature serious complications such as nerve damage, kidney disease, and retinal damage.
Now, a brand-new Australian study shows that vitamin C can lower elevated blood glucose in type 2 diabetics, helping to control dangerous after-meal surges and “spikes.”
The misunderstood health benefits of vitamin C
Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is a potent natural antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune system booster. Thankfully, a handful of forward-thinking doctors – early vitamin C pioneers such as Dr. Frederick Klenner, Linus Pauling, Dr. Mathias Rath, and Thomas E. Levy, MD, JD – have long spoken out about the ability of vitamin C to treat, and even reverse, a host of serious conditions.
In the 1940s, Dr. Klenner reported curing a variety of diseases, including polio and hepatitis, with high-dose vitamin C – while in the present day, Dr. Paul Marik, Professor of Medicine of Eastern Virginia Medical School, administers a vitamin C protocol that drastically improves survival rates for patients suffering from sepsis, a life-threatening systemic infection.
But the therapeutic value of this non-toxic, inexpensive natural nutrient has been consistently downplayed by the medical powers-that-be. Time and again, the mainstream medical community seems to have greeted even the most impressive vitamin C studies with indifference, suspicion, and even scorn.
Fortunately, well-designed scientific studies on vitamin C’s benefit are accumulating – as manifested by this latest study, conducted by an international team of researchers and published in a peer-reviewed medical journal.
Study: Vitamin C can reduce blood sugar spikes by a substantial 36 percent
In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in 2019 in Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism, adult participants with type 2 diabetes were randomly divided into two groups. One group took 1,000 mg of ascorbic acid in divided doses every day for four months, while the other group received a placebo.
Participants were given standardized meals, and their glucose levels were monitored continuously for 48 hours. The results were clear-cut.
The vitamin C group experienced significantly lower after-meal blood sugar levels – reducing by roughly three hours the time spent every day in hyperglycemia – a state of elevated blood glucose.
Why is this important?
Research has shown that blood sugar “spikes” damage cells in multiple ways, and are linked to heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, peripheral neuropathy, kidney failure, cognitive dysfunction, and retinal damage.
Clearly, the less time spent in hyperglycemia – the better. However, better glucose control wasn’t the only benefit for the participants in the vitamin C group.
The ascorbic acid also lowered elevated blood pressure – a primary risk factor for heart disease.
The team reported that participants’ blood pressure readings dropped by an average of 7 mmHg in the systolic number (which measures the pressure exerted by heartbeats) and by 5 mmHg in the diastolic (which measures the pressure in between beats).
Incidentally, the vitamin C group also experienced a significant lessening of disease-promoting oxidative stress. The researchers concluded that the study provided evidence for use of vitamin C as an adjunct therapy to improve control of blood sugar and blood pressure in people with type 2 diabetes.
In one study, which was published in Journal of the American College of Nutrition, researchers evaluated the daily vitamin C intake of 108 men. They found that men in the group with the highest levels of vitamin C intake had a 66 percent less chance of developing coronary heart disease – the number one killer in the United States – than men in the lowest-intake group. In other words, men who consumed higher levels of vitamin C were two-thirds more likely to avoid developing heart disease.
Researchers believe that this beneficial effect is due to vitamin C’s ability to prevent and alleviate endothelial dysfunction – the stiffening of arterial walls that interferes with the healthy flow of oxygen-rich blood.
And, in a 2003 observational study conducted by researchers at Harvard Medical School and published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 85,000 female nurses were followed for 16 years. Women who took supplemental vitamin C reduced their risk of heart disease by a hefty 28 percent.
Researchers credit vitamin C with improving electrical conduction throughout the heart muscle, reducing inflammation, and decreasing clotting factors – which contribute to stroke risk. Vitamin C also appears to help protect against two other heart problems: atrial fibrillation – a type of irregular heartbeat – and dilated cardiomyopathy, a harmful enlargement and weakening of the heart.
How much vitamin C do I need a day?
According to natural health experts, the current vitamin C RDAs advised by the Office of Dietary Supplements are good for a laugh – and not much else.
Vitamin C proponents note that the ODS recommendations – a paltry 75 to 90 mg of vitamin C a day – are enough to prevent the severe form of vitamin C deficiency known as scurvy, but not enough to maintain optimal health or combat disease.
Knowledgeable integrative and functional doctors usually advise taking anywhere from 1,000 to 6,000 mg of vitamin C a day, in divided doses – with even higher levels recommended for serious chronic conditions.
As the studies suggest, daily supplementation with inexpensive, non-toxic vitamin C can provide major protective dividends to the heart – while helping to regulate blood sugar levels. Clearly, having optimal levels of this essential micronutrient is a “win/win” scenario.
Be sure to check out our vast selection of Vitamin C supplements at Whitaker’s Natural Market on your next visit!
