Tag: Milk Thistle

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Supplementing with glutathione daily reduces cellular damage and fights degenerative disease, study reveals.

Roughly one out of every three Americans is now suffering from a degenerative disease like, heart disease (which kills over 620,000 people every year) or cancer (deaths from which are expected to top 630,000 by 2020).

Several researchers speculate that the widespread occurrence of these diseases is due to a deficiency in glutathione – a natural antioxidant produced in the body.
Inextricably linked to health and longevity, glutathione is a disease-fighting natural chemical that protects cells, reduces oxidative stress, neutralizes toxins, and even helps to boost the immune system.  Unfortunately, as we age, glutathione levels plunge – which increases our risk of degenerative disease.

Glutathione, which is composed of a trio of amino acids (glycine, glutamine, and cysteine), is found in every cell in the body – with particularly high concentrations in the liver, where it is produced.

One of the most important functions of glutathione is that it binds to, and neutralizes, harmful free radicals – which otherwise would produce oxidative stress and trigger disease.  It also detoxifies pollutants and carcinogens and helps to speed up their excretion from the body.

In addition, glutathione enhances and supports the function of T-cells – which are needed for an effective immune system – and assists with DNA repair, thus reducing the chance of cancer-causing mutations.

It also helps to transport mercury (a toxic, heavy metal) from the brain.

Finally, glutathione helps to “tweak” metabolism, discouraging the formation of fat while supporting and promoting the development of lean muscle.  Recent studies have illustrated the various therapeutic benefits of glutathione, from improving insulin sensitivity to reducing damage from ulcerative colitis.

Interesting to note: A clinical trial published last year in BMC Gastroenterology concluded that supplementation with glutathione can even help treat nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, which is currently reaching epidemic proportions in the United States.

Dr. Mark Hyman, the Medical Director at Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Functional Medicine, makes a particularly eye-opening claim, reporting that “virtually all patients suffering from chronic degenerative disease” (including those with cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, arthritis, autoimmune disease, and Alzheimer’s disease) are “deficient in glutathione.”

Alpha-lipoic acid, the “sleep hormone” melatonin, milk thistle, and the antioxidant mineral selenium have all been found to increase glutathione as well.

Personally, I find taking a supplement like G-cel with added nutrients to better absorb the Glutathione is a great way to start.  The G-cel features other ingredients such as milk thistle, magnesium, selenium, zinc, chromium, alpha lipoic acid, and much more!  Most of the top co-factors for cellular health.  Think of G-cel as your cellular “chimney sweep” to help remove toxins!

Stop in and talk to Dr Jocelin to find out more about the amazing benefits of glutathione for the body and her exclusive practitioner grade G-cel supplement.



Portions of the health tip are from NaturalHealth365.

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18 signs that you need a liver detox

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) – deposits of fat in the liver that can’t be attributed to excessive drinking – currently affects well over 100 million Americans.  And, while nonalcoholic fatty liver disease can be quite mild, untreated NAFLD can lead to serious complications such as, liver cancer, liver failure, and premature death.  Simply put, in this article, you’ll discover why a liver detox is a must for most people.

Many natural health experts, including Sara Gottfried, MD, a Harvard-educated functional medicine doctor, stress the importance of liver detox as an indispensable weapon against liver disease.  “I used to think a liver detox was a luxury,” admits Dr. Gottlieb, “but now I realize that it’s an imperative.”

Is your liver sending out the “SOS” signals that indicate an urgent need for liver detox?  Today, we’ll focus our attention on the symptoms linked to liver dysfunction and two nutrients vital for protecting your liver health.

Fatty liver disease can affect your health by interfering with the detoxifying function of the liver, impairing the metabolism of nutrients, inhibiting oxygen uptake, and weakening the immune system.

But what is behind this worldwide epidemic?

Experts say that NAFLD is primarily caused by the excessive consumption of calories – particularly from high-carbohydrate, high-sugar, and processed foods.  But, while obesity is one of the “engines” driving the high incidence of NAFLD, it is not the only culprit.

Exposure to a wide array of environmental toxins can also threaten liver health.

On a daily basis, we are exposed to a truly overwhelming barrage of toxins – including pesticides, herbicides, preservatives, cleaning chemicals, air pollution, VOCs (volatile organic compounds), cigarette smoke, heavy metals, and electromagnetic radiation from laptops and smart phones.

In addition, medications – both prescribed and over-the-counter – and alcohol can contribute to the toxin burden on the liver.  Plus, certain medical conditions – such as metabolic syndrome, gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy), high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes – can increase the odds of developing liver disease.

So, without any further ado, here are the 18 signs that a liver detox is needed.  Of course, if you are experiencing these issues, an immediate visit to your naturopathic doctor is a smart move.

The wide range of symptoms that indicate liver disease:

Pain or discomfort under the right side of your rib cage
Difficulty digesting fatty foods
Abdominal bloating
Skin issues like, dark liver spots or rashes
Dark circles under the eyes
Itchiness of the skin
Dry skin
Weight gain – not due to overeating
Frustrating inability to lose excess body weight, despite calorie restriction
Excess abdominal fat
Powerful cravings for sugar, alcohol, or coffee
Yellowish or whitish coating of the tongue or bad breath
Mood swings and mood disturbances
Fatigue that is not relieved by sleeping more
Heavy snoring or sleep apnea
Allergies and autoimmune disorders
Jaundice – in which the skin or the whites of the eyes appear yellow
And, finally, excessive sweating

If you suffer from these symptoms, your naturopathic doctor may advise a liver detoxification protocol – consisting of reducing exposure to toxins, proper nutrition, and the use of  liver-healing herbs and supplements.

Fortunately, plenty of liver-supporting nutrients exist to help soothe an inflamed, fatty liver.  Among these, two in particular stand out.  The following pair of “liver health heavyweights” can help reduce inflammation and promote liver cell regeneration – putting you on the fast track to better liver health.

Glutathione, the body’s “master antioxidant” is an important ally in liver health
This disease-fighting enzyme is found in every cell in the body – but is most heavily concentrated in the liver.  In other words, the liver can be considered “Glutathione Central.”  A powerful antioxidant, glutathione defends against disease by reducing oxidative damage and neutralizing toxins and carcinogens.

It also boosts the immune system, decreases inflammation, repairs DNA, and helps to recycle other important antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and CoQ10.  While experts say we should strive to take in 250 mg of dietary glutathione every day, most Americans only manage to ingest about 35 mg.

For liver support, natural health experts may recommend dosages of glutathione in the area of 200 mg to 500 mg a day.  However, it’s always best to consult with your naturopathic doctor before supplementing.

Non-toxic milk thistle fights liver disease “across the board”

Milk thistle, botanically known as Silybum marianum, is rich in silymarin, a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound.  Silymarin helps to prevent the binding of toxins to cell membrane receptors, thereby neutralizing carcinogens and biological toxins.

It also offers a trio of benefits that seem specifically designed to fight fatty liver disease – promoting the regeneration of liver cells, helping to prevent liver scarring, and interfering with the accumulation of fats in the liver.

Milk thistle’s therapeutic properties have been backed up by studies. Research has shown that milk thistle extract inhibits pro-inflammatory pathways and substantially reduces markers of liver inflammation in patients with chronic liver disease.

Although our liver can work heroically to cleanse and detoxify the blood, the truth is: these hard-working organs sometimes require a little TLC.  Therefore, a liver detox can provide that much-needed support and represent the first step back on the road to a healthy life.

Stop in today to talk to Dr Jocelin about how to best support and detoxify your Liver as well as consider scheduling a consult with her to optimize your health completely.  Also, be sure to check out our Glutathione and Milk Thistle supplements at Whitaker’s Natural Market!