Oxidative stress is one of the primary causes of conditions related to aging.

It’s linked to not just outward signs of aging but also cataracts, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and atherosclerosis.

It stresses the immune system, creating more free radicals than the immune system can handle.

We’ve discussed before that when you’re combatting the negative health effects of free radicals, it’s best handled from the inside out.

By this I mean consuming a low-sugar diet.

However, we also must pay attention to environmental pollution. This is a harder challenge.

One of the most important defenses against environmental toxins is glutathione peroxidase, also called glutathione.

Glutathione is manufactured in the liver, and is often referred to as the most powerful antioxidant in the body.

According to a 2003 article in Redox Report: Communications in Free Radical Research, glutathione not only instantly neutralizes free radicals, it provides a way for the body to detoxify chemicals in pollutants, like fuel exhaust and cigarette smoke. Glutathione is also a powerful detoxifier of heavy metals, a known cause of free radical activity.

In other words, glutathione provides a powerful one-two punch against aging by helping to reduce the damage from free radicals and helping to eliminate toxins from the body.

Aging is associated with significant declines in glutathione.

In addition, glutathione is depleted by many drugs, including acetaminophen and ibuprofen.

Due to increased demands by the environment, it can be used up about as fast as our bodies can make it, so we are often in a state of glutathione depletion.

So, what can you do to build up your glutathione levels?

Glutathione itself cannot be absorbed via the digestive tract, so it cannot be taken in supplement form.

However, cysteine is an amino acid that the body uses to make glutathione, and cysteine you CAN get from some foods. Most animal proteins, especially whey protein isolates, and eggs provide you with cysteine.

In making sure you’re optimizing your health, while putting a lid on oxidative stress and free radical damage, once again it’s protein to the rescue. Repair and recovery are protein’s essential roles.

Make sure you’re getting enough protein in your diet so you keep your immune system healthy and able to handle those free radicals.

shelli

I’d like to share with you an email I received from one of the women who reads this blog.

It was in response to the August 21 post on changing your work out strategy when it’s not working.  She wrote:

“Hi Shelli

I agree fully with this post. For years I have been feeling tired and too busy to work out in the evening. I’ve been suffering from osteopenia and some osteoporosis and am unable to carry my own groceries. My husband and I joined a gym and commited ourselves to a trainer for 8 weeks. The first 3 weeks were pure hell pain! Now I do every other day cardio and the alternating day I do my circuits. I am currently lifting weight 30-35 lbs and do push-ups (30).  Best of all I can now get up from the floor to a standing position without calling for help. I can also carry my own groceries.
I am a 63 year old female. If I can do this, any one can!”

I love hearing stories like these. They are so encouraging!

And she’s 100% right, we all can improve our health and fitness if we commit and stick with a well thought out plan!

shelli

Are you too excited to sleep at night?

Maybe you’re having trouble falling asleep and staying asleep?

The culprit may be additives in your food.

Aspartame, MSG, artificial coloring, nitrates, and even soy contain “excitotoxins.”

These chemicals can alter brain chemistry and lead to insomnia.

Stay away from foods with these additives.

You’ll get a better night’s sleep.

And you’ll lower the risk of damaging your brain’s sensitive nerves.

And that’s not the only reason to avoid these poisons. They can cause many health problems, including obesity, migraines, memory loss, and hearing loss.

As we discuss week after week and blog post after blog post,, eat REAL food.

That keeps it REALLY simple, ensuring the best possible night’s sleep.

That way when people ask you if you’ve heard about the side effects of additives in food, you’ll answer, “Yes, but it doesn’t pertain to me!”

shelli