Marina MacDonald, MS, PhD
Glutathione, the Master Antioxidant
Does supplementation really increase glutathione levels? Scientists have been trying to understand the aging process for, well, ages. One thing we know for sure is that oxidative stress plays a major role in the aging process, and a powerful antioxidant known as glutathione helps fight that oxidative stress.[1],[2] Oxidative stress is a process that…
Vitamin D: The Sunshine Vitamin
The role of vitamin D in autoimmunity and mood Vitamin D is known as the “sunshine vitamin” because it is generated within the skin upon exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, the rays responsible for suntans.[1] Vitamin D is essential for strong bones, immunity, and many other bodily functions.[2],[3],[4] In the absence of sun…
Selenium and Immunity
How this trace mineral supports immune system function Winter is just around the corner – is your immune system up to snuff? (Or sniffles!) The seasonality of infectious diseases is well established,[1],[2] as any of us who have suffered from the flu can attest. All nutrients are required in greater quantity during an infection,…
Breaking Bad: Homocysteine and Aging
The role of B vitamins in cardiovascular and neurological health “If I’d known I was going to live this long, I’d have taken better care of myself.” – Eubie Blake, American composer, upon reaching the age of 100 By now it’s widely known that high blood cholesterol levels can be harmful to our health….
Enzymes for Heart Health: Lumbrokinase and Nattokinase
Cardiovascular health is influenced not only by blood cholesterol, cholesterol transporters known as lipoproteins, and antioxidants, but also by the tendency of blood to coagulate or clot.[1],[2],[3],[4] All of us have clotting factors in our blood to ensure we do not bleed to death if we cut ourselves – and that’s a good thing!…
Building a Better Gut Microbiota
Prebiotic, probiotic and synbiotic strategies for success “Happiness for me is largely a matter of digestion.” ― Lin Yutang, The Importance of Living[1] As Chinese scholar Lin Yutang observed, a healthy gut is a core component of a happy life. Each person’s gut contains approximately 38 trillion microbes, comprising hundreds of different species (collectively,…
Selenium: A Mineral Essential for Detox/Redox
Guarding against environmental toxins Selenium is a mineral with remarkable antioxidant benefits. Although it is needed only in small amounts, selenium is vital for thyroid, reproductive and immune function, and for protecting the brain, heart, and kidneys against environmental toxins.[1] Selenium is like a battery that operates within 25 different selenium-containing proteins (selenoproteins) in…
Categories
- Botanicals (56)
- GI Health (53)
- Healthy Aging (121)
- Immune Support (39)
- In The News (39)
- Kids Health (21)
- Stress and Relaxation (50)
- Uncategorized (1)
- Video (9)
- Vitamins & Minerals (51)