Tag: Hormone

What is Glutathione and why do we need it?

Glutathione Series Part 1 of 3:

Glutathione is the master antioxidant and detoxifier of every cell in your body.

It is a tripeptide composed of three amino acids- cysteine, glutaminic acid and glycine. Glutathione is the most important antioxidant produced by the body. It prevents cellular damage caused by free radicals and peroxides. Some of its antioxidant functions in the body include:

  • Maintaining vitamins C and E in their reduced, active forms
  • Tightly regulating the production of hydrogen peroxide
  • Neutralizing lipid peroxides-breakdown products of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) found in our cell membranes
  • Assisting in making drugs and other toxic chemicals more water-soluble for easier excretion

 

Frequently asked questions about this important antioxidant!

Q. Where does Glutathione come from?
A. Glutathione is synthesized in the body from the amino acids L-cysteine, L-glutamic acid and glycine. The amino acid cysteine is responsible for the biological activity of Glutathione. Supplies of cysteine are the rate-limiting factor in Glutathione synthesis by the cells, since cysteine is relatively rare in foodstuffs. Furthermore, if taken as the free amino acid, cysteine is toxic and spontaneously destroyed in the gastrointestinal tract and blood plasma.

Q. Why is Glutathione important?
A. Increasing cellular Glutathione can dramatically raise energy levels, strengthen the immune system, fight inflammation, improve athletic performance, detoxify the body, aid in cellular repair and slow down the aging process.

Q. What depletes Glutathione in the cells?
A. Environmental pollutants, pharmaceutical drugs and a poor lifestyle all lead to lower levels of Glutathione.

Q. What toxins affect Glutathione levels?
A. Toxins affecting Glutathione include:

  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and other pharmaceuticals
  • Acetone, solvents, paint removers, fuels, fuel by-products
  • Pesticides, herbicides
  • Benzopyrenes: From tobacco smoke, barbequed foods, and fuel exhaust
  • Alcohol
  • Housewares: Certain non-stick coating of pans, plastic containers, plastic linings of tin cans and other food packaging
  • Formaldehyde and styrene: From photocopiers and toner printers
  • Chlorine in treated water
  • Medical X-rays
  • UV radiation

Q. What lifestyles affect Glutathione levels?
A. Life style factors that deplete Glutathione include:

  • Poor diet: Glutathione has to work hard to cover for missing or insufficient nutrients and antioxidants.
  • Strenuous exercise: Though not a toxic substance it produces many free radicals in the body.
  • Stress

Q. How can I increase my Glutathione levels?
A. Get a Glutathione Push at New Leaf Wellness.

What Is The Difference Between Bio-identical And Synthetic Hormones?

What is the difference?

In our last post we noted that many foods have been genetically modified, but unanticipated, negative effects of these products in the human body have caused many health conscious people to choose a nonGMO alternative to consume. 

Similarly, the hormones we produce in our own body are different from synthetic hormones produced by a pharmaceutical manufacturer.  The synthetic variety has enough similarity to the bio-identical hormone that it does turn on the main function in the body, but its unique structure allows it to be patented by the pharmaceutical company and thus sold for a profit. 

In contrast, a bio-identical hormone, being identical to that formed in our body, cannot be patented by a pharmaceutical company.  Equally important is the fact that the bio-identical form acts just as our own native hormone to produce the desired function without increasing risk, while the unique structure of the synthetic hormone also turns on effects in our bodies that does increase risk.  That is why “hormones” get a bad rap: the increase in heart attacks, strokes, blood clots, and cancer  associated with synthetic hormones is enough to make anyone think twice before using them! 

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Benefits of Sermorelin Therapy

Sermorelin acetate is a biological active analog of growth hormone releasing factor (GRF 1-44) which is a growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) that is naturally produced by the human brain to stimulate production and secretion of human growth hormone (HGH) by the pituitary gland. Sermorelin is not a growth hormone; it is a growth hormone secretagogue, which means that it stimulates the pituitary gland by binding to specific receptors to increase the production and secretion of HGH. As a youth, ample amounts of growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) are produced so that the pituitary gland is able to provide the body with sufficient growth hormone to sustain health, vitality and otherwise normal aspects of human form and function. While aging, GHRH declines causing reduced production and secretion of pituitary HGH and thereby increasing growth hormone insufficiencies that erode health, stamina and vitality during later life.

This therapy consists of daily injections of Sermorelin acetate which stimulates the pituitary gland to produce increased natural secretion of human growth hormone. Since Sermorelin acetate is approved as safe for use in children to increase their production of growth hormone, it is considered safe for use in increasing the natural production of growth hormone in adults deficient in growth hormone. Each person’s individual needs are used to determine dosing

BENEFITS OF SERMORELIN THERAPY:

Increases energy, vitality, strength and endurance
Increases lean body mass by developing new muscle cells
Breaks down body fat and fatty acids
Improves heart function
Increases calcium retention which strengthens and increases bone density
Enhances the immune system and accelerates healing from wounds or surgery
Promotes non-REM slow wave sleep
Increases protein synthesis and stimulates the growth of all internal organs except the brain
Reduces liver uptake of glucose, an effect that opposes that of insulin
Promotes liver glycogenesis
Plays a role in fuel homeostasis
Contributes to the maintenance and function of pancreatic islets

Our program includes physician-directed individual evaluations, the use of bio-identical hormones and the close monitoring of blood levels to restore youth and minimize the symptoms associated with menopause, andropause and aging. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and determine if Sermorelin Acetate Therapy is the right choice for you!