Author: nano

Unveiling the Vital Role of Glutathione: A Comprehensive Guide

In today’s fast-paced world, maintaining optimal health has become more crucial than ever. While many are familiar with vitamins and minerals, there is one essential compound that often goes unnoticed – glutathione. In this blog, we will explore the significance of glutathione in the human body and shed light on its remarkable benefits. Join us as we delve into the world of glutathione and its vital role in promoting overall well-being.

1. Understanding Glutathione:

Glutathione, often referred to as the “master antioxidant,” is a naturally occurring molecule found in every cell of our body. Composed of three amino acids – cysteine, glutamine, and glycine – this powerful antioxidant plays a pivotal role in maintaining cellular health and protecting against oxidative stress.  Glutathione has many important functions, including:

• making DNA, the building blocks of proteins and cells
• Important for phase 2 detoxification
• supporting immune function
• forming sperm cells
• breaking down some free radicals
• helping certain enzymes function
• Regenerating and recycles vitamins C and E
• transporting mercury out of the brain
• helping the liver and gallbladder deal with fats
• assisting regular cell death (a process known as apoptosis)
• Energy, this is huge for your mitochondria health 
• Important for your skin, lungs,heart and brain health

Many reasons for low levels. 

• Sulfur sensitive people are low in it
•  Any disease will have low levels
•  Alcohol, diet, meds, Tylenol, UV deplete it
•   Stress depletes it

2. The Antioxidant Powerhouse:

As an antioxidant, glutathione neutralizes harmful free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage cells and contribute to various health issues. By scavenging these free radicals, glutathione helps prevent oxidative damage and supports the body’s defense against chronic diseases, including heart disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders. Glutathione is a very strong antioxidant that the body makes and uses every day. 

3. Detoxification and Immune Support:

Beyond its antioxidant properties, glutathione is a key player in the body’s detoxification process. It aids in the elimination of toxins, heavy metals, and harmful chemicals, ensuring the proper functioning of vital organs such as the liver. Additionally, glutathione plays a crucial role in supporting a robust immune system, enhancing the body’s ability to fight off infections and diseases.

4. Promoting Skin Health:

Glutathione has gained significant attention in the realm of skincare due to its potential to promote a healthy complexion. As a potent antioxidant, it helps combat oxidative stress, reducing the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots. Moreover, glutathione aids in the detoxification of the skin, contributing to a clearer and more radiant complexion.

5. Boosting Energy and Vitality:

Optimal levels of glutathione are essential for maintaining high energy levels and overall vitality. This antioxidant supports mitochondrial function, the powerhouse of our cells, by protecting them from damage and optimizing energy production. By ensuring efficient energy utilization, glutathione helps combat fatigue and enhances physical performance.

The Problem

As much as we need glutathione, the only form you can use is IV or a Nano form. Any other form can not be used by the body.  Nano glutathione bypasses the digestive tract, using a different pathway and therefore is able to be absorbed.  If you don’t like needles this is the best way to get this important nutrient.  There are things out there that give you the cofactors with the hope that your body has everything you need to make it.  Using a Nano form is really the best way of getting this important nutrient. 

As we age we have less and less glutathione.  When we deplete our glutathione, from things like viruses, bacteria, environmental toxins, we increase oxidative stress and free radicals.  Some things we have no control of but things like processed food, alcohol, prolonged physical activity, poor nutrition, not getting enough sleep and many other things, which we do have control of,  can deplete our glutathione.  Many people have poor phase 2 detoxification, which means they do not make enough glutathione to help the body get rid of toxins.  Their toxic load climbs and they struggle to detoxify.  Here are some things you may see if you have a glutathione deficiency:  

Glutathione, the unsung hero of our body’s defense system, plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health and well-being. From its antioxidant prowess to its detoxification and immune support functions, this remarkable molecule offers a myriad of benefits. By understanding the importance of glutathione and incorporating strategies to boost its levels, we can optimize our health and protect ourselves against various diseases. Supplementing glutathione daily will make a difference in your overall health and quality of life.  Embrace the power of glutathione and unlock your body’s full potential!

Michelle LeSueur BeP, CNC, CSN, CNS, CPT

Navigating the Nanotech Revolution: Food, Supplements, and Safety Concerns

Intro

In recent times, nanotechnology has either soared in admiration or drawn skepticism, depending on whom you consult. What once appeared as a concept fit for sci-fi narratives is today’s reality.

Picture this: a household gadget no bigger than a microwave, capable of producing, crafting, and fabricating food and supplements at a fraction of traditional costs. It might seem far-fetched, but it’s already upon us.

A 2019 research by the National Institute of Health reveals that nanotechnology can now infuse medicines into food and supplements. While the prospects of nanotechnology are thrilling—potentially tackling diseases and extending lifespans—there’s a segment of experts voicing concerns about potential misuse of this breakthrough. (1)

Join us as we delve deeper into the realm of nanotechnology, its implications for food and supplements, and the ensuing debate about its safety and efficacy.

What is Nanotechnology, Really?

The roots of nanotechnology can be traced back to Dr. Richard Feynman, a Nobel Prize recipient. However, it’s Dr. Eric Drexler, another prominent scientist, who’s often heralded as the pioneer in introducing the concept to the masses. At its core, nanotechnology revolves around manipulating atoms to alter the fundamental structure of matter.

(2) An alumnus of the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Drexler was captivated by the prospect of microscopic engineering from the outset.

Drexler’s groundbreaking book, “Engines of Creation; The Coming Age of Nanotechnology” penned in 1987, brought the startling strides in nanoscale engineering into the public spotlight.

Within its pages, Drexler enumerated how nanotechnology held transformative potential in various sectors, including:

• Green energy solutions
• Pollution control
• Alleviation of poverty
• Advances in skincare and nutraceuticals
• Innovations in food and dietary supplementation

Today, these aren’t mere forecasts. Nanotechnology has etched its mark across these fields. Yet, it’s its application in food and supplements that continues to stir debates and draw scrutiny.

Balancing Advancements with Caution

Consider this: the latest iPod boasts a storage of 256GB and tips the scales at just a tad over 3 oz. This is a quantum leap from its ancestor, which had a mere 5GB storage and weighed slightly above 6 oz.

It’s truly awe-inspiring to witness the pace at which technology evolves, transitioning swiftly from “microtechnology” to the realm of nanotechnology.

While the market is burgeoning with products enhanced by nanotechnology, it’s essential to tread with caution. Every technological advancement comes with its set of potential perils, and this is especially true for domains like food and dietary supplements.

Indeed, nanotechnology promises breakthroughs in addressing and perhaps even curing chronic health ailments through dietary interventions. However, it’s paramount for regulatory bodies, such as the United States government, to exercise diligent oversight, ensuring the safety and efficacy of these innovations.

Let’s be candid—most individuals might be oblivious to the very existence of nanotechnology, especially in the context of supplements. And for those in the know, their understanding could be cursory at best. Add to this the fact that manufacturers are essentially navigating uncharted waters, it’s evident why some experts harbor reservations about the welfare of consumers.

Until rigorous human clinical trials vouch for their safety, nanotechnology-infused supplements should be approached with a healthy dose of skepticism, considering the potential health implications.

Nanotechnology’s Role in Nutritional Supplements

Bioavailability is a challenge when it comes to certain vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals. Often, these compounds aren’t easily soluble, limiting the body’s ability to absorb and utilize them. Typically, over-the-counter supplements aren’t sold in their pure form. Instead, they incorporate “functional ingredients” to aid in delivering these nutrients more effectively.

While these functional ingredients serve a purpose, they can sometimes alter a supplement’s taste, shelf life, and texture. This is where nanotechnology steps in with its unique proposition—delivering nutrients using “nanoemulsions” without any compromise on taste or texture.

An intriguing study revolved around the delivery of curcumin—a compound hailed for its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory attributes, though human trials are yet to solidify these claims. Curcumin’s inherent drawback lies in its water-insolubility. Following digestion, only trace amounts, if any, remain. Rutgers University, however, harnessed nanoemulsions to encapsulate curcumin, enhancing its bioavailability and, subsequently, its anti-cancer potential.

When the mice were administered this encapsulated curcumin, there was an 85% reduction in edema—a clear testament to nanoemulsion’s power in boosting bioavailability. Yet, the study didn’t shed light on potential short-term or long-term adverse effects, an aspect that warrants further investigation. (3)

Caution in the Face of Innovation

Though the acceleration in absorption and heightened bioavailability brought about by nanotechnology can be enticing, it’s imperative to also recognize and grapple with the potential hazards.

Some critics posit that nanotechnology exemplifies a scenario where technological advancements sprint ahead, leaving science lagging in its wake. While studies affirm that nanotechnology can amplify absorption rates of certain supplements, the full spectrum of potential toxicities and side effects remains largely uncharted.

While stringent regulations govern traditional dietary supplements, especially vitamins and minerals, there’s a glaring absence of guidelines when we venture into the domain of phytochemicals.

This regulatory void is a pressing concern for food scientists and ethicists. Evidence vouching for the safety and efficacy of nanotechnology in supplements is scant. While the Food and Drug Administration oversees dietary supplements, the jurisdiction over technology rests with the Office of Combination Products.

Reflecting these apprehensions, the Institute of Food and Science has unequivocally articulated that until more comprehensive research is undertaken, nanotechnology in food and dietary supplements should be approached with a presumption of potential harm.

References

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6409737/
2. https://www.nano.gov/nanotech-101/what
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26059118/

Unlocking the Power of Turmeric: How Nanotechnology Revolutionizes Its Medicinal Potential

Turmeric: A Culinary Spice with Medicinal Merit

Turmeric, a golden-hued spice prominent in Indian and Middle Eastern culinary traditions, is more than just a flavor enhancer. It carries a storied history of therapeutic use, largely attributed to its principal compound, curcumin. Believed to possess potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-carcinogenic characteristics, curcumin has propelled turmeric into the limelight of health and wellness discussions.

Owing to these potential health benefits, turmeric has become a focal point in numerous scientific studies. Many of these investigations seek to validate the anecdotal claims and traditional uses of turmeric, especially in the realm of holistic medicine. Furthermore, the spice’s perceived virtues have paved the way for its inclusion in a myriad of dietary supplements, amplifying its reach beyond just the kitchen shelf.

Bioavailability Hurdle in Turmeric-based Supplements

A central conundrum in harnessing turmeric’s full therapeutic potential lies in the bioavailability of curcumin. Despite its promising health attributes, curcumin encounters a significant roadblock when ingested: our bodies absorb it inefficiently. A substantial portion of the consumed curcumin gets metabolized and eliminated before it can exert its beneficial effects on target tissues and organs.

This bioavailability bottleneck not only curtails the effectiveness of curcumin but also diminishes the prospective health advantages of supplements that count on turmeric’s potency. Researchers and nutraceutical developers are continually exploring strategies to overcome this challenge and ensure that the body can optimally utilize the health-promoting properties of curcumin.

Nanotechnology: Enhancing Curcumin’s Potential

A groundbreaking approach to optimizing turmeric’s health-promoting attributes lies in the domain of nanotechnology. By leveraging the precision and potential of nanoscale carriers, primarily nanoparticles, curcumin’s inherent challenges, like solubility and stability, can be effectively addressed.

Bioavailability, the metric that measures how much of an ingested substance is absorbed and utilized by the body, is a crucial determinant of a compound’s efficacy. Unfortunately, a myriad of nutraceuticals, including many turmeric supplements, grapple with suboptimal bioavailability, thereby diluting their potential health benefits.

Introducing nanotechnology to this equation can be a game-changer. By encapsulating curcumin in nanoparticles, its molecular profile is transformed, enabling the body to assimilate it more efficiently than its traditional counterparts. This encapsulation not only boosts the absorption rate but also shields curcumin from rapid metabolism and degradation, thereby enhancing its residence time in the body.

In essence, by marrying the ancient wisdom of turmeric’s health benefits with cutting-edge nanotechnology, there’s potential to craft supplements that offer heightened potency and efficacy, bringing us a step closer to fully harnessing turmeric’s therapeutic promise.

Nanotechnology: Elevating Turmeric Supplements

Beyond just enhancing the bioavailability of curcumin, nanotechnology plays a pivotal role in amplifying the stability and longevity of products. Traditional forms of active ingredients often grapple with issues of degradation, reducing their efficacy over time. In contrast, nanoparticles offer a more robust structure, lending the product increased resistance against degradation. This, in turn, augments the product’s shelf life and preserves its potency for extended periods.

Stability is an indispensable trait, especially for nutraceuticals intended for long-term storage. Nanoscale carriers shield curcumin from potential degrading elements, ensuring the compound remains active and efficacious.

Comparatively, while standard turmeric supplements offer a myriad of health advantages, the infusion of nanotechnology into the production process can significantly elevate their therapeutic potential. By optimizing the delivery and absorption of curcumin, not only are its inherent health benefits maximized, but the overall impact on wellness is amplified, offering consumers a more potent and long-lasting solution for their health needs.