- Anti-oxidants neutralise free radicals. They donate electrons, thereby restoring equilibrium to the free radicals and limiting the damage. This is a very important function in all chronic degenerative diseases, the treatment of AIDS, the prevention and treatment of cancer, the prevention of ageing and any other condition where there is an increased production of free radicals (such as sports participation and diabetes). Some anti-oxidants such as pro-anthocyanidins (pycnogenol), found in grape seeds and the bark of pine trees, penetrate the blood-brain barrier, limiting damage caused by free radicals inside the brain. This is especially important in the treatment and prevention of strokes, Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia as well as in the support or complementary management of meningitis and encephalitis.
- Anti-oxidants directly improve the performance of the immune system. They increase the adult white blood cell count and improve existing immune function. They improve the body's inherent ability to defend itself against pathogens (disease causing foreign organisms). This again entails the healing and support of the body's own defense mechanisms. Anti-oxidants improve symptoms associated with and shorten the duration of infections. The frequency of infections also decreases dramatically.
- Anti-oxidants benefit people who have to undergo chemo- or radiotherapy for cancer. The therapy causes a considerable increase in free radicals and immune suppression, as it destroys all the fast growing cells (cancer cells grow at an abnormally fast rate; but white blood cells, hair follicles and intestinal cells also usually grow and divide rapidly).
This explains why people who undergo these treatments suffer from so many side effects, including nausea, hair loss, fatigue and infections, to name but a few. Anti-oxidants sustain the immune system, reducing the side effects in order for the cancer to be fought with a stronger immune system and a more positive mental attitude. Everyone undergoing any form of cancer therapy or who has cancer must take an anti-oxidant supplement! It is never too late to start. Your quality of life, no matter how long you live, will improve. There are no contraindications. On the contrary, the therapy will be more effective. - Anti-oxidants prevent the oxidation of the bad LDL-cholesterol. LDL- cholesterol must first be oxidised before it can penetrate the walls of the blood vessels to start the process of atherosclerosis (thickening of the arterial walls). Anti-oxidants also reduce the formation of LDL-cholesterol.
- Anti-oxidants form an integral part of the biochemical structure of the body's own anti-oxidant enzymes. Glutathione peroxidase (GP) increases the concentration of vitamin E, thereby improving the body's own anti-oxidant functions. Selenium is an indispensable co-factor of glutathione peroxidase. Copper, manganese and zinc are part of the superoxide dismutase enzyme structure. The function and integrity of these vital enzymes are supported and improved by additional anti-oxidants.
- Anti-oxidants suppress and neutralise the effect of carcinogens (potential cancer-forming substances), preventing the initiation process in the development of cancer. Some anti-oxidants bind to cell receptors, preventing carcinogens from penetrating the cells.
- Anti-oxidants have the inherent potential to cause cancer cells to return to normal by restoring the growth control mechanism of cells in the DNA molecule in the cell nucleus. Cancer cells lose their ability to communicate with other cells. Anti-oxidants can, however, restore the communication between cells, inhibiting the growth of cancer cells.
- A comprehensive antioxidant combination should have most of the following per capsule (dosage: 2 caps in the morning after breakfast):
Vitamin A: 3,5mg
Vitamin C: 300mg in the morning as part of the antioxidant combo, and 250mg at night together with the calcium and magnesium
Vitamin E: 30mg
Selenium: 10mg
Zinc: 10mg as amino acid chelate
Copper: 2mg as amino acid chelate
Chromium: 0.15mg as polinicotinate
Manganese: 5mg. as amino acid chelate
Molybdenum: 2mg as amino acid chelate
Vanadium: 2mg as amino acid chelate
B-complex: 25mg of each: B 1,2,3, 5,6 ; 0.025mg B12; 0.025mg biotin, and 0.2mg folic acid
Flavonoids 7 herbs: e.g. Ginkgo biloba, proanthocyanidins (grape seed extract with pycnogenol); other plant nutrients such as grape skin with resveratrol, and kelp
Also useful if it contains: green tea (25mg), lipoic acid (15mg), Co-enzyme Q10 (15mg). |
