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Thursday, 3 November 2011

N-acetylcysteine: Potential help in slowing the Aging process!

Can we take charge of our health, diet and lifestyle to affect the aging process?



 Health and Science news was a buzz today as Uk researchers from the University of Durham highlighted the potential once again of N-acetylcysteine or N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) providing potential benefits in slowing down the aging process, this time in patients suffering from Progeria, a disease that causes accelerated aging and an average life expectancy of 13 years.
However such results might have implications when looking at wider affects of aging in the general population.

The Highlighted research featured in  Human Molecular Genetics  looked at the widely supplied and commonly used pharmaceutical drug N-acetylcysteine, normally used in the treatment of paracetamol overdose and potential liver damage that can be caused, and also used as a nutritional supplement due to it's potential anti-aging properties.


DNA and Cell damage caused by Free Radicals accelerates aging

With Progeria, a condition where highly reactive oxygen chemicals can damage DNA in the body's cells, and disruption of cell shape that lead to cell defects and the damaged DNA 5-10 times higher than in normal cells that ultimately leads to accelerated aging and early death

N-acetylcysteine, is believed to be able to 'soak up' reactive oxygen chemicals (Free Radicals) that was damaging the cells and DNA, which were then returned to some what "approximately normal levels".

Old Face-Young heart!
Apart from an important potential breakthrough in the treatment of Progeria, many interested parties and folk alike are already wondering about the wider use of N-acetylcysteine or N-acetyl-L-cysteine as a active ingredient in slowing the aging process for the wider general population.
It's use in this regard is nothing new, previous research highlighting it's potential effectiveness and use in age related neurodegenrative diseases such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease and Friedreich's ataxia, and it's potential affective use with certain cancer's.







Cysteine, a non-essential amino acid that can be manufactured in the liver. It is obtained in the diet from beans, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, dairy products, eggs, fish, garlic, legumes (beans, peas etc), meat, nuts, onions, red peppers, seafood, seeds, soy and whole grains. 
N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is a modified form of cysteine and assists the body make the antioxidant enzyme glutathione.

In terms of it's potential anti aging property and slowing down the aging process by neutralising cell and DNA damaging free radicals (reactive oxygen chemicals), powerful immune support and anti-toxin potential is not lost on those in the nutritional supplement market, especially when combined with other neutraceuticals with anti aging possibilities.
  
 From the Health Creation range at Cytoplan for example is Timeless that combines various elements in terms of the potential affect of DNA and oxidative damage on cells to support cellular health, energy production and ultimately attempt to slow down the aging process of the human body. See http://www.cytoplan.co.uk/acatalog/index.html

Cellular Health, Energy production and Anti Aging affect.





Nutrition Advice

For more benefits of a well balanced diet, healthier lifestyle and learning about Nutritional supplementation for a busy life balance come and visit me at my clinic and see what positive changes maybe suitable for you.


Get Fitter and Healthy
Healthy Eating, Diet & Weight Management Clinics
Introductory offers November 2011 - January 2012 £30 Off 1st Consultations. Now just £65!
Full Consultations, Drop in sessions & Home Visits
See shop for Details (Limited Availability).




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So Organic Greenwich
22 Nelson Road
Royal Greenwich
London
SE10 9JB
020 8305 5357







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Sunday, 30 October 2011

Natural Medicine Newcomer: Quantum Nutrition Labs

                                   

          Naturally Does It it Better (Part 1)





Dr Robert Marshall: Striving for better Health
It's nearly 25 years since world-ronowned American scientist Dr Robert Marshall, internationally trained clinical nutritinist, founded Premier Research Labs to provide greater quality nutritional supplements, quality nutraceutical formulations and superfood concentrates that are natural and toxic free whilst able to support the body's day to day needs.







Quantum Nutrition Labs Europe, a division of Premier Research Labs have strived to become industry leaders in premium quality, probiotic cultured ,excipient free, natural Vitamins, minerals and nutrients and now introduce these quality products into the Nutritional supplement market.


Quantum Max B: Natural Liquid B Vitamins Complex


As we strive for that better balanced energy, a quality, natural energy boost comes from Quantum Max B, a unique, natural, Plant based, Probiotic sourced complete Vitamin B Liquid complex that delivers highly bio-available and active B Vitamins that are vital for human function and play a significant role in energy function and metabolism and many other health benefits.

                                 

Max B: Energy in a Bottle!
B Max from Quantum Nutrition Labs are full spectrum B Vitamins, that are naturally sourced and due to it’s unique development process involving pre digestion by probiotics of food plants, herbs and spices, modelled on the system inherent in the human intestinal tract it has created a fully Methylated, end chain product, readily bio available, and importantly already active. 



With Research highlighting that many people lack enzymes required to reduce certain B Vitamins, like Folate (Folic Acid), so they become active, this unique process from Quantum Nutrition deals with the need for quick activation of these important Vitamins, which are more effective when delivered together, rather than individually and as well as providing all the many benefits of B vitamins, you can save money by not having to buy them all separately.








B Vitamins: Functions and Benefits

With B Vitamins more effective when taken together, just what importance do they have for each and everyone of us on a daily basis:


Vitamin B1: Normal Cardiac and Nervous system function, good for health of 
                      Skin, mouth, eyes, brain, important for Carbohydrate Metabolism
                      and for digestion
Vitamin B2: Promotes healthy nervous system, contributes to normal energy-
                      Yielding metabolism, help reduce tiredness and fatigue, normal
                       Iron metabolism, normal vision and normal red blood cells, helps
                       Normal Brain function, protects DNA, proteins and lipids from
                      Oxidative damage.
Vitamin B3: Promote normal energy yielding metabolism, reduce tiredness
                      & fatigue, promote healthy Nervous system & brain function,
                      and maintain normal skin and mucous membranes.

Vitamin B5: Energy Metabolism, mental performance, health of immune
                       System, skin and nervous system, assist healing and growth
                       Help with energy levels, fatigue and tiredness


Vitamin B6: Normal carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism, energy
                       metabolism, reduce tiredness and fatigue, healthy red blood
                       formation, healthy skin, nervous system, normal homocysteine
                       metabolism, regulation of hormonal activity and immune function

Folate B9:   Normal psychological and immune system function, red blood
                      cell formation, growth especially normal maternal tissue growth
                      during pregnancy, reduce tiredness & fatigue, homocysteine
                      function

Vitamin B12: Normal Red blood cell formation, and normal cell division,
                         normal function of immune system and nervous system, energy
                         metabolism, homocysteine metabolism

Biotin:            Carbohydrate, fat, protein and Vitamin B metabolism, normal
                         macronutrient metabolism, maintain skin, hair and normal
                         muscle function, maintain nervous system and psychological
                         functions

*The above health claims are based on the opinions of the Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA) at the European Food and Safety Authority (EFSA). 
See www.efsa.europa.eu for details.


Quantum Vitamin D3: Natural Liquid Vitamin D Serum

Vitamin D vital for good health, yet do we get our requirements!

Vitamin D3: A natural source of Vitamin D3 in an Organic olive oil base is liquid sunshine!


After many years of harmful solvents used to extract Vitamin D3 from sheep’s wool, Quantum Nutrition Labs buck the trend and introduce a Solvent free, non-toxic, no additives, Excipient free form of natural form of Vitamin D3.



1 Drop=400IU. Servings per Bottle: 1500
Vitamin D3 main source comes from sunlight, the Sunshine Vitamin, produced when our skin is exposed to sunlight-the more sun we get during the less likely is the need for Vitamin D Supplementation. 

Exposing 80% of your body for 30 minutes during summer time will provide the body with all the Vitamin D it needs and requires. But despite this natural of all natural sources being readily available, Vitamin D deficiency is a major issue in many parts of the world, even those climates that get more sunshine.

Whether by sun avoidance, the over use of sun cream protection, some of which contain many toxic elements to them that prevent the body from making Vitamin D, a supplement of Vitamin D maybe required, more so during winter months or for example, those doing night shift work.
What better way to get what you need than from quantum labs, non-toxic, naturally sourced Vitamin D3 Liquid solution.



 

Vitamin D3: Functions and Benefits

Vitamin D is seen as vital to good every day health, with weekly research promoting it's many benefits, a few of these important contributions are:


  • Immune Function: Support body’s immune function
  • Bone Health: Important for Healthy bone formation, helping absorb calcium and phosphorous from the GI tract, facilitating both calcium uptake in bones and the proper regulation of blood calcium levels, important for normal blood clotting and a healthy nervous system
  • Endocrine Function: Needed for proper function of thyroid
  • Muscles: Helps build and maintain strong muscles. Helps maintain muscle function in elderly
  • Heart Health: Supports Cadiovascular function and healthy inflammatory response 
*According to the opinions of the EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA) - 
The daily vitamin D intake needed for 97.5 % of women aged >64 y to maintain a serum concentration of 25(OH)D above 50 nmol/L during winter is about 876 I.U. (21.9 µg).

*These generic health claims have been approved by the European Food and Safety Authority.
See www.efsa.europa.eu for details.

Nutrition Facts:Serving Size: 1 Drop (.04 ml) = 400IU
Servings Per 60ml container: 1500
Vitamin D3 (per drop) 10 micrograms (400IU)


Vitamin D3: The Quantum-state, natural source of Vitamin D3 in an organic olive oil. Nothing could be more simple and natural when you don't get your daily sunshine your body requires!





Nutrition Advice

For more benefits of a well balanced diet, healthier lifestyle and learning about Nutritional supplementation for a busy life balance come and visit me at my clinic and see what positive changes maybe suitable for you.


Get Fitter and Healthy
Healthy Eating, Diet & Weight Management Clinics
Introductory offers November 2011 - January 2012 £30 Off 1st Consultations. Now just £65!
Full Consultations, Drop in sessions & Home Visits
See shop for Details (Limited Availability).




Home Sweet Clinic!
Ray of Sunshine Nutrition  
So Organic Greenwich
22 Nelson Road
Royal Greenwich
London
SE10 9JB
020 8305 5357








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Friday, 7 October 2011

Exercise: A little everyday goes a long way

15-minutes of Daily Exercise should be the 'Starting point for Health'






What was it l was telling you about that exercise lark!

Now those expert researchers are agreeing with my simple, easy and effective approach to doing some exercise...and it seems we don't have to turn ourselves into world class Iron men or Olympic athletes to get the desired results!

As reported in the Lancet, researchers in Taiwan are highlighting that just 15 minutes, yes, that's right, just 15 minutes of exercise daily can potentially boost life expectancy by three years whilst cutting death risk by 14%.
Wow.......15 minutes, no real excuses for not doing that much surely from us all!

British researchers are at the same time pinpointing the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle...ie, lazy couch potato with six hours of TV a day potentially cutting expected lifespan by 5 years!

A serious wake up call if ever we need one if our motivation fails us daily to do our 15 minutes of exercise.
Our daily exercise for 15 minutes or more doesn't have to resemble and army training assault course or a Triathletes worse nightmare, but as highlighted by the Lancet, a review of more than 400,000 people in Taiwan, showed 15 minutes per day or just 90 minutes per week of moderate exercise, such as brisk walking, can potentially add those extra years and help us look and feel better, physically and mentally.

15 minutes exercise per day does not need to be commando training!

 Those in the study felt the many benefits of simple 15 minute exercise regimes and after getting used to it ended up doing more than the daily amount and feeling much greater benefits, as highlighted by the researchers from the National Health Research Institutes, Taiwan, and China Medical University Hospital, every additional 15 minutes of daily exercise could further help reduce all-cause death rates by 4%.

As was highlighted by this Blogs earlier works, http://rayofsunshinenutrition.blogspot.com/2011/03/exercise-for-everyone-no-gimmicks-no.html ......................your regime could be as hard......or Just as simple as you, the Lancet and researchers around the world doing their 15 minutes like!
So get to it...it's really official now and not just me telling you!


The idea of 15 minutes of exercise may have you running for cover...but at least put your trainers on!




Energy for Exercise the Natural Way!

In the pursuit of good health hopefully comes better nutrition, which we can all now strive for to assist more balanced energy needs for our daily lives in general but also help to play a significant part in getting us all to achieve our health and fitness goals, which as a starting point should be 15+minutes of exercise per day.....a greater preventative measure against potential illness, disease and poor health.

As we all take on new advice and the pick of the latest research to change and adapt nutrition intake and fitness goals, many also think about supplementation use, short term or long term depending on needs and goals. To this end comes ground breaking research and development from America with a stunning range of natural Vitamin and Nutrient products from Premier Research Labs and it's UK and European arm, Quantum Nutrition Labs Europe


As we strive for that better balanced energy, a quality, natural energy boost comes from Quantum Max B, a unique, natural, Plant based, Probiotic sourced complete Vitamin B complex that delivers highly bio-available and active B Vitamins that are vital for human function and play a significant role in energy function and metabolism and help give us all that potential platform each day to get our minimum 15 minutes of exercise!

The Next step in Nutrition Supplementation



Nutrition Advice

For more benefits of a well balanced diet, healthier lifestyle and getting energised for a busy life balance come and visit me at my clinic and see what positive changes maybe suitable for you.


Get Fitter and Healthy
Healthy Eating, Diet & Weight Management Clinics
Introductory offers October 2011 - January 2012 £30 Off 1st Consultations. Now just £65!
Full Consultations, Drop in sessions & Home Visits
See shop for Details (Limited Availability).




Home Sweet Clinic!
Ray of Sunshine Nutrition  
So Organic Greenwich
22 Nelson Road
Royal Greenwich
London
SE10 9JB
020 8305 5357







View Larger Map

Tuesday, 17 May 2011

Improve Your Energy: Nutrition from Dusk till Dawn

No, not another enthusiastic but lame attempt to act by Tarantino, or Mr Clooney doing battle with Miss Hayek over some snakes and redneck vampires! 
Alas no, more a regular question from far and wide, be it the happy hard working postman l have seen for years past my parents house, or the tired check out girl at the supermarket, or the rushing business types in and out of Canary wharf, the lads playing five a side on a Tuesday night or the busy parents juggling kids and the weekly shop!

George's need of energy for vampire Killing is happily a unique one!

Just how do you keep up your energy levels to cope with all that comes our individual and collective way each and every day.....and still hopefully promote a somewhat peaceful and happy deep sleep.....before it starts all over again!
Well, simply, l try and do as much as this each day and see how l get on and adapt accordingly....yes, adapt accordingly, as we are all individuals and will all have different wants and needs.

When you need it....feed it!



Daily Nutritional Guidelines: Morning till Night.


Keep it Simple!

Good Diet = Healthy and Balanced: A diet providing adequate nutritional support for health and a healthy immune system.
Your diet should provide all the essential macro and micro nutrients required to promote and maintain good health.

Your diet should be rich in natural soluble fibre and complex carbohydrates as found in fruits, vegetables, grains and beans. Processed and highly refined foods such as microwave meals should be avoided.


INCREASE +


  • Your intake of whole grains. Try to vary grains to consume such as Brown rice, rye, oats, barley, buckwheat and quinoa all of which can replace much of your wheat intake. 
Try some wheat free Grains

  • Your intake of fruits and Vegetables using the Five-a-day’ message as your minimum, aiming for 8-10 portions per day.
A variety of fruit, especially berries

  • Your consumption of raw seeds providing essential fatty acids, (pumpkin, sesame, flax, sunflower etc) and nuts (pecan, walnut, pistachios, hazelnut, cashew, brazils, almond etc.) to 3 Servings per day.  These snacks SHOULD REPLACE confectionary, highly refined sugar snacks, biscuits or crisps. 
Certain nuts could be beneficial to health and a great snack

  • Your Intake of pulses and beans (lentils, chickpeas, haricot beans, black beans, Navy beans, Lima beans, and soybeans etc), to 3-4 servings per week.   *Men should consider avoiding soy and soy products as well as woman of child bearing age as it may cause fertility concerns.
Legumes, beans pulses great in salads, soups and stews

  • Your Intake of oily fish (herring, pilchards, wild salmon, trout etc.) to 2-3 servings per week).
Oily Fish such as Wild salmon & Mackerel




REDUCE –


 Turkey is an alternative to too much Red Meat
  • Your consumption of red meat (beef, lamb, perk) to 1-2 servings per week. Substitute with fish, lean free-range chicken or turkey, or vegetarian alternatives such as tofu or substitute with beans or lentils. 








  • Your Intake of saturated fats from meat and dairy
  • Your consumption of refined foods (white bread, pasta, rice flour, cakes, biscuits, pizza, sugar and confectionary).
  • Your intake of processed foods, frozen meals and Take-away food.
  • Your intake of tea and coffee. A useful way is to alternate glasses of water with cups of tea or coffee. Increase water intake up to 8 glasses per day (maximum 2 litres).
  • Your intake of alcohol
  • Your intake of surgery and carbonated drinks 
    Feeling Bloated through too much fizzy pop or excess alcohol


    AVOID –


    • All trans and hydrogenated fats.
    • Saturated fats in processed meats and all processed foods.
    • Adding salt to your food. Check packaging of food for added salt/sodium levels
    • Adding sugar to food and drinks where possible.
    • Carbonated drinks containing Phosphoric Acid, (potentially detrimental to bone integrity).
    Mountains of salt on your food not what the Dr ordered!

    CONSIDER !!
    • Reducing your intake of dairy produce (milk, cheese, yoghurt). Soya-based equivalents, or rice, almond or oat milk alternatives can be used for variety.
    Watch out for excess dairy intake

    ENSURE

    Lentils & pulses offer great food option
    • You include in your diet sufficient, high-quality protein from chicken, turkey, fish, pulses, legumes & lentils.
    • You include fibre to ensure a healthy digestive system. Avoid bran, as this can deplete your mineral levels. Good sources of fibre include whole grains, fruit, vegetables, beans, pulses, lentils, and oats.




    Blood Sugar Balance=Balanced Energy

    Blood Sugar Balance for Energy each Day will help us through our busy day at work place or home and provide the basis, along with adequate exercise to maintain a healthy weight, help with stress management and promote Better health and Well being.

    ·        Balanced Blood Sugar: Eating balanced meals, breakfast, lunch and dinner with appropriate snacks in between.

    ·        Fruits and vegetables: Increased fruits and vegetables 6-8 portions per day. Try a weekly large fruit salad that keeps in the fridge. Mixed berries, fresh (organic if possible) or frozen, use for breakfast or take into work.

    ·        Carbohydrates during the day: Try and consume good quality complex carbohydrates during the Breakfast period and Lunchtime to provide Energy throughout the day and essential B vitamins. Try not consume Carbohydrates during the evening period, try salad’s, stir fry, stews, soups, small quantities of roasted vegetables


    ·        Meats and Fish: Try to eat protein at all meals, chicken, Turkey or quantities of oil fish that contain Essential Fatty Acids, Wild Salmon, Trout, mackerel and sardines.

    ·        Fluids: Plenty of fluids, 6-8 glasses of water per day (filter jug may be good investment), Herbal Teas, Green Tea, 100% Fruit Juices


    Find the foods that are right for you and your Energy levels.



    In practice, this could be:

    Breakfast:   Lemon Juice in warm water/herbal; tea
                        Porridge oats with water
              Or      weetabix/oatabix (with Fresh/Frozen Berries, honey, cinnamon)
                        Nuts and seeds (almonds, sunflower pumpkin        
                        Home made/Sugar free muesli
                        Low fat/Bio yoghurt fresh fruit salad (berries        
                        Chopped apple/pear/banana
                        Small fruit smoothie (Avocado, Berries, Banana)
                       Weekend: Try poached egg, grilled mushrooms,
                                          Tomatoes and wholemeal or rye toast

    Mid-Morning Snack:  Oatcakes (savory, ginger)
                                          Nuts and seeds mixture
                                          Apple/pear. Chopped Veg Sticks and 
                                          houmous
    Lunch:  Leftovers, ie, Chunky homemade veggie soups. Or
                  Vegetable curry (remember not to re-heat rice)
                  Vegetable (beans, lentils, Veg) /chicken/turkey stew
                  Boiled Eggs, Oily fish (Tinned Wild salmon/sardines)
                  Colourful/varied mix salad. Olive oil Vinaigrette
                  (mix Extra Virgin olive oil with Apple cider Vinegar, lemon Juice)
                  Or Wholemeal bread/rye bread, salad (watercress,
                  Lettuce, tomatoes) with tuna, wild salmon, avocado

    Mid-afternoon snack:  Oatcakes, Nuts and seeds, fruit,
                                            Chopped veggie sticks

    Dinner:  Vegetable stir-fry, grilled/steamed salmon. Or
                   Veggie of lean meat stew
                   Lean red meat/or chicken/turkey (free-range)
                   Baked sweet potato, Leeks, kale/Broccoli, Steamed veggies.
                   Berry Fruit salad, small pieces of dark chocolate


    Drink plenty of fluid and be careful of portion sizes.




    Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): Vital Energy, Vital Health

    Lying at the heart of our cells energy producing process, CoQ10 is vital for health and the energy process, very important for our heart and Blood vessels, as well assisting beneficial blood Sugar Balance.

    Sources of CoQ10 include Fish, Calf’s Liver and Germ portion of whole grains.

    Supplemental use may also help provide adequate levels of this important nutrient.
    Recommended Product: http://www.cytoplan.co.uk



    Nutrition Advice

    For more benefits of a well balanced diet, healthier lifestyle and getting energised for a busy life balance come and visit me at my clinic and see what positive changes maybe suitable for you.


    Get Fit and Healthy in 2011 
    Healthy Eating, Diet & Weight Management Clinics
    Introductory offers May - August £30 Off 1st Consultations
    Full Consultations, Drop in sessions & Home Visits
    See shop for Details (Limited Availability).


    Home Sweet Clinic!
    Ray of Sunshine Nutrition  
    So Organic Greenwich
    22 Nelson Road
    Royal Greenwich
    London
    SE10 9JB
    020 8305 5357







    View Larger Map