VigourCells™ Part 4
What else is in VigourCells?
Essential minerals: Magnesium & Selenium
Essential B vitamins
Inulin
F. What role does Selenium play in overall health?
Selenium plays several important roles in overall health due to its functions as an essential trace mineral and antioxidant. Here are some key roles of selenium in promoting overall health:
1. Antioxidant Protection: Selenium is a crucial component of selenoproteins, a family of antioxidant enzymes that help neutralize free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the body. Selenium-containing enzymes, such as glutathione peroxidases (GPx) and thioredoxin reductases (TrxR), catalyze the conversion of hydrogen peroxide and lipid hydroperoxides into less harmful compounds, reducing oxidative damage to cells, tissues, and organs. Selenium's antioxidant activity helps protect against oxidative stress, inflammation, and age-related diseases, promoting overall health and longevity.
2. Thyroid Function: Selenium plays a critical role in thyroid hormone metabolism and function by supporting the synthesis, activation, and metabolism of thyroid hormones, including thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Selenium is required for the activity of iodothyronine deiodinases, enzymes that convert inactive T4 into active T3 and regulate thyroid hormone levels and activity in target tissues. Adequate selenium levels help maintain thyroid health, regulate metabolic rate, and support energy production, mood regulation, and overall well-being.
3. Immune Function: Selenium plays a role in modulating immune function and inflammatory responses by regulating the activity of immune cells, cytokine production, and signaling pathways. Selenium deficiency has been associated with impaired immune function, increased susceptibility to infections, and dysregulated inflammatory responses. Selenium supports the function of various immune cells, including T cells, B cells, natural killer (NK) cells, and macrophages, enhancing their ability to combat pathogens and foreign invaders. Selenium also helps regulate the balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, promoting immune tolerance and reducing the risk of chronic inflammatory diseases.
4. Cancer Prevention: Selenium has been studied for its potential role in cancer prevention and its ability to reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, including prostate, colorectal, lung, and breast cancer. Selenium exerts anticancer effects through multiple mechanisms, including antioxidant protection, immune modulation, DNA repair, and apoptosis (programmed cell death) induction in cancer cells. Selenium supplementation has been shown to reduce cancer incidence and mortality in populations with selenium deficiency and may help enhance the efficacy of conventional cancer therapies.
5. Reproductive Health: Selenium is important for reproductive health and fertility in both men and women. Selenium plays a role in sperm production and motility, sperm quality, and protection against oxidative damage to sperm DNA. In women, selenium supports ovarian function, hormone synthesis, and embryo development, contributing to reproductive success and healthy pregnancies. Selenium deficiency has been associated with infertility, miscarriage, and pregnancy complications, highlighting the importance of adequate selenium intake for reproductive health.
Overall, selenium plays a multifaceted role in promoting overall health by providing antioxidant protection, supporting thyroid function, modulating immune function, preventing cancer, and promoting reproductive health. Including selenium-rich foods in the diet, such as Brazil nuts, seafood, poultry, eggs, whole grains, and legumes, and considering supplementation with selenium supplements may help support optimal selenium levels and promote overall well-being.
G. What role does Magnesium Glycinate play in overall health?
Magnesium glycinate is a form of magnesium that is bound to glycine, an amino acid. It plays several important roles in overall health due to its involvement in numerous physiological processes. Here are some key roles of magnesium glycinate in promoting overall health:
1. Muscle Function and Relaxation: Magnesium glycinate plays a crucial role in muscle function and relaxation by regulating calcium ion influx into muscle cells and modulating neuromuscular signaling. Magnesium helps activate adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to provide energy for muscle contractions and supports the relaxation phase by antagonizing calcium's effects on muscle contraction. Adequate magnesium levels help prevent muscle cramps, spasms, and tension and promote overall muscle function, flexibility, and relaxation.
2. Bone Health: Magnesium is essential for bone health and plays a role in bone formation, mineralization, and density. Magnesium stimulates the activity of osteoblasts, cells responsible for building new bone tissue, and helps regulate calcium and vitamin D metabolism, which are crucial for bone mineralization. Magnesium deficiency has been associated with impaired bone formation, increased bone turnover, and reduced bone density, leading to an increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Supplementation with magnesium glycinate may help support bone health and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
3. Heart Health: Magnesium glycinate is beneficial for heart health due to its roles in regulating heart rhythm, blood pressure, and vascular tone. Magnesium helps maintain normal cardiac electrical activity by modulating ion channels and neurotransmitter release in cardiac muscle cells. Magnesium also promotes vasodilation, inhibits vascular smooth muscle contraction, and regulates blood vessel tone, which helps reduce blood pressure and improve blood flow. Magnesium deficiency has been linked to an increased risk of hypertension, arrhythmias, and cardiovascular disease, highlighting the importance of adequate magnesium intake for heart health.
4. Stress Management: Magnesium glycinate has calming and relaxing properties that can help alleviate stress, anxiety, and insomnia. Magnesium plays a role in the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, the body's stress response system, and modulates the release of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. Magnesium also supports the production of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety. Supplementing with magnesium glycinate may help reduce stress-related symptoms, promote relaxation, and improve sleep quality.
5. Metabolic Health: Magnesium glycinate plays a role in glucose metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and energy production, making it important for metabolic health. Magnesium is required for the activation of enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism, glycolysis, and insulin signaling pathways. Magnesium deficiency has been associated with insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance, and increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Supplementation with magnesium glycinate may help improve insulin sensitivity, regulate blood sugar levels, and support metabolic health.
Overall, magnesium glycinate plays a multifaceted role in promoting overall health by supporting muscle function and relaxation, bone health, heart health, stress management, and metabolic health. Including magnesium-rich foods in the diet, such as leafy greens, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and legumes, and considering supplementation with magnesium glycinate supplements may help support optimal magnesium levels and promote overall well-being.
H. What role do the B - vitamins in VigourCells play in overall health?
VigourCells contains:
Vitamins B6, B7 (biotin), B9 (folate), and B12 (cobalamin) that are part of the B-vitamin complex and play crucial roles in overall health due to their involvement in various physiological processes. Here are some key roles of these B-vitamins in promoting overall health:
1. Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine):
Energy Metabolism: Vitamin B6 is involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, serving as a coenzyme in numerous enzymatic reactions that convert nutrients into energy.
Neurotransmitter Synthesis: Vitamin B6 is necessary for the synthesis of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which play roles in mood regulation, cognition, and stress response.
Haemoglobin Formation: Vitamin B6 is required for the synthesis of heme, the iron-containing component of haemoglobin in red blood cells, which is essential for oxygen transport and energy production.
Immune Function: Vitamin B6 supports immune function by promoting the proliferation and activity of immune cells, enhancing antibody production, and modulating inflammatory responses.
2. Vitamin B7 (Biotin):
Carbohydrate, Fat, and Protein Metabolism: Biotin serves as a cofactor for enzymes involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, facilitating energy production and nutrient utilization.
Skin and Hair Health: Biotin is important for maintaining healthy skin, hair, and nails, as it supports keratin synthesis, a protein that forms the structural components of these tissues.
Growth and Development: Biotin is essential for normal growth and development, particularly during pregnancy and infancy, as it is involved in foetal development and tissue formation.
Blood Sugar Regulation: Biotin may help regulate blood sugar levels by enhancing insulin sensitivity and promoting glucose uptake by cells, thereby supporting metabolic health and diabetes management.
3. Vitamin B9 (Folate):
DNA Synthesis and Repair: Folate is crucial for DNA synthesis and repair, as it provides the methyl groups needed for nucleotide synthesis and participates in the conversion of homocysteine to methionine, an important step in DNA methylation.
Cell Division and Growth: Folate is necessary for proper cell division and growth, particularly during periods of rapid cell proliferation such as embryonic development, tissue regeneration, and pregnancy.
Red Blood Cell Formation: Folate is essential for the production of red blood cells in bone marrow, as it is required for the synthesis of DNA and haemoglobin.
Neurological Health: Folate plays a role in brain health and cognitive function, as it is involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters and the regulation of homocysteine levels, which can affect brain function and mood.
4. Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin):
Red Blood Cell Formation: Vitamin B12 is essential for the formation of red blood cells and the synthesis of DNA in bone marrow, as it participates in the conversion of methylmalonyl-CoA to succinyl-CoA, a critical step in haemoglobin synthesis.
Nerve Function: Vitamin B12 plays a crucial role in nerve function and myelin synthesis, as it is involved in the maintenance of nerve cells and the insulation of nerve fibers.
Homocysteine Metabolism: Vitamin B12, along with folate and vitamin B6, helps regulate homocysteine levels by participating in the conversion of homocysteine to methionine, which can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Brain Health: Vitamin B12 is important for cognitive function and brain health, as it supports neurotransmitter synthesis, myelin integrity, and neuronal signaling.
Overall, Vitamins B6, B7, B9, and B12 play essential roles in overall health by supporting energy metabolism, neurotransmitter synthesis, immune function, DNA synthesis and repair, red blood cell formation, nerve function, and brain health. Including B-vitamin-rich foods in the diet, such as whole grains, leafy greens, nuts, seeds, eggs, dairy products, fish, and lean meats, and considering supplementation with B-complex vitamins may help support optimal health and well-being.
I. What role does Inulin play in overall health?
VigourCells contains Inulin.
Inulin is a type of soluble fiber found in certain plant foods, such as chicory root, Jerusalem artichokes, and dandelion greens. It plays several important roles in overall health due to its unique properties and physiological effects. Here are some key roles of inulin in promoting overall health:
1. Gut Health: Inulin serves as a prebiotic fiber that nourishes beneficial bacteria in the gut, such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli, which play a crucial role in maintaining gut health and supporting digestive function. Inulin is fermented by gut bacteria in the colon, leading to the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as acetate, propionate, and butyrate. SCFAs help promote the growth of beneficial bacteria, inhibit the growth of harmful pathogens, regulate intestinal pH, and support the integrity of the intestinal barrier. By supporting a healthy balance of gut microbiota, inulin helps prevent digestive disorders such as constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
2. Blood Sugar Regulation: Inulin may help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity, making it beneficial for individuals with diabetes or insulin resistance. Inulin slows down the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates in the small intestine, resulting in a slower and more gradual release of glucose into the bloodstream. This helps prevent rapid spikes in blood sugar levels after meals and reduces the insulin response. In addition, SCFAs produced during the fermentation of inulin may enhance insulin sensitivity and promote glucose uptake by cells, further supporting blood sugar regulation and metabolic health.
3. Weight Management: Inulin may contribute to weight management and satiety by promoting feelings of fullness and reducing calorie intake. Inulin forms a gel-like substance in the stomach, which slows down gastric emptying and prolongs feelings of satiety. This can help reduce appetite, prevent overeating, and support weight loss or weight maintenance efforts. In addition, the fermentation of inulin in the colon produces SCFAs, which have been associated with reduced appetite, increased energy expenditure, and improved metabolic health. Including inulin-rich foods in the diet or taking inulin supplements may help support weight management goals.
4. Heart Health: Inulin has been shown to have beneficial effects on heart health by lowering blood cholesterol levels and improving lipid profiles. Inulin binds to bile acids in the intestines, preventing their reabsorption and promoting their excretion in the feces. This stimulates the liver to use cholesterol to produce more bile acids, leading to a decrease in circulating cholesterol levels. In addition, SCFAs produced during the fermentation of inulin may help reduce cholesterol synthesis in the liver and improve lipid metabolism. By lowering LDL cholesterol levels and increasing HDL cholesterol levels, inulin may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart disease and stroke.
5. Bone Health: Inulin may have positive effects on bone health by promoting calcium absorption and mineralization in the bones. Inulin enhances the solubility and bioavailability of calcium in the intestines, facilitating its absorption into the bloodstream. Once absorbed, calcium can be utilized for bone formation and mineralization, contributing to bone density and strength. By supporting calcium absorption and bone mineralization, inulin may help reduce the risk of osteoporosis and fractures, especially in individuals with low calcium intake or impaired calcium absorption.
Overall, Inulin plays a multifaceted role in promoting overall health by supporting gut health, regulating blood sugar levels, aiding in weight management, improving heart health, and enhancing bone health. Including inulin-rich foods in the diet, such as chicory root, Jerusalem artichokes, garlic, onions, leeks, and asparagus, and considering supplementation with inulin supplements may help support optimal health and well-being.
J. Glutathione
Why is Glutathione not added to VigourCells?
VigourCells contains four out of 5 network antioxidants.
They are Alpha- Lipoic Acid, Co-enzyme Q10, Vitamins C and Es - excluding glutathione.
This decision was made because external dietary sources of glutathione are not very absorbable, and intravenous sources may actually negatively impact our liver's natural production of this master antioxidant.
My strategy is to boost the liver's natural production of glutathione so that healing occurs from within and in the right amount.
What are the concerns over glutathione supplementation?
While glutathione is generally considered safe when taken at appropriate doses, excessive supplementation with glutathione may potentially cause health issues in some individuals. Here are some considerations regarding the potential risks of excessive glutathione supplementation:
1. Gastrointestinal Distress: High doses of oral glutathione supplements may cause gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain. These symptoms are more common with certain forms of oral glutathione that have poor absorption or when taken on an empty stomach.
2. Interference with Natural Production: Taking high doses of exogenous glutathione supplements may potentially interfere with the body's natural production of glutathione. The body tightly regulates its glutathione levels, and excessive supplementation may disrupt this balance, leading to a downregulation of endogenous glutathione synthesis.
3. Oxidative Stress: While glutathione is a potent antioxidant, excessively high levels of glutathione may paradoxically contribute to oxidative stress. This phenomenon, known as the "glutathione paradox," occurs when glutathione becomes overoxidized and loses its antioxidant capacity, potentially leading to cellular damage.
4. Kidney Stones: Some research suggests that high doses of glutathione supplements may increase the risk of kidney stone formation, particularly in individuals predisposed to kidney stone formation or with underlying kidney conditions. This risk may be attributed to the breakdown of glutathione into its constituent amino acids, which can increase urinary excretion of oxalate, a precursor to kidney stones.
5. Drug Interactions: Glutathione supplements may interact with certain medications, including chemotherapy drugs, antipsychotic medications, and immunosuppressants. Glutathione plays a role in drug metabolism and detoxification, and high doses of glutathione supplements may affect the efficacy or side effects of these medications.
It's important to note that most of the research on the safety and efficacy of glutathione supplementation has focused on intravenous administration rather than oral supplementation. Intravenous glutathione therapy is typically administered under medical supervision and may be used in certain clinical settings for conditions such as liver disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, or Parkinson's disease.
If considering glutathione supplementation, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate dosage and form based on individual health status and needs. Additionally, it's essential to choose reputable supplement brands and follow recommended dosage guidelines to minimize the risk of adverse effects. As with any supplement, moderation and informed decision-making are key to optimizing health outcomes.
❤️🌿 Rosemary
27 March 2024