Activating Protective Enzymes with Protandim

If eating and breathing is what you do everyday then guess what? You are not immune from free radicals and hopefully, you are not one of those individuals who is lactose intolerant. Now, if you’re wondering what free radicals got to do with lactose then here’s the answer. It’s about enzymes. I lack an enzyme called lactase which causes me to have a problem in the digestive hydrolysis of lactose in milk. Free radicals, on the other hand, are handled by certain enzymes to protect a person from the on-set of chronic illnesses. And without enzymes, I wonder what life would be like.

Enzyme Function

Well, just in case you're curious to know what enzymes are and what they do, here it is in a nutshell. Enzymes in cells allow cells to carry out chemical reactions very quickly. These reactions allow the cells to build things or take things apart as needed. Whether it is about growth and reproduction, enzymes are at the forefront. Chemical reactions are made possible by enzymes, and are known to catalyze about 4,000 biochemical reactions. To decrease enzyme activity, inhibitor molecules are used, and to increase activity, activator molecules are implemented. Activity is also affected by temperature, chemical environment (e.g., pH), and the concentration of substrates.

Of course, there are too many to talk about but there is a category of enzymes called protective enzymes specifically designed to minimize the negative impact of free radicals aka reactive oxygen species (ROS).

TBARS & Free Radicals Discovery

The discovery of superoxide dismutase (SOD) within our system, constantly fighting free radicals is credited to Drs. JM McCord and Irvin Fridovich (1997 Elliot Cresson Medal recipients). Some of the ROS are the byproduct of mitochondria respiration (energy powerhouse), while others are from the immune system (to neutralize invading microorganisms), exposure to x-rays, ozone, cigarette smoking, air pollution, and industrial chemicals. Thus, in no time, numerous advertising campaigns promoting fruits, vegetables, and vitamins fortified with antioxidants drew the attention of consumers.

Before Dr McCord’s discovery, little was known about free radicals such as hydroxyl radical (OH.), the superoxide radical (O.₂), the nitric oxide radical (NO.) and the lipid peroxyl radical (LOO.) and their devastating impact on the cells of the human body nor was there a concern for Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances (TBARS) test – precise and complex method used to identify the health condition of one’s fat cells. In other words, people were getting too sick easily without realizing it has something to do oxidative stress. The fact is, the older one gets, the higher the TBARS are. Conversely, the older one gets, the lower one's level of glutathione becomes, and is much lower on elderly and sickly individuals.

Reduce Your Oxidative Stress

Unless huge amounts of antioxidants are taken, a condition called lipid peroxidation (fat cell damage) will lead to a commonly known problem called chronic illness. This includes diabetes, asthma, headache, fatigue, coronary heart disease, muscular dystrophy, etc. In other words, if you want to enjoy life as you age, you should consider protecting your fat cells, proteins, & DNA from free radicals.

No doubt, we all hate being diseased and wish there is a cure for all the known ailments but, would it that make a huge difference if it were found? If one is told that oxidative stress is the key problem to many chronic illnesses and a protective enzyme activator is now available, will one continue using pain killers to rid of one's headaches, pain in the feet, fibromyalgia, etc., etc? Of course, there will always be that certain percentage who would care less, and still can't figure out why they are at the clinic/hospital more often than necessary.

Not Enough Natural Enzymes

In the study of oxidative stress, it has been determined by researchers that this phenomena is the result of tons of free radicals bombarding the cells. Under normal circumstances, cells are able to defend themselves against ROS damage with enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), lactoperoxidase, glutathione peroxidase, and peroxiredoxins.

Glutathione, uric acid, vitamin C and E are also effective against free radicals simply by scavenging but none have been found to activate the nrf2 (master regulator of antioxidant response) in the gene like what Protandim does. However, do note that Xymogen nrf2, Bardoxolone, and BG-12 (drugs pending FDA approval, expensive, and have side effects) are nrf2 activators as well. BroccoSprouts (found in grocery stores) can also achieve the same results if you are willing to eat 1.25lbs of Broccoli Sprouts per day.

Side note:Xymogen nrf2 activator is originated from Xymogen where Dr D. Perlmutter is the chairman of Xymogen's Medical board of Advisors and Chief Neuroscience officer. LifeVantage has exclusive rights to the nrf2 with 3 protective patents on Protandim.Dr D. Perlmutter highly advocates the usage of Protandim, and is also member of the Scientific Advisory board of LifeVantage.

Glutathione Deficiency

Previously known as CMX-1152 and inconspicuously sold at health food stores, Protandim is currently the only product that requires 1 pill per day, is highly effective, hardly has side effects, and is reasonably priced. Through Protandim’s unique blend of 5 natural ingredients SOD, catalase, and glutathione synthase are up-regulated to speedily knock out millions of free radicals (known to cause oxidative stress) in one second. Per Dr JM McCord, for every million molecules of free radicals, it takes one molecule of anti-oxidant from Protandim to neutralize superoxide and hydrogen peroxide to water and oxygen. Having the SOD up-regulated at 30%, catalase at 54%, and glutathione peroxidase at 300% as well as several other genes is phenomenal.

The significant role of glutathione, for example, can be found in 89,000 medical articles. Not only is it critical in helping one’s immune system as well as being the most critical and integral part of detoxification but it also helps a person reach peak physical, and mental function; prevents Alzheimers disease.

Unless you have a genetic defect, everyone produces their own glutathione, but poor dieting, medications, pollution, toxins, infections, stress, trauma, radiation, and aging will deplete your natural producing glutathione. And what could be the real reason for this? Of course, free radicals causing oxidative stress! And how does one take care of such a problem?

Well, you can supplement your system with a bottle of glutathione or activate your natural enzymes i.e. glutathione peroxidase with a bottle of Protandim. The choice to go either way is all yours because skepticism may be your first natural response toward Protandim.

Healthy Skepticism

As in every new or somewhat new product, people are always skeptical. I have always said that being skeptical is not a bad thing but if all the proofs have being laid out, what more does one need?

Disregarding every known dietary supplements in existence, Protandim has over 20 independent studies by well-known universities confirming its formula as a “breakthrough”, and is certified by BSCG (Banned Substances Control Group) as having no dangerous banned substances in this dietary supplements or having substance not listed as ingredients. That, to me is significant.

Due to the fact that Protandim is a therapy treatment and is successfully being network-marketed in the last 2 years, there are disgruntled individuals building websites with the word SCAM to draw as much people to debate and cast doubts on those trying to decide. These attacks focuses on the network marketing approach, good manufacturing practice, and bad service. Until I see adverse reports on Protandim’s inability to slow down aging i.e. "rusting" effect of cells and afford people the opportunity to be financially stable, hesitant individuals should consider all derogatory comments inconsequential.

Aside from all the negativity from disgruntled individuals, I find Protandim worth my time and money. For those on the fence, start off as a preferred customer for the discounted price. Once you see results then move a notch up as a network marketer. But if you are already hyper excited then jump in, ask questions later! No, do your due diligence first then make an educated decision. I suggest Dr Oz's discussion page as a start, if you're a fan of his.

Feel Young, Look Young, and Save

Just knowing that the older one gets the more free radicals one accumulates is disturbing. This says a lot in terms of oxidative stress and chronic illnesses, and having an increase amount of glutathione synthase, catalase, and SOD at the same time means youthfulness, at least, according to all the scientific studies.

I am a firm believer of using free radical scavenger products but would like to use one that is powerful and saves money. So, here is what I see. I can either save with one bottle of Protandim per month or waste money on several bottles which DO NOT simultaneously activate the natural protective enzymes at the gene level. Worse, buy heaps of other medications that do NOT work at the source. Does this mean wine, vitamin C and E are now excluded from my inventory list? That depends on my objective. With vitamins C & E you get one molecule of ant-oxidant to one molecule of ROS. Protandim has a ratio of 1:1,000,000; far exceeds vitamins C & E in anti-oxidants, and is one thousand times better than wine.

Thank you for reading, and be sure to watch this video. Cheers to a prolong feeling of youthfulness!!