Antioxidants

You hear it everywhere. Advertisers promote antioxidants in drinks, foods, even shampoos and skin creams, but what are they and why should you care?

Antioxidants are natural protective molecules which Mother Nature has laced into a large number of foods. There are literally thousands of antioxidants but they all do the same thing.  They protect the DNA in our healthy cells from the damage done by free radicals. These are harmful chemicals our bodies absorb from things such as cigarette smoke, pollution,  fried foods or other things in our environment.  Antioxidants protect our cells, particularly the DNA, from the harm leading to cancer and aging degeneration.   All doctors are interested in making sure we have enough antioxidants.

How do you know you have enough antioxidants? 

The Pharmanex Biophotonic scanner was featured on the Dr. Oz  Show this week.  (Check this out at www.DoctorOZ.com)  Every audience member was scanned before the show and given a colored T-shirt to wear indicating their antioxidant level. The colors were from red to orange, then yellow, green and blue ranging from low to high.  High levels (greens and blues) are desired.  Dr. Oz expressed shock at the significant number of reds and oranges.  He said, "You are America. You are a cross section of everyone watching this show right now."  He went on to say, "This is not surprising.  Most of you eat less than two servings per day of fruits and vegetables and we need 9 to 10 fist-size portions daily." 

How does the scanner work? 

In my practice we have been using the Biophotonic scanner for years. Using a safe, blue laser light shining on the hand, the scanner can "read" the carotenoid score in less than 90 seconds.  It is a quick, painless and inexpensive test which can tell your risk for cancer and disease. I have found the show’s results are typical for most patients I see. Over 40% of persons score in the lowest levels.  Many times, persons will be taking vitamin supplements and still score very low. The one-tablet-a-day multi’s never provide enough nutrition to raise the score to safe levels.  Quality is essential for good nutrition supplements.  The only way to know whether you are absorbing the vitamin you take is to test it.  Supplements based upon whole food extracts work best in conjunction with a diet high in fruits and vegetables. 

How can I ensure my antioxidant level?

Nutrition begins with fresh produce—preferably local and organic when available.  Eat the variety of the rainbow since the most deeply colorful produce provides the most antioxidants.  Since most of us cannot eat perfectly every day, take a quality supplement twice daily with your meals. Pharmanex multivitamin packs guarantee your score will improve or you get your money back. I encourage you to take the challenge by testing your level today. 

fsmith@forrestsmithmd.com

www.ForrestSmithMD.com