Part 3 of a 4 part series
The following are numbers 5, 6 and 7 in my top 10 gifts to the physical, and when provided with love, nourish and feed the cells that are so graciously carrying us through this lifetime.
5. Glutathione:
There is a direct correlation with the speed of aging and the reduction of glutathione concentrations in intracellular fluids. As individuals grow older, glutathione levels drop, and the ability to detoxify free radicals decreases.
Blood glutathione levels have been identified as being one of the most important indicators of our overall health. As the master antioxidant in the body Glutathione has a range of diverse metabolic functions including acting as a free radical scavenger, recharging depleted antioxidants back into their active state (vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin A, etc.), maintaining the immune system, supporting protein structures and removing heavy metals such as mercury through the liver.
Scientists have discovered that how long you live is directly proportional to how much glutathione is in your body.
Our environment today is loaded with toxic metals, from the air we breathe to the food we eat. Glutathione is a powerful detox agent.
We all want to look our best, and clinical research has found that glutathione is capable of stimulating collagen synthesis. By elevating collagen production those fine lines and wrinkles start to disappear.
You are probably already familiar with the benefits of antioxidants and how they control the damaging effects of free radicals in our bodies. Glutathione is so powerful it is called the master antioxidant. If you could only supplement your diet with one antioxidant it would be glutathione. Glutathione is manufactured inside the human cells. The cell’s ability to make glutathione is determined by the supply of raw materials or glutathione precursors, in particular of the amino acid cysteine, and other anti oxidants.
The good news is that you can do many things to increase this natural and critical molecule in your body. You can eat glutathione-boosting foods. You can exercise. And you can take glutathione-boosting supplements (all antioxidants are ultimately making glutathione in the body). And for the first time ever, you can buy it in a liposomal form which is immediately absorbed.
Tips to Optimize your Glutathione Levels
- Consume sulfur-rich foods. The main ones in the diet are garlic, onions and the cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, kale, collards, cabbage, cauliflower, watercress, etc.). And take Organic Sulphur (see above)
- Exercise boosts your glutathione levels and thereby helps boost your immune system, improve detoxification and enhance your body’s own antioxidant defenses. Start slow and build up to 30 minutes a day of vigorous aerobic exercise like walking or jogging, or play various sports. Strength training for 20 minutes 3 times a week is also helpful.
- Take liposomal Glutathione (a recent supplementary form that is in liposomal form meaning it gets absorbed directly into the mucosal membrane, avoiding break down in the digestive tract. (Liposomal Glutathione is available at Better Health Clinic)
- Selenium. This important mineral helps the body recycle and produce more glutathione.5. Antioxidants like vitamins C help to recycle and make glutathione.
- Milk thistle (silymarin) has long been used in liver disease and helps boost glutathione levels.
6. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has many health benefits, and it is well known as a skin and hair moisturizer, but did you know it is also a natural face wash?
While it may seem counterintuitive to use coconut oil as a face wash, oil cleansing is quite possibly the purest, most effective way to remove dirt, impurities and yes especially oil from your face.
The idea is actually simple. Using the principle of “like dissolves like” – the basic concept is this: the natural oil you massage into your skin removes the oil on your skin along with impurities. When you apply steam from a hot washcloth, not only does it cleanse but also it moisturizes at the same time.
I have used oils for several years to cleanse and have not had to combat dry skin, or break outs since starting.
How to clean your face with Coconut Oil:
You will need:
- Coconut oil
- A washcloth
What to do:
- Put about a teaspoon of coconut oil into the palm of your hand
- Warm the oil up in your hands by rubbing your hands back and forth
- Gently massage the oil into your face using small, circular strokes for at least 1 minute
- Rinse a washcloth under very warm water, wring out the excess water, and let the cloth sit on your face for approx :30 seconds
- Gently wipe the oil from your face
- Repeat step 4 and step 5 if necessary
7. Castor Oil: for skin and hair:
Castor oil also has many health benefits, and is well known to treat internal ailments with castor oil packs. But I often use it in winter to increase the effectiveness of a natural skin moisturizer and it has amazing benefits for hair growth and hair health. I often add a drop or two to my body moisturizer. And add sparingly to my own home made spray in conditioners. It adds shine and brings back natural curl.
The following is a recipe for a deeper conditioner that helps hair health and growth.
- Castor oil has a thick consistency, so you can mix it with coconut oil, olive oil or jojoba oil in a half and half ratio. This will make the mask easier to distribute throughout your hair.
- Use your fingers or a brush and start applying it onto your scalp with circular motions. This gentle massage increases the blood circulation, rejuvenates the hair, and stimulates hair growth.
- Part hair into sections and apply the oil (mixture) to each section until all your hair is covered properly and evenly.
- Wrap your hair in a warm towel (you can also use a shower cap) and leave it for two to eight hours. You can also leave it over night. This will give the oil enough time to penetrate the follicles and hydrate your scalp and hair thoroughly.
- Wash your hair as usual using shampoo and conditioner. Make sure you rinse all the oil out of your hair.
How often can Castor oil Hair Conditioners be used?
This depends on your objective and type of hair. If your aim is to treat hair loss, you will need to do it at least twice weekly, but even better if you can do it three or four times per week for several weeks. You can also add rosemary essential oil, which is known to stimulate hair growth.