Tag Archives: alpha lipoic acid

Skin & Total Body Supplements

Natural Glutathione Boosters

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It is difficult to overstate the importance of glutathione as one of the body’s primary defense system. Unfortunately, oral ingestion of supplemental glutathione has not been viable because of its rapid breakdown during digestion. However, there are some foods and supplements that help support healthy glutathione levels:

  • Cinnamon and Rhodila Rosea. Researchers found that cinnamon and Rhodiola Rosea extracts significantly lowered blood sugar – and at the same time this combination increased levels of glutathione in diabetic mice.
  • Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is of major importance in boosting cellular levels of glutathione.
  • Milk Thistle protects the liver from depletion of glutathione.
  • N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is another strategy for providing glutathione to the cell and giving additional protection to the mitochondria is by providing precursors that are needed for the formation of glutathione. NAC contains a sulfur group known as a thiol, and it is the thiol that gives this amino acid its antioxidant effects. The cysteine portion of NAC is one of the three peptides that make up the glutathione molecule and by providing this building block, more glutathione is produced.

In combination with two other amino acids, glutamine and glycine, N-acetyl cysteine promotes the synthesis of glutathione in the liver. Both N-acetyl cysteine and alpha lipoic acid, when administered together, work synergistically to elevate levels of glutathione in the cell.

5 Secrets to Beautiful Skin

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1. Water

When you wake up, enjoy a tall glass of pure spring water. All of the biochemical changes in our bodies take place in the presence of water. To successfully get nutrients in and waste out, we need to be well hydrated. A dehydrated body promotes the development of aging, inflammatory compounds; resulting in puffiness, dry skin and loss of radiance.

2. Face Changing Foods

If your goal is firm, radiant, glowing skin, abundant energy, mental clarity and an overall sense of well-being, these foods are for you. Their unique combinations of healthy fats, high quality protein, probiotics and antioxidant rich carbohydrates help to fight against wrinkles, sagging and loss of tone

  • Salmon, sardines, anchovies, herring, mackerel and other cold water fish
  • Free-range hormone and antibiotic free poultry
  • Eggs from free-range chickens
  • Grass-fed, pasture-raised beef or lamb, naturally low in saturated fats
  • Complex carbohydrates such as leafy greens, broccoli and oatmeal
  • Healthy fats such as avocadoes, olives, extra virgin olive oil, nuts and seeds
  • Fresh fruits such as berries, apples and cantaloupe

3. Scrub-Free

Cleanliness is the foundation of healthy, radiant skin, but don’t overdo it and strip skin of its natural pH balance. Choose cleaners rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C ester (VC) and Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA). These powerful nutrients thoroughly cleanse the skin of impurities without the dryness, redness or irritation caused by more aggressive cleansers. Skin feels and looks clean, soft, supple and radiant.

Avoid harsh scrubs and exfoliators, which can cause inflammation of the skin.

4. Sleep

Get enough sleep – at least seven hours. Adequate sleep will restore luminosity to the skin while improving tone and texture. When we do not get enough sleep, our eyes will appear puffy, bags and dark circles will appear under the eyes, and fine lines and an unhealthy pallor will greet us in the morning. During the waking hours, stress can play havoc with our skin; it is only during the hours of sleep that we can undo these harmful effects.

It is also during the precious hours of sleep that our cells rejuvenate, repairing damage of the previous day. In fact, one of the best-kept anti-aging secrets is a good night’s sleep.

5. Go Green

Enjoy a potent anti-aging “green” cocktail of young barley grass. This pure and powerful powerhouse removes toxins and pollutants while restoring cellular function. Green foods also fight free radical activity, reduce inflammation and support healthy blood flow to all organ systems, including the skin.

Enjoy a cup of green tea after your meal. There is a compound in green tea called theanine that acts as a natural mood elevator and promote feelings of well-being. Because green tea is rich in polyphenol antioxidants, it can help fight inflammation and age-accelerating free radicals, boost the body’s natural defenses, and exert anti-viral and anti-bacterial effects.

Do you have any of your own “secrets” to share?

Combat Glycation

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This Halloween give your skin a real treat – a fast from sugar! As Dr. Perricone explains in today’s newsletter, sugar is toxic and its negative effects are very visible on the skin. But, since no one is perfect, we have some ideal antidotes to help combat the effects of sugar-induced glycation, an inflammatory, biochemical process that causes the collagen in our skin to become stiff and inflexible. The unfortunate result of this is wrinkles and sagging skin. Alpha lipoic acid is superb when it comes to countering the visible effects of glycation. Before bedtime, apply Evening Facial Emollient to the face. This alpha lipoic acid-rich lotion will work all night to deliver a radiant, firmed and refined appearance to your skin.

Buy Evening Facial Emollient and get a 30 day supply of ALA supplements Free.

Secret #7: Controlling Stress

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Stress actually accelerates the rate at which cells age. Thus, controlling stress has significant anti-aging benefits. Chronic stress raises blood level insulin levels, increases risk of obesity and inter-abdominal fat and accelerates inflammatory gum disease. Elevated stress levels appear to raise cholesterol levels over the long-term.

But stress is something we have the power to control. With the right diet, supplements and exercise, and by focusing on positive emotions, we hold the key to a brighter, happier and healthier future.

Supplements to combat stress
Phosphatidylserine, Vitamin C Ester, Omega 3 Fish Oil, Rhodiola, Ginseng, Gingko Biloba
Stress elevates levels of the hormones insulin and cortisol which then act as inflammatory agents. Many of us suffer an excess of both of these hormones, the first from too many sugars and other carbohydrates in our diets, the second from too much stress and caffeine. Look for foods that are part of an anti-inflammatory diet and supplements rich in antioxidants like alpha lipoic acid supplements to help manage stress.

Dr. Perricone Q&A – Body Acne

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Q: I have a bad case of “body type” acne on my inner thighs, and no medications seem to help. It is so bad that I have developed scarring from it, too.

A: Check with your dermatologist because this may not be a case of acne. It sounds like it may be a condition known as folliculitis, a general term that encompasses a group of skin conditions characterized by inflamed hair follicles. This inflammation may be caused by any number of things, including bacteria, infection, yeasts or fungi, and certain inflammatory skin diseases. Your dermatologist can determine the cause, and the best course of treatment. Over-the-counter treatments that might be helpful include topical alpha hydroxy acids containing glycolic acid. The scarring may actually be post-inflammatory hyper pigmentation. Applying a body toning lotion containing high levels of DMAE over the alpha hydroxy treatment may help the scarring / hyperpigmentation to fade.
You can help control the inflammation by on a cellular level by taking antioxidants and anti-inflammatories. For example, alpha lipoic acid (ALA) has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, which make it extremely valuable in the treatment of acne, and helps control both blood sugar and insulin. A rapid rise in blood sugar may produce a burst of inflammation that elevates insulin levels, which then affect many other hormones in the endocrine system, resulting in the formation of new acne lesions, not to mention the exacerbation of existing acne. When blood sugar is stabilized, insulin levels are more easily controlled. Alpha lipoic acid can control blood sugar by both sensitizing the cell to the effects of insulin and allowing the cell to better utilize blood sugar.

Dr. Perricone Q&A – Rashes On The Face

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Q: I used to have normal-combination skin (face), with minor problems such as a few monthly breakouts and blackheads in the nose area. However, when I turned seventeen my breakouts increased and my skin became oilier. I tried a product containing 5% benzoyl peroxide and ended up with severe redness. My skin actually looked like it was burned, and I developed a rash of tiny pimples all over my face. So I stopped using everything except cleanser and toner for three days, but the rash and redness persisted. Now, three months later, the redness is gone but I still have the rash – and I’m still suffering from breakouts! To make matters worse, I live in a hot and humid climate, which seems to exacerbate the problem.

Benzoyl peroxide is popular ingredient in many over-the-counter acne medications, but as you have discovered, it can cause intense irritation in some cases. Read labels and avoid this ingredient in the future.
We need to approach your problem from the inside out. A three-tiered program (anti-inflammatory diet, supplements, and topicals) is critical in the fight against acne. Your first step should be to study the list of anti-inflammatory foods on our website and incorporate as many of them as possible into your daily diet. In addition, study the list of “bad” foods and avoid them. In your case, I strongly recommend you follow the Three Day Diet, but extend it to five days. You may find this will greatly alleviate the rash and the breakouts. In terms of topical treatment, I suggest you use a mild cleanser twice a day and DMAE toner pads three times a day. Don’t forget the right nutritional supplements, especially B vitamins and antioxidants (e.g., vitamins C, E, alpha lipoic acid, DMAE, and others available in the supplement section of our website.

Secret #4: Rejuvenate Your Facial Structure

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It is not the fine lines and wrinkles that give the face an aged appearance. As we age, the muscles in the face begin to elongate and subsequently sag. Sagging, drooping muscles are the true hallmark of an aging face. Sugary, starchy foods causes an inflammatory response that results in the glycation of collagen in the skin and all other organs. This lays the foundation for the birth of wrinkles, sagging muscles, and loss of tone, elasticity and resilience.

Eat Your Way to Firmer Skin
What we eat can help determine how young (or old) we look. You’ve heard me speak repeatedly of the anti-aging benefits of a diet rich in antioxidants. Protein is not just an important component of an anti-inflammatory diet is of major importance in stimulating cells to repair themselves. Since we cannot store protein in our body, we must take in high quality protein every day. If our protein supply is inadequate or depleted, the body is forced to feed upon itself, resulting in the breakdown of both tissue and muscle. When we don’t get enough protein, and we combine that with a diet of high-glycemic carbohydrates, our features take on a soft, doughy appearance. This ongoing lack of protein is first notable in the face. The sharp, contoured cheekbones and crisp jaw line begin to lose definition.

Food:
Seafood, tofu, eggs, lean poultry
Anti-Aging Supplements for Skin:
Alpha Lipoic Acid, DMAE, Chromium, Vitamin C, Vitamin C Ester, Silicon

Dr. Perricone Q&A – Treating Scars

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Q: I just read your article on scar treatment. I have a 9-inch vertical scar on my chest from open heart surgery. The top five inches of my scar (the part that extends above my bra line) is only about 1/8 of an inch wide. It looks pretty good. But the lower four inches or so is a keloid scar (about ¼-inch wide). I’m not sure why. My heart surgeon did a great job (I’m here!), but I would like to find some way to minimize my scar as much as possible. Do you think the alpha lipoic acid-DMAE lotion would be effective on a chest scar? I belong to a group called WomenHeart and I would love to give this information to my other “bypass buddies.”

A: Massage Phosphatidyl-E creams with tocotrienols into the scar twice daily. At night, after applying the cream to the scar, cover the area with silicone pressure bandages that are made expressly for scars (you can buy these at your neighborhood pharmacy). You do not need to wear the pressure bandage during the day, but do remember to apply the cream.

Perricone Q&A – Cortisone Creams and Acne

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Q: I’m 20-year-old student and for the past two years have suffered from acne as a result of using cortisone creams. My skin now breaks out regularly – especially on my forehead. I have been using Oxzit to kill bacteria, which helps a little, and I’ve also started taking erythromycin, but I am still breaking out. I have also been experiencing a lot of stress which seems to be contributing to flare-ups. To make matters worse, my skin has gotten dry and flaky (even though I continue to have breakouts), particularly in the cheek area. Help!

A: As always, your first line of defense is the three-tiered anti-inflammatory program. It sounds to me as if stress is a major factor in your current acne dilemma. Here are some special tips for minimizing stress in your life:

• Make sure that you get enough sleep.
• Don’t drink coffee.
• Set aside fifteen or twenty minutes a day for meditation or prayer. It is a well- established fact that people who do this have significantly lower cortisol (a major stress hormone) levels.
• Consider learning some simple yoga exercises. Yoga is an outstanding stress reducer.
• Take omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids, which reduce levels of stress chemicals.
• Exercise in moderation.
• Take targeted nutritional supplements, including alpha lipoic acid, zinc, DMAE, and panothenic acid (see Chapter 5).
• Add essential fatty acid supplements to your supplement program, especially omega-6, which is rich in linoleic acid. Acne patients have a low concentration of linoleic acid in their sebum, and acne further decreases the essential levels.

For a list of recommended supplements, please see my Top 10 Supplements post.

Beauty, Health and Longevity Secret #2: Lose Weight And Keep It Off

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We don’t need to fanatically count grams of fat, carbs or calories to maintain an ideal weight and/or to lose excess weight. All we have to do is learn how to control our blood sugar. Healthy weight management in addition to its obvious overall health benefits has significant anti-aging benefits as well.

We can experience cellular rejuvenation in the body by helping to ‘reprogram’ our genetic code to stop the storage of excess fat and the loss of youthful muscle mass. As we will demonstrate, we can even turn on the genes that suppress appetite and turn off the genetic switch that tells the body to store fat by controlling blood sugar levels. If blood sugar levels are too low, we cannot nourish our muscles and they begin to break down. We lose precious muscle mass. If insulin levels are too high, we put a lock on the body’s ability to burn fat for energy, and the body will store the fat instead.

How to keep blood sugar levels steady
-Beans and lentils stabilize blood sugar and and are a key component of an anti-inflammatory diet from other sugary or starchy foods.
-A meal with legumes raises blood sugar very slowly and moderately, and even moderates the blood sugar response to the next meal you eat, whether this next meal includes beans or not.
Just ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon mixed in water or tea will help stabilize blood sugar for days—in one study, the group that took the cinnamon reported healthy blood sugar levels up to three weeks after consuming the cinnamon!
-Omega-3 rich foods and fish oil turn off the gene that instructs the body to store fat
-Caralluma Fimbriata, a plant used for centuries in India, blocks fat formation by blocking a vital enzyme called citrate lyase forcing the body to burn its fat reserves, accelerating the rate of fat loss by the body, supresses appetite and generates lean muscle mass by not only inhibits fat synthesis but also increases the burning of fat.
-Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) When taken in effective doses, decreases body fat, especially in the abdominal area, helps block the absorption of fat and sugar into fat cells and increases insulin sensitivity, which will then decrease blood sugar and circulating insulin levels
-Niacin Bound Chromium promotes proper insulin function and normal blood sugar levels, healthy blood cholesterol levels, normal blood pressure, and cardiovascular health

Other key nutrients for weight loss and blood sugar stabilization
-Carnitine and acetyl-l-carnitine, which enhance the sensitivity of insulin receptors, helping to decrease blood sugar and circulating levels of insulin.
-Maitake SX Fraction enhances insulin sensitivity for controlling blood sugar levels. .
-Gamma Linoleic Acid (GLA) from borage oil improves cell sensitivity to insulin, reducing our chance of developing diabetes, heart disease and excess body fat. as a dietary supplement or as recommended by your health professional.
-Alpha lipoic acid increases insulin sensitivity by increasing the body’s ability to take glucose into the cells.
-CoQ10 maximizes the burning of foods for fuel, helping to normalize fats in our blood.

Foods and supplements that help maintain healthy weight:
Cinnamon, Chromium, Lipoic Acid, Caralluma fimbriata, Apples, Beans and Lentils, Salmon, Sardines, Trout, Omega 3 fish oil, Vitamin C ester