Omega-3 and coenzyme Q10 work synergistically to protect the brain and cardiovascular system. This combination has powerful protective properties on many levels.

N-acetyl-cysteine

Our bodies convert NAC into glutathione, the master antioxidant that orchestrates everything. NAC also cleanses the liver and chelates certain heavy metals from the body.

“No other antioxidant is as important to overall health as glutathione. It is the regenerator of immune cells and the most valuable detoxifying agent in the body. Low levels are associated with early aging and even death.” -  Lorna R. Vanderhaeghe & Patrick J.D. Bouic, Ph.D.

Alpha lipoic acid

Alpha lipoic acid is a universal antioxidant. This means that it has the ability to work in water and fatty environments in the body. Alpha lipoic acid protects the brain and nerve tissue, improves blood sugar control, cleanses and protects the liver and removes heavy metals from the body.

Resveratrol

Resveratrol seems to activate a longevity gene. It has been shown to protect against heart disease, cancer and dementia. Good sources of resveratrol include red wine (organic merlot or pinot noir have the highest levels of resveratrol), and Polygonum cuspidatum.

Turmeric

Scientists are very excited about this golden spice from India. Numerous studies have shown that it has powerful anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. It is currently receiving a lot of attention among scientists world-wide.

Turmeric also seems to protect the brain against the formation of amyloid plaque that causes Alzheimer’s and dementia. Furthermore, turmeric has a wide range or benefits for the liver – detoxification, repair of damaged liver cells and scavenging of free radicals caused by toxins and moulds.

Turmeric (curcumin) is not well absorbed. If you use it in cooking, stir-fry it lightly in olive oil to enhance its absorption. Also add some black pepper. If you prefer taking it in capsule form, choose a brand that uses piperine (black pepper extract) for enhanced absorption.

B-vitamins and TMG

One of the easiest ways of lowering your homocysteine levels is to take a supplement containing key B-vitamins and TMG (trimethylglycine). Alternatively, take SAM-e. These smart nutrients act as a natural mood enhancers, too.

Vitamin D3

Research on vitamin D has shown that this humble vitamin may be one of the most important supplements you could consider taking. Some have hailed vitamin D as the “new aspirin”. Over 80 studies have shown that vitamin D reduces the risk of breast, colon, prostate and lung cancer, to name a few. In some studies, the reduction was between 60% and 77%. Vitamin D plays an important role in bone health.

Most people think they get enough vitamin D through exposure to sunlight. This is far from true. Many South Africans are deficient in vitamin D, despite our abundant sunshine.

In an article in the July 2007 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine low levels of vitamin D were linked to depression, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes, among others. Many lifestyle conditions such as heart disease and hormonal cancers are more prevalent in countries with limited exposure to sunlight.

Probiotics

Probiotics have been hailed as the first line of defense against invading pathogens. They produce specific proteins that act as antigens. They also stimulate the body’s own production of alpha-interferon, a key regulator of our immune system. Recent studies have shown that young children who take probiotics on a daily basis have reduced incidences of colds and upper respiratory infections.

Without friendly bacteria, our bodies fail to produce certain B-vitamins as well as vitamin K. Friendly bacteria ensure that our intestines function properly. If not, the absorption of nutrients is hampered and dangerous toxins build up. Opportunistic bacteria and fungi take over and make us sick.

Superfoods

Consider including the following superfoods in your diet:

• Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, etc.) as they protect against breast and prostate cancer;
• Onions and garlic – they have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, liver cleansing, and histamine-lowering properties ;
• Green foods such as rocket, watercress, barley grass, wheat grass, spirulina and chlorella (these alkalising and detoxifying foods contain live enzymes and foodstate nutrients);
• Green tea, which is rich in a highly protective polyphenol, EGCG, as well as calming theanine;
• Fruits such as pomegranate, goji berries and blueberries which are rich in phytochemicals that protect us against cardiovascular disease and cancer;
• Herbs and spices such as ginger, cinnamon, oreganum, cloves and rosemary – nature’s defense at its best;
• Red palm fruit oil – red palm fruit oil is one of only a few oils to contain full spectrum vitamin E (tocopherols and tocotrienols). Tocotrienols have cholesterol-lowering properties, protects cholesterol against oxidation, and reduce platelet stickiness. Palm fruit oil contains a rich cocktail of phytonutrients such as lycopene and beta-carotene. The carotenoid content of palm fruit oil is 300 times higher than that of tomato! Lycopene is especially important for prostate protection.

Ashwagandha

Stress kills. Ashwagandha (Indian ginseng), an Ayurvedic herb, supports the adrenal system to combat stress and lower raised cortisol levels. It calms the mind yet increases energy levels. As an added bonus, it balances the immune system.