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ANTIOXIDANT THERAPY AND STROKE
By Dr. Ted Cole, MA, DO, NMD, FAAIM
A stroke produces a great deal of cellular damage, which in
turn produces a huge amount of free radical stress. Free radicals
are compounds formed by the body that are toxic. Ordinarily, the
body’s natural mechanisms are able to handle this stress
with other agents that neutralize the free radicals and make them
harmless. However, in any significant injury (stroke, brain damage,
lack of oxygen, etc), the body’s natural systems become
overwhelmed and require support. As an adjunct therapy to Hyperbaric
Oxygen, we have developed an intravenous treatment using two of
the most potent antioxidants available, Glutathione (GSH) and
alpha-lipoic acid (DHLA). We have two types: a simple IV using
only a few nutrients with GSH and DHLA, and a complex IV using
multiple vitamins and minerals. The latter should be used in any
state of extreme stress, or if you have not been on vitamin/mineral
supplementation.
GLUTATHIONE (GSH)
There is a direct correlation between levels of GSH and health:
decreased levels are associated with poor health, and higher levels
with good health. GSH is one of the most important antioxidants.
Its highest concentration is in the liver, where it plays a crucial
role in detoxification. GSH has one of the highest concentrations
of any antioxidants inside the cells. This is critical, as oxidants
are the principal contributors to degenerative diseases and the
progressive loss of organ function, which we recognize as aging.
GSH plays a role in protein synthesis, enzyme function, membrane
transport, receptor action, cell maturation, immune cell growth
and function, nervous system function, pancreatic function, and
others. These are basic functions affecting all areas of health.
Most stressors deplete GSH, including dietary deficiencies, Tylenol,
injury, poor circulation, infection, alcohol, strenuous aerobic
exercise, illness, ionizing radiation (X-rays, sunlight), and
halogenated hydrocarbons (contained in pesticides, dry cleaning
solutions, herbicides, and plastics: they are found in the fat
tissue of every human alive today).
GSH repletion is essential for recovery. Failure to do so results
in degenerative illnesses, including all autoimmune disorders
(rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, etc.), nervous system disorders
(Parkinson’s, tardive dyskinesia, Alzheimer’s, ADD/ADHD,
schizophrenia, etc), arteriosclerosis, cataracts, pancreatic inflammation,
asthma, COPD, and others. GSH is also very effective in removing
heavy metals and improving sickle cell disease. In addition, it
is extremely helpful in all conditions affecting the liver. In
stroke, it not only helps to decrease free radical levels, it
also helps in the repair of the cellular damage and assists in
healing.
LIPOIC ACID (DHLA)
DHLA is the only known antioxidant to be both fat and water soluble,
giving it some unique abilities. It is considered by many to be
the ideal antioxidant. It helps to regenerate other antioxidants,
and can help to increase levels of GSH, vitamin C and E, and CoQ10.
It also helps to protect DNA, remove heavy metals, protects tissue
from damage due to heavy metals and chemicals, improves diabetic
neuropathy and other diabetic complications, cataracts, glaucoma,
injury due to poor circulation, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s,
and most neurological disorders. It therefore has many of the
same effects as GSH for stroke, promoting the repair of cellular
damage and healing of the brain tissue.
The combination of GSH and DHLA makes for a potent combination
capable of improving a wide variety of conditions, making it suitable
for everything from cancer to anti-aging. There are no known side
effects at therapeutic doses.
Dr. Ted Cole, MA, DO, NMD, FAAIM
Click here to contact Cincinnati Hyperbarics today.
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