The Power of Color!
Quenching free radicals with phytonutrients. What are anti-oxidants?
Excessive levels of free radicals create an adverse cycle of cellular events. A free radical is a molecule with an unpaired electron, which randomly pulls (steals) electrons from other molecules. This process may lead to cell damage (aging & disease) or destruction. The body produces free radicals as normal components to metabolism.
Exposure also comes from the environment, such as air pollution, toxic metals, herbicides and pesticides, which are all factors that contribute to increases in free radical stress. Quenching these free radicals requires antioxidants.
The vitamins C, E and Beta Carotene are effective free radical scavengers. The minerals Selenium, Copper, Zinc and Manganese also produce antioxidant enzymes in the body. There are also hundreds, even thousands of antioxidant compounds that occur naturally in plants.
Plants produce these compounds known as flavonoids, carotenoids, polyphenolics and anthocyanins as a means of protecting themselves from oxidative damage. These substances are what give plants and fruits their color. Citrus fruits, grapes, berries and green, red and yellow vegetables are all examples of the colors representing these compounds.
Equine diets typically lack these fresh antioxidant compounds. Rarely do most horses have an ample supply of fresh green pastures. Most are fed dried hay and grains. In fact, many horse grains are highly processed and refined (such as pelleting) which further reduces the anti-oxidants that occur naturally in their native diet.
Supplementing with these plants – Phyto Nutrients – can efficiently protect your horse(s) from the damaging effects of free radicals and inflammatory/chronic health problems.
Hypercoagulation, Q & A:
| 1. |
Q: |
What is Hypercoagulation? |
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A: |
It is a term used to describe a defect in the normal coagulation of blood by fibrin deposition, which generates inflammation and blocks nutrients and oxygen delivery to the cells. A blood clot does not form in this instance since there is not an excess of thrombin to activate the fibrin into a clot. |
| 2. |
Q: |
What does this mean? |
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A: |
Hypercoagulable states have been associated with numerous chronic illnesses. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Infertility, Neurological Disorders and Inflammatory Bowel Disease are several that have had published associations. |
| 3. |
Q: |
What would cause a coagulation defect? |
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A: |
There are many precipitating factors which may lead to a hypercoagulable state: trauma, infections, general stresses, vaccine injury and/or other medical illness to name just a few. Fibrin, an insoluble protein which the body manufactures from Fibrinogen through another clotting substance, thrombin, is essential to clotting the blood. Without Fibrin, one would bleed to death. |
| 4. |
Q: |
Do genetics play a role? |
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A: |
Most certainly. Genetic predisposition dictates the outcome or role of any imbalance or metabolic state. One must be genetically predisposed to fall into a hypercoagulable state. |
| 5. |
Q: |
How do I know if my horse is genetically predisposed? |
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A: |
Unfortunately, there is little information regarding this problem in horses. It is estimated however, in people, approximately 25% of the world’s population has a genetic predisposition to hypercoagulable states. |
| 6. |
Q: |
How do I solve hypercoagulation? |
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A: |
The most cutting edge research has shown several things that are very effective. From a pharmaceutical perspective, low doses of heparin (from injection) have shown to have very favorable results as well as the use of the drug Warfarin. Unfortunately, these drugs may have unwanted side effects. However, several nutrients with little or no side effects have also shown to have very beneficial results.
The enzyme Bromelain has been effective in dissolving Fibrin. Another nutrient that has shown great promise is Turmeric and its extract Curcumin. Turmeric has a long history as an anti-inflammatory herb with properties that thin the blood. Several other herbs have also shown to be successful, including Quercitin, Boswellia, Ginkgo Biloba and Garlic as they have anti-inflammatory and/or anti-coagulable properties. |
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