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ANTIOXIDANT OVERVIEW
Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) is an enzyme. SOD revitalizes cells and reduces the rate of cell destruction. It neutralizes the most common, and possibly the most dangerous, free radicals - superoxide radicals. Superoxide radicals instigate the breakdown of synovial fluid, the lubricant for the body's joints. This leads to friction and, ultimately, inflammation.
SOD works synergistically with the enzyme catalase which is abundant throughout the body. Catalase removes hydrogen peroxide by-products created by SOD reactions.
SOD also aids in the body's utilization of zinc, copper, and manganese. SOD levels tend to decline with age, while free radical production increases. Its potential as an anti-aging treatment is currently being explored.
Chemically speaking, there are two forms of this SOD enzyme. The copper/zinc form of SOD (known as Cu/Zn SOD) and manganese form of SOD (known as Mn SOD). Each of these enzymes works to protect a particular part of the cell. Cu/Zn SOD exerts its antioxidant properties in the cytoplasm of cells (the watery fluid that surrounds all the other cellular components). It protects the cytoplasm where free radicals are produced as a result of various metabolic activities by neutralizing them. Mn SOD is active in protecting the mitochondria of the cells where energy is produced and which contain the cells' genetic information. The production of cellular energy also leads to the creation of free radicals.
SOD occurs naturally in barley grass, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, wheatgrass, and most green plants. It is also available in supplement form. SOD supplements in pill form must be enteric coated - that is, coated with a protective substance that allows the pill to pass intact through the stomach acid into the small intestines to be absorbed.
CAUTIONS
Superoxide dismutase is rapidly degraded by gastric acids when ingested and is relatively unabsorbed even when enterically coated. Injectable form may have antioxidant properties.
INDICATIONS
Abscesses, age spots, aging, AIDS, Alzheimer's disease, arsenic poisoning, arthritis, breast cancer, bronchitis, cancer, cardiovascular disease, chlamydia, edema, environmental toxin poisoning, food poisoning, gout, hay fever, hepatitis, herpes simplex virus, inflammatory diseases, lumbago, microaneurisms, retinal edema, retinal vascular leakage, rheumatoid arthritis.
SUPEROXIDE DISMUTASE (SOD) PRODUCTS
GliSODin Antioxidant Catalyst, NOW Foods, 100 mg, 90 Vcaps
GliSODin's patented matrix of melon-derived SOD and gliadin, a wheat protein, protects it from degradation in the digestive tract, while promoting its uptake by the body.
Organic Rooibos Tea, Caffeine Free Herb Tea, 25 Tea Bags
Rooibos is a red tea indigenous to South Africa, Wisdom Herbs Organic Rooibos Tea is caffeine free and tastes great.
Cell Guard from Biotec Food Corporation and KAL SOD-3 from Nutriceutical International Corporation are good sources of SOD.
FOR MORE PRODUCTS & INFORMATION CLICK ON THESE LINKS:
HerbalRemedies: SuperOxide Dismutase (SOD) Supplements & Products
HerbalRemedies: SuperOxide Dismutase (SOD) Information
HerbalRemedies: Rooibos/Rooibosch Tea/Bush Tea/Red Bush/Kafree Supplements & Products
HELPFUL RELATED LINKS
Image of the Week: Superoxide Dismutase
Molecular Biophysics Group: Superoxide Dismutase
Antioxidants, Nature & Chemistry
Amazon.com Books: SOD/Gliadin: The Ultimate Defense Against Disease & Aging
-- by Carl Germano
Amazon.com Books: Biometals & Ligands for Anticancer Drug Design: Superoxide Dismutase Models in Combined Tumor Therapy
-- by E.A. Parfenov, Gennadii Efremovich Zaikov
Amazon.com Books: Superoxide Dismutase
-- by Dr. Donsbach
MoonDragon's Health Information: Nutrition Basics - Antioxidants Index
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HELPFUL PRODUCTS & FURTHER EDUCATION
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 2nd Edition
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 4th Edition
Prescription for Herbal Healing: The A-To-Z Reference To Common Disorders
-- by Phyllis A. Balch
The Complete Guide to Natural Healing
This is only a small sample of educational materials and products available through Amazon.com. Use the search box provided below to search for a particular item.
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