Antioxidants are important, of course.
In a previous article titled “Vitamin C – Not Just for Colds”, the benefits of antioxidants were discussed, particularly pertaining to the eye and Vitamin C. But there are so many more ways that antioxidants improve and support functions of the body in every system. There is no paucity of data to show the crucial role of antioxidants and the benefits of increasing intake of them through our diet and supplements. A brief google search for “antioxidant rich foods” will give you a list of sources rich in antioxidants. But how do we know when we have had enough? What is the right amount? If only there were a way to measure them so we could keep score.
How do I know where I stand?
There has been a huge leap in bio scanning technology in recent years, particularly non-invasive measurements of a variety of biological factors. A few companies have developed scanners that can measure the level of antioxidants in the blood. The best part is, it is done by simply placing your palm on an optical scanner. The result is a score that allows you to track your levels, monitor your progress, and compare to recommended levels.
Why is it important to know your antioxidant level?
Dr. Richard Cutler, Director of Anti-Aging Research at the National Institute of Health explains “the amount of antioxidants that you maintain in your body is directly proportional to how long you will live.” Additionally, the Journal of the American Medical Association reported that “low levels of antioxidant vitamins may increase the risk of several chronic diseases.” The data to support the importance of antioxidants is growing every day.
Enter the Pharmanex Biophotonic S3 Scanner
This is the first non-invasive device to effectively measure your antioxidant levels with an immediate result. The patented technology detects your Skin Carotenoid Score, which has been correlated with overall antioxidant levels. It takes about 30 seconds. We use the S3 Scanner at our Shrewsbury Office and use this with most patients in our integrative nutrition approach in eyecare.
Empower
The real value in having this information is that it can empower you and your physician to be healthier and help to prevent future disease. Modern healthcare is focused on treating diseases that are already diagnosed. Imagine knowing if you are at high or low risk before a disease is even symptomatic. This gives people the power to do something about it and possibly avoid having to take medications later on.
Action
After obtaining a score, properly trained providers can custom tailor a vitamin and supplement plan along with dietary and nutritional recommendations based on your risk factors and antioxidant score. Patients can now take an active role in preventing chronic illnesses.
Lutein is a robust ocular carotenoid and is present in higher concentrations in the eye than in other human tissue. It can counteract light and oxygen damage, maintaining ocular cell and tissue health during the aging process as well as blue light damage and free radical reduction. Zeaxanthin, another major ocular carotenoid reduces oxidative stress and helps protect visual cells especially cone protection. These are just two of the reasons your skin carotenoid score can help protect your vision.
