SWITCH ON WELLNESS

Nrf2 – CELLULAR DEFENCE AT ITS FINEST

Nuclear Factor-Erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is located in every cell within our body. Nrf2 is known as an adaptive cellular response pathway activated when exposed to environmental and internal stressors.  Nrf2 enters the cell nucleus to offer its protective effect, like a “switch” to activate a battery of protective genes. 

It has been shown scientifically within functional nutrition and biochemical research, as a well-established function offering profound cellular protection, enabling the body to defend itself against toxicity and carcinogens and effectively perform detoxification processes via the up-regulation of the liver.

As Nrf2 is expressed in every one of our cells it has been switched on at some stage in our life, however, it is our liver and kidneys that express the highest levels due to their detoxification roles in the body.

By activating Nrf2 we are providing ourselves with a powerful avenue for cellular protection on a daily basis.  It is also fair to assume that enhancing the activation during illness may actually increase cellular protection effects and lead to positive health outcomes.

Health benefits of Supporting Nrf2

1. Reducing systemic inflammation
2. Lowering of oxidative stress (reducing cellular DNA, RNA and protein damage)
3. Improving mitochondrial function (cellular energy production)

NUTRIGENOMICS & Nrf2

Dr Christine Houghton is a pioneer in researching the effects of ‘nutrition’ on ‘human DNA’ and ultimately on ‘human health’. Dr Houghton began unveiling the scientific evidence of a plant molecule called Sulforaphane, found in the Broccoli Sprout.

In 2019 Dr Houghton launched The GEMM Protocol using Sulforaphane plant molecule from the Broccoli Sprout to activate Nrf2 and assist with metabolic disease and gut health.

For most of us, every cell of the human body has all the information coded within our DNA. It is through nutrigenomics that we are able to target this coding and alter its expression. Nutrigenomics uses the application of food biomolecules to ‘switch on’ or ‘tune up’ specific genes that a linked with our health.

Research is mounting in the scientific arena to discover

ACTIVATING THE GUT TO CREATE HEALTHIER CELLULAR FUNCTION

As a trained practitioner in the GEMM Protocol, the focus is on helping to restore the gut-immune interface to bring about change. The use of specific nutrients and foods provided by nature to initiate cellular responses and stimulate toxin elimination is proving to be successful in the healing process across a range of illness.

We must keep in mind that our own body has the power to heal itself and providing a gentle level of support and by implementing the GEMM core principles of correcting imbalances in the gut-immune interface there will be a positive impact on other body systems as well over time.

Nrf2 ACTIVATORS

Foods:

Vitamin C – Banana, Blackcurrant, Guava, Balckberry, Capsicum, Parsley, Watercress, Strawberries, Kiwi Fruit, Cabbage, Papaya, Rockmelon, Citrus, Broccoli, Brussel sprouts, Cauliflower, Kolrabi, Snowpeas, Aloe vera juice, rosehips, tomatoes, potatoes.

Vitamin E – Sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, safflower, olives, egg yolk, almonds, hazel nuts, soya bean, apricot oil, beef, corn.

Selenium – Alfalfa, brazil nuts, mushrooms, egg yolk, barley, butter, cashews, crab, celery, eggs, fish, garlic, kidney, liver, mackerel, oysters, peanuts, tuna, wholegrain cereals, yeast, organ meat, onion, turnip. oat bran, oats, cheese (esp. cheddar), sesame seeds (tahini).

Resveratrol found in grapes

Quercetin found in onions

Plants:

Brassica oleracea (Broccoli sprout) – active ingredient is Sulforaphane.

Rosmarinus officinalis Rosemary – active ingredient is Rosmarinic and Carnosic acid

Curcuma longa Turmeric – active ingredient is Curcumin

Andrographis paniculata Andrographis – active ingredient is Angrographilide