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You can now test and measure your antioxidant status.
Antioxidants are an interesting topic. Everyone seems to understand that antioxidants are important for good health. After that it all gets fuzzy. I admit that my own understanding of antioxidant function is limited. What actually is oxidative stress? What does the oxidative test measure? What are the differences between the many foods and supplement forms of antioxidants? What are free radicals? Those are a few of the questions answered in this interview with Dr. Russell Jaffe.
One thing I did not know before is that there is a test for antioxidant status. The test is 8-oxoguanine. This is one of the eight predictive biomarker tests championed by Dr. Jaffe. We all know we need antioxidants to maintain human health, but how much antioxidants are needed? Dr. Jaffe discusses more about the chemistry of antioxidants and how and why they are important to human health. I believe that when we understand more about our health and how to target specific nutritional needs, we will be more successful. When we have the right amounts and types of antioxidants we set up conditions that are right for the body’s structure and function. You can test for antioxidant status and like all nutrient biomarker tests, use that information to guide your direction. This is important for anyone who wants to understand and take more control over health. You don’t need a doctor to get this and other tests BetterLabTestsNow.com. Your test results come with expert evaluation of your specific results.
8-oxoguanine
Lab testing for 8-oxoguanine (8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8OHdG)) provides a important marker for oxidative stress and its effects on DNA. This indicator focuses on the acceleration of aging due to potential DNA damage. The test is highly regarded as a measure of oxidative stress and well supported in the research literature.- Tracking the results of this test provides an indication of: 1) whether there is a problem due to oxidative stress, and 2) whether interventions* are having an effect.
- When antioxidant levels are sufficient, it prevents oxidative damage caused by free radicals. Healthy levels of antioxidants, such as ascorbate, mean efficient energy production in the cells.
- Elevated levels of both 8-oxoguanine and oxidized HDL/ LDL indicate higher levels of inflammation and oxidative stress throughout the body—factors that underlie almost any form of chronic illness.
This is the final interview on the eight predictive biomarkers that we have on HealthQuestPodcast.com. Dr. Jaffe and I cover each of these predictive biomarker tests in great detail. Dr. Jaffe’s assertion is that 8% of health is genetic and 92% is driven by epigenetics, things which influence our genetic expression. Epigenetics are those factors under your control. Epigenetic status is covered by the eight predictive biomarker test. Do the tests, understand your status, make adjustments, test again, evaluate your changes, make adjustments. Repeat as often as necessary. If your tests are all perfect then kudos to you. You have been doing good things for your health and you will reap the benefits. If one or more tests are out of range, then you know where the risks are and what to target. The more tests that are out of range and the degree that they are out of range will be the benchmarks against which future tests will be measured.
Here is a list and links to the other interviews I have done with Dr. Jaffe:
214 – Is Inflammation Caused by a Repair Deficit?- 223 – Predictive Biomarkers – Hgb A1c
- 226 – Predictive Biomarker – Homocysteine
- 229 – Understanding the Acid/Alkaline Balance
- 234 – Predictive Biomarker – Omega-3/6
- 240 – Food and Chemical Hypersensitivities
- 245 – Predictive Bio-marker Test – Vitamin D
- 251 – Predictive Biomarker High Sensitivity CRP
- 255 – 8-oxoguanine for antioxidant status – this interview.
If you understand the importance of these predictive biomarkers AND if you make changes and adjustments that are indicated, then you will have the power to intelligently and with knowledge develop a nutritional program that is designed for and works just for you. It is individualized targeted nutrition which should always give the best results.
Dr. Jaffe has created a solutions oriented approach to helping others live healthier lives and to give context to the choices that make the most difference. Even if you don’t have a doctor that can help you there are resources available that you can access and use to develop your solution. The best program is the one that works for you. Here are some of the resources developed by Dr. Jaffe:
PERQUE Integrative Health – provides advice, access to PERQUE trained practitioners, and access to PERQUE professional nutritional products. 
Health Studies Collegium -Health Studies Collegium has a unified mission: To serve as a forum where Scientists, Health Care Practitioners, Policy Leaders and those interested in cost- and outcome-effective Health Care can share their visions and find a platform for their studies, commentary or projects. 
Better Lab Tests Now – Order your own lab tests, very reasonably priced. The tests also include an informative professional interpretation. You can order test individually or in various combinations. The basic 8 tests is around $1000. I find the prices for the tests to be reasonable.
A big THANK YOU to Dr. Jaffe for this tremendous contribution to our library of content. The importance of understanding these 8 predictive biomarkers cannot be over estimated. This is power within your control. You can now order your own blood tests and seek to understand your status. Knowledge is the key that unlocks the door to success. Dr. Jaffe has explains the reasons why the tests are important and he reveals what you can do.
My wife and I have previously had some of these tests for the very purpose of gauging our status. We plan to do some of the additional tests. For example, we have done the omega-3 home test, we have tested vitamin D, CrP, Acid/Alkaline pH, and A1C. For me, these were all preventive tests in order to first establish a baseline and to also look for any unknown issues. Now I understand these tests with much greater clarity and I have learned about the additional biomarker tests that we want to use. This is a great series that will expand your understanding of how to focus on those areas with the greatest impact on longevity.
NOTE: HealthQuestPodcast.com does not receive any money for any purchase of product or services you make from any our sponsors.
About Dr. Jaffe
Dr. Russell M. Jaffe received his BS, MD and Ph.D from the Boston University School of Medicine in 1972. He completed residency training in clinical chemistry at the National Institutes of Health (1973 – 1976), remaining on the permanent senior staff until 1979. He is board certified in Clinical Pathology and in Chemical Pathology. On leaving NIH Dr. Jaffe began a journey that sought to support the emerging field of Integrative and Regenerative Medicine.
Dr. Jaffe is CEO and Chairman of PERQUE Integrative Health (PIH). His dedication to the application of primary prevention and his commitment to providing superior nutraceuticals and autoimmune testing with clinical evidence of superior efficacy has made him a sought after speaker and leader in his chosen field.
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