Intro To Structure

Intro To Structure

Everything in the body has structure. When discussing structure, we’re talking about components from the cell membranes to our musculoskeletal structure. The Structure system of the body is all about the building blocks. We want our internal and external structure to be sound, from our largest organ, our skin, to tiny sub-cellular membranes.

What is structure?

The structural integrity system relates to the integrity of the organelle membranes, the cytoskeleton and the cell membrane, the alignment of bones, ligaments, muscles and tendons, and the structure of the major organs. Movement, balance, strength, and cognition can reach their maximum potential when structural integrity is optimized.

Dysfunctional structures can lead to deficits in these body functions and, in some cases, cause pain. Common problems that involve dysfunction in structural integrity when looking more so at the musculoskeletal structure include osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, neuropathy, and chronic pain. Then we have other structural issues at the cellular level, including leaky gut, fatty liver, or endometriosis. By making sure our body has time to rest and repair, and has suitable building materials, we provide a healthy environment for good structure within and without.

Intestinal structure

In the intestines, structural integrity creates the selectively permeable barrier that allows nutrients to enter the bloodstream while excluding toxins and infections. When this selectively permeable barrier is disrupted, the result is a “leaky gut,” or what is more appropriately referred to as “increased gut permeability.” Increased gut permeability creates systemic inflammation in the body and can lead to symptoms like food sensitivities, migraines, joint pain, and more.

Another example of the importance of proper structure would be when looking at the cranium. Within the skull, there is the blood-brain barrier, analogous to the gut barrier. This structure prevents the unrestricted exchange of substances between the blood and brain tissue. In the healthy central nervous system, the blood-brain barrier is constructed from a tightly packed layer of endothelial cells that line blood vessels, keeping viruses and toxins circulating in the bloodstream from slipping into the brain and spinal cord.

Recent research has linked the blood-brain barrier and systemic inflammation in Alzheimer’s disease (1). Maintenance of plasma membrane integrity is essential for normal cell viability and function, and therefore, the overall functioning of the human body. You’re only as healthy as the structural integrity of your cells.

What can damage our structure?

Stress, anxiety, high toxicity levels, lack of exercise, and too much exercise all can harm the health of our cells. Lack of exercise allows cells to deteriorate, while too much exercise can wear down certain cells. Nutrition and oxidation affect structural integrity, which is why antioxidants are so important. Fortunately, fruits, vegetables, and other foods rich in antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and E help protect your cells. On the other hand, manufactured substances like trans fat, hydrogenated vegetable oils, high fructose corn syrup, refined sugars, and white flour do not support structural integrity.

Our signature cleanse program

Clean 21 provides the body with amino acids, fatty acids, and antioxidants to support the body’s functioning optimally. Our bodies need amino acids and fatty acids to help strong structural support, from our gut lining to muscles to cell membranes. The 21-Day Program is an easy way to support structural integrity through its combination of cleanse shakes, anti-inflammatory recipes, and gut support.

Protein for building

Our cells need to have the building blocks they need to continue our metabolic cycles. The Daily Shake is an excellent source of vitamins, antioxidant-rich ingredients, and plant-based protein to fuel your day. Our Daily Shake is both non-GMO and vegan, meaning there’s no whey or other fillers. It has a unique blend of vitamins, minerals, high-quality protein, and fiber to help fill nutritional gaps and encourage clean eating.

Muscle recovery

Zinc is an essential mineral that accelerates muscle-building chemical reactions, stabilizes protein structures, and regulates hormone levels. Functions like these help the muscle protein synthesis process that kicks in after a resistance training workout. Zinc supplementation has also been shown to improve mucosal repair, helping the body heal from leaky gut.


Shield is an amino acid chelate with arginine and glycine, making it very easy to assimilate and GI-friendly. Zinc is the gatekeeper of immune function, essential for proper T-cell development, supports wound healing, and is necessary for reproductive health.

Maintaining membranes

Fatty acids EPA and DHA are important in membrane structure and play a role in controlling inflammation. Our Balance supplement is a high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids sourced from Peruvian cold-water fish. Balance supports healthy musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, nervous system, and immune function. This natural Omega-3 supplement can boost muscle performance and recovery.

Develop with D

Vitamin D is necessary for strong bones and muscles. Without Vitamin D, our bodies cannot effectively absorb calcium which is essential to good bone health. Vitamin D can also support intestinal integrity, protecting from things like leaky gut.


Shine is vitamin D and vitamin K2 in one handy supplement. Together these form a synergistic relationship that helps assimilation of both of these crucial vitamins. At 2,500 IU, our vitamin D3 supplements provide your daily source of vitamin D3 and vitamin K2. D3 supplements help maintain healthy teeth, brain, and nervous system and strengthen our immune defenses.


Sources:

  1. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnagi.2014.00171/full

Written by the Clean Team

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