Did you know that glutathione is one
of the most powerful antioxidants utilized by the human body? It is a tripeptide (3 amino acids bonded together) made by
our bodies for protection against free radical damage, to eliminate toxins, to
support energy production and help enhance our immune system.
This antioxidant is actually made by
our bodies, however, things like toxins, medications, stress, pollution, poor
diet, trauma, infections and radiation deplete our glutathione stores, leaving
us susceptible to developing a host of diseases. Without enough glutathione,
your liver becomes overworked, and it makes it hard for it to properly detox
chemicals and toxins from your environment and food.
Even aging depletes our glutathione
levels. By the age of 45, our glutathione levels begin to drop, and they can
drop as much as 50% below optimal as we get older. This is one reason why we
must consume fresh plant foods that are high in this antioxidant to ensure our
GSH stores don’t drop below optimal.
On the bright side, GSH helps prevent
aging, cancer, heart disease, dementia, and can be used to treat things from
autism to Alzheimer’s disease. In fact, individuals with the least amount of
glutathione in their blood are 30% more likely to suffer from a heart attack
and stroke than individuals with high glutathione levels, according to the New England Journal of Medicine.
Glutathione functions in a number of
ways:
- It functions in the metabolism of
iron
- It is used in a variety of
biochemical reactions like DNA synthesis & repair, protein synthesis,
prostaglandin synthesis, amino acid transport and enzyme activation. Thus, it
affects a large chunk of the immune system, nervous system, gastrointestinal
system and lungs
- Regulates the nitric oxide cycle
- Maintains antioxidants like vitamins
C and E (gives them a “second life”)
- Neutralizes free radicals and
reactive oxygen compounds which, if not tended to, can lead to a host of
diseases and illnesses
Long Life Span
Most antioxidants have short life
spans (for each free radical molecule, 1 molecule of antioxidant is completely
wiped out – they sacrifice their lives). Not glutathione! This antioxidant has
the power to recharge not only itself, but other antioxidants as well (like
vitamins C and E, mentioned above).
Free Radicals and Detox
Free radical damage to our tissues
and DNA is one of the main causes for chronic illness. The cumulative overload
of free radicals (from the environment, stress, foods we eat, water supply,
etc.) is called oxidative stress, and this is what slowly deteriorates our
health. It is important that we maintain a constant store of GSH (and other
antioxidants) because this is what protects our cells from oxidation. In
addition, the fact that GSH helps restore other antioxidants in our body, it is
particularly important that we do not deplete
these stores.
The highest concentration of
glutathione is located in the liver, the
body’s primary detox organ. The liver undergoes two stages of
detoxification:
1) Liver enzymes convert toxins into
flushable compounds and,
2) Glutathione escorts these toxins
out of the body via urine or bile
If glutathione levels are low, our
liver becomes overloaded with toxins and this leads to many unexplained
sicknesses and health issues we see today.
Glutathione and Aging
The Journal of Age and Aging reported
that glutathione levels are highest in seniors who are in good health. These
seniors actually had higher glutathione levels than
individuals 20-40 years younger. This could be one reason as to why
some individuals make it to 90 and 100 years old, versus individuals who make
it to 70 or 80.
Boost Your Glutathione Levels!
Plant Foods High In Glutathione
Some plant foods contain the full
version of glutathione like asparagus, spinach, avocado, melon, grapefruit,
peaches and squash. Try to consume these foods raw and
without heat to allow for greatest absorption and to prevent
the destruction of the antioxidant.
Eat Raw
Consuming a high raw, plant based
diet will ensure that you get an array of antioxidants into your diet which
helps to relieve the stress on glutathione and give it a break. The more
antioxidants you have in your body, the less your body will need to depend on
its glutathione reserves.
Consume Foods High in Cysteine
In addition, eat more foods high in cysteine like garlic and
onions. This sulfur-rich amino acid is a key building block for the antioxidant
glutathione.
Eat Cruciferous Vegetables
Also include foods in your diet like broccoli, cabbage, brussels sprouts and kale which
enhance glutathione production!
Limit Toxic Exposure
Switching to a whole foods natural
lifestyle will reduce your exposure to toxins. Cleaning your home with natural
cleaners like vinegar or lemon, and switching to chemical free beauty and skin
care products will minimize how many chemicals you are exposed to day in day
out. Filtering your water, reducing the amount of refined and processed foods
you eat (or cutting them out all together), as well as consuming lots of
organic, non-GMO produce minimizes potential toxic burdens. This will help
preserve your body’s glutathione producing ability, and prevents it from
becoming depleted at an early age.
Exercise
Exercise actually boosts the
production of glutathione and helps improve the functioning of your immune and
detoxification systems. Any form of exercise will work – whichever you have fun
at most. Go outside and play, breathe the fresh air, and move your body for at
least 30-60 minutes a day!
Sources:
http://experiencelife.com/article/glutathione-the-great-protector/
