The most important molecule to stay healthy, prevent aging, cancer, heart disease and nearly every condition known to man has been found. Over 100,000 medical articles confirm that glutathione is the most important antioxidant, detoxifier and immune system builder. Despite the amount of information available, glutathione is not widely known and many doctors do not know how to address this epidemic deficiency.
The best news is that your body produces glutathione naturally. Literally the “fountain of youth” has been found and it resides inside of your body. The bad news is that lack of exercise, poor diet, pollution, trauma, toxins, subluxation, infections and medications have been found to deplete glutathione levels. These factors can be called physical, mental and chemical stressors on the body.
Glutathione: The Protector and Restorer of Health
Glutathione is a simple molecule that is made up of three amino acids but it has very profound effects. One of the most important functions includes the recycling of antioxidants. An antioxidant is a substance that removes potentially hazardous and damaging byproducts that result from the stressors on the body.
The body knows how to respond to stress naturally, but when the body is overwhelmed from too much stress, toxins and poor lifestyle the glutathione levels become depleted. The depletion of glutathione wreaks havoc on the amount and efficiency of antioxidants and we are no longer able to protect ourselves against infections and cancer.
Glutathione has also been found to help in the treatment of HIV and AIDS. (1) HIV and AIDS create a deficiency in one’s immune system and the person is unable to fight off an infection. In most cases, the person does not die from AIDS, they die from a simple infection that their body is no longer able to fight off.
The exposure to toxins will cause the body to store toxins away from where they will produce the most damage and harm, usually in fatty tissues. Unfortunately, fatty tissue also includes the brain and nervous system which controls every function in the human body. These toxins shut down how well the body can respond to stress thus producing further glutathione deficiency.
Research has shown glutathione to have a powerful effect on the metabolism of fat and the development of muscle. Increased glutathione levels will decrease recovery time, reduce muscle damage and promote an increase in strength. You are likely to have a glutathione deficiency if you are sick, out of shape and feeling old.
The prestigious British medical journal called the Lancet found that glutathione levels to be proportionate to levels of health in youth, sick and the elderly. (2) The highest levels were found in the youth and the lowest in hospitalized elderly patients.
Glutathione is naturally produced in the body and you need to ensure that your body is functioning as well as possible to produce it. You can eat specific foods that can help boost your glutathione levels, you can exercise and take supplements if available in your area. The following tips will help promote health and performance to live a long, disease free life.
Your Mother is Right: Eat your Vegetables
It is important to consume high amounts of vegetables in your diet. The vegetables that contain sulfur will have the most impact on the production of glutathione and antioxidants. Sulfur-rich vegetables include garlic, onions, broccoli, kale, cabbage, asparagus and cauliflower.
Whey protein is a great source of amino acids that is needed for the creation of glutathione. The most important component in selecting a whey protein is that it contains no pesticides, hormones or antibiotics. Other foods that have been found to produce glutathione include fish, eggs, avocados and walnuts.
No Exercise, No Glutathione, Lots of Fat
Exercise boosts your immune system and detoxification pathways through the production of glutathione. Glutathione improves fat metabolism that will cause one to lose weight and build lean muscle mass. High intensity, short duration exercise has been found to produce the highest levels of glutathione. Start an exercise program today. Start slow and build up time and intensity. The production of glutathione is as easy as going for a walk or a bicycle ride.
Supplements Help Produce Glutathione
Supplements are meant to supplement your diet. A diet that is rich in fresh, raw and organic vegetables may not need additional supplementation. The following supplements have been found to help in the production of glutathione.
An omega-3 supplement can increase your levels of glutathione. Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce the effects of stress and inflammation. The anti-inflammatory properties have been found especially important in the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease.
N-acetyl-cysteine is a precursor in the formation of glutathione. N-acetyl-cysteine has powerful antioxidant and detoxification properties. It has been used to counteract mediation overdoses, poisonings and chemotherapy. HIV patients commonly use this supplement to help naturally boost their immune system through the production of glutathione.
Alpha lipoic acid is involved in energy production, blood sugar control, brain health and detoxification of the body. Alpha lipoic acid is also naturally produced in the body, but it is commonly inhibited by the same culprits that inhibit the production of glutathione.
Folate, Vitamins B6 and B12 have been found to be crucial in the production of glutathione. Without these vitamins the amino acid homocysteine will inflict damage to cells throughout the body. Selenium is the most important mineral that helps the body recycle antioxidants and produce more glutathione. Antioxidants such as vitamin C and E also work together in a similar effect.
Where Do You Start?
There have been a lot of recommendations on how to improve the production of glutathione. The important item to remember is that glutathione is naturally made in the body and one should take care of their body and their health to their fullest potential. In modern society it is common for one to wait until a disease develops to start taking care of one’s health. Do not wait, take responsibility now and take necessary steps in your diet, exercise regimen and the reduction of stress.
Do not overwhelm yourself. Identify where you are in your health and what components of a healthy lifestyle you are actively participating in. Create a specific weekly action plan that will help the production of glutathione and restoration of health. Find a healthcare professional that will help implement a program that will work specifically for you.
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(1)De Rosa SC, Zaretsky MD, Dubs JG, Roederer M, Anderson M, Green A, Mitra D, Watanabe N, Nakamura H, Tjioe I, Deresinski SC, Moore WA, Ela SW, Parks D, Herzenberg LA, Herzenberg LA. N-acetylcysteine replenishes glutathione in HIV infection. Eur J Clin Invest. 2000 Oct;30(10):915-29
(2) Nuttall S, Martin U, Sinclair A, Kendall M. 1998. Glutathione: in sickness and in health. The Lancet 351(9103):645-646
Cory Couillard has owned two private practices and has been the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Brand Officer for the largest privately owned clinic. He is active in professional development, mass education programs and implementation of healthcare delivery systems.
Cory is currently a professional healthcare speaker and writer for newspapers, magazines, websites and other publications. He is also involved with the development of two international television health programs.
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