Why is glutathione important?
All cells in the body need glutathione. It has been said that the levels of glutathione in our cells will determine how long we will live. Do I have your attention?
In order to function well, all the cells in the body need water, oxygen, glucose and glutathione. The cells produce energy and makes new cells as they wear out. If the body is making new healthy cells it is delaying the aging process, if it is making unhealthy cells it is aging the body. It is noted that people who live to 100 years of age, will have glutathione levels similar to 30-50 year olds.
Glutathione is produced naturally in the body as long as it is given the right nutrients to do this. Glutathione is the body’s master anti-oxidant.
Perhaps glutathione is the fountain of youth.
What is glutathione made of?
It is a small protein that is made in every cell of the body. It must be made by the three amino acids, cysteine, glycine and glutamate.
Every cell needs and makes glutathione.
The largest amount of glutathione in our bodies is found in the liver, lining of the lungs, kidney, heart and brain.
Since glutathione is the master anti-oxidant, it defends the body against toxins, viruses, polluted atmosphere, radiation from the environment and anything that creates free radicals.
Glutathione is needed by the liver. Without it, the liver would be overwhelmed with all the toxins that attack the body. The liver depends on glutathione to help to detox the body.
What can reduce our levels of glutathione?
Levels of glutathione can be reduced by stress, exercise, infection, injury, emotional upsets and environmental toxins. In other words, those things that create stress in the body deplete the glutathione in your body.
Some other things have also been shown to deplete glutathione – acetaminophen (Tylenol, Panadol, Tylenol Arthritis Pain, Aspirin Free Anacin, and any cold medicine containing acetaminophen) and/or codeine. Alcohol depletes the liver of glutathione. Cigarette smoke, marijuana smoke, caffeine and any drugs that must be neutralized by the liver will deplete the body of glutathione. A lot of drugs will also deplete the levels in the kidneys, heart and other tissues.
X-rays, radiation from chemotherapy, Bacterial or viral infections including HIV are also culprits.
Toxins (halocarbons) used in plastics, dry cleaning solvents; pesticides, herbicides, and refrigerants all affect the liver by making it over active and thus depleting the glutathione.
Actually, you will not find glutathione (GSH) in any food sources as it is an endogenous antioxidant, meaning it is made only by our bodies.
Many foods contain high levels of Glutathione Peroxidase(GPx), a natural antioxidant and anti-carcinogen which our bodies convert to Glutathione (GSH). Glutathione not only aids human cells in functioning normally and smoothly, but also flushes chemicals and toxins through the liver. Glutathione may help the body repair damage caused by stress, poor diet, exposure to toxins, and other trauma.
In order to receive the most glutathione from fruits and vegetables, it is important to consume them fresh, not cooked or processed. Cooking and processing will decrease the bioavailability of glutathione in these foods. In addition, glutathione levels vary widely among fruits and vegetables due to environmental factors and the plant’s phase of development. Fruits and vegetables containing the most glutathione per serving include: garlic, broccoli, avocado, tomatoes, spinach, asparagus, potatoes, peppers, carrots, onion, squash, grapefruit, apples, oranges, peaches bananas and melon.
Cabbage, Brussels sprouts and kale are also good sources.
Milk thistle, which contains silyarmin, is another powerful antioxidant that prevents the depletion of glutathione in the body. Silyarmin helps to prevent the depletion of glutathione in the liver. Glutathione is necessary for the liver to detoxify harmful substances. If the liver is damaged, glutathione concentrations are substantially reduced. In turn, the liver becomes more susceptible to further damage, making glutathione a vital element in the health of the liver. Cumin also has the ability to increase glutathione tissue levels. Cumin acts as a binding agent, elevating glutamate-cysteine complexes during gene expression.
The Indian spice turmeric may also greatly increase glutathione levels.
Selenium is an important co-factor for the enzyme form of glutathione. Selenium is necessary for formation of glutathione containing enzymes. For that reason, consuming foods rich in selenium will promote the production of glutathione. These foods include cereals, oats, Brazil nuts, walnuts, legumes.
Alpha lipoic acid, or ALA (Omega 3's), promotes the synthesis of glutathione within the body, thereby increasing glutathione levels. Foods rich in alpha lipoic acid include: Hemp Seeds, Walnuts, Flax Seeds and Chia Seeds. Other sources include: spinach, tomatoes, peas, Brussels sprouts, beets, yams, carrots and broccoli. Eating these foods increases the bioavailability of this important antioxidant.
The Link Between Glutathione and Marijuana
Ever Wonder Why People Get the Munchies After Smoking.....
Perhaps Because its creating a deficiency?
Many foods contain high levels of Glutathione Peroxidase(GPx), a natural antioxidant and anti-carcinogen which our bodies convert to Glutathione (GSH). Glutathione not only aids human cells in functioning normally and smoothly, but also flushes chemicals and toxins through the liver. Glutathione may help the body repair damage caused by stress, poor diet, exposure to toxins, and other trauma.
In order to receive the most glutathione from fruits and vegetables, it is important to consume them fresh, not cooked or processed. Cooking and processing will decrease the bioavailability of glutathione in these foods. In addition, glutathione levels vary widely among fruits and vegetables due to environmental factors and the plant’s phase of development. Fruits and vegetables containing the most glutathione per serving include: garlic, broccoli, avocado, tomatoes, spinach, asparagus, potatoes, peppers, carrots, onion, squash, grapefruit, apples, oranges, peaches bananas and melon.
Cabbage, Brussels sprouts and kale are also good sources.
Milk thistle, which contains silyarmin, is another powerful antioxidant that prevents the depletion of glutathione in the body. Silyarmin helps to prevent the depletion of glutathione in the liver. Glutathione is necessary for the liver to detoxify harmful substances. If the liver is damaged, glutathione concentrations are substantially reduced. In turn, the liver becomes more susceptible to further damage, making glutathione a vital element in the health of the liver. Cumin also has the ability to increase glutathione tissue levels. Cumin acts as a binding agent, elevating glutamate-cysteine complexes during gene expression.
The Indian spice turmeric may also greatly increase glutathione levels.
Selenium is an important co-factor for the enzyme form of glutathione. Selenium is necessary for formation of glutathione containing enzymes. For that reason, consuming foods rich in selenium will promote the production of glutathione. These foods include cereals, oats, Brazil nuts, walnuts, legumes.
Alpha lipoic acid, or ALA (Omega 3's), promotes the synthesis of glutathione within the body, thereby increasing glutathione levels. Foods rich in alpha lipoic acid include: Hemp Seeds, Walnuts, Flax Seeds and Chia Seeds. Other sources include: spinach, tomatoes, peas, Brussels sprouts, beets, yams, carrots and broccoli. Eating these foods increases the bioavailability of this important antioxidant.
The Link Between Glutathione and Marijuana
Ever Wonder Why People Get the Munchies After Smoking.....
Perhaps Because its creating a deficiency?