Table of Contents
What is Glutathione?
Glutathione acts mainly as an antioxidant, but Glutathione is also considered for its anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory functions. Glutathione as a compound is a tripeptide, i.e., it contains three amino acids made by the liver that works to reduce the free radical load of the body, causing “oxidative stress.” Your diet is where the amino acids glycine, glutamic acid and cysteine all come from to form this master antioxidant compound.
Free Radicals and Oxidative Stress
Free radicals are unpaired electrons that are byproducts of metabolism and all other biochemical activities occurring in the body. Poor diet, lack of sleep, overworking the mind and body, heavy metal exposure, medications, pesticides, strong household and personal care products can wreak havoc on organs, blood vessels and cells in general causing such problems as premature aging, reduced function, slowing or lowering energy, stiffening joints and causing memory to decline among other issues.
Oxidative stress is essentially the product of free radical action, thus setting the stage for chronic illness, including cancer, heart disease, arthritis, body pain, and reducing lifespan.
Glutathione to the Rescue
So, Glutathione is one of the heroes that come to rescue the body from degeneration and breakdown quickly. Remember that this is not a perfect system (but comes very close 😊), especially if one does not eat well, breathe right, exercise, and keep a lower stress state.
Glutathione has also been found to help in Vitamin D synthesis by the body, which is crucial for immune system defense. The combination of Glutathione and D is extremely important for protection in this day of viral conditions.
A deficiency of this powerhouse is not desirable, so it is very important for you to help increase those Glutathione levels.
Foods and supplements that help synthesis Glutathione production include:
- Sulfur-rich (sulforaphane) foods like cruciferous vegetables, including broccoli, kale, collards, cauliflower, and brussel sprouts
- More sulfur-rich are from the ALLIUM family like onions, garlic, shallots, and leeks
- Vitamin C foods like strawberries, grapefruit, oranges, papayas, kiwi
- Whole grains contain all the amino acids
- Tofu and tempeh
- Kombu
- Lentils
- Sunflower seeds
- N-AC (N-acetyl cysteine)- a form of the amino acid that helps build the Glutathione
- Glycine
- Glutamic acid
Some foods that contain Glutathione include:
- Avocadoes (these are an excellent source of Glutathione; also is a good fat to help brain and muscle functions)
- Asparagus
- Okra
- Walnuts
- Meats
As we age and increase stress levels with poor diets, bad sleep habits, reduced exercise, weight gain, and perhaps start taking medications, the free radical formation and oxidative stresses mount high.
Aging and Glutathione
As we age, we do not form as much Glutathione as when we are in our formative, teenage, and adult years up to about the mid-thirties. As we age and increase stress levels with poor diets, bad sleep habits, reduced exercise, weight gain, and perhaps start taking medications, the free radical formation and oxidative stresses mount high. Unfortunately, unless we reverse these stressors or, at least, minimize them, the body will not produce enough Glutathione to help ward off the consequences.
Oral supplements of any value must be in reduced form and liposomal. That is, they must be absorbable. Any other oral supplement will easily be broken down by stomach acid, and the Glutathione is rendered useless.
Intravenous Glutathione is a neat option for those who would like to take a few hours to obtain this vital nutrient in a form that is completely absorbed and utilized for the body’s protection. Doses like 1000 mg are infused with other nutrients to help reduce oxidative stress, build immunity, reduce aging of cells, including skin, improve insulin levels, reduce fatigue, and ward off infections.
For more information on Glutathione and how to receive an infusion that can truly help you in a relaxed comfortable atmosphere, contact us at Integrative Healing at OM.
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