Glutathione GSH - The Great Protector
Glutathione, a powerfull molecule
There are over 100,000 glutathione citations on PubMed, and research continues worldwide. Interest in this molecule has extended into the general public consciousness. It is the “Superhero of Antioxidants.” with good reason.
In addition to being an antioxidant, glutathione is also a powerful detoxifier and also plays a major role in immune function.
Glutathione: the body's own miracle molecule
GSH is a naturally occurring endogenous substance that is present in all body cells. GSH protects cells from oxidative stress and toxins and consequently from cell damage - with all its negative consequences for health. A direct connection between a good GSH status in the organism and good health has been scientifically proven.
GLUTATHIONE (GSH)_ AS IMPORTANT AS BREATHING AIR
REDUCED L-GLUTATHIONE (GSH)
The most important and strongest antioxidant in the human body. It plays an important role in the immune system's functioning and is vital for tissue repairing. It is an important antioxidant which helps to protect your body from damage to cells caused by 'free radicals'. Over the years, our levels of Glutathione dimmish leaving us vulnerable to everyday stresses. This is why the intake of Glutathione through supplements is essential.
The Critical Roles of Glutathione:
1. Direct chemical neutralization of singlet oxygen, hydroxyl radicals, and superoxide radicals
2. Cofactor for several antioxidant enzymes
3. Regeneration of vitamins C and E
4. Neutralization of free radicals produced by Phase I liver metabolism of chemical toxins
5. Make the activated intermediates produced by Phase I water soluble for excretion by the kidneys
6. Transportation of mercury out of cells and the brain
7. Regulation of cellular proliferation and apoptosis
8. Vital to mitochondrial function and maintenance of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)
Glutathione: a precious natural element
The decline in GSH has been associated with changes in the expression and activity of the rate-limiting enzyme glutamate cysteine ligase (GCL). In other words, metabolism is decreasing with age resulting in lower GSH concentrations.
Factors affecting Glutathione status
Your body’s natural glutathione levels fluctuate constantly throughout the day, are lowest in the morning and decrease as you age. Exposure to toxins, ingested and environmental chemicals and even things as healthy as exercise can all increase free radicals and ramp up your body’s need for glutathione.
Time of Day: According to researchers at Emory University, levels of glutathione vary over a 24 hour period, spiking about six hours after each meal and hitting their lowest point in the morning hours.
Age
Young, healthy people tend to have enough glutathione. However, glutathione levels start to decline at around age 45 and continue to decline until death.
Health Conditions
Glutathione status may be depleted by a variety of different health conditions.
Diet
The best dietary sources of glutathione are freshly prepared meats and fresh fruits and vegetables (both raw and cooked). Most processed foods have little to no glutathione.
Lifestyle Factors
Because cigarette smoking and excessive alcohol intake cause an increase in free radical production, both habits deplete glutathione levels.
Medications
Both prescription and over the-counter drugs can lower glutathione status.
Weight
People who are overweight tend to have lower glutathione levels than those who are within normal weight range because excess fat is correlated with oxidative (free radical induced) stress.
Diseases associated with GSH depletion
- Neurodegenerative disorders (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s diseases, amyo-trophic lateral sclerosis, Friedreich’s ataxia)
- Pulmonary disease (COPD, asthma, and acute respiratory distress syndrome)
- Immune diseases (HIV, autoimmune disease)
- Cardiovascular diseases (hypertension, myo-cardial infarction, cholesterol oxidation)
- Chronic age-related diseases (cataracts, macu-lar degeneration, hearing impairment, and glau-coma)
- Liver disease
- Cystic fibrosis
- Aging process itself
The most important and strongest antioxidant in the human body, Glutathione plays an important role in the immune system's functionning and is vital for tissue repairing. It is an important antioxidant which helps to protect your body from damage to cells caused by 'free radicals'.
The “Great Protector,” “Mother of Antioxidants” and "The Superhero of Antioxidants".
That is Glutathione (GSH).
In addition to being an antioxidant, Glutathione is also a powerful detoxifier and also plays a major role in immune system functions. It has been scientifically proven that there is a correlation between good health and higher levels of GSH.
Some of it's critical roles include, but are not limited to: regeneration of vitamins C & E, neutralisation of free radicards (aka. protecting your cells from any harmful body) and tissue repairing properties.
Your body's natural Glutathione levels are constantly fluctuating - both during the day and over the years. To keep this naturally present molecule's abilities, Glutathione supplements are an excellent idea.
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Diseases associated with GSH depletion
Neurodegenerative disorders (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s diseases, amyo-trophic lateral sclerosis, Friedreich’s ataxia)
Pulmonary disease (COPD, asthma, and acute respiratory distress syndrome)
Immune diseases (HIV, autoimmune disease)
Cardiovascular diseases (hypertension, myo-cardial infarction, cholesterol oxidation)
Chronic age-related diseases (cataracts, macu-lar degeneration, hearing impairment, and glau-coma)
Liver disease Cystic fibrosis Aging process itself
*Our products are not intended to diagnose, cure, or prevent any disease.
How does Glutathione help people affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
Glutathione is a powerful bodily molecule. With many health benefits, the stress-reducing and powerful vitamin replenishing properties are what ASD brains need the most.
Individuals affected by ASD have lower levels of free-Glutathione meaning they have a harder time dealing with different types of stress and the imbalances found in their brains.
Glutathione's role in the brain is to manage the Glutamate neurotransmitter which is directly responsible for the brain stimulation and excitement. Due to the lower levels of Glutathione in ASD people, their brains tend to be over-stimulated and excited causing some of their motor planning impairment and sensory issues.
Essentially, Glutathione "mops" up and cleans the Glutamate, which regulates the brains stress. This diminishes and alleviates some of the ASD symptoms such as sensory overload and impairements.