Our bodies are fighting off environmental toxins and stressors daily. It’s is important we give our bodies the weapons (anti-oxidants) to protect our bodies from cell damage and diminishing health as a result of this damage.
Master anti-oxidant Glutathione (GSH), maintains anti-oxidants like Vitamins C and E, and even CoQ10. GSH acts as a security guard, disarming free radicals before they are able to cause damage to our cells. It has been estimated that our cells are hit 10,000 times by free radicals daily. Glutathione helps with this oxidant stress by recharging other anti-oxidants. Scientists believe, the amount of GSH in every cell in our bodies, may determine how long we live.
Glutathione is the secret to prevent aging, cancer, heart disease, dementia and more
An ideal ratio of Glutathione would be 10% inactive and 90% active (to balance cells, antioxidants and to remove toxic threats). Unfortunately our bodies are bombarded with too many toxins for this ratio to remain in tact.
The importance of Glutathione
GSH fights cellular toxins, rids body of carcinogens and heals damaged cells. It is also one of the most protective against toxins, viruses, diseases, radiation pollution, oxidative stress and drugs.
When there is not enough GSH for our cell protection, toxins can overload the liver and fat soluble toxins, will than be stored within our fat cells. The most susceptible cells would be in the breast, prostrate and central nervous system. The brain produces more free radicals so it needs the most Glutathione.
As we age, our percentage of GSH declines at a rate of 8-12% every decade after age 20. Poor diet, medication usage, infection and an increased toxic load can further increase our rate of depletion. A decrease of GSH at 70% will cause healthy problems. Depleted GSH increases cancer and neurological disease.
How to increase Glutathione
Unfortunately, GSH isn’t easily supplemented by taking a pill. Our digestive system isn’t effective at circulating it to the cells that needs its protection, so don’t waste your money. This is why it’s important to take glutathione with other supplements like Selenium. This important mineral helps the body recycle and produce more glutathione.
Take Reishi Mushroom
The researchers found that the Reishi mushroom significantly reduced liver enzymes – showing improved liver health. They also found the mushroom supplementation significantly boosted antioxidant capacity. The mushroom boosted glutathione levels and total thiol levels – all markers for increased antioxidant status.
• Vitamin D helps produce GSH. Our optimal levels of Vitamin D should be 60-100 ng/ml as our society is extremely deficient.
- Through our diet, we should naturally consume anti-oxidants such as cysteine, glycine and glutamic acid. Although low in amino acids, avocados, garlic, onion, turmeric, spinach and cruciferous veggies are a great source. In addition, walnuts, wheat germ, oat flake, asparagus, broccoli, tomatoes, watermelon, ricotta and cottage cheese are also important additions to our diet. Grass-fed whey protein, raw grass fed dairy, organic eggs are an incredibly good source of amino acids and more cysteine than any other food source.
- Our bodies need stimulation for our cells to create their own Glutathione. A popular and convenient choice are whey products that boost GSH production in the liver. These products, usually in powder form, can be expensive ($36-$66 USD) for a months supply.
Our bodies need to be armed with anti-oxidants to protect our cells from daily stressors, radiation and toxins that will make us sick. I hope you have enjoyed this informative article explaining the necessity of increasing our Glutathione, amino acids and Vitamin D levels. A long and healthy life are in our reach when we support our bodies own ability to protect and heal itself.