Glutathione: A Key Substance for Aging Well

Glutathione (pronounced “gloota-thigh-own”) is a naturally occurring protein that is found in every cell of the human body. It is a combination of 3 simple amino acids — cysteine, glycine, and glutamine. Glutathione serves to protect every cell, tissue, and organ from toxic free radicals and diseases.

Glutathione can help repair cells that are damaged by stress, radiation, pollution, infection, and a host of diseases. Glutathione may in fact be the most important molecule in the body. It is a critical component in the prevention of aging, cancer, heart disease, and dementia. It also may improve the treatment of several diseases, such as autism and Alzheimer’s disease.

Glutathione is known as the “master antioxidant.” It is the most important antioxidant found in the body. Antioxidants reduce cell damage due to oxygen, such as that caused by free radicals. Well-known antioxidants include enzymes, Vitamins C and E, and beta carotene. Antioxidants battle the degenerative effects of oxidation that result in premature aging. Studies have shown that antioxidants slow down several age-related diseases, including macular degeneration of the eye, which causes blurred vision. Antioxidants have also been proven to reduce the risks of cancer.

Major functions of glutathione

· It is the major endogenous antioxidant produced by the cells

· Involved in the regulation of the nitric oxide cycle in the body, which is critical for life

· An essential component in reactions such as

DNA synthesis and repair,
protein synthesis,
prostaglandin synthesis,
gene expression,
cell proliferation and apoptosis (cell death),
signal transduction,
cytokine production,
immune response,

amino acid transport, and
enzyme activation.

· Glutathione levels can effect every system in the body, especially the

immune,
nervous,
gastrointestinal, and
pulmonary (lungs) systems.

· Plays a vital function in iron and other nutrients’ metabolism

· Maintains other antioxidants, such as Vitamins C and E

· Plays a role in regulating cellular events, especially in the maintenance of cellular membranes

Effects of glutathione deficiency

A low level of glutathione in the body is usually a result of a poor diet and/or aging. A deficiency in glutathione contributes to oxidative stress, which plays a key role in premature aging and the pathogenesis of many diseases, including

· Alzheimer’s disease

· Parkinson’s disease

· chronic fatigue syndrome

· liver disease

· cystic fibrosis

· sickle cell anemia

· HIV

· AIDS

· cancer

· heart attack

· stroke

· diabetes

· kwashiorkor (malnutrition due to protein deficiency)

· seizures

Ways to boost your glutathione levels

Consume sulfur-rich foods

Sulfur is an important part of the glutathione molecule, and helps in the removal of toxins and free

radicals in the body. Normally glutathione is recycled in the body — except when the toxic load becomes too great, resulting in stress on the liver, making it unable to do its function of detoxifying the body, resulting in cell damage and apoptosis.

Sulfur-rich foods include garlic, onions, and vegetables such as broccoli, kale, brussel sprouts, collards, cabbage, cauliflower, and watercress. These all belong to the class of “cruciferous” vegetables.

Whey protein

Studies have shown that whey protein increases glutathione levels.

This protein is a mixture of globular proteins isolated from whey, the liquid substance that is a byproduct of cheese production. It digests quickly in the body. Whey protein is a great source of the amino acids that are necessary for glutathione synthesis.

Exercise

According to a 2007 study in the National Institutes of Health U.S. National Medical Library, exercise boosts your glutathione levels, thereby boosting your immune system, improving detoxification (resulting in less stress on the liver), and enhancing antioxidant defenses. This study also pointed out that exercise plays a critical role in the beneficial effect glutathione has on patients diagnosed with cardiovascular or pulmonary (lung) diseases.

The benefits of exercise and glutathione work both ways: glutathione is necessary in order to reach peak mental and physical function. Research has shown that raised glutathione levels decrease muscle damage, reduce recovery time, increase strength & endurance, and shift metabolism from fat production to muscle development.

Glutathione-supporting supplements

Glutathione’s major role in the body is the removal of toxins and free radicals. Problems occur when the body is overwhelmed with too much oxidative stress or too many toxins. Glutathione and other antioxidant levels become depleted, leading to increased levels of free radical and toxins, which results in impaired systems and a downward spiral into chronic illnesses and premature aging. This emphasizes the need for glutathione-supporting supplements.

While vitamins C and E are probably the most well-known antioxidant supplements, glutathione has the added benefit of being a powerful antioxidant because glutathione is found in every type of cell, including cells in the immune system. Glutathione helps to fight against disease, which is why proponents of glutathione-supporting supplements suggest they further assist in the fight against cancer and other diseases.

Glutathione cannot be taken as a simple pill – the body would simply digest it. The production and recycling of glutathione in the body requires many different nutrients.

N-acetyl-cysteine

Cysteine is one of the amino acid building blocks of glutathione. This supplement has also been indicated for treating asthma, lung disease, and life-threatening liver failure.

Alpha lipoic acid

One of the most important molecules in the body. It is involved in energy production, blood sugar control, brain health, and detoxification. Alpha lipoic acid is naturally produced by the body, but stress and other factors can reduce levels.

Methylation nutrients (folate, and Vitamins B6 and B12).

These are perhaps the most critical nutrients to insure glutathione production. Methylation is critical for the production and recycling of glutathione.

Selenium

This mineral helps in the recycling and production of glutathione.

Mixed tocopherols (antioxidants including Vitamins C and E)

Work together to recycle glutathione.

Silymarin (milk thistle)

This supplement helps boost glutathione levels. It has also been used in the treatment of liver disease.

Glutathione levels for health and longevity

The nutritional regulation of glutathione metabolism is critical for the development of effective strategies to improve overall health, slow the aging process, and prevent certain diseases. A high glutathione diet has been shown to improve blood sugar tolerance and insulin sensitivity, thus reducing the risk of diabetes and heart disease. It is critical for immune function and controlling inflammation. It is the master detoxifier and the body’s main antioxidant, protecting our cells and enhancing energy metabolism.

A study in the premier British medical journal, Lancet, found the highest glutathione levels in healthy young people, followed by lower levels in healthy elderly, lower still in sick elderly, and the lowest of all in the elderly who were hospitalized.

During the process of aging, cells begin to produce lower levels of antioxidants, thus losing their ability to repair themselves. A person’s glutathione level can be used as a major biomarker of aging. As we get older, our glutathione synthesis becomes less effective, requiring more glutathione to achieve an optimal effect. Studies have shown that a high glutamine diet intake can increase a person’s lifespan by up to 10 years.

Keeping yourself healthy, boosting your performance, while preventing disease and premature aging depends on keeping your glutathione levels high. Ensuring the maintenance of a high level of this master antioxidant through the use of a dietary supplement could play a major role in slowing down and/or preventing the detrimental affects commonly associated with aging.