Glutathione is the Key to Vitality and Cellular Health
Glutathione is one of the most promising antioxidants available today. The potential of this power-packed tripeptide is almost unlimited. It is one of the most effective resources that the body has to keep itself healthy and vital. Today, most people are focused on improving their health, staying healthy and slowing down the aging process. While eating well and exercising are crucial, these activities are not as effective as they could be if the body does not have adequate levels of glutathione available. Here's what you should know about glutathione, including how it's synthesized and how the body uses this beneficial compound.
What is Glutathione?
Glutathione is a tripeptide and an antioxidant that consists of three parts. Like all tripeptides, glutathione contains three amino acids that are connected by peptide bonds. Glutathione brings the forces of the amino acids cysteine, glycine and glutamate together to fight toxins, free radicals and dangerous substances that compromise overall health and lead to a variety of chronic medical problems.
How Does Glutathione Work?
Glutathione is found in all of the body's cells. Each day, the body generates approximately 40 billion new cells. Without enough glutathione, the body can develop dysfunctional cells that can't perform their jobs and can't resist environmental stress or the effects of aging. Dysfunctional cells also have a higher risk for developing cancer. The human body is a multi-cellular creation that contains an estimated 100 trillion cells. There are specialized cells in the lungs, the organs, the skin and all parts of the body. Each self-contained cell has a special job, and glutathione is required for cells to function properly and to reach their full potential.
This promising tripeptide has the extraordinary ability to donate its own atoms to cells and genetic components that need repair. Glutathione protects cells, rebuilds other antioxidants, repairs DNA and works together with other compounds that fight the aging process. If the body is in good health, glutathione can regenerate itself and synthesize more antioxidants. Glutathione's sulfur atom is one of its most effective antioxidant components. This atom has the power to neutralize and to disable destructive molecules like free radicals and reactive oxygen species that accelerate the aging process.
Glutathione also performs an important job in the liver. The liver is the body's master cleanser. It is responsible for purifying the blood, extracting beneficial substances and removing dangerous toxins. In this crucial organ, the enzyme glutathione S-transferase partners with sulfur atoms to infiltrate toxic molecules and to make them easier for the body to eliminate. This type of natural detoxification improves the health of the liver and kidneys and makes the body less susceptible to cancer and chronic diseases.
Glutathione Deficiency
All bodily systems can be adversely affected if glutathione is not present in sufficient quantities. The first sign of a glutathione deficiency is anemia, which suppresses the production of red blood cells. Consequently, this can affect the skin tone, the muscles, energy levels, organ health and many related systems. Smoking, alcohol consumption, inadequate sleep and excessive toxin intake can deplete glutathione. Levels of this beneficial antioxidant decrease naturally by 10 to 15 percent with each decade of age. On the other hand, walnuts, whey protein and green vegetables like asparagus, broccoli and spinach can boost the associated amino acids while increasing the production of glutathione. Other precursors that holistically support glutathione levels include magnesium, vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium and lipoic acid, an organosulfur compound.
The Benefits of Glutathione
While low levels of glutathione affect the nervous system and the entire body, maintaining appropriate levels of this antioxidant will foster excellent overall health. Glutathione provides the following benefits.
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It stimulates the production of antioxidants
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It enhances anti-inflammatory action
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It encourages healthy detoxification
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It strengthens the immune system
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It reduces oxidative stress
By curbing inflammation, glutathione reduces arthritis and associated joint pain. It also reduces strain on the lungs and counteracts the airway constriction that is associated with asthma. Glutathione supports healthy muscle tone, which improves the health of the cardiovascular system and helps control high blood pressure. In the nervous system, glutathione supports articulate speech and coordination. Severe cases of glutathione deficiency cause seizures, complex nerve problems and ataxia, which is a difficulty controlling muscle movement. Glutathione works together with adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the body's energy carrier. If ATP levels are compromised, the production of glutathione will also suffer. Once glutathione is synthesized, the body can create S-nitrosoglutathione, glutathione disulfide and antioxidants that are even more powerful.
Building Glutathione Stores
Glutathione has the power to protect all of the body's systems holistically. Therefore, it is beneficial to take supplements that contain precursors to glutathione, including L-cysteine, L-glutamic acid and glycine. With the help of glutathione, the body can remove carcinogenic substances, repair damage, resist free radicals and maintain a higher level of overall health. To date, there are more than 102,000 published studies that examine the benefits of glutathione on the nervous system, chronic health problems and all parts of the body. Glutathione is the ideal supplement for anyone who wants to combat the aging process and to encourage overall health and vitality starting at the cellular level.