Many of us, have thought of ways to improve our health in this New Year. Perhaps you have kicked off a new fitness regime or have started a new diet plan. As we begin the Journey to better health, I want to bring attention to a molecule called glutathione and its implications for health and human performance.

 

Glutathione is one of the most powerful antioxidants responsible for maintaining cellular health. It is found in all cells, but is highly concentrated in the brain and liver. Glutathione is a chief biomarker of cellular redox status (electron allocation), meaning it can accept electrons from free radical species. Less glutathione increases the cell's vulnerability to oxidative damage. It is good that our body naturally produces glutathione, however many have less than optimal glutathione levels due to stress, infection, poor diet, lack of sleep, and exposure to toxins and xenobiotics (statins, hormonal contraceptives, analgesics).

 

Deficiencies in glutathione leave the body vulnerable to toxins and inflammation making the body weak and robbing one of high performance. Despite differing in biochemical pathways, these diseases are facilitated by high levels of oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants defenses and is a primary cause of cellular damage leading to disease. Throughout a life span, one is constantly exposed to free radicals through strenuous work, environmental toxin exposure, diet, and autoimmune disorder. There is good news however, we can take active role in increasing our antioxidants capacity, thereby quenching the free radical's reactivity, reducing free radicals protects the cell from oxidative damage. A large body of literature supports the notion that dietary antioxidants play an important role. Glutathione is called the "Master Antioxidant" by some and for good reason. Glutathione has many other responsibilities in addition to antioxidant functions, at the organismal levels, the effects are manifest as: increased energy, better sleep quality exercise recovery, and blood circulation, mental clarity, less inflammation, and slower aging. Additionally, glutathione recycles other antioxidants and antioxidant enzymes including Vitamins C, E and others. The important functions of "Glutathione" are widely recognized in 1990's.

 

So How Do We Optimize Our Glutathione levels? The Most Obvious Way To Increase Glutathione Is Through Direct Supplementation.

 

​