Glutathione Beauty

Exploring Dynamics Of Beauty - Why Take Glutathione To Whiten Skin

2010-08-26T21:19:00.002+08:00

External appearances can be an interesting subject to discuss about. That is because different people in different cultures view appearances differently. In other words, we all have our own internal definitions on what is beautiful, and what is not. It is this constant struggle with such definitions that causes some people to seek changes to their outer appearances. White people want to darken their skin, and dark skin people want to whiten their skin. Let's explore some of the dynamics behind why such phenomenon is happening.

Media exposure.

The question on what exactly is beauty has been debated by scholars since the dawn of time. In the modern society, one simply cannot deny that the media has a huge influence over the concept of beauty. Beauty is what one desires to see. Obviously, what one desire to see will be very different from another. But the media helps to narrow the differences.

Everyday, we are bombarded by lots of information from the media. We receive information from movies, TV programs, advertisements, magazines, and more recently, the Internet. As the information is transmitted, certain trends start to emerge - viewers and audiences want to see more slim models, slim actresses, etc.

Being slim thus becomes the symbol of health and beauty. People yearn for what they don't have. And they want to see more of such beauty. The media gives them what they want to see, and the cycle continues. Hence, the concept of beauty gets reinforced constantly.

Driven by such concepts of beauty, some people seek change to their outer appearances. They want to look like their idols.

Peer acceptance.

Some people seek changes simply because of peer acceptance. Peer, in this instance, is used rather loosely as a term that may refer to anyone close to the individual. For example, a peer can be taken as a spouse, a family member, or even a best friend.

This urge stems from caring how others perceive them. They want acceptance from the people around them.

Self acceptance.

This is the opposite of peer acceptance. Some people just cannot be at peace with the way they look. And how they look is making them very unhappy. Hence the choice to change the way they look.

Ease of change.

As you can see, there are many different types of dynamics at work here. Different people are driven by different reasons. Some do it for others, while some do it for themselves. For whatever the reason, perhaps it is fortunate that science and technology permit such changes with ease.

Case in point - a supplement called L-glutathione can be consumed orally and within a few weeks, the skin can be whitened. This is an amazing process, considering that no surgery whatsoever is required. Hence, the risks are minimal.

Maybe it's the media, or maybe it's the peer pressure. We may never know for sure. Only the individuals know it in their hearts the true reasons for change. Luckily, with supplements such as L-glutathione easily available, they can get what their want without risking their health. In fact, consuming Glutathione orally may even boost their health. This is the dream ticket to be beautiful and healthy at the same time.

by Gen Wright

Glutathione Results - How Long Before I Really See Results?

2010-08-18T21:22:00.002+08:00

Taking in glutathione is not a major surgical operation and even a medical operation will take time. Glutathione would help you to be healthy and not to be changed on an instant. This is not an overnight miracle that's why you would undergo the natural process. In taking 2 capsules per day 1000mg glutathione you can see the results in two week time. However if you take once a day for 1000mg it would take a month for you to see and feel the result.

It needs a little time to build up and work.

Though there is a faster way - IV Glutathione or Intravenous Glutathione. They're injectables and in much higher doses as it may work faster compared to oral supplementation.

Skin lightening period varies, most Asian users reports that in a matter of 4-12 weeks they begin to see initial skin lightening.

L-Glutathione skin whitening pill has the ability to lighten dark skin pigmentations (dark acne scars, freckles, dark underarms, age spots, etc) because glutathione is proven to reverse the melanin's metabolism turning dark pigmentations (eumelanin) into light pigmentations (phaeomelanin). Glutathione's recommended dosage as a skin whitening capsule should be between 20-40 mg/kg of body weight divided into 2 doses each day.

Duration of intake varies depending on your skin colour:

* medium brown: ~1-3 months
* dark brown skin: ~3-6 months
* very dark skin: ~6-12 months
* black skin: at least 2 years

It's efficacy in skin whitening is improved when it is taken with Vitamin C, 2-3 times more than the dose of L glutathione.

The average period where a user can see visible change in his/her skin colour as a result of glutathione takes about 2 to 3 months. Again, this is not applicable to every user, however, there are cases to which some users already see results in as early as 3 weeks taking 2-3 capsules daily. In other cases they show a slow development which results in 10-12 weeks before they have seen the results. Moreover, the best thing to do is not to miss a daily dosage.

Some people see results early and others took long before they can see it?

For the simple reason that people have different metabolism, weight is also a factor, the fact that some people see results early is because their body have absorbed the components well. Finally, dosage is an issue.

"Some people with darker skin tone report that taking glutathione capsules along with vitamin C for three to six months or more actually lightens the colour of their skin." Vitamin C is to keep glutathione in reduced form so that they can continue to have their powerful free radical quenching effect.

It is also recommended especially to people who smokes and are most of the time expose to polluted environment. Taking a separate Vitamin C such as ascorbic acid 500 mg also stimulates a better and faster result.

"There are no side effects or interactions known with oral administration of L-Glutathione even in its prolonged use. The side-effect, we all know, is the SKIN WHITENING itself."

by Lindley Miras

Using Glutathione Therapy To Help With Health Problems

2010-08-10T21:38:00.001+08:00

Today, the number of people with Parkinson’s disease is way too high. This disease brings with it discomfort, frustration, and pain. However, Dr. Perlmutter has discovered a new form of treatment, pioneering what is called Glutathione Therapy.

Dr. Perlmutter who pioneered Glutathione therapy has helped to change many people’s lives. The results have been good and while IV Glutathione therapy is not a miracle worker, eliminating all symptoms, it has shown to slow the progression of the disease.

In clinical trials, results show that up to 90% of participants using Glutathione therapy experience significant improvement. In the case of Parkinson’s, the brain’s dopamine receptors lose their sensitivity but with Glutathione, the receptors are restored to normal function.

These same trials also show that while dopamine changes, serotonin levels within the brain also go back to a normal level, which helps to reduce anxiety and depression.

When it comes to standard Glutathione therapy, most patients are given 1400 milligrams along with saline. For ten minutes, three times weekly, an IV is used to get the medication into the body.

There are also other forms of Glutathione to include supplements and liquid but for Parkinson’s disease, IV Glutathione is the only method that works. In addition, some doctors prefer to add in various types of amino acids and milk thistle to make the treatment even more effective.

The advances seen over the years pertaining to IV Glutathione therapy are incredible. This allows Parkinson’s patients to get off medications such as Levodopa that have harsh side effects. Anyone interested in this treatment option should remain on any prescribed drugs and then talk to their doctor about eliminating them and switching over to Glutathione therapy.

IV Glutathione therapy offers many benefits to include there being no real side effects. Unfortunately, many other medications cause not only side effects, but also increased risk of serious and life-threatening problems to include stroke and heart attack.

To get started on Glutathione therapy, the price ranges between $300 and $400 a month but usually, this FDA-approved drug is covered by insurance.

Once a patient with Parkinson’s disease starts on IV Glutathione therapy provided they respond to the treatment, they would be on it for life but considering that it allows them to regain some normalcy, it is a small sacrifice to make. As an FDA approved product, doctors and patients are getting very excited about the many advances provided by Glutathione therapy. While Parkinson’s disease is the primary target for using IV Glutathione therapy, this treatment has also shown promise for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and other illnesses.

As you can see, this is without doubt, an exciting breakthrough. Using Glutathione therapy, people can start to take back some control over their lives. The results have surprised many and continue to make huge improvements in people’s lives. This treatment option is getting more and more attention as being the best solution not only for Parkinson’s but other diseases too.

by Articles

Glutathione - Don't Kill Your Fountain Of Youth

2010-08-02T22:00:00.002+08:00

If you have been following my articles lately about the wonders of glutathione, then this will be of interest to you. For those that have not read the articles, glutathione is an essential molecule present in every living human being. Without glutathione, we cannot live. Glutathione is a "fountain of youth" molecule in that it begins to wane as we age.

Generally, by age 25 glutathione begins to fall off at the rate of 15% per year. By the time we are in our 50s and 60s, our glutathione levels are so low that we no longer heal quickly, we get aching muscles after only moderate work, and we are pretty much described as "less than vigorous!". Recent discoveries in nutritional supplementation have exposed the secret to restoring our youthful levels of glutathione - and thereby regaining our former youth and vigour.

At the same time, it is prudent to consider the things that tend to destroy glutathione. Keeping glutathione levels high should be a top priority for anyone wishing to maintain health, wellness and vigour. It is for this reason that today we need to talk about a common pharmaceutical analgesic that is widely used in the United States and around the world. This chemical is contained in well over 100 "off-the-shelf" products. I am, of course, talking about acetaminophen.

Acetaminophen is known in pharmaceutical circles as n-acetyl-p-aminophenol (APAP). It is available as a pain killer for both adults and children. Like anything else, from time to time people will inevitably overdose. The problem with acetaminophen though is that it destroys glutathione! When I first learned this, I was shocked. I immediately thought back to the times when I had illnesses and had taken three or four pills every four hours!

I used to get a lot of fevers as a child and the remedy to keep the fever down was four acetaminophen tablets every four hours for two days! Imagine the damage this did to my glutathione levels!

When hospitals admit people who have overdosed on acetaminophen, they administer n-acetylcysteine (NAC). NAC is a precursor to glutathione and works to help the body restore normal glutathione levels. NAC does some pretty amazing things in your body to help keep the liver from becoming toxic after APAP overdoses. But before you run out an buy large quantities of NAC, you should be aware that NAC is not well digested. In fact, almost none of the NAC you ingest from supplements will ever reach the point where it can support the glutathione cycle. NAC has to be "escorted" through the digestive tract in order to arrive at it's destination intact and ready for work.

There are an estimated 15,000 people every year that end up in emergency rooms from APAP overdose. But lets assume that as a reader of health and wellness information, you are not one of the 15,000 who end up in hospital from overdosing. How many pain killers did you take in the last year? The destruction of glutathione is not elastic. Glutathione does not bounce back a week after you stop taking pain killers. The effects are cumulative. If you add to this fact that you are in your 30s or beyond, then you can see the recipe for disaster that we are talking about here.

If you are going to take pain killers to stop that head ache or to gain a little relief from that rotten cold or fever, then you need to balance the equation by engaging in activities that restore your glutathione levels. Healthy glutathione levels mean that your wounds will heal faster. You will have more energy. You will be able to do strenuous activity and not feel stiff the next day. You will have tapped in to the ultimate "fountain of youth". You will experience a renewed vigour that you had long since written off.

Tip of the year - find out all you can about glutathione and the wonders of youthful glutathione levels.

Nick Walsh is a professional researcher and information technology analyst with 30 years experience in alternative health care, strategic information technology, and entrepreneurial development. Nick maintains several blogs on alternative health care, anti-aging, green energy systems, technology, and internet marketing in general.

by Nick Walsh

Are You Using Glutathione?

2010-07-23T21:51:00.002+08:00

I would like to tell you about a precursor Glutathione supplement, N-acetyl-cysteine, NAC. Glutathione is produced in every cell in your body and you cannot get it through a supplement, since it is too large to pass through your intestinal walls. Your body produces it by using up the amino acid cysteine, glutamic acid, and glycine. The supplement NAC provides cysteine which is used by your body to produce Glutathione.

So why is Glutathione important? Glutathione is called the master antioxidant. Without it you can not live a long healthy life. In your cells, it neutralizes all free radicals and toxins that are created when your cells creates energy in the mitochondria.

Your liver has a high concentration of Glutathione which it uses to neutralize toxins and to eliminate them by producing bile. Here are more benefits of having high levels of Glutathione in your body:

Stops the buildup of oxidized fats that can deposit on artery walls

Protects your vision from glaucoma and cataract

Improves your immune system

Helps convert carbohydrates in to energy

Neutralizes free radicals throughout the body

Helps prevent nervous and mental disorders

Reduces inflammation due to free radicals and helps reduce asthma, arthritis, or muscle pain

Neutralizes air pollutants that we breathe

Increases your energy level

Recently, I had an experience on the effective power of the precursor Glutathione, NAC. My wife had been suffering from muscle pain just above the knee. For the pass 2 years, it had been getting worse. Because she coordinates events, she has to walk and stand a lot and this lead to a lot of pain when the night is over.

I have tried every type of natural pain killer I know of and still got no relief. She went to chiropractors and doctors and they found nothing in their X-rays. They recommend cortisol shots but typically using these shots would worsen her condition then they would recommend surgery.

It just happened that I have a supplement that was a precursor to Glutathione sitting on my table for 5 month that I was going to evaluate. So I told my wife to try it out for a couple of weeks. On the first day, her pain went away for a couple of hours but came back. After a week of use, her pain was gone and after 2 weeks it was gone for sure and she could move her knee any which way without any pain. This particular supplement was quite expensive, around $77 dollars for a month's supply, so I purchase some NAC, which is also a precursor to Glutathione for $16. After two month, and switching over to NAC she still has no pain.

I was amazed since I struggled for years looking for a cure for her pain and final found it in a natural supplement that was sitting on my desk for 5 months.

Aside from using a supplement, you can also eat the following foods to increase your Glutathione levels:

all fruits and vegetables

Acorn squash, asparagus, okra

Avocado, potato

cantaloupe, grapefruit, orange, peach, spinach, strawberries, tomato, watermelon, and zucchini

broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, kale, and parsley

lean meats, eggs, wheat germ, and whole grains

Cooking destroys Glutathione so eat produce raw or slightly steamed

Recommended dose is between 500 mg to 1800 mg. Start with one capsule of 500 - 600 mg and see how it works for you. Then add another capsule if you need it. You will have to experiment to see what you need to help you. When taking NAC also take 500 mg of Vitamin C and Lipoic Acid. Both these supplements help prevent Glutathione from become oxidized and ineffective and help to boost its levels.

by Rss41

Glutathione - Fountain Of Youth

2010-07-15T21:46:00.001+08:00

There is one antioxidant that fights free radicals and toxins within the cell. Glutathione is the most powerful and abundant antioxidant in the body.

Every day your body is attacked by environmental toxins. They are in our food, water and even in the air. The primary movers to combat this are an antioxidant molecule called glutathione. They are in every cell of your body. They are called a tripeptide, as they are composed of three essential amino acids; cysteine, glutamic acid and glycine.

You hear about antioxidants daily and how they protect us from heart disease, cancer
and a myriad of other diseases. While vitamin C is the most talked about antioxidant in the blood, vitamin E is vital in the cell membranes and lipoproteins. Within the interior of the cell, where the actual damage takes place, glutathione is the most important antioxidant. Glutathione circulates constantly through our body, neutralizing free radicals and removing toxins and waste products from our body.

Free radicals are created when our body goes through it’s normal metabolic process of converting food for energy to fuel your cells. A free radical is an unstable oxygen-containing molecule with an unpaired electron in it’s outer orbit. That single electron crashes around inside your cell desperately seeking to grab another electron. If it attaches to one the delicate balance of the cell is damaged. If the cell is damaged severely, or often enough, it will no longer work efficiently, may mutate or even die.

Thus far, scientists have identified two types of destructive free radicals; the hydroxyl and superoxide radicals. Two other types of oxygen-containing molecules, hydrogen peroxide and singlet oxygen, are just as dangerous to us. The human body fortunately has it’s own natural way to deal with all four of these dangerous villains.

The same process that creates free radicals also creates their antidote. The energy-producing process creates the antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase, catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD). These enzymes attack the free radicals in your cells almost as soon as they are formed. They nutralize the destructive free electrons in the oxygen molecule so they can be eliminated from the body easily.

Glutathione is the most important and abundant antioxidant substance in the body. This powerful and incredible antioxidant is your built-in defense mechanism against the ravaging effects of free radicals. It plays a critical role in the removal of metabolic wastes and locating and eliminating toxic substances. These are things like heavy metals and other environmental poisons. It also helps to keep cell membranes strong as well as transports vital amino acids into the cells.

Glutathione was discovered in 1888, but not until the 1920s and 30s were researchers able to unlock some of it’s mysteries. In the beginning stages most of the research was focused on the eye, in particular the lens. This initial research was valuable. Glutathione deficiency is directly attritubutable to eye problems such as cataracts and macular degeneration. A lack of glutathione can lead to disturbance of your body’s ability to detoxify itself. This can lead to cancer, heart disease, joint problems and serious imbalances in your nervous system, endocrine and immune system.

If you are basically healthy, your body’s metabolic processes maintain a natural redox balance. It will quickly neutralize free radicals with antioxidants. This balance can be disrupted from stress, fighting an infection, inflammation, sick or healing from an injury. Free radicals are also created from unavoidable exterior contaminants: alcohol, ultraviolet light, heavy metals like mercury, air pollution, food additives, pesticides and other environmental poisons. Even though glutathione circulates through your system searching for free radicals and toxic wastesFree Reprint Articles, the balance can tip in favor of the invaders.

by Michael Pearson

Basic Glutathione Information

2010-07-07T21:21:00.002+08:00

Glutathione is a tripeptide (a peptide consisting of three amino acids - in this case, Cysteine, Glycine and Glutamic Acid.) Glutathione acts as an antioxidant. What this means is that it helps protect against the damaging effects of oxidation, the process that creates free radicals that damage cells in living tissue.

Glutathione is considered to be the body's "Master Antioxidant", a great detoxifier and a Tyrosinase inhibitor. What does this mean for you, the average person? Well, for one, is better, more evenly colored skin. An interesting effect of taking extra glutathione is skin whitening.

What? Skin whitening? Like Michael Jackson? Are you crazy?

While it's been rumored on the Internet (and obvious if you look at pictures) that Michael Jackson had his skin whitened, probably more than once, there are other, less creepy reasons to want help from glutathione, though.

Acne, uneven skin tone, red blotches, dark blotches, dark colored moles - there are a lot of skin conditions out there that cause a lot of people a lot of grief day after day. While they might not be life threatening breakdowns in the body, they are things that have a negative effect on some people's self-esteem. And a low self-esteem can lead to a lot of other problems.

Taking a glutathione supplement isn't like taking a magic pill that will cure all your skin woes. When taken in the right doses, though, it has been shown to help with various skin conditions and also acts as a natural skin whitener.

Glutathione can help your body repair and correct all sorts of damage, whether it's caused by stress, pollution, radiation, a poor diet, injury, and the natural effects of aging.

Again, it's not a super supplement or a magic pill, but it's one small way to fight the battle with aging and the effects of the environment we live in.

Glutathione is different than other antioxidants (like Vitamin C and Vitamin E) in that it actually resides in the cells, making it more useful.

Glutathione can be found in fresh fruits and vegetables, so if you follow a normal, healthy diet, you should be producing enough Glutathione. Let's be honest, though. A lot of us don't have the time for a 100% healthy diet. If you're one of these people, a glutathione supplement might be a good idea.

L-glutathione, a reduced form of glutathione, is what is generally used for skin whitening.

Whatever type of glutathione you take, it's a good idea to find a supplement that includes other antioxidants that work well with glutathione, like Vitamin C and Vitamin E.

Glutathione isn't a cure all super drug when it comes to skin care, but it's a natural way to help with your skin and as an added benefit is a skin whitener.

Read more: http://www.articlesbase.com/alternative-medicine-articles/basic-glutathione-information-630996.html#ixzz0t0E82szb
Under Creative Commons License: Attribution

by Gen Wright

5 Ways That Glutathione Can Enhance Your Life Revealed

2010-06-28T22:47:00.002+08:00

Have your heard of glutathione? If you have, you may have heard about the many and truly amazing positive effects that this antioxidant nutrient has on the body.

If you have never heard of the term glutathione, you should, because beginning at the tender age of 20, the natural production of this very important antioxidant actually declines more than 10 percent each and every decade.

Simply put, antioxidant glutathione is a substance that is necessary for life. The higher the levels, the better off you are because this in turn will predict how long you will live.

Glutathione has sometimes been referred to as the master of antioxidants because of its amazing power to provide more energy, cellular detox, promote the immune system, allow peak athletic performance and regulates the actions of lesser antioxidants such as vitamin C, and vitamin E within the body.

One doctor explained it like this. He said that everyone should know about this super antioxidant miracle food because we all cannot survive without this antioxidant.

So what is all the hype about this nutrient called glutathione and what are the five ways to imporove your health?

The first thing is that glutathione is necessary for everyone's energy level. Free radicals can overwhelm our bodies, which is where this antioxidant comes into play.

Think about it. Increased stress levels, endless toxins that we come in contact with such as pollutants, unhealthy food, lack of sleep and other factors all play a part in draining your body from optimized levels of performance in many ways. Glutathione has been proven to give back what your body has been lacking which gives you back the energy you once had.

And if you don't have your health, what do you have? If you have ever had just a bad upper respiratory infection or the flu and found yourself too tired to do anything, you know that you likely did not get much done during the time that you were sick. Your immune system depends on glutathione to function on a day to day basis and when these levels are not at the optimum level, you are at a greater risk for getting sick. And your body's immune system which consists of T-cells and white blood cells, all require this nutrient to be able to function at their best optimal level.

Thirdly, glutathione helps neutralize and actually get rid of the toxins that we all come in contact wtih by attacking these toxins, which in turn helps protect our bodies by balancing out our nervous system, immune system and endocrine system.

The fourth way that glutathione can help improve your life is that it helps your body utilize oxygen. If you are an athlete, this is very important. If you are an athlete and need a quick recovery time, glutathione has been shown to allow just that, a quicker recovery time after strenuous exercise.

Finally, glutathione can help with inflammation. Inflammation is at the heart of most major health issues which include anything from heart disease to joint and muscular issues. Glutathione is is very important because every cell needs this nutrient. The more glutathione you have in your body, the better chance you have at remaining healthy enough to fight whatever toxins you come in contact with.

by Cecilia Valenzuela

What To Look Out For When Buying Glutathione

2010-06-18T07:59:00.002+08:00

You may already be aware of the benefits of Glutathione, and you are looking to buy some so that you can see the results for yourself. Before we go into the actual buying process, let's do a brief recap on the benefits of Glutathione. That will help explain why Glutathione is gaining popularity in recent times.

Benefits of Glutathione - a brief recap.

As Glutathione is a natural antioxidant that exists in the body, it has the ability to protect the body from toxic substances such as pesticide, lactic acid, or metabolic byproducts. Toxins are high destructive substances, in the sense that they attempt to break down anything that they come in contact with. You can imagine what toxins can do to the body when they come in contact with cells. Cells actually get broken down very quickly when they come in contact with poisonous toxins. If nothing is being done to stop this process, it eventually leads to death.

The body has a natural defense to harmful toxins - Glutathione. Glutathione is produced within the cells and helps to protect the cells by neutralizing the toxins through a process called anti oxidation. When anti oxidation takes place, harmful substances become soluble, and is eliminated by the system as quickly as possible.

The health benefits provided by Glutathione are obvious. This nutrient helps to prevent cancer other diseases such as diabetes, nerve disorders, etc. This happens because the immune system is strengthened. Active Glutathione reduces the chances of toxic substances damaging cells in the body.

In addition, Glutathione has an amazing side benefit. It actually helps to smooth out wrinkles in the skin and remove freckles and pigments. It achieves this by eliminating excess Tyrosinase in the body. Tyrosinase is an enzyme that helps promote the growth of Melanin, and Melanin is responsible for dark skin color. When Tyrosinase is absent, the skin will start to whiten.

For this reason, many people start using Glutathione as a skin whitener.

Glutathione is commonly known as L-glutathione, and is promoted as a health supplement or a skin whitener by retail stores. There are also several online retailers who offer this wonderful health supplement for sale.

When buying L-glutathione, there are some things to look out for.

Firstly, you must remember that Glutathione must be produced from within the cells. In other words, amino acids must be present to simulate the environment of the cell before Glutathione can be produced. The three precursor amino acids are glycine, glutamate and cystine.

You should also determine the credibility of an online retailer by performing some due diligence. Visit online forums to read what others are saying about the products and the retailers. Are they overcharging? Are the products working like they are supposed to? If there are any concerns about the L-glutathione products, you will see others complaining about them.

A little bit of legwork is necessary to help safeguard yourself from buying counterfeit L-glutathione supplements. So spend some time to learn more about what Glutathione can or cannot do, and find out which are the established retailers who are offering genuine products.

by Gen Wright

Glutathione - Anti-Oxidant Enzyme

2010-06-09T08:16:00.003+08:00

Glutathione Supporting Immune System.

Glutathione is a dominant anti-oxidant enzyme. It is protein that is physically occurring in your body and protects each cell. Glutathione is the body's master antioxidant to maintaining health. An abundant and important antioxidant found within the cells that plays a massive role in the cell's ability to fight free-radical damage. Glutathione is a small molecule made up of three amino acids, which exists in almost every cell of the body. However, Glutathione must be generated within the cell from its precursors before it can work effectively in the body.

Glutathione is a water-soluble antioxidant complex made in the body and provided by the diet Glutathione is present in the diet in amounts usually less than 100 milligrams daily, and it does not emerge that much of the oral intake is absorbed from the intestine into the blood. Glutathione is not an essential nutrient since it can be synthesized from the amino acids L-cysteine, L-glutamate and glycine. The liver is the major site of glutathione synthesis. In healthy tissue, more than 90% of the total glutathione pool is in the reduced form and less than 10% exists in the disulfide form. The enzyme glutathione disulfide reeducate is the principal enzyme that maintains glutathione in its reduced form.

What does Glutathione do?

Glutathion is essential to keep the normal function of the immune system. It is known to play an important role in the multiplication of lymphocytes (the cells that mediate specific immunity), which occurs in the development of an effective immune reaction. Glutathione has three major roles in the immune system: Antioxidant (A cell''s most important Antioxidant), Immune booster (A component of the Immune response) and Detoxifier (A Detoxifying agent in our body). The cells of the immune system produce many oxygen radicals as a result of their normal functioning, resulting in a need for higher concentrations of antioxidants than most cells. Glutathione plays an essential role in fulfilling this requirement. Glutathione also acts as a chelator to bind and conduct out of the body heavy metals that source the free radical damage.

Benefits of Glutathione

* Glutathione is fundamental in supporting the immune system.
* Antioxidants play vital roles in health protection.
* Low Glutathione levels with poor endurance in AIDS patients.
* It is a powerful antioxidant and thus neutralizes free radicals and prevents their development.
* Glutathione is capable to reduce oxidized Vitamin C and Vitamin E back to their unoxidized state.
* It maintains the cellular redox likely.
* Protects the reliability of red blood cells.
* Glutathione is implicated in maintaining normal brain function.

Glutathione Precautions

Pregnant women and nursing mothers should keep away from the use of supplementary glutathione. Glutathione is a stray drug for the healing of AIDS-associated cachexia. Its use for this suggestion must be medically supervised.

Suggested Use

Dosage ranges from 50 to 600 milligrams daily, or as recommended by your health care professional.

by Jenny

Glutathione - How Does It Give Me Energy, And How Is It Anti Aging?

2010-05-28T07:43:00.002+08:00

Glutathione - how does it give me energy and how is it anti aging? Many today are dealing with fatigue, and so we would like to know how glutathione can give us the energy we need to get us through our day. We all want to stay younger and resist aging too, so how is glutathione anti aging?

There is a new generation of what are now called mitochondrial disorders surrounding us at every turn. Conditions such as chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, and lupus may be grouped into this category. The mitochondria are like the batteries for your cell. If they become damaged due to oxidative stress or other factors, then the power is drained from them and they cannot power your cells, which in turn cannot power you to have energy to get through your day. Very often, low energy means that your mitochondria are damaged in some way at the cellular level. Mitochondria are your cell's power source, so you want to keep them healthy for great energy!

Glutathione actually repairs and regenerates your mitochondria at the cellular level. If you have high glutathione levels, your cells will have the energy to do what they need to do, and keep you going all day long!

So now we would like to know, how is glutathione anti aging? Human aging is a hot topic. Interest in finding the best anti aging product that really works is at an all-time high today. It has been found that glutathione levels are highest in the healthy elderly. Could there be a connection between glutathione and anti aging? The average human life span is getting longer with advances in health care, but along with that, humans most importantly want not only to live longer, but better, with a higher quality of life as they age.

And they are looking for the best anti aging product to help them to do just that. Is that true of you? Chances are, if you are looking for the best anti aging product, your friends are probably looking too. Regarding the length of our human life span, note what Duke University demographer James Vaupel said: “There is no evidence that human life expectancy is anywhere close to its ultimate limit.” Perhaps we were indeed made to live much longer than we do? Could we have been created to live even forever?

Is the secret to unlocking this scientific secret somehow connected to this precious little glutathione molecule?

What does research tell us about glutathione as the best anti aging product? Note what some other noteworthy professionals are now saying. In the bestseller “Stop Aging Now!”, Jean Carper is quoted as saying, “You must get your levels of GSH (glutathione) up if you want to keep your youth and live longer. High blood levels of GSH predict good health as you age and a long life. Low levels predict early disease and death.” Think of that!

High Glutathione = Youth + Health + Longer Life!

Low Glutathione = Early Disease + Death!

Which of those sounds better to you? These experts are joining a growing list of researchers who are publishing their findings about anti aging nutrients, and the results are astounding to say the least. How many people do you know that would like to keep their youth, live longer and have optimal health? Probably every single person you know.

If you knew you had just found the best anti aging product, would you let them know? Absolutely, you would. I would too, and that is why I am letting you know about it here. And therein lies the tremendous value of this information. You have just struck gold. Human aging touches each and every one of us and those that we love. And now you know about the best anti aging product, and you and all you know can benefit from using it. Since human aging affects all of us, glutathione is for two groups of people - the sick and the healthy. Have I left anyone out?

It is very interesting to note that decreases in GSH due to age are seen in all tissues of the body, including the liver, kidney, lung, heart, spleen, and the brain. If we raise these levels, this will indeed dramatically affect our aging process. As one of the anti aging foods, it will help us to age better.

So now you know how glutathione works to restore cellular energy and also has an anti aging effect on the body. Stay tuned for the next report in the Glutathione Series - “What does and doesn't work to raise glutathione?” Here's a hint - you can't just eat it!

by Laura McCallum

What Glutathione Is, And How It Works

2010-05-14T07:07:00.002+08:00

Glutathione sounds like a medical term and traditionally, very few people know what it is. However, this term is becoming more and more commonly known. It is a type of antioxidant that offers tremendous health benefits.

Glutathione in the body is responsible for getting rid of harmful toxic substances. As we go about our daily activities, the human body is absorbs harmful toxins from food and our surroundings. Usually, we are not aware that this is happening because we don't see or experience the harmful effects of the toxins. For example, we may take in pesticide, which is a harmful toxin, when we consume vegetables that have not been properly cleaned. As such toxins are invisible, it is almost impossible to prevent this from happening.

Fortunately, our body has a natural form of defense against such harmful substances - Glutathione.

Glutathione naturally exists in our human bodies. When it comes in contact with harmful toxins, the toxins become soluble, and they are then easily ejected from the body through urination. Because of it is a very powerful antioxidant, doctors like to use it to treat a variety of illnesses and diseases that are related to harmful toxins. For instance, you may find Glutathione being consumed by cancer patients to improve general health. Consumption of Glutathione actually helps improve the immune system and promotes general health.

But the problem with Glutathione is that it depletes with age. The older a person grows, the less Glutathione the body produces. Hence, as an individual starts to age, the body natural defenses also weaken.

On top of that, Glutathione levels may sometimes not be enough to combat damage caused by harmful toxins. In other words, the level of harmful toxins in the body is much higher than what Glutathione can deal with. As a result, the body starts to break down, and becomes vulnerable to diseases.

So what can be done to rectify such situations?

The first step to take, is to find some kind of antioxidant that is powerful enough to replace or replenish the level of Glutathione in the body. Fortunately, Glutathione is available in capsule or pill form as supplements. The actual dosage depends on individual needs. If unsure, always seek medical advice on the appropriate dosage to consume.

However, when consuming Glutathione supplements, bear in mind that Glutathione can only be produced inside the cells. Therefore, the precursors for Glutathione has to be present in the supplements. These amino acids are glycine, glutamate and cystine. The reduced form of Glutathione is actually known as L-glutathione. This is the label you should be looking out for if you are considering buying such supplements.

Finally, be reminded that L-glutathione is just like any other type of supplements - they must be taken in moderation. Usually, L-glutathione that is sold as health supplements also come with other types of vitamins such as vitamin C or some other type of antioxidant.

by FastSubmitArticles.com

Glutathione Therapy And Parkinson's Disease

2010-04-29T07:17:00.002+08:00

Today, the number of people with Parkinson's disease is way too high. This disease brings with it discomfort, frustration, and pain. However, Dr. Perlmutter has discovered a new form of treatment, pioneering what is called Glutathione Therapy.

Glutathione therapy was pioneered by Dr. Perlmutter, showing impressive results that have exceeded anything imagined. Keep in mind that having IV Glutathione therapy is not designed to make the symptoms disappear but to slow down the progression of Parkinson's disease by reducing free radicals.

Studies show that as many as 90% of people who have undergone Glutathione therapy have seen huge changes. With Parkinson's disease, dopamine receptors begin to lose their ability to be sensitive.

However, by using this particular type of treatment, the brain's dopamine begins to function more normally, which improves levels of sensitivity. Additionally, studies also show that serotonin levels within the brain are also brought back to a normal range, which alleviates problems of depression.

In most cases of Glutathione therapy and Parkinson's, the patient is given 1,400 milligrams on a daily basis with saline. Using an IV drip for ten minutes, three times every week allows the medication to enter the bloodstream so it can get to work quickly.

There are also other forms of Glutathione to include supplements and liquid but for Parkinson's disease, IV Glutathione is the only method that works. In addition, some doctors prefer to add in various types of amino acids and milk thistle to make the treatment even more effective.

One of the greatest breakthroughs associated with IV Glutathione therapy is that medication used for treating Parkinson's disease such as Levodopa that has a number of side effects, can often be decreased or eliminated altogether. Of course, no patient should stop taking prescribed medication unless directed by the treating doctor but with Glutathione therapy, studies show that this is a real possibility.

Another huge benefit of using IV Glutathione therapy is that there are no major side effects. Unlike many medications, this means that serious problems such as heart attack and stroke are gone. Then, the affordability of Glutathione therapy has many people excited.

To get started on Glutathione therapy, the price ranges between $300 and $400 a month but usually, this FDA-approved drug is covered by insurance.

For the patients with Parkinson's disease who have gone the IV Glutathione therapy route, they are pleasantly surprised at how quickly they improve. Regaining some sense of normalcy is a huge blessing. Because of the quick turn-around, doctors and patients are thrilled with this treatment option. Today, IV Glutathione is used often for people with Parkinson's disease but patients with irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and other illnesses are also finding relief.

As you can see, this is without doubt, an exciting breakthrough. Using Glutathione therapy, people can start to take back some control over their lives. The results have surprised many and continue to make huge improvements in people's lives. This treatment option is getting more and more attention as being the best solution not only for Parkinson's but other diseases too.

by Renee Dietz

Truckers Driving To Better Health With Glutathione

2010-04-14T07:00:00.002+08:00

Professional, over the road truck driving can take its toll on the human body. Stress, poor diet, low excercise and lack of rest often lead to health problems for truck drivers. Even local drivers experience the side effects of a professional driving career. Nothing is more important to the OTR driver than being able to start the day feeling rested and having the mental alertness that is needed for the safe operation of that 18 wheeler.

Thanks to years of research and over 60,000 published papers, people are now discovering the health benefits of a powerful antioxidant. Truckers can literally drive themselves to better health with Glutathione.

A very small molecule, Glutathione is produced by the body and found in every cell. It is the body's most important antioxidant because it is actually within the cell itself. Antioxidants, such as Vitamin C and E are important for good health because they inactivate the effects of free radicals, which build up in our cells and cause damage. Free radicals are atoms or groups of atoms that have an unpaired number of electrons. Once formed, these radicals will start a chain reaction within the body and by interacting with cellular components such as our DNA or the cell membrane, can lead to health problems such as cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's, cataracts and Aids...just to name a few. Antioxidants are needed in order to fight against these free radicals in order for us to maintain good health.

Since Glutathione exists within our cells, studies have shown that it is in the greatest position to neutralize these free radicals. Medical research has also shown that Glutathione is found in all types of cells, including the cells of our immune system. The powerful effect of Glutathione shows that it keeps our cells running smoothly. Research has also shown that Glutathione assists the liver in removing foreign chemicals from our bodies.

Years of research have shown that people suffering from serious illnesses, such as cancer and Aids, almost in every case, are depleted in Glutathione. Why their bodies are depleted of this self producing antioxidant is unclear, but the studies have shown that Glutathione is extremely important for maintaining intracellular health. Glutathione studies continue to show that it has the ability to fight nearly any disease, even those associated with the aging process.

The common aches and pains brought on by truck driving, along with fatigue, is a common sign of Glutathione depletion. Taking pure Glutathione will not help because the molecules are destroyed by the digestive system. Therefore, one must take the precursors of Glutathione, glutamine and acetyle cysteine, which will allow the body to produce Glutahtione naturally.

If I had not experienced it for myself, I never would have believed it. Now, professional truck drivers are discovering the importance of Glutathione. The trucking life can bring about stress, fatigue and all those little aches and pains commonly associated with the aging process. Glutathione is proving itself for its worth among the medical field. Remember that name, Glutathione...I'm sure you're going to be hearing more about it in the years to come.

by Aubrey Allen Smith

How Is Glutathione Important To Your Health?

2010-03-22T08:52:00.001+08:00

Here are some things that you might like to know about glutathione: glutathione is a compound made naturally in the body it is our bodies primary detoxifier and acts as an immune system enhancer, it is the most important and abundant antioxidant in the body, as an antioxidant it has the ability to recycle itself and it recycles other antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E. Since glutathione has the ability to recycle itself, it never becomes a free radical itself unlike other antioxidants which do become free radicals after neutralizing free radicals.

We are born with glutathione in our bodies and it decreases with age due to environmental toxins and poor nutrition. Normally glutathione recycles itself except for when toxic levels become too high. These days we have polluted our environment with heavy metals pesticides and various other nasty items. Generally speaking we tend to have a pretty poor diet that consists largely of prepackaged and processed food. So environmental toxins and other stressers tend to cause us to deplete our glutathione levels and then, due to our poor diet, we don’t eat correctly to replace those levels and that is why over time our systems get depleted levels of glutathione.

It turns out that glutathione is made up of the amino acids cystine, glycine and glutamine. The secret of its power is the sulfur molecules, sulfur is a very sticky molecule and allows heavy metals and free radicals stick to it so it can flush them out of the body. So eating sulfur containing foods, such as, sulfurous vegetables like broccoli, garlic and asparagus are good. Alpha Lipoic acid, folic vitamin B12 and B6 and milk thistle will all help your body to produce more glutathione. Bioactive whey protein is also a good source to replenish glutathione levels.

So increasing the glutathione levels in your body will not only help you recover from stress and enhance your immune system but it will also help you recover faster from exercising and it will increase your mental acuity and the ability to concentrate and focus. Another interesting fact about glutathione is that its results are verifiable and quantifiable through blood tests, specifically, through lymphocyte blood tests.

Glutathione therapy is now being used on Parkinsons disease patients, it is not used to make the symptoms disappear but it is used to slow down the progress of Parkinsons and the nice thing about it is that it has no major side effects. As much as 90% of the people who’ve gone on glutathione therapy have experienced dramatic results. This disease causes dopamine receptors in the brain to lose their sensitivity. With this treatment dopamine is allowed to function more effectively, which means dopamine sensitivity is improved as well as the brain serotonin levels that help decrease levels of depression.

This type of glutathione therapy consists of people getting IV drips with saline approximately 1400 mg along with saline. This is done for 10 minutes three times weekly. Glutathione has to be taken with an IV because it is if it is taken orally it is broken down and rendered ineffective by the digestive system.

So if you have Parkinsons disease or any other type of illness this could be a good solution for you. However, the logic of improving your nutrition and taking supplements that will allow your body to create, increase and maintain its own levels of glutathione makes a whole lot of sense. Finding a supplement that is engineered with the right nutrition to help your body produce and maintain its glutathione levels would be a good thing.

by Kurtwill

Glutathione Levels Indicate Your State Of Health

2010-03-09T06:52:00.001+08:00

Glutathione, pronounced gloo-ta-thigh-on and known as GSH, is the body's master antioxidant. Because glutathione exists within the cells, it is in a prime position to neutralize free radicals. It also has potentially widespread health benefits because it can be found in all types of cells, including the cells of the immune system, whose job is to fight disease. However according to research, this precious antioxidant's production begins to decline dramatically at age 20.

Dr. Robert Keller, a leading researcher on the benefits of Glutathione, suggest Glutathione supplements themselves may not be the best solution for this problem. Through clinical studies Dr. Keller found that taking even the best Glutathione supplements are not effective in reversing falling Glutathione levels.

This is because Glutathione is, for the most part, destroyed by stomach acid prior to being absorbed into the body and benefiting the cells. Then even if it passes through the digestive system the molecule would still have to penetrate the cell wall. Due to the fact that it is so large it cannot.

Dr. Keller found that each cell in the body acts as a manufacturing center of Glutathione when supplied with the right "building blocks". Ingesting these smaller "components" provides the cells what is needed to produce Glutathione.

Dr. Keller found that after supplying his patients "the right components" their body's Glutathione levels increased significantly. Several benefits were observed including...
1)Dramatically Raising Energy Levels
2)Strengthening the Immune System
3)Slowing Down the Aging Process
4)Fighting Inflammation
5)Improved Athletic Performance & Recovery
6)Detoxifying of the Body

Dr. Robert Keller was named one of America's "Top Physicians in 2003, 2004 and 2005 in the fields of Internal Medicine, Immunology and Hematology.

Here is what the former president of the American Medical Association had to say regarding Dr. Keller's research on Glutathione and its benefits:

"...In my opinion, represents the single most important breakthrough in health that I will witness in my life time. I believe it will revolutionize, change, and transform the practice of medicine world-wide and make Dr Robert Keller more famous than Jonas Salk who created the polio vaccine."--Dr. John C. Nelson, 159th President of the American Medical Association.

Dr. Keller has served on the faculties of the Mayo Graduate School of Medicine, the University of Wisconsin and the Medical College of Wisconsin (Marquette Univ.) He has published more than 100 original articles in various scientific and medical journals and has been awarded several patents. Dr Keller has dedicated his life to helping critically ill. He was recognized for his many achievments and was elected to The Board of Governors of the American Academy of HIV medicine.

by Walter Bell

Glutathione Side Effects - What Are They?

2010-02-24T22:30:00.001+08:00

Many would like to know what are glutathione side effects. What are they? Find out here!

I am often asked the question, "What Are Glutathione Side Effects?" To start off with, it would be good to know what glutathione is and what functions it has in the body. Glutathione is a beneficial protein in every cell of your body, and it functions as an antioxidant, immune system optimizer, detoxifier , energy restorer, and antiaging protein. So now we need to know : What are the side effects of glutathione?

This is a tricky question, since this question usually comes up with drugs or pharmaceuticals. We want to know if we take drug X, what are its side effects? So naturally based on this reasoning, we may ask if we take glutathione, side effects that may follow would be what? You have already learned what glutathione or natural glutathione does in the body. So you could say that glutathione side effects are antioxidation, immune system building, detoxification, energy and anti-aging. Not bad for a list of so-called side effects!

To illustrate this, we all know that we have blood in our circulatory system, and this is made up of white blood cells, red blood cells, plasma, and platelets. We could ask the question, “What are the side effects of white blood cells?” Well, they fight infection, but really, we don’t ask that question, because we know they are naturally occurring, we need them, and they play a positive role in the body. They fight infection, and without them, we would be dead from some kind of illness or infection. It’s the same with glutathione, yet it is still such a new word to many that immediately the assumption is made that if we take it, there must be glutathione side effects.

Here's an interesting fact : You would be dead right now if you didn’t have glutathione in each and every one of your cells quietly doing its job.

So asking the question “What are the side effects of glutathione?” would be similar to asking “What are the side effects of white blood cells?” The answer is all positive things that are necessary to your bodily function. While that may be the exact answer to your question, what are glutathione side effects, it may not be what you were looking for. Let’s see if we can cover that now. You might want to know, "Can I just take a glutathione pill?" Glutathione, when taken orally as a glutathione pill, or in any other form, including reduced glutathione, is destroyed in the digestive tract, and so glutathione side effects when taken directly by mouth would be none, good or bad. It might make your wallet a little lighter though!

So now we may be asking : “Ok, I understand there are no side effects from taking glutathione. I can't take a glutathione pill. I must take in the building blocks or precursors. So what are the side effects on my glutathione system?” Perhaps a better way to phrase the question would be : “What would be the side effects of glutathione if I raise it in my body?” There are several ways to raise glutathione in the body, and we will cover two of the most thoroughly studied ways to raise glutathione here. Raising glutathione may have some side effects that vary depending on the building blocks you use. We will now discuss the two most well studied and effective ways to raise glutathione - N-acetyl-cysteine and the Undenatured Whey Protein called Immunocal. The glutathione side effects mentioned below will be in addition to the positive glutathione side effects that were already mentioned above. So in considering your choices, weigh all possible negative glutathione side effects against the positive ones which apply to all the ways to raise natural glutathione mentioned below.

Remember, you absolutely have to have glutathione in your cells to be alive and healthy. And if you are over 40 or have any chronic health condition, you are likely deficient in this, and will benefit from raising your glutathione levels. Now we will consider the side effects of raising glutathione with the first building block: N-Acetyl-Cysteine or NAC. N-acetyl-cysteine is a pharmaceutical drug that has been used in emergency medicine for years in treating acetaminophen overdose. It is very effective when given in large doses in an emergency room setting when someone is going into liver failure from an overdose of acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol. There is also a popular glutathione enhancer on the market that contains N-acetyl-cysteine as its main active ingredient. This box label says: "Caution: This Product is for adult use only. It is not for use by young children, pregnant women or nursing mothers. Allergy warning: This product contains ingredients derived from shellfish and mushrooms."

What are the possible glutathione side effects of N-acetyl-cysteine? Always check with your medical practitioner before deciding on any treatment for raising your glutathione if you have any questions or concerns. The main side effects with N-acetyl-cysteine have to do with its short half life and toxicity. They include the following:

• Short half life, so has to be administered several times a day to be effective
• Rash
• Wheezing
• Nausea
• Anaphylaxis-like allergic reaction, which may include difficulty breathing due to bronchospasm*
• Decrease in blood pressure
• Angioedema ( rapid swelling of the skin)
• Vomiting
• Cramps
• Diarrhea

*Repeated overdoses will cause the allergic reaction to progressively worsen.

Although rare, death has been reported in association with N-acetyl-cysteine. Some find the taste and smell unacceptable, due to the sulfur content. Regular N-acetyl-cysteine usage for raising your glutathione is not recommended for infants and small children. More studies need to be done to determine the safety of N-acetyl-cysteine for long term usage. A recent study done at the University of Virginia School of Medicine indicated that N-acetyl-cysteine usage in rats developed pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) that mimicked the effects of chronic hypoxia. They also found that this was "an unanticipated adverse effect of chronic NAC administration and introduce(s) a new animal model of PAH." It should be noted that treating drug overdoses or acute pulmonary disease with N-acetyl-cysteine requires monitoring by a health professional. Suggested non-prescription oral doses range from 200-2,400 mg/day depending on one’s health.

Now we will discuss the glutathione side effects from raising glutathione with the undenatured whey protein Immunocal. Other terms that may be used to identify this substance is bonded cysteine, undenatured whey protein isolate, or undenatured whey protein concentrate. Two of the best well known ways for raising glutathione are with N-Acetyl-Cysteine, which was considered above, and undenatured whey protein. Immunocal has been extensively studied for over 30 years now. It is a nutraceutical, or medicinal food. It delivers bonded cysteine to the cells where you can make glutathione right there in your cells.

Here are the considerations for those evaluating Immunocal, taken from the product label:

• Patients with a known allergy to milk proteins , should not take this. This is different than lactose intolerance, since the lactose has been removed. It contains less than 1% lactose and is therefore well tolerated by lactose-intolerant individuals. The best way to know if you are allergic to milk proteins is if you know for a fact that you were allergic to your mother's breast milk as an infant, and as a result were unable to breastfeed. This is quite rare. 

• Patients on a protein restricted diet should take into account that there is 9 grams of protein per pouch.

• Patients undergoing immunosuppressive therapy should discuss the use of this product with their health practitioner. The reason for this is if you are on drugs to keep your immune system suppressed or working at a lower level, undenatured whey protein could theoretically interfere with these drugs by allowing your immune system to be stimulated.  This would be especially important if you have recently received an organ transplant and are taking drugs to make sure you do not reject the organ. It should be noted that there are no documented cases of Immunocal interfering with an organ transplant, but this is stated as a general precaution.

Undenatured whey protein is a dry powder, and needs to be mixed to be consumed. Glutathione side effects with bonded cysteine powder may include the following if not mixed properly :

• Gastrointestinal Bloating
• Cramps

This can be prevented by mixing it appropriately with a liquid or food as instructed.

• A transient urticarial (hive)-like rash may appear in rare individuals that are undergoing a severe detoxification reaction. This rash goes away when the product intake is reduced or stopped.

I have not personally known anyone that has had this reaction, called a Herxheimer Reaction, but as mentioned, you can reduce the amount or stop it completely. I have known of individuals who were detoxing and felt sluggish or nauseous, and I recommended they get extra rest and drink plenty of water, half their body weight in ounces, and this phase usually passes within a few days depending on the individual. This is an indication that you have a heavy toxin load, and the glutathione, through your liver and kidneys, is trying to remove the toxins from your system. Since you detoxify in your sleep, and water hydrates you and keeps things moving, water and sleep definitely help you to flush these liquefied toxins from your system.

Lastly, you may want to know , "Can I take too much or accidentally overdose on glutathione? What are the side effects of a glutathione overdose?" The Physician's Desk Reference tells us that when we take the building blocks for glutathione, the cell makes just as much as it needs, and no more. If you take in more building blocks than you need, the excess is stored in your liver and kidneys until you need them. Additionally it is noted that overdosing on undenatured whey protein has not been reported. Always use good sense and follow recommended guidelines when taking any glutathione enhancer, whether it be pharmaceutical (drug) or nutraceutical (food).

In conclusion, what are the side effects of natural glutathione? They are anti-oxidation, immune system boosting, detoxification, energy, and anti-aging. There are many ways to raise glutathione, so we may also ask what are the glutathione side effects of raising it with several precursors? The best studied ones are with two forms of cysteine, N-acetyl-cysteine and bonded cysteine or Immunocal. Compare the potential side effects with each one, and weigh them against the positive glutathione side effects that are true of both of these substances. Do your research, and make the best choice for you!

by Laura McCallum

Parkinson's Disease And The Glutathione Discovery

2010-02-11T22:19:00.002+08:00

If you have Parkinson's Disease, you may have heard whispers about the results people with PD are experiencing by raising their glutathione levels. Their symptoms are vastly diminishing and even disappearing altogether. As the news of glutathione travels around the world, those whispers are becoming a roar.

The roar is: Glutathione repairs cellular damage.

If you have Parkinson's, the free radical damage to your cells is already very advanced. What's really scary is, it is also likely that you have extremely low levels of glutathione, your body's master anti-oxidant and most important free radical fighter. If you have PD, the free radicals are winning, and you're paying the price.

Your glutathione levels could be as low as 2% of normal. This is why people with Parkinson's Disease who are taking the steps necessary to raise their glutathione levels are experiencing freedom from their symptoms. This is big news in the war against PD.

The battle cry is growing louder as more and more studies are coming out every month that positively validate the connection between Parkinson's, free radical damage, and low glutathione levels.

So, What Is Glutathione?

Glutathione is produced in every single one of your cells. It is your body's master anti-oxidant. This means four big things:

Glutathione neutralizes free radicals.
Glutathione repairs cell damage already done by free radicals.
Glutathione detoxifies you and flushes toxins out of your body.
Glutathione recharges all of your other anti-oxidants.

If you're a little fuzzy on the nature of free radicals and the extensive damage that they do, or the vital importance of anti-oxidants (free radical fighters.)

Recent research has analyzed the brain tissue of people with Parkinson's, and scientists have found that the damage is consistent with extensive oxidative stress. Oxidative stress IS free radical damage. Basically, the brain tissue of people living with Parkinson's, and other neurodegenerative diseases, is 'rusting.'

Fighting free radicals means fighting the rust. Glutathione is the master rust-fighter; it can actually repair cellular damage. And what this means for people with PD is that their symptoms can be greatly alleviated, and even reversed, if their glutathione levels are increased.

How Do I Get More Glutathione Inside Me?

It used to be very expensive and inconvenient to raise your body's glutathione levels. You'd have to go to the hospital and have intravenous treatments three or four times a week. Those days are gone.

There is now a safe, easy and natural method of elevating the glutathione levels in your cells. Its effectiveness has been proven by scientists and by people with PD who are experiencing increased freedom from their symptoms.

Where there's a will, there's a whey.

This new treatment is an un-denatured whey supplement. 'Un-denatured' means that the whey's bioactivity is still intact. This is key. If a whey product has been heated during processing, its bioactive qualities have been destroyed. If a whey product is sold in a pail or jar, it will only be a short matter of time before its bioactivity is oxidized and thus destroyed.

Choosing your 'whey' back to health means selecting a whey supplement that is… a) un-denatured and b) packaged in single serving portions. If your whey is still bioactive, then it's armed and ready to fight the free radicals that cause your cells to rust and die.

Science Finds A Whey

Glutathione is made up of three amino acids - glycine, glutamine and cysteine. Both glycine and glutamine are easy to get from your food, but getting cysteine from your mouth into your bloodstream is much more difficult. This is why so many people have low glutathione levels.

Scientists needed to find out how to get cysteine into the body. They already knew that taking cysteine orally, in a capsule, wasn't working. The body was destroying the cysteine before enough of it could get into the cells. Why? Because the body sees a cysteine cell as a threat.

Scientists discovered that when a cysteine cell traveled with another cysteine cell, the body let 'the dynamic duo' move through the stomach and into the blood. Hurray! All the building blocks for producing glutathione were in place.

Was there somewhere in nature where this double-bonded cysteine existed?

Yes, in un-denatured whey.

This was a massive discovery because it meant that the all-important cysteine could get into the cells without being destroyed. Finally, glutathione could be readily made because all three amino acids were together!

There's A Whey to Take Back Your Life From PD

There is now scientific evidence that raising your glutathione levels will improve your Parkinson's symptoms. Many people with PD are already experiencing these results. The most exciting discovery about glutathione is that it promotes cellular repair. This is way beyond 'managing your symptoms,' it is actually repairing the damage that is causing your symptoms.

Glutathione is like the general or commander in chief of all the anti-oxidants in your body. It recharges the hundreds of other anti-oxidant soldiers that you have fighting for you. Glutathione provides the artillery and organizes the 'charge!' against the free radical attack. It is your most earnest ally.

Research proves that there is a 'whey' to help glutathione fight the good fight for you: an un-denatured whey supplement. You can support your body in its battle against Parkinson's by making an informed decision about your treatment. And you can help other people living with PD by sharing this information with them, too.

It's a new age of responsibility, and of information. The research is at your fingertips. Find Your Whey Out.

by Tara Hart

Glutathione Good Health And Longevity

2010-01-29T23:22:00.002+08:00

If you are like many people, you probably have not heard about the medical discoveries concerning the naturally occurring amino acid compound, glutathione. However, the discovery has been around for a little over ten years and it has only recently come into medical prominence when the link between the slow deployments of glutathione was linked to the development of autism. As well as this, the properties of glutathione have also been said to have anti-aging properties and have been used to help those who suffer from inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and asthma. The anti-inflammatory properties are what keep it appropriate among many people who are seeking help with these kinds of problems.

Everyone's body has the ability to produce glutathione, but the most important function that it serves is as a sort of detoxification system for your body. This is because large amounts of glutathione are kept in your liver so that it can help to remove many of the harmful toxins that are ingested by turning them into bile so that they can be promptly removed from the body. For many years it has also been recommended as a natural substance that can help people who are getting off drugs by working to get the dangerous toxins out of the body.

There is also a beauty aspect to glutathione as some studies have shown that it has powerful anti-aging affects on the body. One of the reasons that some believe the body becomes more susceptible to the harmful effects of pollution and sunlight as it ages is that over the years the body produces less glutathione. Production capacity declines with age. A deficiency of glutathione can cause a lot of problems as well, especially with coordination and inflammatory disorders such as arthritis and asthma. One way to help make sure the body will not have a reduction of glutathione is to supplement with a glutathione precursor that supports the body's ability to make its own glutathione. The most common way of achieving this is through the use of some kind of glutathione infused whey protein. Whey proteins are limited in their success, however. A new natural glutathione precursor has been developed by a doctor in the USA. The product is clinically tested and proven to raise glutathione levels in the body. Remarkable.

Source: ArticleAlley - maxgxlvip1

Glutathione And It's Support To Adrenal Exhaustion

2010-01-18T22:35:00.002+08:00

For those who suffer from low energy due to adrenal exhaustion, there is good news. Enhancing your glutathione levels may be the key to putting a bounce into your step once again.

Adrenal glands are tiny, about the size of a walnut and sit right above your kidneys. Adrenal glands are vital to your health and well being. Adrenals are responsible for producing cortisol and DHEA, (dehydroepiandrosterone) a natural steroid hormone produced from cholesterol by the adrenal glands. DHEA is chemically similar to testosterone and estrogen and is easily converted into those hormones. DHEA production peaks in our 20’s and starts to decline. DHEA has a lot to do with anti-aging cascades in our body. DHEA is a biological marker or our real age versus chronological age.

When we think of adrenal glands we often think of Stress. Cortisol is a stress hormone that is also produced in the adrenal glands. Stress can be caused by sleep deprivation, physical and emotional stress, toxins, and the excesses in our lives. When our body produces a lot of cortisol it can lead to several things:

1). Cellular Inflammation ( a root of many of the major diseases)
2). Weight gain around the mid section.
3). Estrogen and testosterone production goes down.

Do You Have Adrenal Fatigue? When the adrenal glands are not functioning optimally, you can have a condition that is known as adrenal fatigue, or adrenal exhaustion. Some of the symptoms may include:

* excessive fatigue and exhaustion
* non-refreshing sleep (you get sufficient hours of sleep, but wake fatigued)
* overwhelmed by or unable to cope with stressors
* feeling rundown or overwhelmed
* craving salty and sweet foods
* you feel most energetic in the evening
* a feeling of not being restored after a full night's sleep or having sleep disturbances
* low stamina, slow to recover from exercise
* slow to recover from injury, illness or stress
* difficulty concentrating, brain fog
* poor digestion
* low immune function
* food or environmental allergies
* premenstrual syndrome or difficulties that develop during menopause
* consistent low blood pressure
* extreme sensitivity to cold

As we age we lose on average 12 to 15% of our glutathione levels. This glutathione drop can bring on many of the adrenal fatigue symptoms as well as cellular inflammation. The good news is that there have been some significant breakthroughs recently to increase our glutathione levels. Since glutathione is recognized as the protector of all our cells and the single most important antioxidant, there is finally some real hope for giving support to adrenal exhaustion.

Source: ArticleAlley by Wen2fish

What to Look Out for When Buying Glutathione

2009-12-03T00:22:00.001+08:00

Wine Club Educations

2009-12-03T00:11:00.003+08:00

Getting the most out of life is something all people want. This is especially after spending hard-earned money on some of the finer things in life, like a vacation to a faraway destination, or a sample of some of the most exotic cheese in the world. It is no secret that wine is a drink you can enjoy both on its own or paired up with any food to enhance the overall dining experience. The problem most people have is knowing when to choose the right wines when it comes to certain foods. Sure there are the standard rules like white wines for white meats like chicken or fish and red wines for beef and other red meats, but when it comes to specifics, just how clueless can many of us get?

Enter a wine of the month club. It should never be enough that a wine drinker will stick to such crude methods of estimation when it comes to wine pairing. The truest appreciation of wines, whether it be Italian wines, French wines, American or any other, lies in knowing and studying the subtle differences in taste and weights. Think of wines of the month clubs as a sort of wine school at home.

With monthly or quarterly deliveries of bottles of wine to your doorstep, wines of the month clubs aim to expand your knowledge not only of the wine and its various differences in taste, it will also give you valuable and perhaps even first-hand information about the vintage, the wine maker, and the region in which that particular wine is made. While it is true that certain parts of this information can be acquired through various means, there really is no substitute for having that fine Italian Vino in your glass and actually drinking the wonderful nectar for yourself.

Actual wine schooling and getting a degree as a sommelier is a very expensive process only undergone by those who are serious about making wine a career. But if your intention is knowing enough to know the subtle differences in wines and try out exotic blends for yourself at the comfort of your own home, then joining a wine of the month club is more suited for you. It is as much an education about wine as it is sommelier school minus the professional aspect of it all and at almost a fraction of the cost. It is suited mainly for causal wine drinkers interested in gaining information about the art.

Knowing what goes with a good bottle of Vino is just as important as knowing a good Vino in itself. Most wines of the month clubs offer handy suggestions as to what foods will pair best with their selections, allowing you more insight into the delicate art of food and wine pairing. This kind of knowledge is important especially if you are interested in starting your own wine tastings at home or taking a trip into various wine schools and wineries across the country.

Wine of the month clubs are excellent ways to get started in your journey to better understanding the wonderful nectar that is wine. With a wealth of experience and expertise heading each wine club, one is sure to get as much an education about the many aspects of wine, including preparation and blending, as any top wine school. The experience of being able to sample several bottles of the many wines described in the comfort of your own home is also a very good plus. Most wine clubs sent 2-4 bottles a month depending on state delivery laws and quarterly wine clubs send around 4-12 bottles of wine.

Sponsor: Wine Of The Month | VidaJoy

Anti-Aging Glutathione

2009-11-23T22:01:00.001+08:00

The use of supplemental glutathione for anti-aging has sparked controversy in the medical community, with some researchers calling it a powerful health restorative and others saying there's just not enough evidence to justify those claims.

Glutathione (also sometimes known as GHS) is a natural compound. It is found in some foods, including many fruits, vegetables, and meats, and it can also be synthesized within the body, from three amino acids (L-cysteine, L-glutamic acid, and glycin).

Glutathione is known to be a powerful antioxidant
, effective at protecting cells from free radicals (unstable molecules formed during the process of cellular oxidation). It's active in human lungs and in many other organ systems and tissues, and plays an active role in maintaining the immune system.

Though glutathione was first isolated eighty years ago, it's metabolism within the body has only been understood since 1984. Studies and clinical trials of glutathione in the treatment of cancer, ALS, cystic fribrosis, and asthma are currently taking place, but though studies on its potential health benefits are ongoing, a relatively limited body of research is currently available.

Antioxidant = Anti-Aging?
Glutathione's potent antioxidant properties give it what appears to be enormous potential as an anti-aging supplement, because many of the health problems associated with free radical damage. Antioxidants can neutralize free radicals, preventing and even repairing the damage they do.

Preliminary research has shown a correlation between high glutathione levels and good health in older adults
, but while initial results seem promising most studies on the substance have been small and limited.

Questions About Best Method of Supplementation
One of the primary questions about glutathione is whether oral supplements are effective. Some studies have indicated that giving patients oral supplements of as much as 3000 IU resulted in no increase in blood levels of glutathione, while other research showed that taking other nutritional compounds did effectively raise blood levels of glutathione. In one trial, supplementation of vitamin C raised glutathione blood levels by almost 50%. The study concluded that vitamin C raises glutathione levels by helping the body produce it.

But though questions persist about the extent to which oral glutathione can be absorbed, small studies using other methods of supplementation have produced exciting results. Glutathione administered intravenously or intramuscularly has been found useful for preventing clot formation during operations, treating Parkinson's disease, reducing high blood pressure in diabetics, and increasing the effectiveness of certain chemotherapy drugs.

Source: EasyArticles | RAB

How Can Glutathione Help With Immunity, Detoxification Or Even Cancer

2009-11-16T10:52:00.001+08:00

It's a known fact, everyone wants to live a longer and happier life. And really, all that is required to achieve this is to have a healthy mind and a healthy body. A healthy body is one which is full of energy, good immunity and a great detoxification system. I'm sure you agree, you need to have all the three for the best results. However something that you may not know is one nutrient specifically plays an important role in providing all three of these, and it is known as 'Glutathione'. Your body itself synthesizes this vital nutrient and all you have to do is to support your body ability to produce glutathione in adequate amounts.

Glutathione - the anti-oxidant and free radicals

Our body undergoes wear and tear continuously. It is exposed to so many harmful things. It is exposed to stress, pollution, radiation, infection, drugs, poor diet, aging, injury, trauma etc. All these pile up a dangerous group of chemicals called free radicals. These get accumulated in the cells. These free radicals meddle with the normal functioning of the cells.

Free radicals need to be removed if your bodies cells are to function normally. This is where anti-oxidants play a major role. They neutralize these free radicals and prevent them from causing further damage to the cells. Glutathione is the super anti-oxidant that is present inside the cell itself. It is present in all cells and efficiently nullifies the effects of free radicals. The incredible thing is that Glutathione is produced naturally in our body. However as we age we produce less and less, eventually allowing free radicals to run freely in our body. Creating disease and other problems we call, "the signs of aging"

Glutathione and immunity

A weak immune system is helpless in preventing various infections. If your immune system is low, for example if you have an HIV infection, even bacteria that are very mild without causing any disease can enter your body producing various symptoms. The vital molecule glutathione is present in all cells including the cells of the immune system. They readily ward off any kind of infection. You have to keep the optimum level of glutathione inside the cells. All you really have to do is keep a diet rich in glutathione and help your body to create more of it.

Glutathione and detoxification

There is a wonderful organ in our body - the liver. It synthesizes protein, stores energy and removes the toxic substances from the body. Whatever is considered a foreign substance and deemed toxic, are removed from the body by the liver. With the help of a few chemical substances and a few chemical reactions involving them, the liver neutralizes these toxic substances by a process called detoxification.

Detoxification occurs in two phases - phase I and phase II reactions. A number of chemical substances are involved in this. And the most important one is the glutathione. Though glutathione is available in many natural food substances like fresh fruits and vegetables, the liver can synthesize glutathione on its own when necessity arises.

Glutathione and cancer

With improved standard of living and better medical facilities, the diseases caused by infections have decreased. But there is an increase in the incidence of many non-infectious diseases including cancer. Research has shown that people who suffer from cancer have low levels of glutathione in their body. By keeping the glutathione at normal levels, cancer can either be prevented or its progression can be stopped.

Source: ArticleCube | Michael Van Masters

Glutathione The Untold Story

2009-11-10T22:17:00.000+08:00

Most people know about antioxidants and their role as free radical scavengers. Most people know that examples of antioxidants include Vitamin A, C, E and the mineral selenium. Most people also know that antioxidants neutralize tissue damaging free radicals and remove them from the body.

This is where the story becomes more interesting. Like a good mystery there appears to be another character central to the theme. This character is yet to have a face or even a name, but is somehow key to how this story excitedly unfolds. Glutathione.

Glutathione is the master antioxidant of the body. It is produced in every cell of your body and is key to cellular detoxification. Glutathione is also key to energy production at the mitochondria level helping to convert metabolic processes into stored energy called ATP. These two functions both help optimize cellular function.

The story however takes a bit of a tragic turn. Glutathione levels begin to fall at about the age of 20. There is typically a 1% decline every year as we age. The body’s natural mechanism to detoxify becomes progressively less effective. Cell function begins to depart from optimal. One could hypothesize that age related diseases might have something to do with this. I am reaching for the tissues!

As always knowing more about the story allows the different pieces to fall into place. Thankfully science and research have illuminated yet another central character for us to ponder as we reach for new perspectives to improve our health.

Source: SelfGrowth | Todd Peaceheart

Glutathione - What Is It? Five Things You Should Know

2009-11-06T04:39:00.000+08:00

You hear more and more people talking about a funny sounding word nowadays. That word is glutathione. If you are saying: "Gluta - what?" Don't worry, not too long ago I was saying the same thing.Glutathione, pronounced "glue-ta-thigh-own" can be remembered by the guys by how they fasten their tie, or by the ladies by how that thigh just seems to be glued right on. Either way works. Funny word, but this little word gets down to serious business in your body.

Glutathione is a protein that is made up of three amino acids. The amino acids are cystine, glutamine, and glycine. Together, these three amino acids combine from the foods you eat and make glutathione in your cells.

What does glutathione do in your body? It has hundreds of positive roles, but if you can remember AN IDEA , you will remember most of what it does. Here are glutathione's main functions in your body:

1. ANtioxidant: Oxidative stress or oxidation is going on in your body all day long, whether you realize it or not. And research is now tying our biggest killers like heart disease, stroke, and cancer to oxidative stress. Glutathione combats oxidative stress in your body. So you absolutely need it to survive and be healthy. And if you didn't have it in your cells right now, you would be dead.

2. Immune System Optimizer: Research is now showing that glutathione actively boosts your immune system by raising T-cell production, and T-cells are crucial in fighting infection. This points to other positive roles in treating diseases where the patient has lowered or suppressed immunity. If a person has an autoimmune disorder, then glutathione re-balances their immune system. The best description for this process is immune system optimization.

3. Detoxification: We are surrounded by toxins at every turn, in our air, food, and water. Glutathione effectively detoxifies by binding to them and taking them out of the body. In this way it supports liver and kidney function as well.

4. Energy: The mitochondria are the powerhouses within your cells. They give you energy, and if they are damaged, you may suffer from a lack of energy, such as in chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia. Glutathione has been studied and shown to actually repair damaged mitochondria on the cellular level. That means more energy for you!

5. Anti-Aging: Glutathione has also been shown in research to play a key role in the aging process. By reducing oxidative stress, its role as an antioxidant is tied in to the human aging process. More research is currently ongoing into glutathione's role in anti aging, and promising results are expected in future studies.

So now you have it -

Glutathione: Antioxidant, Immune System Optimizer, Detoxifier, Energy Restorer, and Anti-Aging Supplement. These are the five things you should know about what glutathione does.

What AN IDEA!

You absolutely cannot live without it. Glutathione is one of the most powerful words you can learn about today for great health!

Source: GoArticles | Laura McCallum

What Is Glutathione And How It Affects Your Body

2009-10-31T21:25:00.000+08:00

What is Glutathione and why is it so important to your health and well being? The answer to this question is quite easily answered. Glutathione is your bodies most prevalent antioxidant, blood accelerator, and cell detoxifier. Glutathione is a tripeptide composed of three amino acids- glutamic, cysteine, and glycine. To top all that off, glutathione is found in every cell of your entire body, including all the bile in your body, your epithetical lining, (just a fancy word for the tissue covering your internal organs and other surfaces inside your body) the fluid of the lungs, and in your blood as it flows through your entire body.

Your body depends on glutathione. Without glutathione, your cells would shrivel up and die from unrestrained oxidation, your body would have little resistance to metabolic acids, and your liver would shrivel up from an over abundance of acidic toxins. To put it plainly, glutathione is our bodies most prevalent cell protector. Now, what I mean by that is, there are some antioxidants in our body that take on the role of oxygen, nitrogen or hydroxyl burning inside the cell. These are all types of free radicals, but glutathione takes care of all of them. So, glutathione is a type of "checks and balances" for your body.

Your body burns oxygen for fuel naturally. Now, when you think about oxygen outside of your body, if you put a match to it, the oxygen would ignite. The same thing happens inside your body. Your creating several oxidants inside your cells which could eat away at your cell, and the only thing that can "quench the fire", so to speak, is to create, instill, or generate a antioxidant into your cell that will "quench that fire".

Now, normal bi-products of oxidation can build up over time inside your cells, caused by normal cellular function. Normal environmental issues also play a huge role in the increased build up of bi-products, such as stress, smoking, household cleaning products, prescription drugs, pollution, as well as many more. The oxidative damage they cause can actually break your cells down, and cause massive inflammation at the cellular level. When you think about inflammation I'm sure the thought of breaking a arm or leg comes into mind as well as maybe a heart attack, but realistically inflammation is going on inside your body on a daily basis.

Glutathione's amazing power lies in it's ability to clean and clear oxidants out of a cell from within. Glutathione can naturally neutralize the bi-products of oxidation, and clear out every cell of your body so that the inflammation will be reduced and the cells natural function can return. This in turn keeps the cell living much longer. This hopefully screams at you, that if your keeping your cells alive much longer, your in turn keep you alive a lot longer as well!

Source: Amazines | Garret Laidler

Could Glutathione Be A Predictor Of How Long You Will Live?

2009-10-28T05:56:00.001+08:00

All cells in the body need water, oxygen, glucose and glutathione. The levels of glutathione in our cells could be predictive of how long we will live. For exhaustion and chronic fatigue sufferers reading this, the information that follows is vital to you!

What is glutathione? It is a tri-peptide, or a small protein composed of the amino acids cysteine, glycine and glutamate. Glutathione is made in every cell of the body and it must be made by the 3 amino acids, cysteine, glycine and glutamate. Your body is either replicating healthy cells and delaying the aging process or it is replicating unhealthy cells and speeding up the aging process. Every cell makes and recycles glutathione.The largest amount of glutathione in our bodies is found in the liver, lining of the lungs, kidney, heart and brain.

Why is glutathione important?

1. It is a major antioxidant produced by the cell. It is able to neutralize free radicals and recycle other antioxidants such as vitamins C & E. Glutathione actually helps your body more efficiently use the other antioxidants.

2. It is the body's most effective detoxifier. It binds to undesirable toxins, pollutants, and cancer-causing chemicals, etc. and excretes them through the urine or gut.

3. It improves immune response

4. It helps regulate the cell's vital functions, such as synthesis and repair of DNA.

5. It contributes to the production of red blood cells.

6. It helps in wound healing.

7. It helps build lean muscle mass.

8. It inhibits harmful viruses and bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract.

9. It increases one's aerobic exercise capacity by up to 13%.

While glutathione is produced naturally in our bodies, glutathione levels decrease with age at the rate of 1% a year after age 20. In addition, levels of glutathione can be reduced by stress, exercise, infection, injury and environmental toxins. People who live to 100 years of age, will have glutathione levels similar to 30-50 year olds.

Reduced glutathione levels can result in lower energy, insomnia, cellular damage, inflammation, accelerated aging, and a weakened resistance to various diseases, including heart disease, cancer, arthritis and many other diseases. People with any defined disease have decreased glutathione levels compared with healthy individuals the same age. Low levels of glutathione are actually a marker for over 200 medical conditions. It could be said that low levels of glutathione equal cellular aging, disease, and death!

Glutathione helps to improve mental function, increases energy, improves concentration, permits increased exercise, and improves heart and lung function.

WHAT FOODS ARE HIGH IN GLUTATHIONE?

Avocado, watermelon, asparagus, walnuts, grapefruit, potato, acorn, squash, strawberries, orange, tomato, cantaloupe, broccoli.

Glutathione must be produced within the cell itself. Oral glutathione in pill form is not absorbed and will be eliminated by the liver before reaching the blood stream. Injectable glutathione is degraded by the time it gets to the cell and much of it cannot pass the cell membrane.

HOW CAN A PERSON INCREASE THEIR GLUTATHIONE LEVEL?

In addition to being able to get glutathione in some foods (as listed above), the best way to increase glutathione is through a glutathione precursor. Since glutathione is produced within the cell itself and cannot be easily absorbed into the cell, a person needs to consume a product that will enable the body to produce its own glutathione within the cells. This product would be considered to be a glutathione precursor.

A good glutathione precursor helps your body neutralize free radicals and build healthy cells. Your body replaces about 1% of your cells everyday. Your skin, body, organs, tissue are all constantly in a state of regeneration. Otherwise, your body cells are constantly dying and being regenerated. Thus, in about 3 months time, your cells and you, as a person, can make positive strides in getting healthier!

TO SUMMARIZE

The levels of glutathione in our cells are predictive of how long we will live. Few other factors are as predictive of our life expectancy as is glutathione. It may be referred to as the "master antioxidant" since it regulates the actions of lesser antioxidants including vitamin C and vitamin E in the body. It is the most important antioxidant to overall health.

Source: ArticleBase | Judy Thompson

The Benefits Of Glutamine Supplements

2009-10-20T06:32:00.000+08:00

Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid that is found primarily in your muscles. Most bodies cannot produce glutamine in sufficient quantities, and additional sources are needed. Through diet and supplements, one can supply their body with the additional glutamine that it requires. Supplements are readily available and are commonly found in the form of powdered drink mixes, pills or tablets. Animal and plant proteins are dietary sources of glutamine as well. A diet high in fish, poultry and legumes is recommended for sufficient natural glutamine production.

PREVENTS CATABOLISM, PROMOTES ANABOLISM

Catabolism refers to the breaking down of molecules into smaller units. During and after physical exercise, catabolism typically occurs in muscles. This is counterproductive in building strong muscle tone. Anabolism is the opposite, it actually encourages the building of larger muscle fibers. Glutamine boosts the production of human growth hormones, which in turn promotes anabolism. Glutamine has been clearly linked to increased protein synthesis. The added glutamine is synthesized into new protein tissue as well.

ENHANCES IMMUNE SYSTEM FUNCTIONS

Glutamine enhances the intestines ability to resist the invasion of harmful micro-organisms, as well as promoting cell reproduction and boosting the body's immune system. Glutamine is also one of the building blocks of glutathione, the body's primary antioxidant. It is often given to patients who have cancer, AIDS, trauma, burns and other infections, as it promotes the healing of wounds. Glutamine is a common supplemental treatment for peptic ulcers and in preventing asprin-induced gastric lesions. It is often used as an oral rinse to reduce mouth sores usually associated with chemotherapy to treat cancer. It is also used to treat other cancer complications such as stomach irritation.

FAT BURNING PROPERTIES

The anabolic properties of glutamine are helpful in the fat burning process by promoting muscle growth and the production of the human growth hormone. HGH builds and protects lean muscle mass. It is also used to help sugar addicts through withdrawal.

IMPROVES MENTAL SHARPNESS

Glutamine is one of the building blocks for the production of neurotransmitters (glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid, known as GABA) in the brain. Glutamine is converted into glucose when the brain contains a deficiency. Users of glutamine supplements often report a better overall mood and feel less fatigued.

ALCOHOLISM AND SUGAR ADDICTION

Alcoholics and sugar addicts may find glutamine supplementation a way to ease the stomach pain and mental toxicity that comes when they stop consuming alcohol or sugar. It is thought that glutamine may reduce cravings.

SIDE EFFECTS AND RECOMMENDED DOSAGES

There are side effect warnings when supplementing with glutamine, and some users have experienced minor headaches. However, there are no known drug interactions or nutrient problems associated with glutamine.

The typical dosage is between 2 and 20 grams. The intestines will consume up to 5 grams at a time. This means that any supplementation for the purpose of building muscle, added immunity strength beyond the intestines, fat burning or mental clarity should take doses greater than 5 grams. The typical patient will take in glutamine twice a day, once in the morning and again after a workout or before bed. It is best taken on an empty stomach.

Choose L-glutamine over D-glutamine, as it more closely resembles the substance in its natural form. While studies are still out concerning other uses for glutamine, many benefits are already proven and widely accepted.

Source: ArticleCircle | pptwhite

Dramatically Increase Your Body's Glutathione

2009-10-17T03:51:00.000+08:00

Your body naturally creates a powerful antioxidant called Glutathione or GSH. Glutathione helps to counteract free-radicals - those dangerous by-products of breathing oxygen and exposure to toxic substances which are found in our air, water, and food. Glutathione also regulates the body's ability to recycle its store of other antioxidants including vitamin A, C, E and Co-enzyme Q10. Basically, glutathione is required to maintain a healthy immune system.

Glutationone is a small protein made up of three amino acids, glycine, glutamic acid and cysteine. Glutathione is not easily absorbed by cells because of its large molecule size and so must be synthesized within the cell(intracellularly). Each cell produces its own glutathione as needed. The amount each cell can make is determined by the availability of the amino acid cysteine.

Glutathione defends our body against disease, toxins, viruses, radiation, oxidative stress and the effects of the aging process. Research shows that low glutathione levels are linked to chronic illnesses. Some of these illnesses are cancer, multiple sclerosis, HIV, AIDS, autism, alzheimer's disease, parkinson's disease, atherosclerosis, asthma, allergies, skin problems, diabetes, chronic fatigue syndrome, cataracts, pregnancy complications, low sperm count, liver disease, cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, kwashiorkor and seizure. Some scientists estimate that a 30% reduction of glutathione is enough to cause cellular dysfunction which in turn leads to illness and disease.

Glutathione levels are depleted by aging and excessive stress upon the body's immune system through exercise, infections, medications and environmental toxins. By age 20, we start losing glutathione at a rate of 8-12% per decade. As we grow older, our body's production of glutathione is reduced. At this same time, it's need for glutathione is further increased.

Our bodies extract glycine, glutamic acid and cysteine from our food. Foods which are rich in sulfur-containing amino acids have been found to be the best sources of these precursors of glutathione. Glutathione is found in fish, meat, eggs, milk, fruits & vegetables(fresh or frozen). Cooking & pasteurization usually destroy all glutathione (spinach is an exception). Other rich dietary sources of glutathione are asparagus, broccoli, potatoes, bell peppers, carrots, onions, garlic, tomatoes, avocado & walnuts. Grains and pasteurized dairy products are poor sources for glutathione. Undenatured whey protein contains moderate levels of naturally occurring glutathione. It is also one of the best known building blocks for glutathione. Sadly, most supplements containing glutathione do not increase the body's glutathione levels since most glutathione breaks down in the digestive system.

Your diet will not be high in glycine, glutamic acid and cysteine (the precursors of glutathione) unless you eat a lot of freshly harvested, toxin-free, uncooked fruits, nuts and vegetables. There are only a few proven ways to increase intracellular glutathione. Usually, with a proven glutathione deficiency, you can have supplementation administered by a health care professional. Such supplementation will be administered intravenously, intramuscularly or by aerosol. However, remember that your body can manufacture glutathione when given the correct nutrients.

Source: Amazines | Aprill Ralowicz

The Problem With Glutathione As An Anti-Aging Supplement

2009-10-15T06:44:00.001+08:00

In simple terms What is Glutathione?

Glutathione is a naturally occurring antioxidant that exists in every cell in the human body including the skin. It is said to be the world's most powerful antioxidant. While it does occur naturally, over time the natural production of glutathione declines with age and that deficiency causes age-related diseases.

How does Glutathione benefit me?

Glutathione is the human body's most abundant, natural antioxidant. Glutathione protects your vision, strengthens the immune system, aids in turning carbohydrates into energy, and prevents the accumulation of oxidized fats that may contribute to atherosclerosis.

The Glutathione in your skin helps protect your skin from sunburn and wrinkling. There is an old saying that goes like this: "As your skin goes, so goes the rest of your body".
Glutathione may help offset the physical effects and problems of aging. Adequate levels of glutathione are needed to help the immune system fight off free-radical damage, infection, and illness. Glutathione can prevent or diminish symptoms of conditions like asthma and rheumatoid arthritis.

What are the results of Glutatione deficiency?

Glutathione deficiency is a leading cause of oxidative damage in the human body, which plays an important role in aging and the devastating effects of many diseases including Alzheimers, Parkinsons, liver disease, cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, HIV, AIDS, cancer, heart attack, and diabetes. A Glutathione deficiency can have a debilitating effect on the nervous system, causing problems such as lack of balance and coordination, mental disorders, and tremors. Any illness such as the flu or even a bad cold, chronic conditions like asthma and rheumatoid arthritis, simple injuries, or heavy exposure to pollutants can cause a Glutathione deficiency. This is because your body uses more Glutathione when it is producing white blood cells and attempting to rid the body of toxins.

Can I get enough Glutathione in my diet?

Glutathione is found in almost all fruits and vegetables. Winter (yellow) squash, asparagus, avocados, cantaloupes, grapefruits, okra, oranges, peaches, potatoes, spinach, strawberries, tomatoes, and zucchini are all good sources of GSH. Some vegetables, such as broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and kale, not only provide the body with Glutatione, but also actually stimulate the body's production of more of this amazing antioxidant. Cooking destroys a lot of the glutathione in fresh fruits and vegetables. In order to get the most Glutatione from these foods is by eating them raw or steamed. Foods high in glutamine, such as lean meats, eggs, wheat germ, whey protein and whole grains, can also stimulate the liver to produce more Glutathione naturally.

How effective are naturally occurring forms of Glutathione?

Although Glutathione is found naturally in many fruits, vegetables, and meats, absorption rates of glutathione from food sources in the human gastrointestinal tract are low.

Can I take a Glutathione supplement?

Although glutathione is marketed as a nutritional supplement, there is no evidence that most Glutathione supplements actually increase the levels of Glutathione in the cells. However oral supplements of whey protein do appear to aid in the restoration of cellular levels of Glutathione.
Glutathione is also included in many multivitamin and multi-nutrient formulations, however their effectiveness come into question.

Are there any side effects of supplementing with Glutathione?

There is no Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for Glutathione, but supplements have no known harmful side effects. Glutathione supplements can be expensive, but there is some question about the body's ability to absorb most supplements efficiently.
There appear to be no risks associated with Glutathione supplementation, even using up to several grams a day.

What are the precautions?

At this time, the only established precautions are sensitivity to any of the inactive ingredients in the various preparations of Glutathione or the products used to stimulate Glutathione levels. There are some studies that suggests supplementing it may be helpful to some cancer patients.

Conclusion

Increased levels of Glutathione (GSH) strengthen your immune system, increase your energy level, and enhance the body's fight against aging and the ailments of aging. Increased levels of GSH also result in a faster recovery from strenuous exercise regimens.

Your enhanced immune system will make you less susceptible to illness and the effects and multiple ailments of aging. You will also experience a higher level of alertness and experience a more rapid recovery from strenuous exercise with shorter periods of soreness.

Source: SearchWarp - Merrill Noreen

The Advantages Of Antioxidant Supplements For Glutathione

2009-10-13T23:34:00.001+08:00

With all the press that antioxidant supplements for glutathione are receiving these days it can be very difficult to sort out what is fact and what is fiction. Does your body really need to be supplemented with Glutathione, or is it just another clever attempt on the part of the wellness market to sell you supplements you don t really need and encourage you to open your bank accounts to them? Until you understand what Glutathione does and how it can benefit you, it can be impossible for you to determine whether or not Glutathione supplementation is the best course of action to keep your body healthy.

What is Glutathione?

The first question most people ask when they re discussing the benefits of antioxidant supplements for Glutathione is, what is glutathione? Glutathione has made a reputation for itself as the mother of all antioxidants, one of the primary considering factors when it comes to ensuring the wellness and strength of your immune system.

Glutathione, like most proteins, is made up of chains of amino acids that assist the cell in reproducing. The primary function of Glutathione is to help the lymphocytes, the cells responsible for fighting the body s foreign invaders through the annihilation of the foreign substance and the development of antibodies, repair and reproduce to strengthen the immune system and protect the body from infection and disease.

When the body is deficient the doctor usually recommends antioxidant supplements for glutathione. Why? Because when the body becomes deficient in this vital substance several things begin to happen:

1) The body is unable to reproduce cells efficiently and the immune system is dramatically weakened, leaving the body more vulnerable to attack from foreign substances such as viruses and bacterium and more likely to succumb to the abnormalities that lead to cancer and other chronic conditions.

2) The cells begin to age more quickly than they normally would without antioxidant supplements for glutathione, leaving them fragile to the effects of time and free radicals.

3) The body begins to find it more difficult to detoxify organs such as the liver and kidneys, which in turn leads to a build up of toxicity in the rest of the body (since these organs are the body s natural filters).

Physicians for years have been using Glutathione to treat conditions such as cancer and HIV/AIDS in the hope that its regenerative properties will be sufficient to help the body begin to heal itself and fight off the effects of the disease; however, it is only in recent years that their widespread ability to helphealthy patients improve their immune system has truly come to light. Many companies are now offering antioxidant supplements for Glutathione as a part of their regular supplement inventory, but be forewarned, glutathione supplements are not able to be absorbed by your body at a cellular level. What you need for glutathione supplementation is the right natural ingredients to enable your body to produce this master antioxidant at the cellular level.

Antioxidant supplements for Glutathione aren t about making you feel better when you have a disease. They exist to help your body prevent the disease in the first place and you know what they say. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

Source: ZingArticles - Faye Brown

Glutathione For A Healthier Pregnancy

2009-10-12T16:17:00.000+08:00

All parents-to-be nurture the dream of a healthy pregnancy and baby.

But the modern environment and diet is deficient in many factors essential for the health of mother and fetus. One of those factors is antioxidants.

The role of antioxidants like folic acid in preventing birth defects like spina bifida and cleft palate is well known. It is now included in all prenatal vitamin supplements.

But the role of antioxidants like glutathione and Vitamin E in pregnancy is often overlooked.

Glutathione is the body's master antioxidant. It helps to regenerate stores of other antioxidants like Vitamin C and E.

It also protects both mother and fetus from the damaging effects of free radicals and oxidative stress.

Many pregnancy complications and birth defects have been linked to oxidative stress, free radical damage and low glutathione levels in the mother and fetus.

Environmental and lifestyle factors are known to cause oxidative stress and lower glutathione levels - resulting in birth defects, abortion and miscarriages in pregnancy.

Some of the known teratogens (causing birth defects) in pregnancy include:

o Radiation
o Pesticides and Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)
o Air pollution
o Heavy metals (mercury, cadmium, arsenic)
o Vinyl chloride
o Acryonitrile
o Excess Oxygen (hyperoxia)
o Anti-psychotic and anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs)
o Thalidomide
o Cigarette smoke
o Alcohol (ethanol) consumption

Maternal health factors that increase free radicals and cause birth defects include:

o Diabetes
o Pre-eclampsia
o Infection and Inflammation

Numerous studies have shown that glutathione (GSH), vitamin C and E are crucial in the development and growth of the fetus, maintenance of a healthy pregnancy - and, even before pregnancy, in fertility and conception.

Glutathione and other antioxidants attenuate oxidative stress in pregnant women with inflammation or maternal conditions like diabetes and pre-eclampsia, and in fetuses at risk for developing cystic fibrosis.

Supplementation with glutathione precursors and antioxidants can decrease the incidence of birth defects and protect both mothers and the fetus from the damaging and possibly fatal consequences of pregnancy complications.

Glutathione (GSH ) also prevents or minimizes the oxidative stress that occurs during labor and the birth process.

Perinatal or birth asphyxia/hypoxia (deprivation of oxygen supply to the brain) in preterm deliveries and labor can lead to cerebral palsy, respiratory distress syndrome, irreversible brain injury, and permanent neurological and intellectual handicaps.

Administration of the glutathione precursor, N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC), to the pregnant mother partially prevents oxidative stress during the birth process in premature infants.

Currently, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology advises all pregnant women to take a prenatal vitamin containing antioxidants.

In addition, they advise eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, the best sources of antioxidant protection.

Source: ArticleAlley by Priya Shah

Why Does Whey Protein Help You Lose Weight?

2009-10-11T08:31:00.001+08:00

Whey protein is the preferred protein supplement for weight lifters, people wanting to lose fat, and people looking for a healthy drink. It is made from dehydrated whey, which comes from dairy milk, and marketed as a protein powder.

All serious bodybuilders take whey protein as a supplement after a draining workout. Why is it so popular?

To help understand the popularity of whey protein, you need to understand it's composition. Whey protein is made up of of several different types of proteins: Alpha-lactoglobulin, Beta-lactoglobulin, Bovine serum albumin (BSA), Immunoglobulins, lactoferrin, and lactoferricin. It also is full of calcium, potassium, sodium, phosphorous and several vitamins.

First of all, whey protein is an extremely balanced source of amino acids and protein peptides. This means its nutritious and helps your body create muscle. Secondly it has a high efficiently for absorption by your body. It is easier to turn into new muscle than egg, soy, or other meat proteins.

The antioxidant, glutathione, cannot be produced unless you have plenty of an amino acid called cysteine. Luckily, whey protein is full of this particular amino acid cysteine.

In order to make new muscle tissue as quickly as possible, your body needs the branched-chain amino acids leucine, isoleucine, valine. Whey is full of the BCAAs, and especially with leucine it helps synthesize new muscle after a exhausting workout. This reason alone is enough to make whey protein an important post-workout supplement if you are really serious about gaining muscle.

The chemical glutamine is also found in whey protein. This molecule aids in muscle recovery and gets you back to the gym faster!

Compared against other proteins available, whey protein is the fastest to be absorbed by your body. In it's form of whey protein isolate it might be absorbed up to 3 times faster than other proteins like casein, cheese, meat, etc.

Another huge ancillary benefit of whey protein powder is that lactose, which is found in most whey protein mixtures, is used by your body too. Inside your intestines it becomes galacto-oligosaccharides - these chemicals are good for your intestinal bacteria. Without these bacteria your digestion would fail.

Source: EasyArticles

Turmeric Supplements Can Improve Memory With The Right Dosage And Compatible Ingredients

2009-10-10T06:57:00.006+08:00

Taking turmeric for memory might be a good idea, but your best choice for supplementation is a well designed multi ingredient product that includes an enteric coating. Single ingredients supplements are, in many cases, a waste of money.

When it comes to the spice turmeric, the active component is curcumin. Researchers have measured blood levels of curcumin after volunteers consumed as much as 10 grams of the spice and found the level to be very low. This means that the compound has low “bio availability”.

There are many other nutrients that have low bioavailability because of the size of the molecules or because they are changed by digestive acids. One of them is glutathione, which must be reduced, in order to pass through the intestinal walls and enter the bloodstream. Others include SAM e, resveratrol and curcumin, which are changed by stomach acids into an unavailable form.

One of the “tricks” for increasing the bioavailability of curcumin, so that you can get the benefits of taking turmeric for memory, is to add piperine to the formula. Piperine has been shown to increase the bioavailability of curcumin by 2000 .

When you see single ingredient supplements on the market that contain 500 or 600mg and then you see another multi nutritional supplement that contains only 50mg, you may think that the higher dosage would be more beneficial. But this is not a case of more is better.

Large doses can cause indigestion and worsen gallbladder disease. High doses have been shown to cause liver problems in animals. We don’t know how this correlates to humans, as yet, but better safe than sorry.

When curcumin is protected as it passes through the stomach, it will not cause digestive problems. When it reaches the upper intestine and passes into the bloodstream, the liver is not involved. And, since piperine enhances the bioavailability of the nutrient by 2000 , a 50mg dose is plenty.

There are a couple of reasons to consider turmeric for memory. A 2004 study suggests that it inhibits the formation of plaques in the brain that lead to Alzheimer’s. An observational study indicates that people who eat curry frequently have better mental clarity. In addition, the compound has a positive effect on the neurons in the brain.

All of those things are good, but one of the other causes of memory loss and decreased mental clarity low oxygen levels and poor circulation in the brain. Gingko biloba improves the oxygen content and the circulation. Green tea extracts have been shown to increase alertness, as well.

If you want the best results, you should be taking ginkgo biloba, green tea, SAM e and turmeric for memory. You would likely spend hundreds of dollars per month to take all of them. A better value for your money is a multi nutritional supplement that contains them all, along with essential vitamins, minerals and amino acids.

If you are not well nourished, you will be fatigued and “fuzzy headed”. Taking turmeric for memory does not contribute to your nutritional intake. Improving that intake may solve many of your health problems.

Source: ZingArticles - Valerie Rosenbaum

Chavez Miranda Aseoche Law Offices

2009-10-09T04:16:00.006+08:00

The Firm is known for its battery of zealous and aggressive trial lawyers.

“No quarters asked , No quarters given. ” has been the battle cry of all the members of Firm since its inception in 1992, which led to numerous cases won for its clients.

The Firm’s comprehensive litigation practice covers all aspects of criminal, civil, administrative, tax and commercial transactions.

The Delicious Path Of Antiaging Nutrition

2009-10-08T06:29:00.001+08:00

Plant nutrients play a key role in anti aging. Fruit, vegetables, and plant extracts have an array of chemical constituents, called phytochemicals or phytonutrients, that are hugely beneficial to skin health and beauty.

In plants, phytochemicals confer characteristics like color, which can help the plant by providing an attractive beacon to passing bees to help in pollination. Or they offer a protective effect to the plant to prevent insects from harming it, or repel grazing animals. But they have often been found to have benefits for human health when analyzed in laboratories. It is these chemicals in plants that make fruit and vegetables so much more valuable than simply the macro nutrients like vitamin C.

Antioxidants are one class of phytonutrients, though there are many. Antioxidants work by supplying an extra oxygen molecule to those molecules that are missing one, called free radicals. If antioxidants don't supply the missing oxygen molecule to free radicals, the free radicals will take an oxygen molecule from another compound in the body, making one that was previously healthy and intact itself a free radical. Free radicals are not 'baddies', simply unstable chemical molecules, but the effect they have on the body is negative, as they can damage cells. Free radicals are produced as a normal by product of the metabolic processes of our cells, as well as by our immune system as it counteracts the effects of pathogens and the environment.

The trick is to keep the balance in the body where there is enough of a supply of antioxidants to cope with the body's production of free radicals.

Free radicals affect the skin in three main ways. They can alter the fatty layers in your cellular membranes. These fatty layers provide structure to the cell, and control which nutrients and other agents can pass in and out. They can alter the DNA within cells, which aside from the potential to develop into serious illnesses, can make your skin inclined to wrinkles and sagging before its natural biological time. Altered DNA creates a blueprint for collagen and elastin fibers that don't function as healthy, normal ones would. And to compound matters, the skin's pores need healthy collagen and elastin fibers to stay tight and small. So another undesired result is open, large pores.

Free radicals also lead to a process called the cross-linking of collagen fibers. This occurs in the skin's dermis, as a result of collagen and elastin fibers becoming hard, thick, and then binding together. Cross-linked fibers create wrinkles, skin sag, and cause your regular expression lines to become etched in your face as a permanent fixture. With healthy collagen and elastin fibers these expression lines would simply disappear once you moved your facial muscles in a different way. And enzymes that metabolize collagen are encouraged by free radicals, which, given the importance of collagen in youthful looking skin, is best minimized.

Other phytonutrients in plants that are of importance to skin beauty are carotenoids and flavanoids. Flavanoids are great for the health of blood vessels. They strengthen the capillaries that supply important nutrients to the skin's cells, as well as supporting cellular membranes. Healthy cell membranes regenerate quickly, and slow the aging process. Carotenoids also strengthen cell membranes. It seems carrots are not just good for eyesight! And flavanoids help reduce inflammation, as well as increasing levels of glutathione, which is an antioxidant.

Source: EasyArticle

Detoxification Hazards

2009-10-07T06:36:00.003+08:00

Reducing toxin exposure decreases the body's overall burden of toxins both directly, by avoiding the addition of new toxins, and indirectly, by improving the body's ability to defend itself. Lifestyle, environment, and dietary factors are essential in creating the body's total toxic load. The use of alcohol, caffeine, and prescription drugs is a lifestyle factor that increases the toxic burden. Environmental factors include exposure to volatile organic compounds such as solvents and formaldehyde, which are found in products ranging from automotive fuel to household cleaners and building materials. Foods represent the most common source of exposure to toxins; approximately 3,000 chemicals are used by the food industry for various types of food processing. Another 12,000 chemicals are used in food packaging materials. Numerous studies have found pesticide residues in a significant percentage of food samples. Organically grown and unprocessed or minimally processed foods may be an option to reduce toxin exposure. Avoiding exposure may necessitate significant changes in lifestyle and the Enhancing gastrointestinal function improves digestion and, consequently, increases absorption of nutrients. Gastrointestinal function is inadequate if the proper digestive enzymes and pH are unbalanced. Enzymes such as lipase, amylase, pancreatin, pepsin, and protease may be inactive in those patients with gastric or pancreatic hypofunction. This will lead to malabsorption of nutrients, food intolerance, and food allergy. Foods that aren't completely digested can putrefy in the intestine, producing toxins. Using plant enzymes can assist in promoting digestion and absorption of nutrients in those individuals with imbalances of gastrointestinal pH.

Lifestyle factors also influence digestive function. Thorough chewing of food is imperative to adequate digestion because it provides mechanical breakdown of foods and the necessary surface area for enzymatic activity to take place. Normal digestive secretions and motility may be impaired by depression and anxiety. Raw foods promote digestion because of their naturally occurring enzymes.

Fiber is essential for the maintenance of normal gastrointestinal function. Soluble fiber is fermented by colonic microflora, resulting in the production of short chain fatty acids such as butyric acid, which is essential for normal colonic functioning. Dietary fiber helps to bind to toxins and aids with elimination through the bowel. Oral use of bentonite clay has also been shown to help bind toxins and prevent their systemic absorption.

The gastrointestinal tract is considered one of the largest immune systems of the body. Faulty bowel mucosa compromises not only digestive and absorptive functions, but also vital immune functions. Defects of permeability can be caused by intestinal parasites, dysbiosis, impaired digestion, pancreatic insufficiency, food allergies, and the use of alcohol or NSAIDS.

Normal bowel flora help to prevent the establishment of intestinal pathogens through competitive inhibition. Probiotics such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria species contribute to a healthy intestinal environment by maintaining optimum pH and producing important nutrients and enzymes. Elimination of intestinal pathogens is necessary for a healthy intestinal tract because they are often responsible for production of toxins, thereby placing an additional burden on the system. Preparations 10 restore balance to the intestinal flora include formulas containing plant extracts from Artemisia annua, allicin, berberine, Hydrastis canadensis, and Allium sativa. Enemas or colonic irrigations may be advised to facilitate toxin removal.

Glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase, beta carotene, vitamin E, selenium, and N -acetylcysteine are substances essential to detoxification. Vitamin and mineral co-factors required for cytochrome P-450 reactions include riboflavin, niacin, magnesium, iron, and several trace minerals. Cruciferous vegetables and quercetin have also been shown to support Phase I detoxification. Phase II detoxification is promoted by usage of calcium d-glucarate, which is a natural ingredient in certain fruits and vegetables and results in increased elimination of toxins. Other helpful agents include amino acids such as glycine, cysteine, glutamine, methionine, taurine, glutamic acid, and aspartic acid. Dietary supplementation may help to replace depleted supplies of nutrients needed for detoxification.

Dietary support to encourage hepatic detoxification includes emphasis on freshly prepared natural, organic, unrefined, and unprocessed foods containing a minimum of additives and chemical residues. Fresh vegetables and fruits, whole grains, and unrefined starches should constitute a significant portion of the diet. Red meats, animal fats, sugar and other simple and refined carbohydrates, salt, alcohol and caffeine should be consumed in moderation or, preferably, avoided. Elimination of allergenic foods can facilitate mucosal healing and decrease the body's total load of toxins.

The total body burden of toxins and resulting tissue damage tends to accumulate over time, leading to a cascade of illnesses. A comprehensive approach is needed to address reduction of toxin exposure, healing of the gastrointestinal tract, and support of the hepatic detoxification process.

Hazards

As the toxin load of the body decreases, there may be symptoms of headaches, fatigue, irritability, body aches, and strong cravings for foods removed from the diet.

Clinical considerations

Patients with serious medical concerns should consult with a medical practitioner before making any dietary, lifestyle, or prescription changes.

Caution patient that detoxification should be carried out only under the guidance of a qualified medical practitioner.

Training Resources for special training, which is advisable to facilitate optimal outcome, can be found through HealthComm International, Inc., Clinical Research Center, P.O. Box 1729, 5800 Soundview Drive, Gig Harbor, Washington 98335; Attn: Jeffrey S. Bland, PhD; or through Great Smokies Diagnostic Laboratories, Ashville, NC

Research summary

Toxicity overload is becoming epidemic and is responsible for a host of chronic degenerative diseases. Reducing exposure to toxins, improving digestion, replacing intestinal pathogens with healthy bacteria, and support of detoxification with appropriate methods all contribute to lessening the toxic burden and promoting healing and optimal health.

Source: EasyArticles

Natural Vitamins And Herbs Can Help The Body Fight Jaundice

2009-10-05T00:17:00.001+08:00

Jaundice is the result of a buildup of bilirubin in the blood. This buildup causes a yellowing of the skin and eyes. Bilrubin is a yellow-brown substance that results when old red blood cells break down. If this waste product is not removed from the bloodstream by the liver, as it should be, a backup of bilirubin in the blood occurs, which produces the yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes that is associated with jaundice. Those with jaundice may have darker urine than normal, while the stools may appear lighter. Jaundice may be accompanied by fluid retention in the trunk of the body, fatigue, generalized itching, nausea, rashes on the skin, and vomiting.

Jaundice is not a disease in itself, but rather a sign of any one of several blood or liver disorders. Some conditions that can cause jaundice include cirrhosis of the liver, pernicious anemia, hepatitis, and hemolysis which is the abnormal destruction of red blood cells. Jaundice can also be a sign of an obstruction in the path of the bile flow. Bile flows from the liver through the bile ducts, to the gallbladder, and then to the intestinal tract.

If, for any reason, any part of the biliary tract is obstructed, the bile passes back into the bloodstream instead of into the digestive system. This flow of bile, which contains bilirubin, then produces jaundice. Sometimes, jaundice can be caused by some form of parasitic infestation like a tapeworm or hookworm. Jaundice can also be caused by a bite from a flea or mosquito that carries a viral, bacterial, or parasitic infection. It can also be caused by a tumor, a gallstone, or inflammation.

Some degree of jaundice is especially common in newborn babies, especially those that are premature. This condition is not considered to be serious in babies. Generally, this condition occurs because a new baby’s liver is limited in its ability to process bilirubin. In most cases, the condition will quickly resolve itself.

The following nutrients are considered to be very important in treating and preventing jaundice. Coenzyme Q10 should be taken as directed on the label to promote tissue oxygenation and remove toxic substances from the body. Colostrum should also be taken as directed on the label, as it improves immune function and protects the liver. Grape seed extract should be taken as directed on the label, as it acts as a powerful antioxidant and aids the liver in removing toxic substances from the body.

L-glutathione should be taken in dosages of 500 mg daily to protect the liver, while raw liver extract should be taken as directed on the label to assist in building the liver. SAMe aids in relief of stress and depression, eases pain, and produces antioxidant effects that can improve the health of the liver. It should be taken as directed on the label. Vitamin B complex is necessary for proper digestion, absorption of nutrients, and formation of red blood cells. It also helps to maintain the health of the eyes, liver, and skin.

Vitamin C should be taken in dosages of 3,000 to 6,000 mg daily, as it combines with toxic substances to render them harmless and remove them from the body. Additionally, burdock root, red clover, celandine, chaparral, dandelion, oregano, and Silymarin (milk thistle) are very beneficial herbs for helping with jaundice.

If you choose to take natural supplements for jaundice just remember that this is a sign of a more serious issue in the body that must be addressed. Always consult a physician before starting vitamin supplements. Natural vitamin supplements like the ones listed above are available at your local or internet health food store.

*Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Natural vitamins not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always consult with your professional health care provider before changing any medication or adding Vitamins to medications.

Source: ArticleStreet

Green Tea Antioxidants In Anti Aging Supplements

2009-10-03T09:08:00.000+08:00

The green tea antioxidant is believed to help prevent heart disease and various types of cancer, as well as providing numerous other health benefits. Some of which you are likely to notice immediately.

The green tea antioxidants are known as catechins and they are unique. Only the camellia sinensis plant and some cocoa plants contain them. You may have heard new claims that chocolates are good for your health. These claims do not apply to all types of chocolate. The cocoa plant that it is derived from must contain catechins and most of them do not.

Camellia sinensis is the plant that most green and black teas are derived from. But the black tea leaves are processed using heat and humidity. These processes apparently destroy the catechins, because they are not found in black teas.

Researchers began trying to identify the green tea antioxidant because of what is known as the Japanese Paradox. The paradox is a lower than expected incidence of heart disease and certain types of cancer among Japanese smokers that regularly consume the beverage.

When the green tea antioxidants were identified, they were hailed as the explanation to the paradox. Now, it appears that other factors must come into play. Research is still being conducted that may help clarify the whole thing.

In addition to green tea antioxidants, researchers have looked at a variety of different nutrients that are consumed by populations living in different areas of the world. Typically, it was something like the Japanese paradox that drew their interest. For example, there is a lower than expected incidence of heart disease in Southern France, despite a diet that is high in dietary fat. The explanation for that may be resveratrol, a compound found in red wine.

Like the green tea antioxidant, resveratrol prevents free radical damage, as do common vitamins like A, C and E. But the green tea antioxidants and those found in red wine have unusual activity that the common vitamins do not.

Resveratrol stops cancer cells at all stages of development. It prevents their formation, their growth and their progression. It stimulates a signal that causes the cancer cell to kill itself, while preventing healthy cells from dying. The green tea antioxidant has only been shown to slow tumor growth.

When it comes to heart disease prevention, cholesterol levels are of primary importance. It seems that some people experience high cholesterol levels regardless of what type of diet or level of physical activity they strive for. This is thought to be genetic by many in the mainstream medical community, but natural health advocates believe that it has to do with the other nutrients that a person consumes on a regular basis.

The green tea antioxidants have been shown to lower cholesterol levels, but other nutrients are also important to heart health, including arginine, glutathione and other amino acids. What I’m trying to say is that a supplement containing only the green tea antioxidant is not your best choice, if you want the best health that you can get. And, who doesn’t want that?

Source: ZingArticles | Dr Valerie Rosenbaum

Eye Supplement

2009-10-02T01:03:00.000+08:00

Your eyes are precious gift and should last a lifetime. But unfortunately, many people take their sight for granted. The reality is that most people do not believe that they are at risk for developing eye problems. And ironically, the bulk of those appear to the 78,000,000 Baby Boomers who are actually in the highest risk category. And to make matters even worse, a great majority of “graying” America does not even get regular eye screenings even if they have a family history of eye disease. Most are also totally unaware of the factors that may increase their susceptibility for developing eye problems.

Today, virtually the entire medical community is in total agreement that everyone is at risk for eye health problems. So here are a few common-sense health rules to support healthy eyes.

1. Don’t smoke...and if you do, stop. Smoking exposes your eyes to high levels of oxidative stress. And while the connection to age-related macular degeneration has not been clearly identified, it is known that smoking increases your risk.
2. Exercise...it improves circulation and helps keep eyes moist, clear and functional.
3. Have an eye examination every two years. Much like mammograms or stress tests, detecting eye problems at an early stage is crucial to preventing further damage.
4. Wear protective glasses while playing sports.
5. Take periodic breaks from the computer or from other close work to relax your eyes.

It's time the ‘Baby Boomer’ generation, who are now in their 50s and 60s, became more serious about eye health and age-related vision impairment problems because if left undiagnosed or untreated they could cause permanent dysfunction.

Obviously, age-related eye disease can seriously affect your quality of life and well-being. Vision impairment makes it more difficult for older adults to live independently and face the challenges of everyday living. Plus, failing vision increases the risk for accidents and falls. Impaired vision may also reduce a person’s capacity to develop and maintain relationships and to participate in various activities, which can then lead to depression and social isolation. But what you may not realize is that with diminished vision, you may also have cognitive impairment or problems with thinking, learning and memory, according to a study in the Archives of Ophthalmology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

Nutrition plays a vital part in the health and care of our eyes. Certain vitamins, minerals, and herbs are generally known to support, protect and preserve healthy vision. Not only is a healthy diet important for immediate and long-term eye health, but several research groups are studying these nutrients to see how much of a role they have in reducing the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.

Antioxidants Vitamins A, C and E play a vital role in eye health along with other important nutrients.

Vitamin A
Vitamin A is found abundantly in food sources that contain carotenoids, the red and yellow pigments in plants and animals which act as antioxidants. Certain carotenoids, such as lutein and zeaxanthin are found in large amounts in the lens and retina of our eyes.

Science Daily (December 6, 2004) reported a study from Ohio State University that provides evidence from laboratory experiments done on human lens cells showing that lutein and zeaxanthin, help to protect the cells from exposure to ultraviolet light, a leading cause of cataract formation.

Vitamin A is currently being studied for its role in assisting the body in reducing the risk of night blindness and the risk of blindness from macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in the world.

Sources of Vitamin A include liver, butter, squash, peaches, apricots, broccoli, spinach, yellow peppers, bilberries, the yellow of eggs and of course, carrots.

Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that assists the body in reducing the level of protein buildup in the eyes which may lead to blurring of vision. Without adequate supply of Vitamin C, studies show that eye vision may begin to deteriorate. It is interesting to note that the concentration of vitamin C in the vitreous humor (the clear liquid in the eyeball) is about twenty-five times more than the concentration of Vitamin C in our blood. It is 100 times more in the retina.

Citrus fruits, berries, peppers, tropical fruits, are good sources of Vitamin C.

Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant working to counter the effects of oxidation on the tissues and structure of the eyes. Much research is underway to see whether Vitamin E may nutritionally support ocular health by helping to reduce or retard the risk-potential of cataracts and macular degeneration (AMD).

Sunflower seeds and nuts are good sources of vitamin E.

B-Complex Vitamins
B-Complex Vitamins are associated with eye health. Studies have theorized that a deficiency of B-complex may result in light sensitivity, paralyzed eye muscles, itching, burning, blood shot, and watering eyes.

* Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) is important for eye metabolism.
* Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) affects the mucous membranes and helps keep the tissues in the eyes and nose moist. It also maintains the supply of glutathione, a major antioxidant in the lens of the eye.
* Vitamin B3 (Niacin) helps to increase the flow of blood to the optic nerve.
* Vitamins B5 (Pantothenic acid) is particularly important for eye stress. A deficiency may result in nerve and optic degeneration.
* Vitamin B7 (Biotin) is an energy metabolizer and a synthesizer of niacin.
* Vitamin B12 affects the optic nerve tissue by helping to strengthen it.
* Vitamin B9 (Folic acid) is known to improve general visual problems.

Minerals
Minerals such as Selenium, helps your body to absorb vitamin E and also helps it to make its own antioxidants. Zinc helps in the absorption of vitamin A in the body. It is also part of an enzyme that reduces the number of free radicals.

Other Nutrients for Eye Health

* Alpha Lipoic Acid provides powerful antioxidant protection.
* N-Acetyl Cysteine helps prevent dry eyes by keeping the moisture level in the eyes in balance.
* Choline is important in the management of glaucoma.
* Bilberry helps improve the flow of blood through the capillaries in eyes. It is also used to treat diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration.
* Grapeseed improves the peripheral circulation of the eyes, and also strengthens the capillaries.
* Eyebright is an herb which helps to soothe distressed eyes.
* Ginko biloba helps reduce puffiness of eyes and dark circles.
* Bayberry root powder has astringent and antibacterial properties.

Fresh sources of these nutrients are the best support for eye health. But if this is not always possible, consult with your health provider about the benefits of supplementation. There is accumulating scientific and clinical evidence which supports the fact that the potent and protective blend of special nutrients may significantly help fortify the eyes and help support healthy ocular tissue, retinal function and good vision into old age.

Source: EasyArticles

Glycation And Why You Care

2009-09-29T23:17:00.000+08:00

What is glycation? In short glycation is a scientific term for what happens when sugars, such as fructose or glucose, combine with proteins or lipid molecules. Additionally, glycation is the process bakers and cooks refer to as browning. You may be shocked to learn that this browning actually happens to us as we age. From an anti-aging perspective this is not a good thing.

With this information it is easy to see that we have two forms of glycation that we need to be concerned about. We have Endogenous glycations, which predominately occur in the bloodstream and exogenous glycations that occur out side the body.

Advanced Glycation Endproducts (AGEs) are formed when sugars are cooked with proteins and fats. What you may not realize is that very often sugars are added to many of our foods specifically to enhance this browning effect. Worse yet once absorbed by your body AGEs are well known pro-inflammatory and disease initiating compounds. AGEs have been implicated in many age-related chronic diseases such as: Type II Diabetes, Cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Cancer, Neuropathy and the list goes on.

Did I mention that Glycation and AGEs have a very important partner in the damage of our tissues? That partner in the initiation and acceleration of these diseases, especially oxidative stress and inflammation, are the free radicals that we are learning so much about. To make matters worse glycated proteins are estimated to generate 50 times more free radicals than non-glycated proteins. Again, from an anti-aging standpoint this is something of great importance.

By now I hope that you are starting to get the idea that our bodies were not designed to handle the simple sugars that find their way into our diets. In short, at the cellular and DNA levels, sugars are a disaster waiting to happen. Do you find yourself, struggling against fatigue? More times than not, that fatigue is self induced by virtue of the fact that sugar raises blood glucose levels so fast that the body has to respond by secreting large amounts of insulin. This cycle creates a huge spike in energy quickly followed by extreme fatigue. Think about most of the energy drinks on the market today where caffeine and sugars are the most prominent ingredients. Watch for an upcoming article on energy drinks.

Ok, I’ve dumped a lot on you in a very short amount of time. In a perfect world we could totally eliminate sugars from our diet. While I know that this is not very practical, I will please with you to do everything in your power to reduce the amount of sugar in your diet. Keep in mind that by some estimates the average American consumes roughly 24 teaspoons of sugar daily. Those 24 teaspoons per day equates to more than 100 pounds of sugar in a year.

So first and foremost reduce the simple sugars in your diet. Secondly, reduce and/or eliminate AGE laden foods by limiting browned or charred foods. A short list of some of those foods include: well done meats, poultry, eggs, barbecued or grilled meats, poultry and fish. One of the worst is deep fried foods. As I stated this is a VERY short list.

Lastly, for some good news. Scientists have discovered that alpha lipoic acid can arrest the glycation process. Additionally, it has been discovered that N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) slows the glycation process. As an added benefit scientists discovered that lipoic acid aids in the restoring of glutathione and vitamin C. As you may imagine the flavanoids found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains have been found to reduce the glycation of hemoglobin.

In conclusion, while glycation, AGEs and their partner in crime, free radicals, lead to the initiation of many of our age related diseases we have the ability to avoid being plagued by these problems. In fact it is really more than a choice on our part. If you have watched anyone in their later years and thought to yourself that you wanted a different path: you have that option. The downside to that choice is that it is not about making that decision for a single day. What you have to commit yourself to is a lifestyle change. That change includes: the reduction of simple sugars, over cooked foods – especially deep fried foods and then ensure that you are getting adequate amounts of antioxidants, nutrients and flavanoids in your diet. While not always easy to get through our daily diets, with the abundance of high quality supplements, green drinks and other whole food sources, we have the tools we necessary to live a long healthy life.

Source: EasyArticles

Fight Aging With Vitamins And Over The Counter Products

2009-09-26T00:47:00.000+08:00

Researchers in search for the fountain of youth keep coming back to one fact: you are what you eat. What you eat has a tremendous impact not only on your health but also on your life span.

Aging that goes on inside your body has far more reaching consequences than a few wrinkles and gray hairs that seem to pop up over night. Sheldon Hendler, MD, Ph.D. says that much of the internal damage that accumulates over a lifetime, and the diseases that go with it, may be linked to mischievous molecules inside us called "free radicals".

Free radicals are created during the normal process of metabolism, cells produce unstable oxygen molecules that damage cells. As we get older the human body produces more and more of these free radicals.

These free radicals are molecules that have unpaired electrons that seem to attach most readily to electrons in fat molecules. A free radicals attack on the cells could kill or severely damage them, leaving them vulnerable to diseases commonly associated with the aging process.

Recent studies suggest that free radicals plays a central role in virtually every age related disease such as arteriosclerosis, Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer' disease.

The brain is a good place to study the benefits of antioxidants, says Paula Bickford, Ph.D. a researcher at the University of South Florida Center of Excellent for Aging and Brain Repair. The brain has one of the highest percentages of fats of any organ in the human body, and it is in our fats that free radicals inflict much of their damage.

Since over 40 percent of the total calories in the typical American diet is derived from fat it not difficult to see how we might be exposed to extensive damaging free radical activity.

Substances called antioxidants can neutralize free radical by pairing up or binding with the free radical elections thus inhibiting them from damaging cells in the human body.

Common Vitamins and over the counter products can help with aging such as Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin E, Selenium, Beta Carotene, Lycopene, L-Glutathione, Vitamin D, Green Tea, and Antioxidant.

Vitamin C, E and some forms of Vitamin A and the mineral Selenium are known to be antioxidants that help to protect the body from these free radicals.

Vitamin A is stored in the liver and fat cells of the human body and can reach toxic levels. DO NOT take more than the recommended dosage of Vitamin A.

Up to one-third of older people can no longer absorb Vitamin B from their food. Vitamin B is needed to form red blood cells and keep nerves healthy.

The mineral Selenium has been associated with a significant reduction in the incidences of lung, colorectal and prostate cancer. Good sources are fish, asparagus, brazil nuts, meat, poultry and bread.

Beta Carotene helps protect Vitamin C from oxidation, which enables it to perform at optimum efficiency. Symptoms of Beta Carotene deficiency include ache, dry dull hair, dry skin and thickened scaly skin on the palms and soles of the feet.

Lycopene is very powerful in quenching free radicals as is L-gultathione. Ultra Antioxidant allows cells to perform more efficiently with less oxygen, enabling sufficient oxygen to be utilized for the cells and organs that specifically need it.

Vitamin D is manufactured in the skin following direct exposure to sunlight. Many studies show that Vitamin D production decreases in older people and in those who are housebound. Vitamin D is needed by the body to absorb calcium, which makes your bones stronger and helps prevent factures.

Green Tea Contains antioxidants that may protect against heart disease, several types of cancer, and skin damage.

Natural antioxidants are abundant in fruits and vegetables such as, apples, blueberries, broccoli, cherries, cranberries, grapes, spinach, and Spirulina a blue-green algae.

A 2006 article in the Journal of American Medical Association suggested that by periodically restricting our caloric intake to as little as 890 calories a day, or fasting, resulted in a decrease in insulin levels and body temperatures, another two biomarkers of longevity. Restricting calories helps to eliminate the free radicals by burning off more calories than you take in thus reducing the amount of fat stored in the human body.

Skipping a meal here and there from an evolutionary point of view would be beneficial. The human body is used to going days without eating anything but today we have constant access to food and we are taking in calories all day long.

Always consult your doctor before using this information.

This Article is nutritional in nature and not to be construed as medical advice.

Source: ZingArticles.com

The Importance Of Colon Health

2009-09-19T07:01:00.000+08:00

The colon plays an criticaleffective role in maintenance of overall potassium homeostasis. The intestine possesses a tremendous capacity to absorb water. About 7-10 liters of water entering the gastrointestinal tract during a 24 hour period is absorbed by the small intestine. The colon plays an interesting role in the desiccation of bowel by absorbing an additional 2 liters of fluid. In fact, the colon more water per unit of luminal surface area, if the differences in length and luminal surface area are also considered. Several conditions causing malabsorption of solutes and water in the small intestine can increase the fluid inpouring the colon to overwhelm its absorptive capacity and hence lead to diarrhea.

The gastrointestinal tract normally functions to move ingested food, in an appropriate fashion, from the oropharynx through the stomach, small intestine, colon and into the rectum from which it can be expelled. The primary function of the colon is to absorb water and electrolytes from the chyme delivered and, thus, determine the frequency, consistency, and volume of stools eliminated. The colon mixes luminal contents so that they are optimally exposed to the absorptive mucosal surface; slowly propels feces caudally to allow adequate time for the absorption of water, electrolytes, and metabolic products of bacterial degradation; allows storage of feces; and rapidly and efficiently propels during defecation. Transit time through the colon is significantly slower than through the proximal bowel and is achieved through contractions that are less coordinated.

Toxins filled fecal matter can stuck & remain in the colon for multiple months & some cases even years. This could possibly triggle cell mutation that is commonly associated with oxidative stress. A rational solution is to consider colon cleanse, colon hydrotherapy & colon detox to allow unpleasant micro-organisms and infestation toxins to be able to bypass from the colon that can reduce infection.

Colon cancer and inflammatory bowel ailment are two colonic diseasecommonly associated with oxidative stress. It has also been proposed that oxidative stress may play a role in the pathogenesis of acquired megacolon, because it causes aloss of the neuroprotective effect of tissue antioxidants, resulting in altered colonic levels of inhibitory neurotransmitters seen in this disease. It is noteworthy that Necrotizing enterocolitis, a life-threatening condition associated with shock and infection, is another sickness in which oxidative stress appears to be implicated. Numerous studies have been focused on the role of glutathione in colonic sickness induced by oxidative stress. The impetus for these studies was provided by the report that glutathione deficiency, produced in the mouse by buthionine sulfoximine administration, resulted in severe degeneration of epithelial cells of the jejunum and colon.

In general, the role of free radicals in the pathogenesis of cancer remains to be established. Some have shown that certain indices of oxidative stress are increased in colon tissues obtained from cancers of the large bowel. It has been suggested that the observation of free radical generation in feces may provide a missing link in our understanding of the etiology of colon cancer, as the oxidation of procarcinogens either by or secondary peroxyl radicals may result in active carcinogens or mitogenic tumor promotors.

In conclusion, all doctors will agree that prevention is far better than a cure. colon detox is very interesting for maintaining overall good colon health. If you are considering colon cleanse or new to colon cleansing, always consider using only natural products such as herbal supplement as the safest & proper way of removing harmful radicals and toxins that been accumulation in the colon for a long period of time. have shown that certain indices of oxidative stress are increased in colon tissues obtained from cancers of the large bowel. It has been suggested that the observation of free radical generation in feces may provide a missing link in our understanding of the etiology of colon cancer, whereas the oxidation of procarcinogens either by or secondary peroxyl radicals may result in active carcinogens or mitogenic tumor promotors.

When the colon is clean the whole body will function significantly better since it is able to absorb more nutrients quicker without being block by toxins. If you are considering cleanse colon or new to colon detox, always consider using only natural products such as herbal supplement as the safest & proper way of removing harmful radicals and toxins that been accumulation in the colon for a long period of time.

Source: ZingArticles

Could Glutathione Be a Predictor of How Long You Will Live?

2009-09-08T10:10:00.000+08:00

All cells in the body need water, oxygen, glucose and glutathione. The levels of glutathione in our cells could be predictive of how long we will live. For exhaustion and chronic fatigue sufferers reading this, the information that follows is vital to you!

What is glutathione? It is a tri-peptide, or a small protein composed of the amino acids cysteine, glycine and glutamate. Glutathione is made in every cell of the body and it must be made by the 3 amino acids, cysteine, glycine and glutamate. Your body is either replicating healthy cells and delaying the aging process or it is replicating unhealthy cells and speeding up the aging process. Every cell makes and recycles glutathione.The largest amount of glutathione in our bodies is found in the liver, lining of the lungs, kidney, heart and brain.

Why is glutathione important?

1. It is a major antioxidant produced by the cell. It is able to neutralize free radicals and recycle other antioxidants such as vitamins C & E. Glutathione actually helps your body more efficiently use the other antioxidants.

2. It is the body’s most effective detoxifier. It binds to undesirable toxins, pollutants, and cancer-causing chemicals, etc. and excretes them through the urine or gut.

3. It improves immune response

4. It helps regulate the cell’s vital functions, such as synthesis and repair of DNA.

5. It contributes to the production of red blood cells.

6. It helps in wound healing.

7. It helps build lean muscle mass.

8. It inhibits harmful viruses and bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract.

9. It increases one’s aerobic exercise capacity by up to 13%.

While glutathione is produced naturally in our bodies, glutathione levels decrease with age at the rate of 1% a year after age 20. In addition, levels of glutathione can be reduced by stress, exercise, infection, injury and environmental toxins. People who live to 100 years of age, will have glutathione levels similar to 30-50 year olds.

Reduced glutathione levels can result in lower energy, insomnia, cellular damage, inflammation, accelerated aging, and a weakened resistance to various diseases, including heart disease, cancer, arthritis and many other diseases. People with any defined disease have decreased glutathione levels compared with healthy individuals the same age. Low levels of glutathione are actually a marker for over 200 medical conditions. It could be said that low levels of glutathione equal cellular aging, disease, and death!

Glutathione helps to improve mental function, increases energy, improves concentration, permits increased exercise, and improves heart and lung function.

WHAT FOODS ARE HIGH IN GLUTATHIONE?

Avocado, watermelon, asparagus, walnuts, grapefruit, potato, acorn, squash, strawberries, orange, tomato, cantaloupe, broccoli.

Glutathione must be produced within the cell itself. Oral glutathione in pill form is not absorbed and will be eliminated by the liver before reaching the blood stream. Injectable glutathione is degraded by the time it gets to the cell and much of it cannot pass the cell membrane.

HOW CAN A PERSON INCREASE THEIR GLUTATHIONE LEVEL?

In addition to being able to get glutathione in some foods (as listed above), the best way to increase glutathione is through a glutathione precursor. Since glutathione is produced within the cell itself and cannot be easily absorbed into the cell, a person needs to consume a product that will enable the body to produce its own glutathione within the cells. This product would be considered to be a glutathione precursor.

A good glutathione precursor helps your body neutralize free radicals and build healthy cells. Your body replaces about 1% of your cells everyday. Your skin, body, organs, tissue are all constantly in a state of regeneration. Otherwise, your body cells are constantly dying and being regenerated. Thus, in about 3 months time, your cells and you, as a person, can make positive strides in getting healthier!

TO SUMMARIZE

The levels of glutathione in our cells are predictive of how long we will live. Few other factors are as predictive of our life expectancy as is glutathione. It may be referred to as the “master antioxidant” since it regulates the actions of lesser antioxidants including vitamin C and vitamin E in the body. It is the most important antioxidant to overall health.

By Isnare.com

Your Best Defense System!

2009-09-06T11:18:00.000+08:00

In every split of a second, there’s a war… Well, I’m not talking about those guns, goons, terrorism or bombing. Because aside from these world wars caused by man, there’s also an inner-war that needs global concern and understanding. This is war against cancer cells inside your bodies. But like every state and country, your body has also its natural set of enemies.

Every single cell in your body has its own built-in defense system called “glutathione”. The good thing here is that, each cell produces it! Your immune system is highly dependent on your cells producing glutathione to aid in the prevention of all illness and diseases.

Glutathione is the cell’s protection against free radical damages and DNA changes. A cell’s defense system weakens as the level of glutathione lowers. It is then that free radicals damage the cell that’s why they mutate and start to multiply out of control. This leads to a “tumor” or “growth”. When you have low glutathione levels, the mutated cells can turn to cancer because the immune system can no longer do its job. But having a high glutathione level means having a strong immune system that can recognize an “injured” and “mutated” cells, thus, neutralizing them.

It is important to know that a mutated cell that has become a cancer cell nourished itself by feeding on the glutathione of the healthy cells. So as the cancer cells become stronger, the healthy cells become stronger, the healthy cells become weaker. Therefore, when one’s cancer cells are introduced to chemotherapy which is a means of boosting the immune system, it is the normal cells that have been originally drained of glutathione by the cancer cells that take the beating, This is the reason why one feels so sick after he underwent a chemotherapy.

Meanwhile, the once normal cell A that has been weakened by cell B, is also expose to the poison and radiation of chemotherapy. Even if you manage to somehow recover from the first cancer, your immune system is severely damage by the radiation or chemotherapy, that it can’t do its job. The cell A has become so susceptible to free radical damage, that within 1 to 4 years, it will also fail and become a secondary cancer with even more strength than the primary.

Obviously, the key here is to increase the glutathione levels in your body. With this, the immune system will be strengthened and can destroy the mutated cell. But glutathione, which naturally builds up the immune system, has to come from within the cells themselves, and manufactured by the cells.

Here’s another fact: Antioxidant vitamins C and E should not be taken during chemotherapy treatment. It’s true that they are also immune system boosters too. But cancer cells are already stronger than the normal cells so these antioxidants in pill form only adds to their defense system against treatment by chemotherapy.

The discovery of glutathione’s importance in optimizing your immune system led to the discovery and development of Immunocal.

Glutathione is made up of three protein building blocks called amino acids. These are the glutamic acid, cysteine acid and glycine acid. The cysteine amino acid, particularly, contains a sulfur group that is responsible for the chemical properties of the whole glutathione protein.

Glutathione acts as an antioxidant, an immune system booster and detoxifier. That’s why even cells in the healthiest of bodies need to replenish their glutathione levels and supply.

As an antioxidant, glutathione participates directly in the destruction of reactive oxygen compounds called free radicals. These compounds can’t be avoided because they are by-products of a cell’s normal function. But then, exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun or other sources promotes their emergence. Antioxidants depend on glutathione to function properly that’s why it is called the “Master Antioxidant”.

As an immune booster, glutathione helps build your immune system’s resistance. Lymphocytes are cells of your immune system. Glutathione is essential for lymphocytes to increase in number, produce antibodies and function efficiently.

Glutathione is also a supplemental detoxifier which helps to counter the effects of toxins we inhale and ingest. Glutathione helps in making the toxic compounds soluble by physically binding soluble by physically binding to them. The body can then eliminate these harmful toxins in the bile and urine.

You can’t ingest glutathione to feed it to your cells. So the fact that glutathione must be manufactured within your cells. The question now is, how can you raise glutathione levels in your body?

You can help this natural process to occur by giving your body the glutathione building blocks it needs. Cysteine amino acid is the limiting factor in your daily intake of building block.

Cysteine will be poorly absorbed by the body and very little of it will actually make the trip from our mouths to our cells if it travels alone as an amino acid through our digestive system. Cysteine molecules can only survive the process if they bind to each other or travel in pairs. As they form a bond between sulfur molecules, “cysteine” amino acids are then called “cysteine.” This sulfur bond is resistant to the digestive process, but they can be easily broken if submitted to heat or mechanical stress.

Now that you are aware of the daily wars happening inside your body and you already knew that you have a natural defense system against diseases and illness, go and help these natural armies to fight against the inner monster called cancer.

By EasyArticles.com

L-Glutathione Can Eliminate Toxins In The Liver

2009-09-03T11:49:00.001+08:00

L-glutathione is the reduced form of glutathione, and is a tripeptide synthesized in the animal and plant tissues from glycine, cysteine and glutamate. Commonly known as GSH, it contains thiol groups that are maintained in a reduced state, and is a very powerful antioxidant, considered to be the key antioxidant and protective substance in the body.

Glutathione can reduce any disulfide groups in the cytoplasm within the body of the cell, and ensures that the cytoplasm is a strongly reducing medium protecting against oxidation. It has a synergistic effect with other antioxidants to protect the body against free radicals and oxidizing agents that cause so much damage to the body through what is commonly referred to as ‘oxidative stress’. However, there is more to it than that and it attaches itself to toxic chemicals and drugs in the liver and renders them into a state suitable for elimination from the body.

These toxic materials include poisonous pesticides, hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, heavy metals such as mercury, cadmium and chromium and many other substances that we come into contact with due to present day pollution of our atmosphere and foodstuffs. Glutathione can also help protect the body from the effects of chemotherapy and evidence is suggesting possible links with the control of some cancers, diabetes, atherosclerosis and many other degenerative conditions caused by free radical attack and the effects of pollutants.

The way that GSH acts in the cells is that the redox state of the glutathione-glutathione disulfide couple is critical to the health of the intercellular and intracellular fluid. GSH in the reduced state of glutathione reacts with an oxidative agent such as hydrogen peroxide to form the oxidized form, glutathione disulfide and water. It hence mops up oxidizers such as peroxides and free radicals within the cytoplasm of the body’s cells, and also in between the cells. The disulfide is then converted back to GSH by the combined action of the enzyme glutathione reductase and NADPH (the reducing agent nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate).

The cycle then repeats so that two molecules of glutathione continue to reduce damaging oxidizing agents without themselves being consumed. In so doing, the NADPH becomes oxidized. A continuous supply of NADPH is needed to allow GSH to undergo these biochemical reactions, and up to 10% of our blood glucose is used by the pentose phosphate pathway by which NADPH is synthesized.

Since this cycle consumes no glutathione, it would appear that a supplement is unnecessary. However, this is not the case since the molecule takes part in other reactions in the body, particularly in the elimination of toxic heavy metals from the body. Mercury is highly reactive with the thiol that GSH is, and so will bind to form a stable Hg-sulfydryl bond in the liver. This mercury-glutathione chelate is unable to bind to other proteins or gain access to the body cells, and is eventually harmlessly secreted. The same is true of many other heavy metals that are reactive with thiol’s.

In this way the body is protected from the harmful effects of these heavy metals. However, it results in the loss of the glutathione, and the pollution of modern day living can take a heavy toll of the GSH content of our bodies. For this reason a glutathione supplement is recommended, especially for city dwellers that may be exposed to more heavy metals than those residing in rural areas.

However, the form in which this supplement is taken is very important, because the human digestive tract contains a significant amount of gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase. That is an enzyme which apparently destroys glutathione before it can be absorbed. However, it can be absorbed directly into the bloodstream by dissolving the pill between the teeth and inner cheek. It has also been suggestion that the supplement could be administered by injection.

Others have suggested that rather than administer a supplement, individuals could take other supplements that contain the materials needed to stimulate the formation of GSH. Substances such as vitamin C, selenium (important in GSH biochemistry), methionine, alpha-lipoic acid and glutamine could all help to increase the body’s production of glutathione. A supplement of the constituent parts of cysteine, glycine and glutamic acid should also help. The dosage ranges recommended vary widely from 50mg to 500mg daily, and the effects of supplementation are not yet well know.

Some specific conditions that this wonder antioxidant is useful in treating include liver disease such as hepatitis, cirrhosis and so on. Patients suffering from these diseases show a massive reduction in their GSH content and prior GSH treatment appeared to offer a significant degree of protection in controlled clinical investigations. Patients suffering from chronic hepatitis C have been found to be associated with reduced GSH levels, particularly if also HIV positive.

Similar deficiencies have been noted in some lung conditions such as asthma and other pulmonary conditions. In such cases it has been demonstrated that administration of GSH supplements sufficient to restore normal levels of the substance improved the patients’ conditions by a significant amount. Its effect on atherosclerosis appears to be significant since a decreased level of GSH peroxidase has been recorded in such patients in addition to an increase in lipid peroxides, indicating that oxidation of the arterial wall had been occurring.

Anti-viral therapies that rely on GSH biochemistry for their action have been found to be less effective in those with low GSH levels, and other studies have confirmed that supplementing with GSH improves the response to interferon treatment. These results indicate the activity of oxidizing agents and free radicals in liver conditions, and in fact this has been demonstrated by tests carried out in New York and Philadelphia in the 1990s.

This suggests that the liver is prone to damage by oxidative stress, and that GSH levels may be able to be used as an indication of potential liver disease. What is evident is that a strong case can be made for glutathione supplementation as protection against potential liver, pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases, especially by those exposed to specific polluting agents such as primary or secondary tobacco smoke, auto and diesel fumes and chemicals and pesticides.

L-glutathione is useful, not only for the elimination of toxins in the liver, but also in protecting this large and vital organ from the oxidative stress that modern living brings. L-Glutathione and its precursors are sold over the counter at your local or internet health food store.

By EasyArticles

Is Lipoic Acid A Powerful Antioxidant?

2009-09-02T11:41:00.000+08:00

What has been described as a “universal,” “ideal,” and “metabolic” antioxidant? Lipoic acid or alpha lipoic acid (ALA). It neutralizes free radicals in both the fatty and watery regions of cells. It helps produce the energy for our body’s normal function by converting glucose (blood sugar) into energy. Our bodies produce this fatty acid in small amounts. It occurs naturally in foods like spinach, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, peas, Brewer’s yeast, rice bran and organ meats. ALA is used to treat many serious illnesses.

What makes ALA unique and gives it nutritional value is that it is both water and fat soluble, unlike the more common antioxidants vitamins C and E, and it appears to be able to recycle and extend the metabolic lifespan of antioxidants such as of vitamin C, glutathione, and coenzyme Q10, and it indirectly renews vitamin E. Vitamin C lessens oxidative stress while glutathione helps detoxify the liver. Coenzyme Q10 helps convert food energy into energy inside every cell while vitamin E helps with nerve conduction.

Lipoic acid is used to treat a common complication of diabetes called peripheral neuropathy. It speeds the removal of glucose from the bloodstream, at least partly by enhancing insulin function, and it reduces insulin resistance, the basis of many cases of coronary heart disease and obesity. It significantly and rapidly reduces the frequency and severity of diabetic neuropathy symptoms like burning and sharply cutting pain, prickling sensations and numbness.

Free radical damage is thought to contribute to aging and chronic illness. ALA helps neutralize those harmful chemicals. ALA can cross the blood-brain barrier; a wall of tiny vessels and structural cells, and pass easily into the brain. It is thought to protect brain and nerve tissue by preventing free radical damage and is used to treat Alzheimer’s disease. Because of those reasons, ALA is also used as a nutritional supplement to treat a myriad of other illnesses and diseases like cataracts, hardening of the arteries, hepatitis, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, high cholesterol levels, and even human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Though very few, a small number of side effects have been reported when using lipoic acid as a nutritional supplement. They include muscle cramps, skin rash, tingling or a “pins and needles” sensation, or headache. Because ALA can improve blood sugar control, diabetics who take medication to lower their blood sugar should be monitored by their health care provider when taking ALA. People on thyroid medications should also be under the supervision of their healthcare provider if they take this supplement as it can alter thyroid hormone levels.

By FreeArticlesForWebSites.com

Using Glutathione Therapy to Help with Health Problems

2009-09-01T11:15:00.000+08:00

Acetyl-L-Carnitine, The Next Anti-Aging Brain Nutrient

2009-08-22T13:27:00.000+08:00

Acetyl-L-Carnitine is an amino acid derivative instrumental in the biochemical synthesis of acetycholine, an important neurotransmitter without which you would be unable to learn or to memorize anything. However, it has another property: it may be able to provide sufficient nutrition to the brain as to allow it to withstand the ravages of time and aging.

Since time immemorial mankind has sought the elixir of life that can be used to give humans everlasting life. While this has yet to be found there is increasing evidence that research is slowly but steadily identifying the factors that cause aging, and identifying means of overcoming them. Acetyl-L-carnatine is one of those amino acid supplements that is essential to life, and that when combined with other supplements can produce a synergistic effect that shows signs of combating at least some of the oxidative changes in the body that cause aging.

Anti-oxidants such as Vitamins C and E have long been used in attempts to fight against the oxidative effects of free radicals on the body; free radicals that once were the by products of our metabolism and easily combated, but which are now being increasingly generated in our environment through pollution, radiation, excessive exposure to sunlight and cigarette smoke. All of these contribute to aging through the disruption and destruction of body cells by these free radicals.

Acetylcholine is well known to biochemical historians, being one of the first neurotransmitters discovered, and its importance in maintaining the proper operation of the brain is indisputable. It is an essential part of the process that allows brain cells to communicate and to create memory. Not only that, but also to recall memories and to tell muscles when they should and should not contract. As people age their brain cells become less efficient, this mainly being due to a decline in the acetyl-L-carnitine that produces actylcholine in the body with the aid of the enzyme choline acetyl transferase.

To express it simply, acetyl-l-carnitine enables neurons to maintain communication when the levels of enzymes and other necessary chemicals are falling throughout the body due to the slowing of the body with age. If we cannot produce it ourselves, then we can either supply it directly though a supplement, or supply its precursor so that the body has the raw materials to produce it.

Most biochemistry is active throughout our lives: we simply need to provide the raw materials for the necessary reactions to take place. We can do that through supplements. It has been established that a supplement of acetyl-L-carnitine slows the natural mental decline that begins to occur in middle age and to improved memory and concentration. It is extremely useful that it is easily soluble in both water and fats, so that it can be carried to any part of the body that requires an antioxidant effect.

Studies have also indicated that supplemental acetyl-L-carnitine can promote improved energy generation through its effect on fatty acids. This support of the metabolism of fatty acids is indicated by its effect on ‘liver spots’, which are a recognized sign of aging. These brown spots can be seen on the skin as people age, but the lipofuscin that causes it also affects the internal organs and the brain, and can also appear on the lens of the eye. Lipofuscin is composed of waste products such as damaged proteins and oxidized fats and other lipids. Its production can be held back by antioxidants, and are reduced by supplemental acetyl-L-carnitine.

This is yet another incidence of how ALC can be used to slow done or even reverse, the effects of aging on the human metabolism and brain functions. Animal studies have indicated that this effect is significantly greater when it is used in conjunction with lipoic acid.

Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is a powerful antioxidant, occurring naturally in beef, kidney, and green vegetables such as spinach and broccoli. It is also a coenzyme, working with with other metabolic enzymes to produce energy. Moreover, ALA raises the levels of a substance called glutathione which is critical for the proper functioning of the neurons. However, it is their effect on mitichondria that makes a combination of ALA and ALC so interesting in human biology.

Mitochondria are responsible for the generation of power in all cells in the human body through the biosynthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) responsible for all metabolic functions and cell generation. Without mitochondria, oxygen cannot be used. ATP is the substance that is responsible for carrying chemical energy in the body. During aging, mitochondria are damaged by oxidation through free radicals. This induced a general decline in energy and cognitive functions.

However it was found in a study with rats that when acetyl-L-carnitine was provided as a supplement, the age-related decline in mitochondrial activity was reversed and oxidation of fatty acids was increased. As a result of this fatty acid oxidation, even more oxidation damage to the mitochondria occurred. When a supplement of alpha lipoic acid was also given, however, the mitochondrial oxidation was reduced, so that the mitochondria produced a higher energy output with less oxidation damage.

In fact the two worked synergistically, the benefit of acetyl-L-Carnitine and alpha lipoic acid used together being more effective than when given separately. It is possibly the discovery of more such synergistic effects that will eventually lead to longer life spans!

After a period of time, the old rats took on the energy of much younger rats, and the aging process appeared to have reversed. Tests are now under way on humans, and while the doses needed are large, initial results of a 2001 study at San Francisco State University have indicated a reduction in the oxidative stress induced by exercise of a test group in comparison with a placebo control group.

This type of stress as in indication of damage caused by energy output, and relates to aging. It appears, therefore, that a supplement consisting of both l-Carnitine and ALA is more effective that either alone in improving the degeneration of energy levels as well the decline in cognitive and memory functions that comes with age. It is not yet, however, the elixir of life!

By FreeArticlesForWebSites

Benefits Of Glutathione Therapy

2009-08-21T08:45:00.001+08:00

Although one of the primary benefits of Glutathione has to do with Parkinson’s disease, it has been found that when a person has a Glutathione deficiency, other health issues can arise. Since Glutathione is one of the primary antioxidant enzymes, a protein made naturally in the body to help protect cells, if this is low or non-existence, trouble is imminent.

For maintaining overall good health, liquid Glutathione is needed. In fact, when it comes to the body’s cells being able to fight off damage caused by free radicals, this one protein type is the most important. Comprised of three amino acid types, Glutathione can be found in every single cell. For this protein to work as it should, it has to be generated within the cell.

In addition to being found in the body, Glutathione also comes from a person’s diet. Although not considered an essential nutrient, it is still vital. After all Glutathione can be created from L-cystein, L-glutamate, and glycine amino acids. When at the appropriate levels, the benefits of Glutathione are incredible, keeping a person’s immune system working at normal function.

Another of the many benefits of Glutathione is that it aids in the multiplication of lymphocytes. Experts now conclude that there are actually three main benefits of Glutathione specific to the immune response system. First, it works as an antioxidant, second, a booster for the overall immune system and its response, and finally, a detoxifier. To ensure the body can maintain a high level of function for the immune system, Glutathione plays a critical part.

Other important benefits of Glutathione or having a Glutathione deficiency includes protection the body’s health, improving endurance in people living with AIDS, reducing high levels of oxidized Vitamins C and E, maintaining the cellular structure, protecting red blood cells, and even keeping brain function at a normal level. As more and more studies are being performed on Glutathione deficiency, researchers are amazed at the list of benefits of Glutathione that they find.

What happens in the body is that sometime during your twenties and thirties, the level of Glutathione starts to diminish, usually as much as 10% every ten years. As we get older, we begin to feel tired, achy, etc. With the research that has been done regarding both Glutathione deficiency and the benefits of Glutathione, they have found that Glutathione given intravenously, not orally, can make a significant difference in the way a person feels but also the way in which the body fights off illness and disease.

If you decide to take the liquid Glutathione, we suggest you start with the 100 milligram option, gradually increasing to 500. However, there are even supplements that come in 1800 milligrams but in this case you should talk to your doctor prior to taking that high of a dose. The liquid Glutathione or Glutathione injection coupled with a well-balanced diet, daily exercise, and a stress-free life can have a powerful and positive impact on life.

By FreeArticlesForWebSites

L-Glutathione Can Eliminate Toxins in the Liver

2009-08-20T05:16:00.001+08:00

A Lycopene Supplement - Why a Multi-Vitamin is a Better Choice

2009-08-19T05:19:00.001+08:00

If you go shopping for a lycopene supplement, one of the first things that you are likely to notice is the great variation in price. While some supplements are definitely worth more, some are simply over-priced for no good reason.

Here are a few facts that should help you get the most for your money.

Over the last several decades, many researchers have been focused on the health benefits of specific foods and the differences in people's blood contents of trace nutrients. While the essential vitamins, such as A, C, D and E, are well-known, there are many other trace nutrients in foodstuff that are still not well understood.

Lycopene, which is found in tomatoes and some other red vegetables, is one of them. There is basically one fact that accounts for the increase in popularity of supplements containing it. There is a relationship between high levels in the bloodstream and a lower incidence of prostate cancer.

Men that have prostate cancer typically have lower blood levels of the nutrient. Alternative and mainstream practitioners alike are now suggesting a lycopene supplement for their male patients.

There is a small amount of evidence indicating that the nutrient may be beneficial for the prevention of breast cancer, too. Other claims associated with supplementation include increased energy level and a reduced risk of heart disease, as well as a reduction of other age-related diseases.

Here's the problem. The nutrient is only one of many. The benefits associated with it are not unlike those associated with other antioxidants.

Antioxidants of all kinds address one of the causes of cellular aging. That cause is free radical damage. Free radicals or oxygen radical species, as they are sometimes referred to, are present in all of the cells of the body. If a person has a good antioxidant "status", the radicals are neutralized before they can damage the cells.

There is no reason to believe that a lycopene supplement is any better than any other antioxidant for preventing free radical damage. In fact, one of the most potent antioxidants is l-glutathione, which is not normally included in dietary supplements, because it is more expensive.

In order for it to be absorbed into the bloodstream, the reduced form must be used and it must be protected by an enteric coating. So, when it comes to price variations, supplements that include l-glutathione in the reduced form and an enteric coating are worth more.

According to some scientists, a lycopene supplement might not provide the benefits associated with eating tomatoes. The benefit could be due to all of the different vitamins that are in them, including the basic vitamin C.

Taking a good multi-nutritional supplement is worthwhile for many reasons. The best ones contain nutrients that address all of the causes of cellular aging. Free radical damage is only one of them.

So, instead of shopping for a single ingredient lycopene supplement, look for a good multi-nutritional supplement that contains it. That's how to really get the most for your money.

I have found lycopene as an ingredient in a well balanced multi-nutritional supplement that I personally take and highly recommend visit my website now http://www.radiant-health.info

Susan is passionate about maintaining good health by taking high quality supplements. She says the most valuable and effective supplements she has come across are not very expensive or the most advertised. Check out her website http://www.radiant-health.info today.

By Susan Taylor

What is Glutathione?

2009-08-18T10:30:00.001+08:00

Glutathione (pronounced "gloota-thigh-own") also known as GSH is the body's essential health AID - Antioxidant, Immune booster and Detoxifier. This small protein, produced naturally in the body, maintains these three crucial protective functions. In fact, your life depends on glutathione. Without it your cells would disintegrate from unrestrained oxidation, your body would have little resistance to bacteria, viruses and cancer, and your liver would shrivel up from the eventual accumulation of toxins.

Glutathione is not yet a household word. Even doctors who have heard the term may have only a vague idea of it. However, everyone will soon be talking about this critical substance. There was a time when only scientists had heard of cholesterol and vitamins, but today everyone knows about them. In the last five years, over 35,000 medical articles about Glutathione have been published, and this scientific understanding is gradually becoming common knowledge.

Each and every cell in the body is responsible for its own supply of glutathione and must have the necessary raw materials to make it. Glutathione is always in great demand and is rapidly consumed when we experience any sort of pressure - illness, stress, fatigue and even exercise. Glutathione levels also diminish as we age and many diseases normally associated with aging have been linked to glutathione deficiency.

WHY GLUTATHIONE IS ESSENTIAL TO HEALTH

Glutathione's three major roles in the body are summarized by the letters A-I-D - Antioxidant, Immune booster, and Detoxifier - three critical processes driven by glutathione.

THE MASTER ANTIOXIDANT (AID) Over the past thirty years researchers have explored the critical role of antioxidants in good health. It's not surprising that the body itself manufactures its own natural antioxidants. The most important of these is glutathione. Since all other antioxidants depend upon the presence of glutathione to function properly, scientists call it "The Master Antioxidant."

BENEFITS FOR THE IMMUNE SYSTEM (AID) The immune system's function is to identify and attack germs and other invaders, including cancer cel1s. A body with plenty of glutathione fights off these threats more easily by denying most of them and confronting the few that get through with an enhanced immune system. Elevated glutathione levels enable the body to produce more white blood cells - the most important front line defense of the immune system. Glutathione plays a central role in the functions of these immune cel1s. Dr. Gustavo Bounous, a leading glutathione expert says, "The limiting factor in the proper activity of our lymphocytes (white blood cel1s) is the availability of glutathione." In other words, healthy growth and activity of immune cel1s depend upon glutathione's availability. Simply put, glutathione is food for the immune system.

NATURAL DETOXIFICATION (AID) Whether we know it or not, we are continually inhaling and ingesting natural and synthetic toxins. They are unavoidable in these modern times, both in our polluted cities and our engineered food supplies. When the body has its health and the nourishment it needs it works tirelessly to eliminate toxins and protect itself, but increasing levels of environmental pollution are depleting its stores of glutathione more and more rapidly. Our main organ of detoxification is the liver the body's most concentrated source of glutathione. Studies show that low glutathione levels lead to poor liver function, causing more and more toxins to circulate through the body and resulting in damage to individual cel1s and organs.

Raising glutathione levels: some possible clinical applications:

Aging
• Parkinson's disease
• Alzheimer's disease
• Cataract formation
• Macular degeneration
• Cancers of aging
• Prostate problems
• Osteoarthritis

Cardiovascular
• Prevents heart disease
• Prevents stroke
• Prevents atherosclerosis
• Reverses atherosclerosis
• Prevents reperfusion injury

Digestive system
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Hepatitis
• Malnutrition
• Pancreatitis
• Peptic ulcer

Toxicology
• Detoxifies certain drug overdoses
• Detoxifies substances in cigarette smoke, auto exhaust
• Detoxifies pollutants including heavy metals, pesticides
• Prevents hearing loss from noise pollution
• Detoxifies many well-known carcinogens

Infectious disease and immunology
• Anti-viral (AIDS, hepatitis, herpes, common cold, etc)
• Bacterial infection
• Certain autoimmune dysfunction's
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Immuno-suppression

Cancer
• Cancer prevention
• Suppresses tumor growth
• Eliminates carcinogens, mutagens
• Retards oxidative damage to DNA
• Prevents wasting disease
• Eases side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy

Pulmonary
• Breaks up mucus
• Cystic fibrosis
• Asthma
• Chronic bronchitis
• Emphysema
• Pulmonary fibrosis

Metabolic
• Athletic enhancement
• Decreases recovery time from physical stress
• Decreases cholesterol LDL oxidation
• Supports hemoglobin in kidney failure
• Diabetes

By Abraham Bruck

Glutathione Health

2009-07-14T07:43:00.001+08:00

Description

Glutathione is produced in the human liver and plays a key role in intermediary metabolism, immune response and health, though many of its mechanisms and much of its behavior await further medical understanding. It is also known as gamma-Glutamylcysteineglycine and GHS. It is a small protein composed of three amino acids, cysteine, glutamic acid and glyceine. Glutatione is found in two forms, a monomerthat is a single molecule of the protein, and a dimmer that is two of the single molecules joined together. The monomer is sometimes called reduced glutathione, while the dimmer is also called oxidized glutathione. The monomer is the active form of glutathione. Oxidized glutathione is broken down to the single molecule by an enzyme called glutathione reductase.

Glutathione, in purified extracted form, is a white powder that is soluble in water and in alcohol. It is found naturally in many fruits, vegetables, and meats. However, absorption rates of glutathione from food sources in the human gastrointestinal tract are low.

General use

Glutathione was first isolated in yeast in 1929. Its metabolism in the body was described in 1984, and its role in cancer treatment dates from 1984.

Glutathione is a major antioxidant highly active in human lungs and many other organ systems and tissues. It has many reported uses. It has a critical role in protecting cells from oxidative stress and maintaining the immune system. Higher blood levels of glutathione have been associated with better health in elderly people, but the exact association between glutathione and the aging process has not been determined.

Among the uses that have been reported for glutathione are:

* treatment of poisoning, particularly heavy metal poisons
* treatment of idiopathic pulmonary firbosis
* increasing the effectiveness and reducing the toxicity of cis-platinum, a chemo drug used to treat breast cancer
* treating Parkinson's disease
* lowering blood pressure in patients with diabetes
* increasing male sperm counts in humans and animals
* treatment of liver cancer
* treatment of sickle cell anemia

Claims made about glutathione have included that it will increase energy, improve concentration, slow aging, and protect the skin.

The importance of glutathione is generally recognized, although its specific functions and appropriate clinical use remain under study. Similarly, because ingested glutathione has little or no effect on intracellular glutathione levels, there are questions regarding the optimal method for raising the intracellular levels.

In addition to ongoing studies of the role of glutathione in cancer and cancer therapy, there are currently clinical trials of glutathione in Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The U. S. National Cancer Institute has included glutathione in a study to determine whether nutritional factors could inhibit development of some types of cancer.

European researchers, with support from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, are examining the potential uses of inhaled glutathione in cystic fibrosis. Some physicians also use inhaled glutathione in treating airway restriction and asthma. Other studies are investigating whether administration of alpha-lipoic acid, a material that can elevate intracellular glutathione, may be beneficial in restoring the immune system in AIDS patients.

Preparations

Although glutathione is marketed as a nutritional supplement, it does not appear that glutathione supplements actually increase the levels of glutathione inside cells. In human studies, oral doses of glutathione had little effect in raising blood levels. Further, glutathione is so widely distributed in common foods that supplements are not normally required. Supplements of vitamin C are more effective at increasing intracellular glutathione than taking oral glutathione supplements. Oral supplements of whey protein and of alpha-lipoic acid appear to help restore intracellular levels of glutathione.

Glutathione is available as capsules of 50, 100, and 250 milligrams. It is also included in many multivitamin and multi-nutrient formulations.

Precautions

At this time, the only established precautions are sensitivity to any of the inactive ingredients in the preparations of glutathione or the products used to stimulate glutathione levels. This is a discussion of glutathione, not C and whey. There is some new literature that suggests supplementing it may be helpful to some cancer patients, but detrimental to others.

Side effects

There are no established side effects to glutathione or to the substances used to elevate glutathione levels.

Training & certification

Glutathione has been classified as an orphan drug for treatment of AIDS. For this purpose, medical licensure is required. Glutathione has been given intravenously for amelioration of the side effects of cisplatin therapy. Specific training is required to order, prepare, start, and monitor intravenous therapy. No specific training is required to use glutathione or the compounds which have been reported to raise glutathione levels for other purposes.

Source: healthline.com

Glutathione: New Supplement on the Block

2009-07-11T08:00:00.002+08:00

Who wouldn't like to get their hands on a naturally occurring substance that acts as an antioxidant, an immune system booster, and a detoxifier? Something that can help your body repair damage caused by stress, pollution, radiation, infection, drugs, poor diet, aging, injury, trauma, and burns?

A handful of researchers are saying the antioxidant glutathione can do all that and maybe more. But can you believe such sweeping claims? What's the evidence to back them up? Here are what three experts have to say:

What Is Glutathione?

"Glutathione is a very interesting, very small molecule that's [produced by the body and] found in every cell," says Gustavo Bounous, MD, director of research and development at Immunotec and a retired professor of surgery at McGill University in Montreal, Canada. "It's the [body's] most important antioxidant because it's within the cell."

Antioxidants -- the most well known of which are vitamins C and E -- are important for good health because they neutralize free radicals, which can build up in cells and cause damage. Because glutathione exists within the cells, it is in a prime position to neutralize free radicals. It also has potentially widespread health benefits because it can be found in all types of cells, including the cells of the immune system, whose job is to fight disease.

Glutathione occurs naturally in many foods, and people who eat well probably have enough in their diets, says Dean Jones, PhD, professor of biochemistry and director of nutritional health sciences at Emory University in Atlanta. Those with diets high in fresh fruits and vegetables and freshly prepared meats are most likely just fine. On the other hand, those with poor diets may get too little.

What Does Glutathione Do?

The strong antioxidant effect of glutathione helps keep cells running smoothly. Bounous and another glutathione expert, Jeremy Appleton, ND, say it also helps the liver remove chemicals that are foreign to the body, such as drugs and pollutants.

Appleton is chairman of the department of nutrition at the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Ore., and senior science editor for Healthnotes, a database on complementary and alternative medicine available at newspaper stands and health food stores.

Evidence for the important role that glutathione plays in health comes from studies in people who are severely ill.

"If you look in a hospital situation at people who have cancer, AIDS, or other very serious disease, almost invariably they are depleted in glutathione," says Appleton. "The reasons for this are not completely understood, but we do know that glutathione is extremely important for maintaining intracellular health."

How Should Glutathione Be Taken?

Glutathione is probably not well absorbed into the body when taken by mouth. One way to get around that is to take it by vein. A more practical solution is to take the precursors -- that is, the molecules the body needs to make glutathione -- rather than glutathione itself. While there is no solid proof this works, the consensus among experts is that that doing so will increase the amount of glutathione in the cells.

Bounous has developed a glutathione-enhancing product called Immunocal, which is made up of glutathione precursors, mainly the amino acid cysteine.

Who Does Glutathione Help?

Animal and laboratory studies have demonstrated that glutathione has the potential to fight almost any disease, particularly those associated with aging, since free radical damage is the cause of many of the diseases of old age.

"Theoretically, there are many very strong arguments in favor of a therapeutic use of glutathione," says Appleton. "But when people have actually tried to use glutathione as an oral supplement, nasal spray, or intravenously, the results have been more of a preliminary nature. The amount of research on glutathione as a supplement ... is very limited."

Nevertheless, people have tried glutathione for the treatment of a whole host of conditions, including cancer, high blood pressure, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, cataracts, and male infertility.

The best studies have been conducted in cancer. One study involved women with ovarian cancer who were being treated with chemotherapy. Some of the women were also treated with intravenous glutathione. Those given the glutathione not only had fewer side effects from the chemotherapy but also had better overall survival rates.

Myriam Abalain of Montreal, Canada, is one of the many people who have taken Bounous's Immunocal to combat cancer. In 1996, at age 33, a routine PAP smear revealed she had precancerous cells on her cervix, which is one step away from having cervical cancer. The three specialists she visited all told her that a hysterectomy was her only option, but she hesitated to have such major, life-altering surgery.

Instead, she waited. For more than two years, her condition remained stable. Then a friend suggested she try Immunocal. After eight months of taking the supplement, her physician could no longer detect any precancerous cells. Does this mean Immunocal cured her? It's hard to say based on just one case like hers. It is possible her body went into remission naturally.

Even Bounous acknowledges there's no real proof his product cured her cancer, but he's working on conducting good clinical research, comparing individuals with cancer taking glutathione to those who are not.

What Are the Risks?

O

verall, taking glutathione or its precursors in reasonable amounts appears to be quite safe, although it should be avoided in people with milk protein allergies and in those who have received an organ transplant. There is also some concern, however, about the safety of taking glutathione for the one condition for which there is the greatest evidence of its usefulness: cancer.

"People don't get concerned about these health-promoting [supplements] until they're in their 50s and 60s," says Emory's Dean Jones. At that point, they may already have the initial precancerous [cells]. Therefore, the supplements, just like they promote health in normal tissues, might promote health in the precancerous tissue."

Appleton recognizes this possibility but says "there's no evidence that supplementing with glutathione, even intravenously, is in any way going to make any cancer worse. In fact, the evidence we have suggests the opposite. It suggests that glutathione and other antioxidants, far from interfering with the activity of chemotherapy, appear to reduce side effects without decreasing efficacy and may, in fact, improve the efficacy of the chemotherapy in fighting cancer."

Bounous says his research has demonstrated that taking Immunocal actually lowers glutathione in cancer cells while increasing it in normal cells. As a result, the cancer cells are more vulnerable to chemotherapy, and the normal cells are protected.

The upshot? The experts disagree on who should take glutathione or its precursors. Bounous says everyone should take it in order to optimize overall health. Appleton would reserve it for people with cancer. Jones says it might only prove beneficial for those who eat poorly and are thus unlikely to be getting much glutathione or its precursors in their diet.

They all acknowledge that people with severe diseases known to be associated with low glutathione levels, such as AIDS, may well benefit from the supplement, although there is no proof to this effect.

Source: medicinenet.com

The 3 Distinct Benefits of Naturally Produced Glutathione

2009-07-09T07:27:00.001+08:00

In case you are still trying to understand the roles glutathione plays in the body, here’s a recap…

Glutathione is:
# The “Master Antioxidant”
# A Powerful Immune Booster
# A Cellular Level Detoxifier

Glutathione: The Master Antioxidant

Antioxidants participate directly in the destruction of reactive oxygen compounds called free radicals. These by-products of a cell’s normal function can’t be avoided, but exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun or other sources promotes their emergence.

Free radicals have been linked to muscle fatigue during exercise and aging.

For this reason, the body is equipped with a variety of antioxidants. Vitamins C and E are natural antioxidants but do not occur naturally in the body.

These and other antioxidants actually depend on natural glutathione to function properly. This is why glutathione is called “The Master Antioxidant”.

Glutathione: Food for the Immune System

Glutathione helps build your immune system’s resistance and improve your chances of staying healthy.

Lymphocytes are cells of your immune system. Glutathione is essential for lymphocytes to increase in number, produce antibodies, and function efficiently.

Glutathione: A Cellular Level Detoxifier

Our food and water sources are becoming increasingly contaminated with chemicals, as is the air that we breathe.

Supplemental detoxifiers such as glutathione help to counter the effects of the toxins we inhale and ingest.

By physically binding to toxic compounds in cells, glutathione helps make them soluble - and harmless. The body can then eliminate these disarmed toxins in the bile and urine.

Raising Glutathione Levels Means HEALTH

Think for a minute on the cellular changes that would take place in your body if you were to…
# destroy the corrosive free radicals
# boost your immune system and
# cleanse your cells in a way that you have never done before.

What one supplement or diet can offer this much toward balancing your health and well-being?

Honestly, only by increasing the body’s natural levels of glutathione can you begin to treat chronic inflammation, the root cause of many illnesses and get on track to long-term health.

Source: inflammation911.com

Glutathione | Antioxidant Blend May Offer Protection in Life Threatening Conditions

2009-07-08T07:27:00.001+08:00

A newly released study suggests that providing yourself with a broad spectrum of antioxidants will offer you protection even under such extreme conditions as total body irradiation. As published in the April, 2008 edition of Radiation Research, the purpose of this study was to determine whether a dietary supplement consisting of L-selenomethionine, vitamin C, vitamin E succinate, alpha-lipoic acid and N-acetyl cysteine could improve the survival of mice after total body irradiation.

Study and Results

Results of the study indicate that these antioxidants significantly increased the 30-day survival rate of the mice after their exposure to a potentially lethal dose of X rays when given prior to or after the irradiation. Pretreatment of animals with antioxidants resulted in significantly higher total white blood cell and neutrophil counts in peripheral blood. Antioxidants were effective in preventing peripheral lymphopenia (reduction in the number of lymphocytes circulating in the blood) only after low-dose radiation. Antioxidant supplementation was also associated with increased bone marrow cell counts after irradiation, and with increased Bcl2 and decreased Bax, caspase9 and TGF-beta1 mRNA expression in the bone marrow after irradiation.

Maintenance of the antioxidant diet was associated with improved recovery of the bone marrow after sub-lethal or potentially lethal irradiation.

The researchers concluded that when taken together, oral supplementation with antioxidants appears to be an effective approach for radioprotection of hematopoietic (blood forming) cells and improvement of animal survival. Modulation of apoptosis is implicated as a mechanism for the radioprotection of the hematopoietic system by antioxidants.

What are antioxidants?

Antioxidants are natural compounds that help protect the body from the ravages of free radicals. Free radicals are atoms or groups of atoms that cause damage to cells, impair the immune system and lead to infections and degenerative diseases such as cancer and heart disease. Many scientists view free radical damage as the basis of the aging process.

Even a healthy body produces free radicals, many of them being oxygen derived. They may form in response to exposure to the sun, toxic chemicals, air pollution, or as part of various metabolic processes.

Ideally these free radicals are kept in check by free radical scavengers, which consist primarily of four enzymes: superoxide dismutase (SOD), methionine reductase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase. The healthy body produces these enzymes as a matter of course. Melatonin, the sleep hormone, is also a highly powerful antioxidant produced by the body. And under ideal conditions, the body is also able to obtain antioxidants from food, such as vitamin A, beta-carotene and other carotenoids, flavonoids, vitamins C and E, and selenium. Some herbs also have potent antioxidant properties.

Unfortunately, today's food supply reflects less than ideal conditions, so it is quite difficult to get enough antioxidants from your diet to protect you from the ever increasing levels of free radicals generated in our polluted environment. As a result, many people are turning to dietary supplements, which can be extremely effective, as this study indicates.

Implications of the study

The researchers of this study chose to supplement their mice with a variety of powerful antioxidants. That's because antioxidants work synergistically in their ability to provide protection against free radicals, so it is better to take smaller doses of several different antioxidants than a large dose of only one. This finding has implications for diet as well as supplementation.

Some examples of obtaining a broad spectrum of antioxidants from the diet would be found in the decision to eat a variety of fruits during the day. By choosing to eat different fruits of different colors, you will obtain a much broader variety of antioxidants than you would if you chose to buy only a large bag of apples or oranges for the week. The variation in their color is your key to the variation of their antioxidant powers.

The same logic hold true with vegetables. You will achieve a much larger array of antioxidants by eating a salad made of small amounts of all the veggies on the salad bar than you will with a full size serving of only one variety. Again, let color be your guide. The more colors on your plate, the higher the variety of antioxidants.

If you are headed to the juice bar, don't just order the carrot juice. Ask for some of all the veggies or fruits they have available.

Berries are extremely rich in antioxidants. They have been shown to be especially protective against cancer.

If you decide to use antioxidant supplements, you can buy one of the multi-antioxidant formulations available. A better way may be to familiarize yourself with the major antioxidants and tailor your supplementation to the gaps in your diet. For example, if you eat a bowl of blueberries every morning, you won't need an antioxidant containing lutein.

The supplements used in the study

L-selenomethionine is a highly bioavailable form of selenium, a nutrient essential for the functioning of glutathione peroxidase, one of the body's main antioxidants. This is the form of selenium increasingly used in cancer treatment and studies and is believed to be protective against cancer. Since selenium content of fruits and vegetables is determined by the selenium content of the soil in which they are grown, it's hard to know that you are getting enough selenium from what you eat. But if you eat Brazil nuts regularly, you probably get plenty of selenium.

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that is required for at least 300 metabolic functions including tissue growth and repair, adrenal functioning, and oral health. It aids in the production of anti-stress hormones and the immune system protein, interferon. It is needed for the metabolism of folic acid, tyrosine, and phenylalanine. Vitamin C can reduce the symptoms of asthma, and protect against the effects of pollution. It is cancer preventative, protects against infection and boosts the immune system. Vitamin C is able to combine with certain heavy metals and other toxic substances, and escort them out of the body. It is instrumental in lowering blood pressure and helping to prevent atherosclerosis and blood clots. It has anti-aging properties and is essential in the formation of collagen.

The body does not manufacture vitamin C so it must be obtained from diet or supplements. Good amounts of vitamin C are found in most fruits, particularly citrus and berries, and in many vegetables, particularly the green leafy varieties. Many herbs also contain amounts of vitamin C. The best supplements of vitamin C are food sourced, such as those from acerola cherry. The bioflavonoid complex is synergistic with vitamin C.

Vitamin E succinate is one of the two ester forms of vitamin E, the other being vitamin E acetate. The ester is a form more resistive to oxidation during storage than the unesterified form. Bio-availability is equal to that of free form vitamin E. The ester form, vitamin E succinate, is required to effectively inhibit growth and induce death in cancer cell grown in culture. Supplements of vitamin E may range from those containing only alpha tocopherol to those containing the full E complex of the four tocopherols and the four tocotrienols.

Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is known as the all purpose antioxidant. It is powerful in its own right, and also as a recycler of vitamins C and E. It can restore the antioxidant properties of these vitamins after they have already neutralized free radicals. ALA stimulates the production of glutathione in the body, and aids the absorption of coenzyme Q 10. ALA is water soluble as well as fat soluble, a feature that allows it to move into all parts of cells to deactivate free radicals.

According to Phyllis and James Balch in their Prescription for Nutritional Healing, supplemental ALA has been used in Europe for several decades to treat peripheral nerve degeneration and to aid in the control of blood sugar levels in diabetics. It helps the liver detoxify metal pollutants, blocks cataract formation, protects nerve tissues against oxidative stress, and reduces blood cholesterol levels. ALA may also be instrumental in the prevention and treatment of chronic degenerative diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Without ALA, cells cannot use sugar to produce energy. People who choose to take only one antioxidant supplement often choose ALA. Food sources are spinach, broccoli, and organ meats.

N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is a stable form of the amino acid cysteine, and is used by the liver and the lymphocytes to detoxify chemicals and other poisons. It is very powerful against alcohol, tobacco smoke and environmental pollutants, all of which suppress the immune system. It is needed for the production of glutathione and helps maintain glutathione levels in the cells. Supplementing with NAC can boost the levels of protective enzymes in the body, slowing the cellular damage that is characteristic of aging. It may also reduce the frequency and duration of infections. Combined with L Glutamine, NAC offers a powerful energy boost.

NAC is produced in the body from the amino acid cysteine found in all food sources of protein. Its synthesis is dependent on the availability of selenium, vitamin E and the B vitamins. Supplements of NAC are also available and are used in many anti-aging regimens.

Source: naturalnews.com

GSH / Reduced Glutathione and Skin Whitening

2009-07-07T08:02:00.002+08:00

Glutathione is an amino acid found in every cell of a living organism. It’s considered as the ultimate and master antioxidant known to man because it protects the body from a multitude of diseases and conditions.

But as we age, our glutathione levels are depleted due to exposure to air pollutants, stress, drugs, smoking, or food chemicals that damage our cellular systems.

Glutathione Side Effects
Health benefits of Glutathione Skin Whitening Pill

As mentioned above, glutathione can help fight:

* infertility (especially for men)
* human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
* cancers
* cataracts
* thyroid problems
* liver problems (toxins, heavy metals, alcohol)
* chronic fatigue
* heart disease especially those with LDL or bad cholesterol
* multiple sclerosis
* Alzheimer disease
* Parkinson's disease
* arteriosclerosis
* and the list goes on…

And the skin benefits? L-Glutathione skin whitening works from the inside to repair and nourish skin -

* Gives skin a radiant glow.
* Makes pores finer.
* Removes skin hyperpigmentations.
* Skin becomes smoother and clearer.
* Controls acne and prevents acne marks.
* Defies the aging process.

The benefits of glutathione skin whitening pills are immense.

* It preserves good health.
* It promotes longer life.
* It is the anti-aging answer to premature wrinkling.
* It improves the immune system.
* It’s involved in the synthesis & repair of DNA (wow..).
* It detoxifies nicotine in the body (great for smokers!).

How long will I see an improvement?"

* Light-medium brown skin: 1-3 months
* Dark brown skin: 3-6 months
* Very dark skin: 6-12 months
* Black skin: 18 months minimum and above

It needs a little time to build up and work.

Though there is a faster way - IV Glutathione or Intravenous Glutathione. Yep, they're injectables and in much higher doses. Way more expensive too. They scare me a bit because I hate needles, but it may work faster compared to oral supplementation.

Like topical skin lighteners, results from taking skin whitening pills can get faster or slower depending on your skin sensitivity, metabolism and body chemical functioning.

A Glutathione skin whitening pill’s efficacy in skin whitening works only if it is taken with Vitamin C at least equal or twice its dosage. So if you’re taking 500mg of glutathione, Vitamin C should be at least 1000mg.

Conclusion: Is glutathione only for people who want to whiten their skin?
Answer: No! If you want to promote better health and wellness, help fight major diseases especially cancers, keep skin young-looking and radiant, control acne, and again, the list goes on and on, glutatione skin whitening pill is the way to go.

Side Effects:Generally considered to have no other side effect, except for skin lightening. No untoward interactions even with prolonged use.

Fact: Glutathione is a food supplement and not a drug, therefore doesn’t require a Food and Drug Administration approval in US. It is listed in the USFDA’s GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) list of safe food supplements under specification 21CFR §184.1979c.

Glutathione is the best antioxidant of all time.

Source: skin-whitening-product.com

Glutathione, What is it?

2009-07-06T07:39:00.001+08:00

Glutathione is a dietary supplement used as an antioxidant to help protect the body from many diseases and conditions. It is also used to treat infertility (difficulty getting pregnant), cancer, cataracts, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Glutathione is used to detoxify various chemicals from the body.

Other names for Glutathione include: Gamma-glutamylcysteinylglycine and GSH.

Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you need more information about this medicine or if any information in this leaflet concerns you.

Before Using:
Tell your doctor if you

* are taking medicine or are allergic to any medicine (prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) or dietary supplement)
* are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine
* are breastfeeding
* have other health problems, such as high blood pressure or heart or blood vessel disease

Dosage:
Talk with your caregiver about how much Glutathione you should take. The amount depends on the strength of the medicine and the reason you are taking Glutathione. If you are using this medicine without instructions from your caregiver, follow the directions on the medicine bottle. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than the directions tell you to.

To store this medicine:
Keep all medicine locked up and away from children. Store medicine away from heat and direct light. Do not store your medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down and not work the way it should work. Throw away medicine that is out of date or that you do not need. Never share your medicine with others.

Warnings:

* Before taking Glutathione tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

Side Effects:
Stop taking your medicine right away and talk to your doctor if you have any of the following side effects. Your medicine may be causing these symptoms which may mean you are allergic to it.

* Breathing problems or tightness in your throat or chest
* Chest pain
* Skin hives, rash, or itchy or swollen skin

Other Side Effects:
You may have the following side effects, but this medicine may also cause other side effects. Tell your doctor if you have side effects that you think are caused by this medicine.

* Zinc deficiency was seen in long term use of a combination product containing Glutathione

Source: pdrhealth.com

Glutathione | Glutathione

2009-07-03T18:57:00.003+08:00

Glutathione peroxidase (GSH) is your body’s most abundant natural antioxidant. GSH protects your vision, boosts your immune system, helps turn carbohydrates into energy, and prevents the buildup of oxidized fats that may contribute to atherosclerosis.

Glutathione is a compound classified as a tripeptide made of three amino acids: cysteine, glutamic acid, and glycine. Glutathione is also found in every part of the body, especially the lungs, intestinal tract, and liver. The body produces and stores the largest amounts of GSH in the liver, where it is used to detoxify harmful compounds so that they can be removed from the body through the bile. The liver also supplies GSH directly to red and white blood cells in the bloodstream; it helps keep red blood and white blood cells healthy to maximize the disease-fighting power of the immune system. Glutathione also appears to have an anti-aging affect on the body. GSH levels decline with age, and a lack of glutathione has been shown to leave the body more vulnerable to damage by free radicals, thus speeding up oxidation (wearing down) of the body.

A glutathione deficiency can have a devastating effect on the nervous system, causing such symptoms as lack of balance and coordination, mental disorders, and tremors. Any illness (even a bad cold), chronic disorders such as asthma and rheumatoid arthritis, injury, or heavy exposure to pollutants can cause a GSH deficiency. This is because your body uses more GSH when it is supporting white blood cells and ridding the body of toxins.

Glutathione is found in almost all fruits and vegetables. Acorn squash, asparagus, avocado, cantaloupe, grapefruit, okra, orange, peach, potato, spinach, strawberries, tomato, watermelon, and zucchini are all good sources of GSH. Some vegetables, such as broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, kale, and parsley, not only provide GSH, but also actually stimulate the body produce more of this powerful antioxidant. Cooking destroys a lot of the glutathione in fresh fruits and vegetables, so you can get the most GSH from these foods by eating them raw or steamed. Eating foods high in glutamine, such as lean meats, eggs, wheat germ, and whole grains, can also stimulate the liver to produce more GSH.

There is no Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for GSH, but supplements have no known harmful side effects. Glutathione supplements can be expensive, but there is some question about the body’s ability to absorb GSH efficiently in supplemental form. If you want to take GSH supplements, just make sure to take them with meals to maximize absorption.

Another, and some say better, way to raise glutathione levels is to take cysteine, glutamic acid, and glycine, the raw materials it uses to make this compound. The N-acetyl form of cysteine (NAC) is easily absorbed by the body, and glutamine supplements are available in a powder that is cost effective, tasteless, odorless, and dissolves easily in water. The usual dose for extra glutamine is anywhere from 1,000 to 5,000 milligrams.

Fish oil, riboflavin (vitamin B2), vitamin C, and selenium also encourage the production and absorption of GSH. In fact, without selenium, a trace mineral that also helps vitamin E work more effectively, the body cannot produce glutathione. Make sure you are getting plenty of these nutrients to help keep your body healthy and strong at any age.

Source: vitaminstuff.com

Glutathione Related News | Cardiac Patients Recover Better With Heart Surgery Nutrition

2009-07-02T08:17:00.002+08:00

It is called heart surgery nutrition and this is an easy way that cardiac patients can do something effective to improve their medical outcomes. Recent medical research is now showing that heart surgery nutrition is a very important way to protect a patient from damage that can be caused by the oxidative stress that goes along with angioplasty, coronary bypass, thrombolysis (using medication to dissolve blood clots), and the injury that results when oxygen is once again supplied to tissues that were oxygen deprived.

In fact, medical researchers are taking the important step of recommending that people take proactive, protective measures to combat the heavy oxidative stress that goes along with heart attacks, strokes, and heart surgery.

There are two important elements that researchers have found:

1. An extremely high level of free radical damage

2. An absence of glutathione (the body's own antioxidant) in people who are experiencing cardiac problems.

Both of these elements accompany heart disease and both occur when -

1. Blood flow to the heart is obstructed by a blockage of a coronary artery

2. Or there is a sudden, severe blockage that brings on a heart attack (myocardial infarction)

The good news is that heart surgery nutrition can easily be implemented and added to a patient's medical treatment to improve outcomes and even protect against further damage.

How To Prevent Further Cardiac Damage

A team of Canadian and Japanese heart researchers suggest now that the use of antioxidant therapy before a cardiac procedure such as angioplasty, coronary bypass, and thrombolysis may help prevent complications.

Without making sure that there are adequate protective mechanisms in place to combat free radicals our vascular systems can be overcome by atherosclerosis.

A Research team at Birmingham University examined over two thousand patients who had confirmed coronary artery disease in a randomized clinical trial. The results were:

* Patients who took antioxidant supplements reduced their risk of cardiovascular disease by 47%.

* Cardiologists in Italy conclude that significant glutathione depletion occurs after cardiac ischemia.

* A study in the Japan Heart Journal measured the red blood cell glutathione of 21 patients with heart attacks. They found evidence of glutathione depletion and this indicates that this condition presents a major demand for glutathione.

How Your Body's Own Antioxidant Protects You

The principal antioxidant in our cells is glutathione (GSH). It protects all cells. It has been shown that there is a connection between cholesterol levels, glutathione levels, and plaque formation in the aorta. It has also been confirmed that GSH levels decrease as we age and this contributes to the formation of atherosclerosis.

Antioxidants like vitamins C and E are important and beneficial but the naturally occurring antioxidant in the cell is GSH. GSH changes these other antioxidants into their functionally active form.

Unfortunately, taking glutathione in pill form is not effective, because it is merely digested and does not get to the cells. To benefit from glutathione you need to add it as a nutraceutical both as pre- and postoperative nutrition.

Source: naturalnews.com

Benefit of grapes may be more than skin deep

2009-07-01T08:15:00.002+08:00

Can a grape-enriched diet prevent the downhill sequence of heart failure after years of high blood pressure? A University of Michigan Cardiovascular Centre study suggests grapes may prevent heart health risks beyond the simple blood pressure-lowering impact that can come from a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. The benefits may be the result of the phytochemicals - naturally occurring antioxidants - turning on a protective process in the genes that reduces damage to the heart muscle.

The study, performed in laboratory rats, was presented at the 2009 Experimental Biology convention in New Orleans.

The researchers studied the effect of regular table grapes (a blend of green, red, and black grapes) that were mixed into the rat diet in a powdered form, as part of either a high- or low-salt diet. Comparisons were made between rats consuming the grape powder and rats that received a mild dose of a common blood pressure drug. All the rats were from a research breed that develops high blood pressure when fed a salty diet.

After 18 weeks, the rats that received the grape-enriched diet powder had lower blood pressure, better heart function, and fewer signs of heart muscle damage than the rats that ate the same salty diet but didn't receive grapes.

Rats that received the blood pressure medicine, hydrazine, along with a salty diet also had lower blood pressure, but their hearts were not protected from damage as they were in the grape-fed group.

'There are the small changes that diet can bring, but the effect of grape intake on genes can have a greater impact on disease down the road,' said E. Mitchell Seymour, M.S., who led the research as part of his doctoral work in nutrition science at Michigan State University. He manages the U-M Cardioprotection Research Laboratory, which is headed by U-M cardiac surgeon Steven Bolling, M.D.

Heart cells, like other cells in the body, make an antioxidant protein called glutathione, which is one of our first defenders against damaging oxidative stress. High blood pressure causes oxidative stress in the heart and lowers the amount of protective glutathione. However, intake of grapes actually turned on glutathione-regulating genes in the heart and significantly elevated glutathione levels.

This may explain why the hearts of grape-fed animals functioned better and had less damage.

Although the current study was supported in part by the California Table Grape Commission, which also supplied the grape powder, the authors note that the commission played no role in the study's design, conduct, analysis or the preparation of the journal article for publication. Seymour also receives funding from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health, through a National Research Service Award.

Bolling said the latest results take research on the health benefits of grapes 'a step further' by examining the mechanisms impacted by antioxidant-rich grapes.

The rats in the study were from a strain called Dahl rats, which have been specially bred to all be susceptible to salt-induced hypertension. The animals are similar to

Americans who have elevated blood pressure related to diet, and who develop heart failure over time because of prolonged hypertension.

Each group of 12 rats was fed the same weight of food each day with powdered grapes making up 3 percent of the diet (by weight) for rats that received grapes as part of either a low-salt or high-salt diet. The rats that received hydrazine were fed it through their water supply in a dose that has been previously shown to be effective in reducing blood pressure.

Such naturally occurring chemicals have already been shown in other research, including previous U-M studies, to reduce other potentially harmful molecular and cellular activity in the body.

In all, the researchers say, the study further demonstrates that a grape-enriched diet can have broad effects on the development of hypertension and the risk factors that go with it. Whether the effect can be replicated in humans, they say, remains to be seen.

Source: sciencecentric.com

What is Glutathione

2009-06-30T07:14:00.003+08:00

The Quick view...

The tri-peptide glutathione or (GSH) is a combination of the amino acids glutamate (glutamic acid), L-cysteine, and glycine. Each and every cell in the body takes these raw ingredients to manufacture GSH. It is a very small protein (made of three amino acids) and is essential for life. It serves to protect the body at the cellular level.

The GSH in each cell has numerous functions. The three most important jobs are antioxidant, immune booster and detoxifier.

When a patient is brought into the hospital with Tylenol overdose, the treatment of choice involves elevating the GSH with a fast acting but short lived drug known as NAC or also sold under the brand name Mucamyst.

Can I Take a GSH Supplement?

The general consensus from the experts on GSH is that you cannot take a supplement and build up your GSH levels within your body.

There is only one way to build and get the benefits of GSH. You need to take cysteine in a bioactive form.

To date, there are only two companies that have been able to clinically prove their product actually boosts intercellular GSH levels. Many copy-cat products will use these studies to market their cysteine.

Although they may work for some, the amount of product required do not seem to be backed up by clinical trials of reputable researchers.

How come I have never heard of Glutathione?

Although known about for years, it has eluded intense study until the last decade of the 20th century. Scientists looked at what it did and sought to find out how to use this molecule to enhance the health and wellness within the human body.

Studies in the most delicate of bodies with a most unfortunate disease included children infected with HIV and in full blown AIDs.

Also clinical trials with Parkinson’s, prostate cancer, lung cancer, improving the effects of chemotherapy in treating cancer, various lung diseases, wound healing, and athletic performance Enhancement were undertaken.

The results of these studies were and still are exciting. The results will change the way you think about disease, your personal health and wellness as it did for the individuals who were in the clinical trials. They will be discussed in length in other parts here on the GSH Disease Cure web site.

Source: glutathionediseasecure.com

Tips on Protecting Yourself From Acrylamides Lurking in the Foods You Love

2009-06-29T08:42:00.002+08:00

Can you eat the foods you love occasionally without compromising your health? A new study shows that adding certain compounds to your diet can protect you from the harmful effects of acrylamides found in many of American's favorite foods.

As published in the July 15, 2008 edition of the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, researchers found that three dietary constituents, tea polyphenols, resveratrol, and diallyl trisulfide, inhibit damage to DNA from acrylamides at levels typically found in human exposure. Results of analysis of the compounds with accelerator mass spectrometry demonstrated that all three significantly inhibited the formation of acrylamide damage to liver DNA, whereas tea polyphenols and diallyl trisulfide reduced DNA damage to protamines and hemoglobin as well.

Further biochemical studies showed that acrylamides could significantly inactivate creatine kinase and glutathione S-transferase and deplete glutathione. When the inhibitors were treated with acrylamide, all of them could effectively recover the activities of creatine kinase. In addition, tea polyphenols and diallyl trisulfide could increase glutathione S-transferase at a remarkably high level. Creatine kinase is an enzyme essential in biochemical reactions and energy generation. Glutathione S-transferase is a family of enzymes that play key roles in the detoxification of substances such as carcinogens, drugs, and byproducts of oxidative stress.

Acrylamides are formed when carbohydrate containing foods are baked, fried or roasted. They have been shown to cause cancer in animals exposed to high doses, as well as nerve damage. Acrylamides are not added to foods but occur naturally in the cooking process. Because of this, information on them is not required on food labels.

Any starchy food cooked at high temperatures will contain acrylamides. Potatoes that are fried may be the worst offenders, with potato chips fried to a golden brown containing the highest levels. Boiled or mashed potatoes will contain acrylamides as will cooked sweet potatoes. It can also be found in toasted or roasted cereal grains and bread products -- again with the highest levels contained in those baked to a golden brown, and corn roasted on a grill, or popped in oil. Pretzels are promoted as healthy snacks, but that golden brown color is your tip that they contain high levels of acrylamides. Coffee creates acrylamides during its roasting.

Acrylamides were discovered by Swedish scientists in 2002, and made headlines across America when they were first reported. Since then, there has been little interest by the FDA to keep people abreast of the dangers of eating acrylamide containing foods. The method by which acrylamides form in food remains unknown.

What we do know from this study is that by taking steps to protect ourselves from acrylamides, we don't have to be boorish sticks when we go out with our friends. We can eat foods containing acrylamides without suffering their effects if we also make sure we are fortified with tea polyphenols, resveratrol and diallyl trisulfide.

Numerous studies have demonstrated the anti-cancer properties of tea polyphenols, with recent studies adding gastric, esophageal and skin cancers to the list of those inhibited by polyphenols from tea consumed in high amounts. Another study showed ovarian cancer risk reduced by 46 percent in women drinking 2 cups of tea daily. Researchers have found tea polyphenols to lower cholesterol levels, prevent blood clots, and help prevent heart disease. All types of tea contain polyphenols, with green and white tea having the highest levels due to their minimal processing.

Resveratrol is turning out to be so good for us that red wine may end up on the superfood list. It is found in the skin of red or purple grapes, and in peanut products that contain the skins, such as Spanish peanuts. Resveratrol has also been shown to help prevent cardiovascular disease and cancer. A glass of tea or red wine during a meal containing foods that have produced acrylamides will offer you protection.

Diallyl trisulfide is a compound found in garlic that has been roasted, smashed or otherwise processed. Shown particularly effective in the prevention and treatment of prostate cancer, this compound is also a potent immune system booster.

All three of these compounds are extremely effective antioxidants.

If you plan to be eating foods that contain acrylamides, you can protect yourself by having supplements of theses compounds on hand. Each offers an array of other health benefits.

Source: naturalnews.com

For Your Glutathione Needs: Click Here

Antioxidants Important for Optimizing Health and Preventing Parkinson's

2009-06-26T09:20:00.003+08:00

(NaturalNews) Research scientists at the Buck Institute have discovered that mice with less of the natural antioxidant glutathione, particularly in their dopamine-producing neurons, become crippled by nerve damage. In fact, the mice developed symptoms that match up very well with Parkinson's disease in human beings. In order to perform the experiment, scientists first created mice that could be triggered chemically to greatly reduce the amount of glutathione in their dopamine-creating neurons, which then resulted in the Parkinson-like symptoms.

This new discovery might call into question the current pharmaceutical approach to Parkinson's Disease; which doses patients with dopamine equivalents, or with drugs that boost dopamine's effect (as a former prescription drug, Methamphetamine, or "Crystal Meth" does). Unfortunately, these Parkinson's drugs also have been found to cause many of the effects that are also seen with Methamphetamine, such as gambling and other impulse-control problems. Now it seems that the underlying problem may not really be dopamine.

Antioxidants keep our cells clean by combining with and eliminating very dangerous reactive molecules that can cause random changes in proteins, resulting in cancer, heart disease or other chronic illnesses. Those random changes are often referred to as "oxidative stress" and cause inflammation as well. This new research shows that natural antioxidants are important in maintaining nerve cell function, too.

The good news is that you can boost your levels of natural antioxidants rather easily without prescription drugs in several ways. So if this new research holds up, by boosting your natural levels of antioxidants, you may be protecting yourself against Parkinson's Disease as well as cancer, infection, and much more.

Glutathione is probably the second most important antioxidant that our bodies make - melatonin is the most important, and by far the least costly to make use of, energetically. Vitamin C would come in third. Consistent sleep in true darkness is the best prescription to boost your melatonin; but of course, supplements of melatonin are also widely sold. Doses much less than the standard 3mg are now recommended however, since too much melatonin can slop over into daytime and confuse your clock and immune system. As well, it has been suggested that taking melatonin supplements may cause a decline in your own natural production of this critical antioxidant and night-time hormone.

A relatively new and easy approach to increasing melatonin production naturally, based on recent chronobiological research is to wear orange-tinted glasses (low blue light eyewear) for an hour or two in the morning and at night. By cutting out exposure to blue light, our bodies think it's night, and begin to produce melatonin. Since about ten hours of darkness (or low blue light) in which to produce melatonin are ideal, blocking blue light means more of the critical antioxidant melatonin, for better health. Experiments by researchers at the Lighting Innovations Institute of John Carroll University have shown this approach to be effective for fertility, depression, bipolar disorder, and other medical problems.

Many antioxidant food and nutritional supplements, such as lipoic acid, wolfberries (goji berries) and pomegranates have also been shown to have beneficial effects on health, by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.

We all have plenty of glutathione in each of our cells, however most of it isn't charged up and ready for use at any given moment - in fact a standard medical measure of "oxidative stress" is whether at least ten percent of the glutathione in our cells is charged up and ready to be used, if needed. Glutathione isn't usually recommended as a nutritional supplement itself because it isn't easily absorbed by the gut. However its "precursor", the amino acid cysteine, is available.

For most of us in the modern world, the likely reason for having insufficient glutathione in the active form is that we aren't getting enough melatonin at night. Better sleep hygiene and more darkness, as well as more regular bedtimes, are a great way to start. Food or supplements rich in natural antioxidants are also valuable - and you can start today.

Source: naturalnews.com

Need Glutathione? Click Here

Glutathione | Improve Your Ocular Nutrition to Fight Eye Disease

2009-06-24T08:54:00.001+08:00

There is now emerging research that suggests that a small protein called glutathione plays a significant role in protecting the eyes. Scientists have been aware of glutathione and its important ocular antioxidant properties for some time, but they did not know until recently how to raise glutathione levels.

Ocular nutrition and raising your glutathione level can be instrumental in preventing or resolving visual degeneration due to Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma, and Cataracts. Low levels of glutathione are often seen in patients with these diseases. Raising glutathione with improved ocular nutrition can halt progress and often reverse these conditions.

Macular degeneration is defined as a progressive loss of vision because of a breakdown of the macula. The macula is the portion of the retina that is responsible for close vision. Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is a top reason for sight loss in seniors over age 65.

Smoking and atherosclerosis are contributing factors that can make ARMD worse, although genetics is the predominant factor. ARMD is probably a result of cumulative damage of free radicals released because of exposure to ultraviolet sunlight. Other sources of oxidative stress may also play a role in its onset. The elderly often have low glutathione levels and this predisposes them to ARMD. This makes ocular nutrition very important.

Glaucoma is a serious condition that involves fluid pressure rising within the eye. Some pressure is necessary to maintain the shape of the eyeball, however too much pressure will compress and obstruct the small blood vessels of the eye. This will damage the optic nerve. Glaucoma is one of the top causes of vision loss.

Glaucoma becomes more common with aging, is genetic, and is many times connected to diabetes, hypertension, and nearsightedness. Traditional treatment concentrates on relieving the pressure by drug therapy or surgery.

Glaucoma patients have been found to generally have very low glutathione levels. Increasing glutathione levels has been found to either prevent glaucoma or delay the onset.

Cataracts are a clouding that occurs in the lens of the eye. This is the leading cause of vision impairment in the elderly and cataracts lead to over one million surgeries every year in the United States.

Research has shown that the onset of cataracts could be delayed or even prevented by raising glutathione levels. An effective defense against cataracts is improving one's ocular nutrition.

Broccoli and broccoli sprouts have been shown to be effective in protecting the retina against oxidative damage because these foods contain a compound called Sulphoraphane. Sulphoraphane boosts the body's defense system and enables it to fight free radicals.

Glutathione and Sulphoraphane have important advantages over regular antioxidants. Not only are they effective protection for the eyes, but they also protect every other part of the body. They also last between four and five days in cells after being consumed.

Other significant protective dietary ingredients are Lutein and Zeaxanthin. These are antioxidant carotenoids that are an important part of the macular pigment that protects the retina from degeneration.

Zeaxanthin helps protect the photo receptor cells present in the macula from damaging UV rays and also from free radical damage. Lutein is plentiful in many leafy green vegetables, such as kale, collards, spinach, Swiss chard, Beet and Mustard Greens, Romaine Lettuce, and Endive. It is also present in egg yolks, peas, red peppers, corn, pumpkin, beetroots, okra, leeks, celery, and Brussels sprouts.

Of course, Lutein supplements can protect your eyes. However, increasing the amount of leafy green vegetables in your diet is a much better way to fight eye diseases and macular degeneration. Not only are you helping your vision by raising your glutathione levels, you are helping your entire body!

Source: by Jo Hartley from naturalnews.com

Need Gluatathione? Click Here

Glutathione - The Master Antioxidant Also a Skin Whitening Pill?

2009-06-23T08:24:00.001+08:00

With over 50,000 articles written about Glutathione, majority of the population still haven’t heard of it. What’s interesting is that it dwells in almost every cell of the body. Glutathione is made up to 3 amino acids; Cysteine, Glycine and Glutamic Acid, it plays a very critical role in one’s health and its absence is synonymous to death. This is why some doctors can determine someone’s lifespan by measuring the Glutathione levels in his body. If you can remember 3 things using the acronym A.I.D., then surely you’ll understand its tremendous impact in so many different pathologies. “A” stands for Antioxidant, “I” is Immune Booster, and the “D” stands for Detoxification. Glutathione is the major antioxidant produced naturally in the body and so most scientists refer to it as the “Master Antioxidant”. Imagine a peeled apple left for a few minutes; you will notice that after sometime, the peeled apple will turn to brown, this is called oxidation. Free Radicals attacks the cells of the body resulting into Oxidative Stress. This substance works by neutralizing these Free Radical, thus, protecting the cells. It has been suggested by most scientists that Glutathione links to the poison and other heavy metals like lead, cadmium, mercury, pesticides and even automobile smoke. Once it links to all these carcinogens, they all become solouble and are easily expelled from the body though the bile or urine.

If this master antioxidant is so powerful and is readily available in the body, how come there are still a lot of people suffering from deadly diseases? It’s because Glutathione levels declines with age and in order for us to achieve optimal health, we need to replenish the levels of this substance in our body.

But wait! There is still another fact about Glutathione which you need to know. It has a side effect, skin whitening. Glutathione’s reputation in the East soared not because it is good for overall health but due to its skin lightening effect. It is popularly known as skin whitening pills, bleaching tablet, whitening capsules, and sold in most pharmacies and online stores. Its popularity conquered the whole continent since a lot of Asians wants to achieve a white and flawless skin.

How it works is by targeting an enzyme called Tyrosinase. It is present in both plants and animals and is responsible for catalyzing the production of Melanin in the skin. The lesser Melanin, the lighter the skin. Once this enzyme is inhibited, skin lightening gradually develops and it takes an average of 4-12 weeks before you see any noticeable change. Skin Whitening will only occur if the body’s Glutathione levels have already reached its threshold.

For people who wishes to achieve a lighter complexion, erase years from their skin and have a healthy and radiantly glowing body, this is the best solution. Not only does it give you a celebrity-like skin and a healthy body, but it is also very safe compared to conventional remedies like hydroquinone, bleaching and the likes.

Glutathione should be taken in its reduced form known as L-glutathione in order for it to work as skin whitener. Find a formulation that contains vitamin c and other antioxidants like alpha lipoic acid and grape seed extract which will yield the best possible result for your skin and health.

Beware! Only buy from reputable and legitimate source of L-glutathione skin whitening pills to ensure that you are getting the real deal. Seek for proofs like certificate of product authenticity and testimonials as your reference.

Recent studies show the role of Glutathione in treating cancer, infertility, cataracts and even HIV, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, Autism and other neurodegenerative diseases. You can never go wrong with this supplement that possesses multiple wonders and benefits. Achieve a beautiful fair skin and acquire the gift of wellness. Glutathione is the key to beauty and longevity!

Source: medicalsupportforum.com

For your glutathione needs: Click Here