Glutathione Levels Indicate Your State Of Health

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?

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

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

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

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

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.

Source: Amazines | Gen Wright

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

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

Dramatically Increase Your Body's Glutathione

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

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

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

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?

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

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

Green Tea Antioxidants In Anti Aging Supplements

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

The Importance Of Colon Health

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

Using Glutathione Therapy to Help with Health Problems

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 FreeArticlesForWebsites

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

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

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

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 Robert Palmer