Glutathione is an antioxidant that occurs naturally in the human body. It is an essential component for immune-system health and plays a significant role in cell reproduction; indeed, the Drugs.com website reports, a deficiency in glutathione can potentially affect every body system. Writing for the Huffington Post website, Dr. Mark Hyman adds that glutathione helps to detoxify the body. You can boost glutathione production with food, supplements and exercise.
Significance
Chemically, glutathione (GSH) is a tripeptide. This means it is a peptide with three amino acids. Peptides are strings of amino acids --- the building blocks for cells --- that connect together with specialized bonds. This makes glutathione a vital grouping for good health. According to clinic website Patients Medical, supplemental GSH is a treatment for a number of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's.
Features
Antioxidants, such as glutathione, fight free-radical damage to cells. The American Dietetic Association reports that free radicals trigger the onset of diseases like diabetes or heart disease. Environmental free radicals also contribute to aging and skin damage. The chemical process of free radicals involves the exposure of tissue to oxygen. While oxygen is an essential part of life, it also damage cells over time. Antioxidants slow or prevent this damage, or oxidation. Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant.
Sources
Food can supply components your body needs to manufacture glutathione. Hyman suggests eating more sulfur-rich foods to enhance production of this antioxidant. Foods that contain high levels of sulfur include broccoli, kale, collards, cabbage and cauliflower. Whey protein offers amino acids that boast production, too. Increasing your physical activity moves your body to boost the immune system by creating more glutathione. Hyman recommends 30 minutes a day of vigorous exercise and strength training several times a week. Dietary supplements supply additional B6, B12 and selenium to help build glutathione. Talk to your doctor before beginning a fitness program or taking a supplement.
Deficiency
The inability to adequately create this vital tripeptide can lead to a rare medical condition known as glutathione synthetase deficiency. Individuals with this condition have a disorder that prevents production of glutathione. The U.S. National Library of Medicine's Genetics Home Reference website warns that glutathione synthetase deficiency is one cause of hemolytic anemia, a condition that destroys red blood cells. Glutathione deficiency is a genetic disorder. To properly diagnose it, your doctor must perform a DNA test to determine if you have the gene that blocks production.
Considerations
Most individuals do not need to worry about glutathione. If you eat a healthy, balanced diet, chances are you get enough of the compounds necessary for healthy production. Improving your diet and increasing your exercise will not only help keep you fit, but will also increase the amount of glutathione in your body. The additional glutathione helps to fight illness and may reduce incidence of cancer.
Member Comments