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Quote of the day:

“It’s been my experience that you can nearly always enjoy things if you make up your mind firmly that you will.”

– L.M. Montgomery

Glutathione

What is it?

Glutathione is a tripeptide composed of three amino acids: cysteine, glycine, and glutamic acid. It is a powerful antioxidant that is naturally produced by the body and found in every cell. Glutathione plays a crucial role in maintaining cellular health and protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals, toxins, and oxidative stress. Glutathione also supports the function of other antioxidants in the body, such as vitamins C and E, by recycling and regenerating them.

In addition to its antioxidant properties, glutathione is involved in several vital processes in the body. It plays a role in detoxification, helping to eliminate harmful substances, pollutants, and heavy metals. Glutathione also supports the immune system by enhancing the activity of immune cells and promoting overall immune function. It is involved in protein synthesis, DNA repair, and maintenance of cellular energy levels.

While the body produces its own glutathione, factors such as aging, chronic illness, stress, poor diet, and exposure to environmental toxins can deplete its levels. Glutathione supplementation has gained attention for its potential health benefits, including supporting liver health, promoting skin brightening and anti-aging effects, boosting immune function, and aiding in detoxification processes.

Why does it matter?

As we get older, our body's natural production of glutathione tends to decline, making us more susceptible to a range of diseases. Factors such as inflammation, alcohol consumption, genetic predisposition, and illness can also contribute to the reduction of glutathione levels.

Glutathione is important for several reasons:

• Antioxidant Defense: Glutathione is a potent antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can lead to oxidative stress and contribute to various health problems, including aging, chronic diseases, and inflammation.

• Detoxification Support: Glutathione plays a crucial role in the body's detoxification processes. It helps bind to and eliminate toxins, pollutants, heavy metals, and harmful substances, assisting the liver and other organs in eliminating these potentially harmful compounds.

• Immune Function: It helps enhance the activity of immune cells, such as T cells and natural killer cells, which play a critical role in fighting infections, pathogens, and cancer cells. By supporting immune function, glutathione helps maintain a strong defense against illnesses and promotes overall health.

• Anti-Aging and Skin Health: As an antioxidant, it helps counteract the damaging effects of free radicals on the skin, reducing oxidative stress and protecting against signs of aging. Glutathione also plays a role in regulating melanin production, which can contribute to skin brightening and promoting an even skin tone.

• Gut health: It helps protect the gastrointestinal (GI) tract by reducing inflammation, promoting detoxification, and supporting the integrity of the gut lining. Imbalances in gut health, such as leaky gut syndrome, can contribute to various health issues. It may help promote gut healing and improve digestive function.

• Brain health: The brain is highly susceptible to oxidative stress, which can contribute to neurodegenerative conditions and cognitive decline. It helps protect brain cells from damage caused by free radicals and supports the detoxification pathways in the brain. Maintaining adequate levels of glutathione may help support cognitive function and protect against age-related brain disorders.

It also helps with heart health, autoimmune diseases, chronic inflammation, improve insulin resistance, liver protection, and more. Lifestyle choices and a balanced diet can help ensure sufficient glutathione. If necessary, supplementation may be needed to support these essential functions.

How to add into your daily routine?

Here are some ways to increase glutathione levels and incorporate it into your daily routine:

• Consume Foods Rich in Glutathione Precursors: These include sulfur-containing foods such as cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, arugula, bok choy, brussels sprouts), garlic, onions, and asparagus. Foods rich in selenium, such as Brazil nuts, seafood, oysters, eggs, grass fed beef, and organ meats, can support glutathione synthesis.

• Consume Foods High in Antioxidants: These include a variety of fruits and vegetables such as berries, citrus fruits (kiwi, oranges, papaya), leafy greens, and bell peppers. Also, increasing Vitamin C intake helps reprocess glutathione. We love the LivOnLabs liposomal Vitamin C.

• Exercise Regularly: Engaging in regular physical activity has been shown to increase glutathione levels in the body. Exercise not only supports glutathione production but also helps reduce oxidative stress and promotes overall well-being.

• Get Enough Sleep: Prioritize quality sleep as it plays a vital role in supporting glutathione levels. Aim for 7-8 hours of restful sleep each night to promote optimal cellular repair, immune function, and overall health.

• Manage Stress: Chronic stress can deplete glutathione levels in the body. Implement stress management techniques such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, or engaging in activities you enjoy to reduce stress levels and support glutathione production.

• Consider Glutathione Supplements: If you're looking to supplement your glutathione levels, there are oral and intravenous (IV) options available. We like the LivOnLabs liposomal version.

• N-acetyl cysteine (NAC): NAC is a derivative of cysteine and is commonly used as a supplement to support glutathione levels. It is a precursor to glutathione and is another form of supplementation you can take. We like Pure Encapsulations and Thorne.

• Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA): ALA is an antioxidant that can help regenerate glutathione in the body. It plays a role in recycling and maintaining the activity of glutathione, thus indirectly supporting its levels. For supplementation we like Pure Encapsulations.

Remember, it's always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before making any significant changes to your diet or incorporating supplements. They can provide personalized guidance based on your health status and help you determine the most appropriate approach to support your glutathione levels.

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