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If I ask you about antioxidants, your first response might be that antioxidants are found in certain fruits and vegetables. Most of us naturally think of Vitamin C as the most common antioxidant; however, glutathione is considered the body's “master” antioxidant and is key to supporting a healthy immune system. Before we dig into glutathione, I would like to review antioxidants and what they do in your system.
In the world of eating, summertime is a nature's banquet with a never-ending supply of fresh vegetables, fruits, and berries. One of my favorite things to do in the summer is to walk through our vegetable garden, pick some fresh produce, and then prepare it for a meal. Newly picked vegetables at the peak of freshness are abundant so take advantage of this time of year and indulge in all the goodness. I take great pride in producing food from the garden for ourselves but also to be able to share it with friends and family.
When looking at healthy eating, your diet should include foods free of preservatives and toxins and provide a wide array of benefits through diversified nutrients, including antioxidants. Picking vegetables out of your garden, going to the farmers market, and shopping at your local health food or grocery store are great ways to get quality produce.
Antioxidants are an important nutrient because they are the first line of defense against free radical attack. Free radicals can cause damage to our cells, DNA and result in disease. Free radicals are a natural result of something called oxidation, which is a crucial function of life. The oxygen that enters our system as we breathe is broken down, creating oxygen-free radicals. Another way we create free radicals is when our body turns food into energy.
There is no way to avoid free radicals because the alternative, not breathing, is not so pleasant, and of course, we need to consume food to create energy. To combat these free radicals, we must find a way to nourish our bodies with a wide array of antioxidants through food and when needed, supplements. Providing antioxidants to our systems needs to be done as part of our routine because oxidation never sleeps.
There are hundreds, probably thousands, of different substances that can act as antioxidants. Some of the usual suspects are vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and minerals selenium and manganese. There's also coenzyme Q10, lipoic acid, flavonoids, abundant in berries, and polyphenols such as green tea and curcumin.
Antioxidants and genetic influence are areas of research that are still young. Although looking at the science of epigenetics, which states that we are not victims of our genes and can influence them through outside factors, shows great promise. Antioxidants can turn good genes on and turn bad genes off, which can be a game-changer to one's health.
The health of your eyes has been a significant focus for antioxidant therapy. A six-year trial, the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS), found that a combination of vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and zinc offered some protection against the development of advanced age-related macular degeneration. Other research has shown the benefits of lutein and zeaxanthin for macular degeneration.
In addition to diet, consider adding antioxidant therapy to your nutritional protocol with a multivitamin from science-based nutritional company, targeted antioxidant supplement, or through powerhouse antioxidant supplements such as green tea or curcumin.
So why is glutathione so vital that it is known as the master antioxidant? The body produces its own glutathione, but poor diet, stress, pollution, toxins, and aging may deplete the body's reserves. Supplementation can help support antioxidant activities by promoting a healthy oxidative stress response.
Glutathione provides cellular protection from oxidative stress that may otherwise adversely affect the immune system and detoxification pathway. It helps to regenerate additional antioxidants by binding to and stabilizing free radicals caused by poor lifestyle choices and environmental toxins.
Glutathione further supports the body's detoxification pathways by promoting the healthy function of the liver, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, and intestines. It also supports healthy detoxification by encouraging the elimination of already absorbed toxins and neutralizing new toxins in the gastrointestinal tract before they can be absorbed.
A healthy immune system requires the proper functioning of T cell lymphocytes and NK cellular activity. Results of a long-term, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled human clinical trial show that glutathione supports enhanced immune cell function. This enhance immune function can occur after only one month of supplementation.
Other clinical studies have shown that promoting healthy glutathione production supports healthy oxidative stress response, promoting healthy aging. Additional studies show that the cellular regeneration activity spurred by increased glutathione levels positively affects aging populations' physical and mental health. Taking glutathione can help your cells age gracefully.
Lastly, glutathione has also been shown to regulate the nitric oxide cycle, which is critical for proper blood flow and vascular function. Thus, having nominal glutathione concentrations in the body supports a myriad of essential cellular processes.
The data suggests that glutathione is a critical antioxidant, hence the name "master" antioxidant. There are several ways to obtain glutathione, including oral, transdermal, and intravenous options. The absorption of oral preparations is heavily dependent on the delivery system. Most capsules and tablets are not well absorbed as they are broken down in the stomach. Therefore, a liposomal formulation, which aids in absorption, gives you a better chance of a systemic effect. IV is an excellent option because it goes directly into your bloodstream. This option is available through clinics specializing in IV nutrient treatments like Urban Unwind in Dickinson. The transdermal option is available but would require a topical application with multiple variables; application technique, skin thickness, and skin hydration.
Stop by the pharmacy if you would like more information or need help choosing a quality glutathione supplement. Please visit my website at www.irsfeldpharmacy.com to find this and other archived articles in the blog section. Until next time, be vigilant about your health!!
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