Glutathione is a substance produced by the liver which has many beneficial effects on the body. It is not a true amino acid (amino acids are chemicals that make up protein in our systems and that are released by the metabolism of animal protein that we eat) but is a product of the synthesis of three of these important nutrients. Produced by the liver, glutathione works as a detoxifier and an antioxidant.
This compound is involved in many metabolic processes in our bodies. Research has shown that it is present mainly in the liver but is also found in the lungs, the bloodstream, and the intestines. It is beneficial for metabolism and is believed to protect white and red blood cells, and helps break down oxidized fats which act as harmful free radicals. Free radicals are believed to accelerate the effects of aging and to contribute to many illnesses and chronic conditions.
Glutathione works as an antioxidant to combat the harmful free radicals that come from the foods we eat, pollution in the air we breathe, and toxins found in water and the environment. People who smoke, drink alcohol to excess, or are HIV positive especially seem to benefit from high levels of this compound throughout their systems. It appears to protect the lungs from byproducts of tobacco smoke, shield liver cells from damage from alcohol, and combat some of the effects of the AIDS virus.
A deficiency of this substance is demonstrated most clearly in the nervous system. People lacking in glutathione suffer loss of coordination and balance, develop tremors, and exhibit mental disorders. The effects of aging also are accelerated throughout the body.
Levels of this essential substance decrease with age, either because the body produces less of it or because more of it is used in the metabolic process. Researchers have called glutathione the 'master antioxidant', even more valuable than Vitamin C. Studies continue to show how effective it is in maintaining health throughout life.
The compound is readily available in both capsules and in formulas designed to enhance health and well-being. However, since it is not ingested naturally but produced from broken-down proteins that we do eat, taking a pill or a liquid orally may not be effective. Some trained health practitioners suggest taking the essential components instead - the amino acids cysteine, glutamic acid, and glycine.
The three amino acids that the body uses to produce glutathione are cysteine, glutamic acid, and glycine. Most of the building blocks of protein are found in food, but they can be destroyed by cooking. Supplements of the nutrients are helpful, but care must be taken to ingest the right amounts. Too much of a good thing can actually be harmful and can cause imbalances in the delicate mechanisms of our metabolism.
Glutathione is necessary for life and health. However, it should not be taken without the advice of a trained practitioner or without comprehensive study of the role of amino acids in our bodies. There are special forms of these important nutrients that have been clinically tested and found to be superior. There is a lot of information on this subject; just be sure it comes from a reputable source.
This compound is involved in many metabolic processes in our bodies. Research has shown that it is present mainly in the liver but is also found in the lungs, the bloodstream, and the intestines. It is beneficial for metabolism and is believed to protect white and red blood cells, and helps break down oxidized fats which act as harmful free radicals. Free radicals are believed to accelerate the effects of aging and to contribute to many illnesses and chronic conditions.
Glutathione works as an antioxidant to combat the harmful free radicals that come from the foods we eat, pollution in the air we breathe, and toxins found in water and the environment. People who smoke, drink alcohol to excess, or are HIV positive especially seem to benefit from high levels of this compound throughout their systems. It appears to protect the lungs from byproducts of tobacco smoke, shield liver cells from damage from alcohol, and combat some of the effects of the AIDS virus.
A deficiency of this substance is demonstrated most clearly in the nervous system. People lacking in glutathione suffer loss of coordination and balance, develop tremors, and exhibit mental disorders. The effects of aging also are accelerated throughout the body.
Levels of this essential substance decrease with age, either because the body produces less of it or because more of it is used in the metabolic process. Researchers have called glutathione the 'master antioxidant', even more valuable than Vitamin C. Studies continue to show how effective it is in maintaining health throughout life.
The compound is readily available in both capsules and in formulas designed to enhance health and well-being. However, since it is not ingested naturally but produced from broken-down proteins that we do eat, taking a pill or a liquid orally may not be effective. Some trained health practitioners suggest taking the essential components instead - the amino acids cysteine, glutamic acid, and glycine.
The three amino acids that the body uses to produce glutathione are cysteine, glutamic acid, and glycine. Most of the building blocks of protein are found in food, but they can be destroyed by cooking. Supplements of the nutrients are helpful, but care must be taken to ingest the right amounts. Too much of a good thing can actually be harmful and can cause imbalances in the delicate mechanisms of our metabolism.
Glutathione is necessary for life and health. However, it should not be taken without the advice of a trained practitioner or without comprehensive study of the role of amino acids in our bodies. There are special forms of these important nutrients that have been clinically tested and found to be superior. There is a lot of information on this subject; just be sure it comes from a reputable source.
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