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.
Studies have discovered that most of our supply of this important substance is found in our liver, where it is produced. It aids in the liver's function of purifying the bloodstream of toxins and of metabolic wastes. It is also found in our bloodstream, our lungs, and our intestines. It aids in the digestion of carbohydrates and in breaking down oxidized fats that the body deposits in our tissues in an attempt to keep them out of circulation.
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.
Its importance to the nervous system is demonstrated by the reaction of those deficient in this nutrient. People with a deficiency exhibit lack of coordination, mental disorders, tremors, and loss of balance. People suffering from HIV are especially affected by a lack of this antioxidant.
As people age, their levels of the Glutathione decrease. It is not known whether this is because less of it is produced or whether more is required. Aging of both mind and body is accelerated by low levels of this substance. Therefore, it is sometimes called the most important antioxidant of them all, even more so than vitamin C. Research continues to be done on the workings of our bodies and how the many different nutrients work both alone and together.
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.
Studies have discovered that most of our supply of this important substance is found in our liver, where it is produced. It aids in the liver's function of purifying the bloodstream of toxins and of metabolic wastes. It is also found in our bloodstream, our lungs, and our intestines. It aids in the digestion of carbohydrates and in breaking down oxidized fats that the body deposits in our tissues in an attempt to keep them out of circulation.
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.
Its importance to the nervous system is demonstrated by the reaction of those deficient in this nutrient. People with a deficiency exhibit lack of coordination, mental disorders, tremors, and loss of balance. People suffering from HIV are especially affected by a lack of this antioxidant.
As people age, their levels of the Glutathione decrease. It is not known whether this is because less of it is produced or whether more is required. Aging of both mind and body is accelerated by low levels of this substance. Therefore, it is sometimes called the most important antioxidant of them all, even more so than vitamin C. Research continues to be done on the workings of our bodies and how the many different nutrients work both alone and together.
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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