Glutathione, the Unknown Antioxidant

[Islander]

By June M. Lay, Lifestyle Columnist - HealthNewsDigest.com
Jul 18, 2010

(HealthNewsDigest.com) - Glutathione, our body's own natural antioxidant is not commonly known to most of us compared to the widely discussed antioxidants such as Vitamin C, E, and the phytochemical's such as Beta-carotene and Resveratrol (to name a few). But just because glutathione is not commonly discussed, it doesn't make it less powerful. In fact, many experts suggest that glutathione is one of the most powerful antioxidants of all! Let's start with the basics. What exactly is an antioxidant?

An antioxidant is defined as any chemical compound, which protects the body from the effects of oxidation. This protection occurs through different methods depending upon the antioxidant. In general, antioxidants neutralize and/or eliminate free radicals, which are produced from the metabolic processes that occur during every function in our body. Since every single thing that occurs in our body from breathing, eating, walking, exercising, to thinking and living, uses oxygen, we generate free radicals as a by-product. We can compare this to the rusting or corrosion that occurs when metals are left exposed to air over time. Sound crazy? Well, this is where our powerful antioxidant glutathione comes to our rescue!

Glutathione is one of our body's own antioxidants as part a defense system produced to counter-act, neutralize and eliminate these free radicals, which are produced from oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is a term used to define the point at which the build-up of reactive oxygen molecules produced, exceeds our body's ability to neutralize the free radicals. This leaves our body open to cellular damage. Our body needs its own antioxidant system, after all, if it didn't we would corrode a lot sooner. When I say corrode, I am referring mainly to the aging process, and chronic diseases, especially the type we are more likely to succumb to as we age. Oxidative stress has been linked to such diseases as arteriosclerosis, cataracts and macular disease, some cancers, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and reduced immune functioning to name a few. In addition, oxidative stress and free radicals are theorized to play a role in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, dementia, and Parkinson's.

Why might we need to supplement our own body's production of glutathione?

We are

Getting older. As we age, our production of glutathione decreases in all our cells. Middle aged individuals have significantly less glutathione in their blood than 20 -year olds. Scroll down to my Internal Combustion section, which increases as part of the aging process! As we age, our immune functions decrease as well.

Taking medications. Free radicals are formed as a by -product of detoxifying drugs. Alcohol while not a medication (well to some of us), is also detoxified in the liver, again forming free radicals.

Exposed to environmental pollutants. Again, free radicals are produced in our body when we are exposed to air pollution, cigarette smoke, VOC's such as found in house paint, new furniture and synthetic materials, wood burning stoves, and other toxic chemicals (household cleaners as one example) and this includes heavy metals (mercury found in food ring a bell?). Of course, we are also exposed to pesticides in our food, and well, our "environmental exposure" is limitless.

Radiation. Here I'm referring to ionizing radiation (x-rays, CT scans), and ultraviolet radiation (the sun especially when we tan).

Internal combustion. Okay, known as endogenous free radicals, these are formed during exercise, production of physical and mental energy, and every single function in our body. This also includes the processes that our bodies perform during periods of stress, especially chronic stress! Free radicals form as a result of respiration (we breathe in oxygen from air), metabolism, and inflammation. As a result, because our antioxidant systems are not perfect, as we age, cell parts are damaged as oxidation accumulates.



Now, before we become hopeless, let's remember that dietary antioxidants found in our healthy "deeply colored foods" are one way to augment our own antioxidant system. This is why it is so important for us to eat the minimum recommended 5 servings a day of fruits and vegetables (we'll get into this in another tip!). Fruits, vegetables and sources of protein including whey protein found in protein powders, and lean meats give us the raw materials for our body to make its own antioxidants including glutathione. Consuming foods rich in sulphur-containing amino acids can help boost glutathione levels. Foods such as asparagus (sulfur is the odor some of us smell when we've digested the asparagus!), a leading source of glutathione and foods like broccoli, avocado and spinach are also known to boost glutathione levels.

What else can we do? We can consider a multi-vitamin/mineral, which also contains antioxidants, and we can consider supplementing with oral glutathione. In one study conducted on mice exposed to stress with resulting reduced serum levels of endogenous antioxidants (their own body's antioxidants including glutathione), supplementation was found to reduce the oxidative damage to their brain and cardiovascular system. Sounds good to me!

In another research study, Glutathione supplementation did not have as large an effect on immune cell production in young subjects; however, it did show a greater increased immune cell production in older subjects. They concluded that supplementation enhanced T cell-mediated responses in young and old subjects. I first learned about glutathione during my nutrition and sport nutrition studies, but more recently, thanks to a symposium given by Dr. Hyla Cass, Author of 8 Weeks to Vibrant Health. I learned even more about glutathione's role in our health, especially its role in brain health. To read more about her go to http://www.cassmd.com/, and to learn more about Setria, a leader of Glutathione research and supplements go to http://setriaglutathione.com/news.html

Here's to Antioxidant Power for Our Health!

June M. Lay M.S.

Sources:
1. Hasan S, Bilal N et. al.,; Multivitamin-Mineral and Vitamins (E + C) Supplementation Modulate Chronic Unpredictable Stress-Induced Oxidative Damage in Brain and Heart, of Mice. Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, A. M. University, Aligarh, 202002, Uttar Pradesh, India. Trace Elem Res. 2010 Jul 16. Retrieved from Pubmed.
2. Wu D, Meydani SN, et. al., In vitro glutathione supplementation enhances interleukin-2 production and mitogenic response of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from young and old subjects. Nutritional Immunology Laboratory, U.S. Department of Agriculture Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111. J Nutr. 1994 May;124(5):655-63.
Junefit is included in Google's top ranked women's health resources http://directory.google.com/Top/Health/Women's_Health/Resources/

June is Lifestyle Columnist at www.healthnewsdigest.com/

http://tinyurl.com/27pfv3v

[Maurya]

According to the Life Extension Foundation:

N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) is a metabolite of the sulfur-containing amino acid, Cysteine. Cysteine is found in high protein foods, N-Acetyl Cysteine is not. N-Acetyl Cysteine is produced within the human body. Cysteine plays a role in the sulfation cycle, acting as a sulfur donor in phase II detoxification and as a methyl donor in the conversion of homocysteine to methionine. Cysteine also helps synthesize glutathione, one of the body's most important natural antioxidants and detoxifiers. N-Acetyl-Cysteine is the acetylated form of L-Cysteine.

N-Acetyl Cysteine increases Glutathione Levels

N-Acetyl Cysteine is rapidly metabolized to intracellular glutathione. Glutathione acts as a powerful antioxidant in the body. Glutathione also detoxifies chemicals into less harmful compounds. N-Acetyl Cysteine also protects the body from acetaminophen toxicity and is used in hospitals for patients with acetaminophen poisoning. It has also been shown to be effective at treating liver failure from other causes as well.

N-Acetyl Cysteine Chelates Heavy Metals

Heavy metals like lead, mercury and arsenic are detoxified and removed from the body by N-Acetyl Cysteine . It also increases the excretion of zinc and other essential minerals when taken over an extended period. It is therefore necessary to supplement zinc, copper and other trace minerals when taking N-Acetyl Cysteine.

N-Acetyl Cysteine and the Immune System

Glutathione is known to aid in the transport of nutrients to lymphocytes and phagocytes, two major classes of immune cells, and to protect cell membranes. While purified glutathione is available as a dietary supplement, absorption is low, and N-Acetyl Cysteine is thought to be a better method of boosting cellular glutathione levels. N-Acetyl Cysteine is being investigated as a treatment for AIDS.

N-Acetyl Cysteine Breaks up Mucus

N-Acetyl Cysteine cleaves disulfide bonds by converting them to two sulfhydryl groups. This action results in the breakup of mucoproteins in lung mucus, reducing their chain lengths and thinning the mucus, improving conditions such as bronchitis and flu. Double-blind research has found that N-Acetyl Cysteine supplements improved symptoms and prevented recurrences in people with chronic bronchitis. N-Acetyl Cysteine at a dosage of 1,200 mg per day helps to prevent Influenza infection, reduces the symptoms of existing Influenza infection and reduces the duration of Influenza infections.

N-Acetyl Cysteine and Cancer

N-Acetyl CysteineN-Acetyl Cysteine has been shown to reduce the proliferation of certain cells lining the colon and may reduce the risk of colon cancer in people with recurrent polyps in the colon. Its action as an antioxidant and a glutathione precursor may also contribute to a protective effect against cancer.

N-Acetyl Cysteine Cautions

When taking N-acetyl cysteine it is recommended that two to three times as much vitamin C be taken at the same time. Failure to do so may result in more harm than good from taking this product because of the prolonged presence of the oxidized form of L-Cysteine. The vitamin C also helps keep the glutathione that is produced from the Cysteine in its reduced form so that it can continue acting as an antioxidant.

N-Acetyl Cysteine Dosage

Typical dosage recommendations are in the range of 250-1500mg of NAC daily for the majority of therapeutic benefits.

N-Acetyl Cysteine Safety

NAC is considered safe for consumption in its therapeutic dosage ranges. Individual reactions may vary and anyone experiencing adverse symptoms while taking N-Acetyl Cysteine should discontinue it.

[Aaltrude]

N-Acetyl Cysteine supplements are also horrendously expensive, way out of my budget unfortunately.

[mellowsong]

Originally Posted by Aaltrude

N-Acetyl Cysteine supplements are also horrendously expensive, way out of my budget unfortunately.

I think I've pointed you to www.iherb.com before. Check them out.

I did buy NAC as I could not afford glutathione IV or via nebulizer. It made my cough deeper and more painful. I stopped and started several times to make sure it was the NAC. I already cough constantly, I couldn't deal with something making it worse and it wasn't helping me clear anything.

Anyway, it is supposed to be a supplement everyone should take but I can't manage it even though it is highly recommended for lungs.

[Aaltrude]

Originally Posted by mellowsong

I think I've pointed you to www.iherb.com before. Check them out.

Thanks for the reminder mellowsong. I had forgotten about iherb. I found a reasonably priced NAC there and have placed an order. Now to find out if I can tolerate it.