Glutathione

Glutathione is a crucial antioxidant naturally produced in your body's cells, often referred to as the "master antioxidant". It is a tripeptide (a small protein) made up of three amino acids: cysteine, glutamic acid, and glycine.

Key Functions
Glutathione plays a vital role in numerous bodily processes essential for health and life:
--Antioxidant Defense: Its primary function is to neutralize harmful molecules called free radicals and reactive oxygen species, which cause oxidative stress and damage to cells, DNA, and proteins.
--Detoxification: It binds to toxins, heavy metals, pollutants, and certain drugs (such as acetaminophen), making them water-soluble and easier for the liver and kidneys to excrete from the body.
Immune System Support: Glutathione helps regulate the immune system and enhances the activity of immune cells, such as white blood cells, to help the body fight infections and illnesses.
--Cellular Health & Repair: It is involved in building and repairing tissues, synthesizing DNA and proteins, and maintaining mitochondrial function (the powerhouses of your cells).
--Regenerating Other Antioxidants: It helps maintain and recycle other important antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, to keep them in their active forms.

Glutathione Levels and Health
The body produces its own glutathione, but levels can become depleted due to a variety of factors, including the natural aging process, poor nutrition, chronic disease, environmental toxins, and constant stress.

Low levels of glutathione have been associated with a number of health conditions, including:
--Neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Parkinson's, Alzheimer's)
--Liver disease
--Pulmonary diseases (e.g., asthma, cystic fibrosis)
--Diabetes and insulin resistance
--Cardiovascular diseases

How to Increase Glutathione Levels:
You can support your body's natural production of glutathione through diet and lifestyle choices:
Consume sulfur-rich foods: Foods like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and garlic contain sulfur, which is essential for glutathione synthesis.

Eat foods with precursors and cofactors: Protein-rich foods, spinach, avocados, and asparagus provide the necessary amino acids (cysteine, glutamine, glycine) and minerals like selenium.

Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity can help maintain or increase glutathione levels.

Get enough sleep: Chronic lack of sleep can decrease glutathione levels, so restorative sleep is important.

Glutathione is also available as an oral supplement, or via intravenous (IV) or topical application, although the effectiveness and safety (especially with IV use for cosmetic purposes like skin lightening) are still being researched and debated. It is important to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.