Saturday, September 21, 2013

Concerning The Vital Nutritional Compound Glutathione For Health

By Tracy Done


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 quickly revealed by the nervous system. People with a deficiency suffer from tremors, mental disorders, a loss of balance, and lack of coordination. Internal damage is found in many vital organs when the supply of the essential compound is inadequate.

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.

These true amino acids are also easily found. They are present in our food supply, but are easily destroyed by cooking and processing. Supplementation may be the best way to get extra glutathione, but care must be taken to ensure that everything remains in balance. Reputable manufacturers whose products are based on scientific research will have a formula which should give you the right amounts of each nutrient. It is possible to find the actual reports of research if you want to make your own evaluation.

Glutathione is necessary for life, and increasing your supply can mean a boost to your health. However, it is wise to get the advice of trained practitioners before deciding on the right way to supplement and the right substances to take.




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