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GLUTATHIONE : THE MASTER ANTIOXIDANT IN THE BODY
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Added: 12/06/2003
Type: Summary
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GLUTATHIONE : THE MASTER ANTIOXIDANT IN THE BODY
For a long time, it was believed that the human body had no internal mechanism to fight free radicals and consequently, we had to ingest antioxidant quality food to palliate this deficiency. Today, we know that the body has its own cell defense mechanism.
Contrary to well-known antioxidants such as vitamins C or E which must be ingested in the organism (exogenous), glutathione is produced within the cell from the food that we eat (endogenous). Glutathione is not only the major antioxidant of the body but it also regulates and recycles vitamins for an increased efficiency. In fact, it is now considered The Master Antioxidant in the body.
Following are examples of the benefits brought by glutathione as well as its impact on the weakened health. These references are selected by Dr. Jimmy Gutman, Emergency Physician (1)
Aging
It is well-known that aging is accompanied by a precipitous fall in glutathione levels. Lower glutathione levels are implicated in many diseases associated with aging including cataracts, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's, arteriosclerosis and others.
Source : Journal of Clinical Epidemiology 47:1021-26,1994
Antioxidant functions
Antioxidants are well documented and known to possess vital roles in health maintenance and disease prevention. Glutathione is cells own major antioxidant. Maintaining elevated glutathione levels aids the body's natural antioxidant function.
Source : Biochemical Pharmacology 47:2113-2123,1994
Neurological problems
Low glutathione levels have been associated with neuro-degenerative diseases such as MS (Multiple Sclerosis), ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease), Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, among others.
Source : The Lancet 344 :796-798,1994
Cancer
Glutathione plays a role in eliminating many carcinogens and also maintains an optimized immune function, providing stronger anti-tumor defenses.
Source : Cancer Letters 57 :91-94,1991
Athletic performance
Raised glutathione levels help increase strength and endurance. Those interested in physical fitness can benefit from a definite athletic edge.
Source : Journal of Applied Physiology 87 :1381-1385, 1999
Toxins, pollution, radiation
Glutathione detoxifies the body of a variety of pollutants, carcinogens and poisons, including many found in fuel exhaust and cigarette smoke. It also reduces the damage from radiation exposure due to the eroding ozone layer.
Source : Annual Reviews of Biochemistry 52 :711-760,1983
AIDS
Low glutathione levels correspond to poor survival in AIDS patients. Numerous studies demonstrate the importance of enhanced glutathione levels in AIDS patients.
Source : Proc. National Acad, Science USA 94 :1967-72,1997
Heart disease, stroke and cholesterol
Raised glutathione levels fight the oxidation of circulating fats in bloodstream, including cholesterol, thereby delaying the process of plaque formation in the arteries - the underlying cause for most cardiovascular problems.
Source : Nutrition Reviews 54 :1-30,1996
Diabetes
Diabetics are more prone to infections and circulatory problems leading to heart disease, kidney failure and blindness. Glutathione protects against the complications of diabetes.
Source : Clinical Science 91 :575-582,1996
Lung disease
Doctors use glutathione-promoting medication in several lung diseases including asthma, chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Evidence was made on new therapeutic properties against damage caused by tobacco, pulmonary fibrosis, etc.
Source : American Journal Of Medical Science 307 :119-127,1994
Digestive problems
Glutathione protects from the inflammation arising in gastritis, stomach ulcers, pancreatic and intestinal inflammation, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
Source : Gut 52 :485-492,1998
Hepatitis
The major storehouse for glutathione is the liver. Glutathione is impaired in alcoholic hepatitis and in some viral hepatitis, including hepatitis A, B, and C. Raised glutathione levels restore the liver functions.
Source : American Journal of Gastroenterology 91 :2569-2573, 1996
Kidney disease
People affected by kidney failure or dialysis suffer from higher levels of oxidative stress and decreased glutathione levels. Raised glutathione levels help prevent anemia.
Source : Nephron 61 :404-408,1992
Pregnancy, lactation and childbirth
The role of glutathione in the development of the fœtus and placenta is crucial. In the placenta, it detoxifies pollutants before they reach the developing child. Several complications during pregnancy have been linked to poor glutathione levels.
Source : Early Human Development 37 :167-174,1994
(1) Dr. Jimmy Gutman, MD, FACEP : Board-certified emergency physician, he now practices family medicine. Graduated at University of Calgary, he was Director and Residency Training Director of Emergency Medicine at McGill University of Montreal (Canada). Expert speaker on the role of glutathione (GSH), Dr. Gutman is also author of books on the subject.
See a video presentation on the role of glutathione and its natural food precursor Immunocal / HMS 90 to raise cells levels of this protein at : http://www.gsh-online.com
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