Previously you learned the immune system needs glutathione in order to operate effectively. Like any other cell in the body, the immune cells must manufacture their own glutathione. Many studies have shown that the level of glutathione in the lymphocytes corresponds directly to the ability of those lymphocytes to combat infection and disease.
If glutathione plays a pivotal role in the immune response then it makes sense a lack of glutathione is connected with many diseases. This connection is especially apparent in the human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV). Recall that our immune system uses B-cells and T-cells to identify and fight antigens. HIV destroys T-cells which make up 80% of the immune system’s lymphocytes. The result is the body’s inability to protect against the invasion of microorganisms. Patients with HIV/AIDS can suffer life threatening infections from a virus or bacteria a healthy immune system hardly even notices.
Low glutathione levels are also associated with rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases and with normal aging. It has been found that T-cells demonstrate a weakened response to pathogens in these cases. Lymphocytes must replicate, make copies of themselves, before they can eradicate a pathogen. This process of cell production requires oxygen which you’ll recall results in oxidation and the creation of free radicals.
You’ve already learned glutathione is needed to neutralize those free radicals. The fact glutathione is also needed to make immune cells means it does double duty; fighting off an infection or disease results in even faster depletion of glutathione.
You have seen much in the news about diseases becoming resistant to antibiotics and health professionals warning of coming pandemics Medicine will not be able to treat. It makes sense for you to arm yourself, and your immune systems, in any way possible.
Coming up we look at how to raise glutathione levels.
Steps to Improve Your Health
Dr. Steven Dell
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