Dr. Steven Dell - Health and Wellness

How to Raise Glutathione (GSH) Levels - Part 5: More Supplements Touted to Raise Glutathione (GSH): Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) and Milk Thistle (Silymarin)!

2009-02-26T03:13:27Z

You’ve been reading about some products touted as ways to boost your glutathione (GSH) levels without taking a harsh drug. Today you’ll see two more products readily available at your health food store.

Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA)

Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) is an important antioxidant and is particularly important because it helps recycle glutathione (GSH) back into its active, fighting form. ALA’s effectiveness is due to its intimate involved with glutathione (GSH). Therefore, research shows that ALA benefits people with diabetes, HIV/AIDS, liver disease and cataracts. It also increases the endurance of body builders and speeds up muscle recovery time.

ALA is easily absorbed, can travel across cell membranes and it is both fat- and water-soluble so...it is effective inside and outside the cell and against a wide range of free radicals. Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) can be found in very small amounts in foods such as spinach, broccoli, peas, Brewer's yeast, brussel sprouts, rice bran, and organ meats.

]]> Long term studies regarding negative side effects of supplementing with ALA have not been done. We do know excessive intake of alpha lipoic acid (ALA) can cause nausea, stomach upset and low blood sugar.

As a result, I do not recommend you take ALA as part of your regular supplement regime.

Now, here’s something that’s been around for centuries...

Milk Thistle

Milk Thistle is a natural product that has been used by herbalists for centuries. Long before anyone had ever heard about glutathione (GSH) the fruit and seeds of the milk thistle plant were used to treat liver and gall-bladder problems. Herbalists also use it to treat alcoholic cirrhosis, jaundice and hepatitis.

Silymarin, the active extract, derived from the milk thistle plant, is a powerful antioxidant shown to regenerate liver cells. Studies demonstrate that milk thistle (silymarin) protects the liver in cases of acetaminophen overdoses. Even more exciting is the fact that milk thistle (silymarin) has been shown to increase glutathione (GSH) production by as much as 35% so it is potentially useful for raising glutathione (GSH) levels.

There has also been research into the use of milk thistle (silymarin) for the treatment of prostate cancer. This research has demonstrated milk thistle (silymarin) as a potent suppressor of cancer cell growth.

The glutathione (GSH) raising potential of milk thistle (silymarin) is offset by possible side effects including gas, cramps and diarrhea. People with diabetes should use caution with milk thistle (silymarin) as it may lower blood sugar. Milk Thistle (silymarin) may also have an estrogen-like effect so it should be avoided if you have any hormone-sensitive condition such as endometriosis, uterine, breast or ovary cancer. It is also possible that milk thistle (silymarin) interferes with oral contraceptives.

For all of these reasons, I do not recommend taking milk thistle (silymarin) for prolonged periods. Also...if you have a chronic health problem or are taking medication for any reason, it’s a good idea to discuss the use of milk thistle (silymarin) supplements with your physician. If they don’t know much about it, you could try talking to your pharmacist or a knowledgeable natural health professional.

Coming up...the best way to raise glutathione (GSH) levels.

How to Raise Glutathione (GSH) Levels - Part 4: Can’t You Just Take a Glutathione (GSH) or Melatonin Supplement?

2009-02-05T15:00:00Z

You’re beginning to recognize how critical glutathione (GSH) is for good health and by now you’re probably very curious about how you can raise your glutathione (GSH) levels naturally, without drugs.

Unfortunately, it’s very difficult to do because your food does not contain enough building blocks, however, there is a supplement proven to do it. You’ll learn more about it very soon!

In the meantime, here’s a list of supplements touted as ways to raise glutathione (GSH) levels. You’ll also see their precautions...

Oral glutathione (GSH) and cysteine:

Both glutathione (GSH) and cysteine are available in pill or powder form. But...I don’t recommend you buy them.

Read this...

]]> If you take these pills or powder you will only raise glutathione (GSH) levels minimally. Most of their benefit is lost in the digestive tract so...very few building blocks enter your bloodstream and hardly any reach your cells...where you need them. Also, these supplements can be expensive and therefore, and quite frankly, are a waste of your money.

Methionine:

As you have already seen, your body needs methionine to manufacture cysteine, a building block of glutathione (GSH). Methionine is found in protein rich foods such as meat but is also present in grains and soy beans. Methionine is also available as a supplement but again, I don’t recommend you take it.

Here’s why...

Methionine creates homocysteine, a harmful amino acid connected to a higher risk for heart and blood vessel disease. When the methionine molecule is “taken apart” to manufacture glutathione (GSH), homocysteine is left over and it needs to be recycled or it will accumulate, harming your heart and blood vessels.

Melatonin:

Melatonin is a hormone and anti-oxidant occurring naturally in your body and...it helps regulate other hormones. Research shows melatonin supports glutathione (GSH) levels, specifically in the brain. Research also suggests melatonin is useful in jet lag, headaches and insomnia. There has also been research into the potential anti-aging properties of melatonin and...possible uses in treating Alzheimer’s disease.

Melatonin is found in trace amounts in foods such as meats, grains and vegetables. You can get melatonin without a prescription but the long term safety and drug interactions of melatonin supplementation have not been well studied.

If you’re travelling across time zones or if you struggle with insomnia or headaches, elevating melatonin levels is a prudent idea. However, I don not recommend taking a melatonin supplement. Instead, consider a cherry juice with natural melatonin. In particular, I recommend the Montmorency Cherry Concentrate from Immunotec .

Consider taking 1-2 tablespoons per day for 90 days and it will help regulate your sleep cycle. First, try it 30-60 minutes before bedtime. If it keeps you awake, or if you are driving in the evening, consider taking it earlier in the day to avoid falling asleep at the wheel. Again, take it for 90 days and let me know how you are managing.

Click here for more information and to order Immunotec’s Montmorency Cherry Concentrate.

Join me again and you’ll learn the best way to raise glutathione (GSH) levels.

Steps to Improve Your Health

Dr. Steven Dell

How to Raise Glutathione (GSH) Levels – Part 3: Other Drugs!

2009-02-03T15:00:00Z

You’ve been reading about the drugs doctors use to raise glutathione (GSH) levels. Last time, you read about N-acetyl-cysteine, the drug most commonly used. Today you’ll learn about two other drugs used in research and very rarely by doctors.

As you can see, S-adenosyl-methionine (SAM) contains methionine, a building block of cysteine. In other words, cysteine needs methionine just like glutathione (GSH) requires cysteine as a building block. SAM is used to treat cirrhosis and cholestasis, both conditions that prevent the liver from functioning properly. There is also some research being done into its use as an anti-depressant. This drug is an expensive one and it interacts negatively with other drugs. If you take SAM as a therapeutic treatment, it can cause dry mouth, agitation and stomach upset.

In addition, methionine is a building block of homocysteine, a molecule linked to heart disease.

You would only want to take SAM and methionine for very unique reasons and under strict doctor’s guidance and monitoring.

If you are simply looking to elevate glutathione (GSH) levels, there is a better, safer way.

]]> OTC (ornithine decarboxylase procysteine) and OTZ (oxothiazolidine carboxylate), besides being hard to pronounce, are of limited use for raising glutathione (GSH) in your body. You could describe these drugs as the “transportation” for 5-oxyprolinase, an enzyme that eventually ends up as cysteine. Your liver then takes the cysteine and formulates glutathione (GSH). They are mentioned here because studies are being done in laboratories with AIDS and cancer patients but it will be some time before they are readily available to doctors.

There you have it; the main drugs available to doctors that elevate glutathione (GSH). Understandably, most people won’t be given these drugs by their physician, nor should they want them. There is a way to raise your glutathione (GSH) levels naturally. You’ll look at that next.

Steps to Improve Your Health

Dr. Steven Dell

How to Raise Glutathione (GSH) Levels - Part 2: The Drug N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC)!

2009-01-31T15:00:00Z

A molecule of the Drug: N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC)!

Most of the studies about glutathione (GSH) have been done using pharmaceutical drugs; many of these drugs have been around for years. The most common drug used is called: N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC). You may have even seen it at the health food store. An ‘acetyl’ molecule is added to enable the cysteine to travel through your digestive system.

Doctors use NAC to treat diseases like cystic fibrosis, chronic bronchitis, asthma and emphysema because it breaks up mucus in the lungs. Emergency room doctors reach for NAC when they treat an acetaminophen overdose. This is the drug most commonly used in glutathione (GSH) studies on people.

Cancer research has shown that NAC has the ability to substantially raise glutathione (GSH) levels. Even more exciting is the fact that NAC shows promise as an anti-carcinogen because it elevates glutathione levels (GSH). Good news for all you smokers out there! NAC also has an anti-tumour effect and we already know that elevated glutathione (GSH) is a detoxifier that can counteract the side effects of chemotherapy. If you are a cancer patient considering NAC, be sure to talk to your oncologist. He or she will probably recommend a more natural, non-drug, non-toxic alternative.

]]> In the 1990’s it was found that HIV patients were seriously glutathione (GSH) deficient. Since then, NAC has been used in many AIDS studies and the data about the effectiveness of glutathione (GSH) continues to grow.

There are drawbacks to NAC therapy. It is a pharmaceutical drug so it carries a certain amount of toxicity. Another problem is that NAC elevates glutathione (GSH) levels quickly but they decline quickly too, often below normal levels. This means that NAC has to be swallowed or injected several times a day to maintain glutathione (GSH) levels and that is very hard on the body. Other side effects from taking NAC by mouth include rash, wheezing, nausea, vomiting, cramps and diarrhea. Despite these problems NAC remains the standard drug treatment for low glutathione (GSH) levels.

Again, stay tuned because I will reveal a well studied, natural, non-drug, non-toxic alternative.

Steps to Improve Your Health

Dr. Steven Dell

How to Raise Glutathione (GSH) Levels: Part 1...You Must Get Cysteine into Your Cells!”

2009-01-29T15:00:00Z

Some time ago, you learned cysteine, an amino acid, is a building block of glutathione (GSH). I also mentioned a healthy, balanced diet includes foods that provide some of the essential amino acids so important for good health. Unfortunately cysteine is difficult to get through diet alone.

I stress the need for a healthy diet because the supplement and vitamin market is a big one but not all of the claims made are accurate and some of the research is contradictory....if any exists in the first place. I’m not saying you shouldn’t take your multi-vitamin or other supplements. I am saying and recommend you become informed about what you are putting into your body.

Now, I need to refresh your memory about the precursors for glutathione (GSH); the building blocks: cysteine, glycine and glutamate. These building blocks travel into the blood stream and through the cell wall. The cell then joins them together making glutathione (GSH). Think of these building blocks like 3 Lego Blocks; a red one...a blue one and...a yellow one. When the red, blue and yellow make it to your cells, they join forces to become glutathione (GSH).

]]> Glycine and glutamate are found in many foods as part of most North American diets. Again, cysteine is not readily available unless you eat raw meat, raw eggs or raw milk. I’m sure you don’t eat steak tartare on a regular basis nor chug down raw eggs like Rocky. In addition, you can’t just eat cysteine, or glutathione (GSH) itself.

This is a very important point...cysteine and glutathione (GSH) supplements are USELESS!; neither survive the digestive tract. They are broken down and cannot enter your bloodstream or your cells. Glutathione will not be made.

This brings me back to the research about raising glutathione (GSH) levels. How does a person know if they are eating the right nutrients to raise glutathione (GSH) levels? Glad you asked. I’ll get to that, but, in the meantime I will talk about the drugs physicians are using to elevate glutathione (GSH) levels.

See you next time!

Steps to Improve Your Health

Dr. Steven Dell

Glutathione and the Detoxification Process – Part 3: Their Role in Radiation, Cancer and Radiation Therapy!”

2009-01-20T15:00:00Z

Today you will learn more about how glutathione (GSH) supports your body’s detoxification efforts. Specifically, we’ll talk about the harmful effects of radiation.

Most of your exposure to radiation comes from natural sources such as the sun but a small amount also seeps out of soil and rocks, particularly bedrock, in the form of radon gas. Of these natural sources sunlight represents the biggest threat because of ozone layer depletion. The ozone layer filters out the harmful ultra-violet light that enters our atmosphere.

The biggest source of man-made radiation comes from medical procedures such as x-rays; radiograph, mammogram, and CT scan equipment emit very weak levels of radiation but the effect is cumulative...it builds with repeated exposure.

You are also exposed to radiation through waste from nuclear plants, other industrial waste, building materials and combustible fuels. Obviously the people who work in these industries are the most at risk but you are exposed to some degree; we all need to think about detoxification to protect our health.

We know radiation exposure causes approximately 3% of all cancers. This fact has been studied extensively. When you are exposed to radiation a very reactive type of free radical is formed called a “hydroxyradical”. Studies have shown glutathione’s (GSH) detoxification abilities play a key role in neutralizing hydroxyradicals and cancer specialists are now raising glutathione (GSH) levels in patients who are undergoing radiation therapy as part of their cancer treatment.

]]> Detoxification benefits from boosted glutathione (GSH) levels and helps cancer patients better tolerate their treatment.

Studies have also been done around the world, from Switzerland to Spain to India to Germany, on the effect of glutathione (GSH) on radiation damage. Low levels of glutathione (GSH) were connected with an increased risk of developing cancer from radiation exposure. Patients undergoing cancer treatment experienced stronger side effects and greater injury from radiation therapy when they had low glutathione (GSH) levels. And white blood cells, the cells used by the immune system, have been shown to be better able to withstand radiation therapy when cancer specialists raised glutathione (GSH) prior to treatment.

The implication here is...glutathione (GSH) does and will, to a greater degree, play a major role in the treatment of cancer by using detoxification to reduce the damaging effects of radiation.

We’ll look more closely at this detoxification, radiation and cancer role in upcoming installments.

Steps to Improve Your Health

Dr. Steven Dell

Glutathione and the Detoxification Process – Part 2!”

2009-01-17T15:00:00Z

In “Glutathione and the Detoxification Process – Part 1!” you learned it was impossible to avoid toxins; they are in your environment. But...by making lifestyle changes you can limit your exposure to toxins. Some of the toxins I’ll talk about may come as no surprise to you; cigarettes and radiation get a lot of media coverage.

This one may come as a surprise...did you realize there is a toxin risk associated with dental fillings? In addition, mercury, lead and other heavy metals put some people at risk in their workplaces.

Now more than ever we need to pay attention to the detoxification of our bodies.

Today I’ll focus on cigarettes.

]]> Research has left no doubt that smoking cigarettes increases your risk of contracting lung disease and cancer. There are literally thousands of dangerous chemicals in cigarette smoke. It destroys antioxidant vitamins like C and E and it causes inflammation in the lung tissue. The tar in tobacco contains chemicals that cause cancer.

That’s not all...

Contaminating the body with these cigarette chemicals causes oxidative stress and we have already talked about how glutathione works with other antioxidants to neutralize the free radical by-products of oxidative stress.

Even non-smokers who can’t avoid second-hand smoke will benefit by boosting glutathione levels to increase detoxification. Clinical studies highlight the role of glutathione as essential for minimizing and preventing damage caused by using tobacco products.

In upcoming installments we will look at those clinical studies in more detail.

Steps to Improve Your Health

Dr. Steven Dell

Glutathione (GSH) and the Detoxification Process – Part 1!"

2009-01-15T15:00:00Z

Sometime ago I said glutathione (GSH) is an essential health “A.I.D.” Doctor’s have known about glutathione’s detoxifying role, the “D” in A.I.D., since the 1970’s. Emergency room doctors have long used glutathione (GSH) promoting drugs like NAC (n-acetyl-cysteine) to detoxify patients with certain drug overdoses such as acetaminophen.

New discoveries, thanks to growing interest in glutathione (GSH), have shown that the liver and kidney contain the highest levels of glutathione (GSH). These two organs are the most important organs for detoxification within your body.

You may be thinking, “I’m a healthy person, I don’t have any addictions. Why should I care about detoxification?”

]]> Sadly our modern world produces thousands of toxins that get into the air, your food and your water. You can’t avoid them. Your home is not even the safe haven you may think; the carpet, cleaning products, cooking fumes and the fireplace release toxins into the environment.

Your body has defensive systems but they naturally weaken as you age. Also...you live a hectic life, leading you to fall into unhealthy habits which further weaken your biological systems.

On a positive note...it has been discovered that physically fit people have high glutathione (GSH) levels in their livers. This leaves the liver better able to handle the presence of toxins and detoxify the body.

We’ll look at some other sources of toxic threats next time.

Steps to Improve Your Health

Dr. Steven Dell

Glutathione and the Immune System – Part 3

2009-01-13T15:00:00Z

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

Glutathione and the Immune System - Part 2

2009-01-11T15:00:00Z

Last time you learned in order for the immune system to perform effectively it needs to be maintained by sticking to a healthy lifestyle. In order to understand how glutathione plays a role, you need to better understand how the immune system works.

Viruses, bacteria, cancer cells, allergens and other microorganisms that are not supposed to be in your body are called “antigens”. When the immune system detects them, it responds quickly by activating specialized cells called “lymphocytes”. Studies have shown that glutathione is “food” for the immune cells, boosting the strength of lymphocytes. B-cell lymphocytes identify the unwanted antigen which is then attacked by T-cells. T-cells also shut down the immune response when the job is done. These cells have a memory that allows them to block a returning antigen before it can do any damage. That’s why cold viruses have to evolve and change in order to defeat this acquired immunity and most people only have the measles once in their life.

]]> When your immune system is compromised you get sick. There may not be enough cells, or the cells may be weak from lack of glutathione. Healthy immune cells can still be overwhelmed by a particularly tough pathogen. Immune cells even make mistakes sometimes as in the case of allergies, or transplanted organ rejection, when a harmless substance is identified as dangerous. In autoimmune disease the body mistakenly sees healthy tissue as a threat and attacks it, sometimes with deadly results. Lupus, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, Lou Gehrig’s disease, Crohn’s disease, Grave’s disease and chronic fatigue syndrome are examples of autoimmune diseases.

Low glutathione levels are connected with many diseases. Research shows supplementation with Immunocal helps your body make more glutathione and boosts your immune system.

Stay tuned as you continue to learn about the importance of glutathione.

Steps to Improve Your Health

Dr. Steven Dell

Glutathione and the Immune System - Part 1

2009-01-09T15:00:00Z

When you were young, did your grandmother ever tell you to keep your head warm or to not get your feet wet because you would catch a cold? There are many misconceptions in our society about how illnesses are “caught”. You might even catch yourself saying someone “gave” you a cold.

The truth is you may have been exposed to the virus but your immune system wasn’t up to the job of fighting it off.

Your immune system is your body’s first line of defense against diseases and it needs to be maintained and strengthened regularly. The human body is constantly bombarded by microorganisms. Bacteria, parasites and fungi are found inside the body and are abundant in the air we breathe, the water we drink and the food we consume. Over time the immune system’s resources are depleted and if they are not reinforced by glutathione the immune system is not able to resist disease.

]]> Traditionally, illness has been treated with antibiotics and other drugs. These drugs have proven useful when absolutely necessary but...they have side effects and some have begun to lose their effectiveness. It seems logical to want to find a way to boost the immune system and avoid the need for medication in the first place. You can boost your immune system by exercising regularly, by eating regular, healthy meals to maintain an ideal body weight, by getting enough sleep and by taking Immunocal to raise your glutathione levels.

Each of these actions contributes to well-being and helps the body cope with stress.

Check back for “Glutathione and the Immune System - Part 2” where you’ll learn more about the immune response to unwanted “bugs”.

Steps to Improve Your Health

Dr. Steven Dell

Glutathione (GSH) – The “Master Antioxidant”: Part 2!”

2008-10-28T14:00:00Z

Waking or sleeping your body is working to keep you healthy. It does this by using antioxidants to prevent or repair damage to cells by free radicals. GSH may be the master antioxidant, the healing orchestrator, but it needs other antioxidants to really do a great job. The power of vitamins like C and E is boosted when working in the presence of glutathione.

What is glutathione’s role?

Imagine the antioxidants, vitamins C and E, as workers in a mine. They pick up the free radicals and carry them out to be handed over to glutathione. While GSH neutralizes the free radicals, C and E are able to go back into the mine to pick up more. An abundant supply of antioxidants results in more effective elimination of free radicals. This adds up to a healthier you!

I have and will stress the importance of an exceptional diet but...glutathione is not found in a fruit or vegetable. GSH is the only antioxidant that is manufactured in the cells. All the others come from the foods we eat; vitamins C, E, and A, Selenium, beta-carotene, lycopene and lutein are found in fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains and some meats. There are many good resources available that can help sort out which foods contain which nutrient. Also...keep reading and I will help you walk through this information.

Until next time, eat your fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds...

Steps to Improve Your Health

Dr. Steven Dell

Glutathione (GSH) – The “Master Antioxidant”: Part 1

2008-10-25T14:00:00Z

Scientists call glutathione (GSH) an essential health “A.I.D.” The acronym, A.I.D., refers to glutathione’s uses as an Antioxidant, an Immune system booster and a Detoxifier.

These terms are probably familiar, you know they are things that are good for you, but what exactly do they mean?

Let’s take a closer look at the role of antioxidants.

If you’ve ever owned a vehicle that rusted you already understand what oxidation is. Simply put oxidation is the reaction of a substance when oxygen is present. Our bodies need oxygen to live; cells consume oxygen and nutrients to produce energy. That oxidation process creates free radicals. Free radicals damage cells much like rust damages your car. Free radicals are waste products that our cells must neutralize by using antioxidants. GSH is the body’s main antioxidant.

]]> The oxidation/antioxidation process is continuous. When antioxidants are depleted, free radicals proliferate, resulting in oxidative stress and cell degeneration. Without the presence of glutathione the other antioxidants are depleted even more quickly. It is well known that cancer has been linked to free radicals but the list of other diseases caused by oxidative stress is growing.

And as we age, our ability to manage this oxidative stress decreases. Poor diet, lack of exercise, drugs, stress, trauma, fatigue and pollution are some factors that contribute to, and compound, oxidative stress. We must continue to provide our body with the nutrients it needs to replenish its stores of antioxidants.

We’ll learn more about the role of glutathione (GSH) as an antioxidant next time.

Steps to Improve Your Health

Dr. Steven Dell

What the Research Says About Glutathione

2008-10-22T14:00:00Z

The research has been growing in support of the importance of glutathione (GSH). Over the last twenty years glutathione has been connected to almost all of the body’s processes; without GSH the body’s systems simply wouldn’t work.

The cardiovascular system, the digestive system and the immune system all require glutathione. GSH is known to help prevent heart disease and, if the patient is sticking to a healthy lifestyle, glutathione has been shown to reverse atherosclerosis.

In the digestive system increasing glutathione levels can help with bowel disease, pancreatitis, and ulcers. Our immune systems are strengthened by glutathione allowing our bodies to fight against infectious diseases and to minimize the damage done by carcinogens.

As we age, we become more at risk for contracting certain diseases such as prostate cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and cataracts. A search of the internet will result in many articles discussing the benefits of elevated GSH to treat these disorders.

]]> This is only a beginning to the long list of diseases, symptoms and conditions affected by glutathione. Notice that I said “affected” not “cured”. GSH is not a “magic pill” that will fix society’s health problems. This topic of glutathione may be new to you but what shouldn’t be new is the irrefutable evidence that the healthier your lifestyle the better will be your quality of life as you age.

Aches and pains and illness are a natural consequence of aging. And as society progresses we will continue to be challenged by growing pollution, ozone depletion and other by-products of modern life that are detrimental to health. Raising glutathione levels will result in a healthier body and a better quality of life.

Over the next while I’ll be talking more about exactly how GSH is used by the body to maintain good health and to cope with certain diseases.

Steps to Improve Your Health

Dr. Steven Dell

What is Glutathione?

2008-10-09T14:00:00Z

Glutathione is a very small protein that occurs naturally in your cells. As cells use it up, it has to be replenished. Your cells work to neutralize toxins, as they do so, your body must continually produce glutathione from three building blocks: glycine, glutamate, and cysteine. These building blocks are all amino-acids which is why glutathione is called a “tripeptide”.

Stay with me, this won’t be a chemistry lesson!

When all three building blocks are present, your cells can manufacture glutathione and you are more resistant to disease. Cysteine is the most important of the three building blocks because it is hard to find in food.

The diets of most people are deficient in foods containing cysteine. As a result you don’t have enough to produce the glutathione you need.

]]> The sports nutrition industry touts the benefits of taking cysteine and other supplements but this method is problematic. Cysteine must be taken in a form accessible to the body. On its own cysteine is not readily able to survive its trip through your digestive tract. This is true of many of the supplements available on health food store shelves. You should always use caution when taking any supplement...be sure you are comfortable with “why” you should take it and with the quality of the product.

Over the last two decades a lot of research has been done into the importance of glutathione for the proper functioning of many body systems. Stay tuned as we continue to learn about the important function that glutathione plays within the body and why it is essential to good health.

Steps to Improve Your Health

Dr. Steven Dell