Importance of Glutathione

Although we aren't keenly aware of glutathione in our bodies like we are the heart or lungs, life would be over without this peptide. In the battle to preserve good health, glutathione is every bit as strategic as the other artillery that comprise our immune system.

Chief Antioxidant

• Glutathione is produced in the liver and is the body's chief antioxidant, neutralizing molecules called free radicals, which have the potential to accelerate aging and cause disease.

Free Radicals

• Every day we come in contact with free radicals from our diet, the environment, second-hand smoke, household chemicals, and a countless number of situations. Even healthy amounts of exercise generate free radicals. As long as we have sufficient levels of glutathione, they don't pose a big concern.

Specific Benefits

• According to renowned naturopath Linda Page, glutathione helps white blood cells kill bacteria, it protects vitamins C and E from oxidation, it protects against stroke and cataract formation and it binds to carcinogens, allowing them to be eliminated through the urine or bile.

Declining Levels

• Unfortunately, the hectic, stressful lives many people lead today are fast taking a toll on glutathione levels. The liver simply can't keep up with the demand. Advancing age also causes production of glutathione to decline.

Restoring Glutathione

• Besides managing stress and steering clear of anything that depletes the body of glutathione, many people wonder if glutathione supplements are a solution. Unfortunately, the body doesn't absorb them very efficiently, so a better option is to take supplements of the amino acid N-acetyl cysteine, which is more bioavailable and can be converted to glutathione.