Glutathione

Glutathione and its Function in Chronic Diseases

It is commonly known as the ‘master antioxidant’ because it is present almost in all human tissues and cells, and it exists in three forms namely; reduced, oxidized, and active glutathaine. It is of paramount importance in the general wellbeing as it acts as an antioxidant,  it provides protection from free radicals while also helping the immune system. 

It is made out of three amino acids: glutamine, cysteine, and glycine Glutathione has significant importance in living organisms, mainly in such processes as detoxification and DNA repair. Its deficiency has been associated with variety of chronic diseases and therefore is central for study in disease prevention. 

Overall Benefits of Glutathione 

What is clear therefore is that glutathione possesses extremely high antioxidative properties; in fact, places glutathione amongst the best antioxidants in the human body. This one battles free radicals which are at work in the body destroying healthy molecules that can cause harm to the cells and tissues that results to inflammation and other signs of aging. 

It has very important role in performing an antioxidant task which is essential to reduce the oxidation stress that is one of the main causes of chronic diseases. 

Detoxification activity is one of the primary functions of liver and for this process the liver uses glutathione. 

It also deposits toxins, and heavy metals therein so that they can easily be expelled out of the body. This is important especially in order to eliminate the toxics which may in the long-run result in chronic ailments

The Role of Glutathione in Chronic Disease Prevention

Heart Disease 

Ischemic heart diseases and stroke for example, appear to be mediated by oxidant stress and inflammation. This is done in a way that lessen the oxidative damage in the arteries thereby enhancing the vascular health and thus reducing formation of plaques which is a major area of concern with relating to heart diseases. It is also involved in lipid metabolism and hence it can help to decrease the cholesterol level in the body. 

Diabetes 

Type 2 diabetes is variously referred as insulin dependant diabetes and is caused by the cells of the body not responding properly to insulin hence leading to higher levels of blood sugar. It enables the body to combat oxidative stress which is detrimental to human body, especially the pancreatic cells that produce insulin. Lesser degrees of oxidative stress may be beneficial in improving insulin responsiveness thereby decreasing one’s probability of developing diabetes or other affiliated ailments for example neuropathy and retinopathy. 

Cancer 

Because of its role as a Antioxidant, glutathione prevents oxidative DNA damage that may result to mutations and formation of cancerous cells. It also improves the body’s capability to metabolize the carcinogens, or agents that cause the development of cancers. Further, some studies reveal that, boosting optimal glutathione levels can enhance the effectiveness of determined treatments for cancer, including chemotherapy, and reducing side effects. 

Neurodegenerative Diseases 

As you may already know diseases like Alzheimer and Parkinson are likely to cause oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain. An ability of glutathione to diminish free radicals contributes to shielding of brain cells from destruction, which may postpone the development of neurodegenerative diseases. 

Liver Disease 

Cysteine and its conjugate glutathione are especially abundant in the liver; glutathiones primary functions are to help neutralize toxic substances. Chronic liver diseases including fatty liver and cirrhosis inherently imply modification by oxidative stress and inflammation. Due to increasing the levels of detoxification and decreasing the levels of oxidative stress, glutathione maintains and restores the functioning of the liver and does not allow the development of diseases. 

Enhancing Glutathione Levels for Disease Prevention

The following are the natural ways of increasing glutathione in the body; It should be noted that certain kinds of food, especially those containing sulfur (garlic, onions, vegetables of the broccoli, kale, cabbage), increase the synthesis of glutathione. Well also is taken into consideration the fact that, consistent exercising helps in enhanced production of glutathione as well as adequate rest and eradication of stress. 

Additional use of glutathione precursors also helps to increase the level of glutathione and NAC or alpha lipoic acid can be used for this purpose. There are cases where some people should take direct glutathione, although when taken internally, the substance has low availability. 

Another self-administered treatment is intravenous glutathione that has even more significant advantages especially for patients with chronic diseases.

FAQs

What more precisely does glutathione do to curtail damaging chronic diseases? 

 From the evidence provided it is evident that glutathione plays an important roll in preventing chronic diseases through the following ways; combating oxidation stress, inflammation, detoxification and immune activities. 

Can the levels of GSH be raised safely and naturally? 

However, it can be increased through intake of foods containing sulfur, regular and moderate exercise, low stress level and through supplementation of NAC. 

What are the symptoms that point towards the Body’s possession of low levels of Glutathione? 

 Less glutathione might lead to tiredness, frequently getting sick, having foggy minds and a poor ability of coming out of an ailment or any other disease. 

Is glutathione supplementation safe? 

In my opinion, glutathione supplementation is safe but due to other possible side effects that you are not aware of, it is always advisable to consult the doctor before taking a new supplement. 

Conclusion 

It is an antioxidant that assists in preventing chronic diseases since it has the ability to reduce the amount of oxidative stress, enhance the immunity and be involved in detoxication. If a person maintains the right level of glutathione within the body through the intake of nutritious foods, exercising and probably taking supplements then the risk of such diseases as those of the heart, diabetes and other neurological diseases would be significantly reduced. Therefore, due to the continual discovery of researches that have been made on glutathione, the involvement of the compound in health enhancement and the prevention from diseases in the future leads to a continuous increase.