Know Your Nutrients: Glutathione

What is the most important molecule you need to stay healthy and prevent disease? It is glutathione. The funny thing is, you’ve probably never heard of it.

Glutathione, also known as GSH, was first identified more than a hundred years ago, but its true significance was only recognized in the last 30 years. It plays such an important part in our lives because we literally could not live without it. ?Glutathione is critical for one simple reason: It recycles antioxidants.

It is the main endogenous (naturally created) antioxidant produced by our cells and its principal role is to neutralize free radicals and reactive oxygen compounds. It also functions to maintain exogenous (externally created) antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E (in their reduced active form).

Glutathione is vital in helping the immune system work to its full capacity, but almost every part of the body can be affected by this substance, including the nervous system, the gastrointestinal system and the lungs. It is the secret to putting a stop to aging, cancer, heart disease, dementia, and necessary to treat everything from autism to Alzheimer’s disease.

Although glutathione is produced naturally in our bodies, poor diet, pollutions, toxins, medications, stress, trauma, aging, infections and radiation deplete it. Also, several research studies have shown that individuals suffering with chronic illnesses or premature aging have decreased levels of glutathione than would usually be expected, which confirms the significance of sustaining a high level of this substance.

Increasing glutathione levels is not easy and research has shown that when taken orally, glutathione is not always well absorbed along the gastrointestinal tract. Studies have shown that the most effective way of boosting glutathione levels, is intravenously, which is currently offered at the Riordan Clinic.

Glutathione has been deemed the “superantioxidant” by medical science, but what does that really mean to you?

The benefits of glutathione are:

• Increased energy.
• Clearer thinking.
• Faster recovery and less muscle pain after exercise.
• Reduction in the effects of aging.
• Reduction of wastes and toxins in the body.
• Improved heart and liver function.
• Increased immunity levels.
• Prevention or reduction in the effects of over 69 diseases.