Antioxidants play a crucial role in strengthening the immune system by defending against pathogens that can lead to respiratory infections. During the cold and flu season, it’s especially important to ensure that your body receives essential nutrients to produce glutathione, one of the body’s most important antioxidants.
What is Glutathione?
Glutathione is a tripeptide synthesized by the body from three amino acids: cysteine, glycine, and glutamine. It is renowned as the body’s most significant antioxidant for several reasons. Firstly, it neutralizes free radicals that can damage cells. Secondly, it regenerates vitamins C and E, prolonging their activity in tissues. The immune-boosting power of glutathione is largely attributed to glutathione peroxidase, an enzyme that utilizes glutathione for antioxidant activities, crucial in protecting cells from oxidative damage.
Who Might Benefit from Boosting Their Glutathione?
Essentially, anyone experiencing inflammation and oxidative stress can benefit from boosting their glutathione levels. This includes individuals with chronic conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, as well as those recovering from intense physical activity or injury. Additionally, individuals exposed to environmental toxins or pollutants may also benefit from increasing their glutathione levels.
Chronic stress
An unbalanced diet
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
Chronic inflammatory diseases
Frequent infections
It is crucial to recognize that the production of glutathione diminishes with age, leading to a higher likelihood of sub-optimal levels in older individuals. This reduction impedes their ability to combat pathogens effectively and regulate cell growth.
Make Your Own Glutathione
The digestive system breaks down tripeptides like glutathione, meaning standard supplements have limited bioavailability. Therefore, it’s more effective to increase your intake of nutrients that support glutathione production.
Glutathione-Boosters
Glutamine
One of the three amino acids needed to form glutathione. Although found in high-protein foods, a strong digestive system is required to extract it. Physical stresses like intense exercise, surgery, and chronic illness deplete glutathione. Supplementation is an easy way to replenish levels and maintain a robust immune system.
Selenium
A crucial cofactor for glutathione peroxidase production, selenium helps control hydrogen peroxide while fighting bacteria and viruses. It also enhances the activity of specialized white blood cells, such as natural killer cells. Unfortunately, most diets lack sufficient selenium. Look for 200 mcg of yeast-free, biologically active selenium per capsule.
Zinc
Essential for the production of glutathione peroxidase. Zinc deficiency impairs our ability to protect cells from free radicals and indirectly protects glutathione by stabilizing cell membranes.
NAC (N-acetyl-L-cysteine)
A valuable source of L-cysteine, a sulfur-containing amino acid. NAC rapidly converts into glutathione, boosting blood levels of this antioxidant. Additionally, NAC has a special affinity for the respiratory system, reducing mucus viscosity and aiding in its clearance from the airways. It also protects the lungs from the damaging effects of inhaled pollutants.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that has a symbiotic relationship with glutathione. It raises glutathione levels, while glutathione regenerates vitamins C and E, keeping them active in tissues longer. Since Vitamin C is water-soluble, maintaining high blood levels throughout the day with dietary sources alone can be challenging. For longer-lasting benefits, choose slow-release vitamin C, which is corn-free and supports your glutathione levels.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D may help preserve the body’s glutathione levels by managing inflammation. It also appears to support glutathione peroxidase synthesis due to its antioxidant-like behaviour. Additionally, Vitamin D acts as an immune balancer, regulating the immune response to prevent it from being under-active or over-active. As we transition from summer to autumn, with cooler weather and reduced daylight, supplementation becomes the easiest way to maintain optimal Vitamin D levels. Choose from regular Vitamin D3 and vegan Vitamin D3 varieties in 1000 IU and 2500 IU potencies.
Beet Juice
Beetroot contains glutathione, which helps thin bile and flush waste products from the liver. Beetroot contains betalains, antioxidants that can help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. Combine carrots and greens for a nutritious boost.
It’s likely that you are already utilizing some of these glutathione-boosting substances, but it’s crucial to address any deficiencies to reap maximum benefits. It’s recommended to integrate extra complementary nutrients that enhance glutathione levels into your daily routine during the colder months when colds and flu are prevalent. Coupled with sufficient rest, these nutrients will assist in maintaining your immune system’s optimal function both during this season and in the future.
References
Armeni, T., & Parent, M. (2022). Glutathione in Health and Disease. Antioxidants, Special Issue. https://www.mdpi.com/journal/antioxidants/special_issues/Glutathione_Diseases2
Gaucher, C., Boudier, A., Bonetti, J., Clarot, I., Leroy, P., & Parent, M. (2018). Glutathione: Antioxidant Properties Dedicated to Nanotechnologies. Antioxidants, 7(5), 62. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox70500621
Wróblewska, J., Wróblewski, M., Hołyńska-Iwan, I., Modrzejewska, M., Nuszkiewicz, J., & Woźniak, A. (2022). The Role of Glutathione in Selected Viral Diseases. Antioxidants, 12(7), 1325. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox120713251
Copyright © 2024 – All Rights Reserved – Michelle Honda Ph.D.
Announcement
Look for my latest book “Reverse Depression Naturally” (Spring 2020) “Reverse Inflammation Naturally” (May 31, 2017) “Reverse Thyroid Diseases Naturally” (June 2018) “Reverse Alzheimers/Dementia Naturally” (Nov.2018) “Reverse Heart Disease Naturally” (Jan.31, 2017) and “Reverse Gut Diseases Naturally Nov. 2016
Where to Purchase:
Reverse Gut Diseases Naturally Nov. 2016
Reverse Heart Disease Naturally Jan. 2017
Reverse Inflammation Naturally May 2017
Reverse Thyroid Disease Naturally June 28/2018
Reverse Alzheimers Disease Naturally Nov. 2018
Reverse Depression Naturally Spring 2020
Hatherleigh Press Page Buy Book RGDN
Local Book Stores in US and Canada
Disclaimer
While close attention was given to the accuracy of information in this article, the author accepts neither responsibility nor liability to any person with respect to injury, damage, loss or any circumstances involving alleged causes directly or indirectly related to the information in this article. The sole purpose is to educate and broaden ones awareness. This information is not meant to replace medical advice or services provided by a health care professional.
Recommend to a Friend
Follow Us!