The Power of Glutathione and Why We Need it
Glutathione is the most powerful antioxidant in our body. It is critical for Phase 2 Liver Detoxification. It is made thanks to a process called Methylation. It requires the following nutrients: glutamine, glycine, selenium, B6 and cysteine. Glutathione conjugates heavy metals such as: lead, mercury, cadmium and aluminum to escort them out of the body.
Nrf2 is a transcription factor that stimulates production of more glutathione. It promotes overall phase 2 conjugation, boosts phase 3 (via Pgp), and eliminates reactive oxygen species. Many phytonutrients and natural substances have been shown to increase or induce Nrf-2 activity with ongoing use e.g. fish oil, curcumin, lycopene, cruciferous vegetables, hops, quercetin, sulforaphane, astaxanthin, resveratrol, blueberry, lycopene.
Alpha Lipoic Acid is a sulfur-containing fatty acid present in every human cell (present in very small amounts in food & also synthesized in the body from fats). It aids directly in using blood sugar for fuel, antioxidant in both watery and fatty parts of the body (thus excellent for nerves and neurological inflammation needs), reduces arterial inflammation, penetrates blood/brain barrier, induces Phase 2 liver detox, chelates heavy metal toxins and recycles glutathione for ongoing use.
Reduced glutathione activity increases the risk of chronic disease (e.g. cardiovascular disease). Genetic weakness in the ability to generate glutathione, impairs the ability to clear toxins and increases the likelihood of chronic disease.
There are several supplements and nutrients that increase glutathione serum levels:
• Cysteine from animal protein
• NAC
• Whey Protein Powder
• Alpha Lipoic Acid
• L-Carnitine
• Quercetin
• Selenium. Including brazil nuts!
• Liposomal glutathione to increase cellular glutathione
Always ask your health practitioner before adding any supplements to your diet.
If you would like to learn more about Glutathione, Methylation and how to optimize your diet to ensure optimal liver detox please contact me!
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