Glutathione, the superhero of antioxidants

Glutathione is an antioxidant molecule that the body can produce from the amino acids glutamate, cysteine ​​and glycine.

It is found in all cells and Your job is to protect them.especially those of the liver, from free radical damage and toxic agents.

That’s why is known as “key or master antioxidant”, due to its high effectiveness and because it strengthens the immune system.

To enjoy health for many years it is advisable to ensure the production of reduced glutathione.

From middle age it can be reduced, but it is possible to favor it by consuming foods that provide the precursor amino acids and through a Lifestyle that includes good stress management, the regular practice of physical exercise and avoiding exposure to toxic compounds.

1. What is glutathione?

Is a peptide molecule Composed of the union of three amino acids: cysteine, glutamate and glycine. It is present in all cells of our body.

Its design allows it to neutralize free radicals, which are the main responsible for the oxidative damage. Its production decreases with age and is stimulated by regular physical activity.

2. What is glutathione used for?

We call it an “endogenous antioxidant” because it is produced by our body and its main function is protect cells from oxidation. It also has functions in the metabolization of energy and the functioning of the defenses.

Besides, potentiates the activity of other exogenous antioxidants (that we get from food) such as vitamin C and vitamin E.

That is why it is often said that it is the most important antioxidant, although it is not exactly like that. What this statement usually refers to is that is capable of reactivating other antioxidants that are already oxidizedsuch as lipoic acid or coenzyme Q10, and make them ready to do their job again.

3. How does glutathione work in the body?

The body’s energy is generated in the mitochondria of cells by chemical reactions that use oxygen. This process creates oxidizing and toxic waste that cause oxidative stress and cell damage.

The function of glutathione is to compensate, reduce and reuse these potentially harmful elements.

4. Is glutathione effective?

glutathione It is one of the most fashionable supplements. In countless websites its virtues are glossed as: antioxidantanti-aging or effective against cancer.

Along with these statements, a link usually appears that encourages us to purchase the bottle of pills that contain it. So let’s ask ourselves, is it really that effective?

The medical use of this “endogenous antioxidant” is being investigated in diabetes, cancer, hepatitis and neurodegenerative diseases.

It is used as an assistant in pathologies such as human immunodeficiency virus syndrome (HIV), as it can strengthen the immune system, which is so compromised with the development of this disease.

It is possible that in a short time we will be able to talk about more concrete results and well-documented treatment proposals.

5. Is glutathione a good antioxidant to combat aging?

With age, more glutathione is needed to maintain healthy cells, so its supplementation in advanced ages improves parameters such as muscle strength and mental lucidity.

It is also used in anti-wrinkle soaps and creams.

6. Does it have benefits for the immune system?

He glutathione is necessary for the proper functioning of blood cells white of the immune system. It helps them to reproduce properly and to be effective in the fight against viruses, bacteria and other pathogens that pose a danger to our health.

7. Is it really a brain saver?

It is true that people with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s have greater oxidative stress, but still there is not enough evidence enough to be able to affirm that glutathione supplementation serves to prevent these diseases.

8. Why is it considered detoxifying?

Glutathione binds to some toxins in the liver and assists in their elimination via the kidneys.. This is part of the normal function of these organs in cleaning the body. We cannot expect it to serve us by itself to cure a disease.

9. Is it useful in cancer therapy?

Some studies indicate that glutathione may increase the effectiveness of some chemotherapy treatments and reduce side effects. But it could also interfere with other treatments.

In case of cancer, only the specialist doctor can assess its use.

10. What is reduced glutathione AND oxidized glutathione?

The active form of glutathione (“reduced glutathione”) is ready for its cellular defense function, but once it has acted, it rusts. So, the enzyme glutathione reductase repairs it.

It is, therefore, an antioxidant that recycles itself and recovers the action of others, such as vitamins C and E.

If the ratio of oxidized glutathione is too high, the cells enter oxidative stress. and deteriorate, giving rise to the oxidation of lipids, proteins and cell membranes, which generate chronic and degenerative diseases.

11. What foods provide glutathione?

Although our own body produces glutathione, it is also found in food.

A balanced diet in protein and sulfur amino acidssuch as cysteine, present in soy derivatives, legumes and nuts, provides glutathione.

Among the vegetables stand out spinach, asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, garlic, squash, and tomatoes.

and among the fruitswatermelon, grapefruit and strawberries, as well as avocado and walnuts.

Dietary intake is not related to increased plasma concentration no more activity.

12. Is it advisable to take glutathione in supplement form?

Based on the results obtained in some studies carried out with full guarantees, it does not seem that supplementing it provides benefits to healthy people. We can enhance your production endogenous with physical exercise and a diet that provides all the nutrients we need.

The supplements may be tools in times of high oxidative stress (smokers, cancer) and in immunosuppressed patients, but dispensed by healthcare professionals to control doses and interactions.

13. What are the best glutathione supplements?

Capsule supplements may have low bioavailabilitysince glutathione
It breaks down easily in the stomach.

The way of liposomal glutathione protected by phospholipids avoids this problem. It is also administered through skin patches.

Currently we know that patch administration is more effective than the oral route when it comes to raising glutathione levels in the blood, since digestion breaks it down in part. For this reason, the drug N-acetylcysteine ​​(NAC) is often administered, which acts as a precursor and helps increase glutathione levels effectively.

14. What are the risks and contraindications of glutathione?

In some countries it is injected in blood circulation to lighten the skinsince it inhibits the
melanin synthesis. Since this is sometimes done in unregulated centers, it can be very dangerous.

Besides, can alter the liver and thyroid. Prolonged intake may affect zinc levels.

15. Is glutathione the same as glutamine or glutamate?

No, and they should not be confused. Although all three have similar names, they are different molecules.

The glutamine it is one of the three precursor amino acids of glutathione; that is to say, it is a necessary ingredient so that the organism can manufacture it. glutamate it is a neurotransmitter.

16. How can glutathione levels be increased at an organic level?

Yes, you can do it with the following guidelines:

controlling the stress.avoiding toxic such as tobacco or alcohol, which increase the presence of free radicals. Making physical exercise.carrying a healthy diet that ensures the presence of all the nutrients that our body needs.

17. Why can glutathione decrease?

production may decrease with age and drug use that affect the liver, such as paracetamol.

some infections, diseases like Alzheimer’s tobacco and alcohol also influence.

18. How do you know if we lack glutathione?

A drop in red and white blood cell levels may suggest a deficiency.

Its deficiency is associated with a decrease in cell protection functions, poisoning, immune compromise, and increased inflammation. Besides, contributes to chronic diseases.

19. Why is it sometimes combined with milk thistle?

This plant protects the liver and also stimulates the formation of glutathione. In phytotherapy, the fluid extract (25-50 drops, one to three times a day) or the dry extract (0.5-1 g daily) is used.

20. Can N-acetylcysteine ​​increase glutathione levels?

Yes, the administration of this drug, which is sold without a prescription, is one of the most effective ways to fill glutathione stores. N-acetylcysteine it is also found in small amounts in foods such as garlic, onions, and asparagus.