by Lisa Breitenwischer, CHHC, AADP, ERYT 500
One of my teacher’s Mark Hyman, MD, defined glutathione (GHS) as “The Mother of All Antioxidants”. He’s not alone, as there have been 117,000 peer-reviewed scientific articles on this powerhouse molecule, and experts are now acknowledging that there is an alarming number of people who are deficient due to: pre-mature aging, chronic stress, infections, over use of antibiotics, even so-called “health foods” to name a few.
Glutathione is concentrated in the liver, which is the body’s primary Detox organ, that plays an important role in immune function.
The secret behind glutathione, is the sulfur chemical groups it contains. Sulfur is a stinky, sticky molecule, which acts like fly paper- it attracts all of the toxins in your body and they stick to it and then are excreted from the body. Under healthy conditions and environment, our bodies would be able to produce enough glutathione to meet our daily needs. However, when there is a toxic overload in the body, usually from poor diet, alcohol, (think holidays) caffeine, pollution, stress, medications, aging and other internal and external factors, it depletes the body’s GHS levels and toxins stack up because the liver can’t keep up, much like a traffic jam. When this occurs, it could lead to infections, sickness, muscle fatigue, cardiovascular and inflammatory issues, as well as liver dysfunction. Basically, glutathione is the most critical and integral part of the detoxification system. It is important to maintain adequate levels of this molecule because as you age, your cells begin to lose their ability to repair themselves and produce strong antioxidants.
Research shows that many illnesses have a common factor: low glutathione levels in the body. Luckily there are several things you can easily do to naturally increase this molecule in your body.
Naturally Increase GSH in the Body:
- Eat colorful, antioxidant-packed produce: berries, bell peppers, mangoes
- Eat glutathione-boosting foods: garlic, onions, turmeric, cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, kale, collard greens, cauliflower, etc), asparagus, avocados, walnuts
- Exercise regularly
- Stress reduction: meditate, yoga, Thai chi, infrared sauna, time spent in nature
- Limit exposure to toxins: buy organic, filter your water
- Cut down on refined, processed food
In addition to food and life style changes, Dr. Josh Axe, certified doctor of natural medicine and clinical nutritionist, recommends supplementing with Milk Thistle, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), α-Lipoic Acid. Learn more about his recommendations here.
What to look forward to when glutathione levels are increased?
- Improved energy
- Reduced inflammation
- Improved sleep
- Improved mental focus
- Support for the immune system & liver
- Disease protection
- Circulatory, digestive, respiratory support
- Cellular detoxification
If you are feeling stuck and ready to increase your energy, feel better in your clothes, and improve your mood, send me an email to schedule your Health Consultation today. Your consultation will get you on the path to better health and wellness. Or, if you are ready for nutritional support, click here to view my bio-individual nutrition programs. You’ll feel better for it! (All programs can be done in person, by phone or Skype).