Glutathione (GSH) is an amino acid which is found in every cell of a living organism. It is a very simple molecule that is produced naturally in the body at all time. It can be synthesized from three simple building blocks of protein or amino acids - cysteine, glycine and glutamine. The sulfhydryl (SH) group of cysteine is responsible for biological activity of glutathione. Sulfur is a sticky and smelly molecule which acts like fly paper and sticks to all the bad things in the body, including free radicals and toxins like mercury and other heavy metals.

Glutathione is body’s most abundant natural antioxidant that protects your vision, boosts your immune system, helps turn carbohydrates into energy, and prevents the buildup of oxidized fats. Also, Glutathione has an anti-aging affect on the body. It prevents cancer, heart disease, dementia and more. It is necessary to treat everything from autism to Alzheimer's disease. But, on aging the glutathione levels are depleted due to exposure to air pollutants, drugs, stress, smoking, or food chemicals that damage our cellular systems.

Almost all fruits and vegetables contain Glutathione. Good sources of Glutathione are Acor n squash, asparagus, avocado, cantaloupe, grapefruit, okra, orange, peach, potato, spinach, strawberries, tomato, watermelon, and zucchini. Some vegetables, for example broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, kale, and parsley, provide Glutathione as well as actually stimulate the body to produce more of this powerful antioxidant. A lot of the glutathione in fresh fruits and vegetables are destroyed by cooking, so you can get the most Glutathione from these foods by eating them raw or steamed.

Foods that contain high glutamine, such as lean meats, eggs, wheat germ, and whole grains, can also stimulate the liver to produce more Glutathione. Another way to increase glutathione levels is to take cysteine, glutamic acid, and glycine, the raw materials which are used to make this. Fish oil, riboflavin (vitamin B2), vitamin C, and selenium also promote the production and absorption of GSH.

Low Glutathione levels can lead to:

• Poor liver function
• Poor immune system function
• Adult respiratory distress syndrome
• Damage from toxic substances, including medications

Tips to Optimize Glutathione Level:

These tips will help you to improve your health, optimize your performance and live a long, healthy life by increasing glutathione levels.

Eat Foods that Support Glutathione Production: Eat sulfur rich foods in the diet like garlic, onions and the cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, kale, collards, cabbage, cauliflower, watercress, etc.). Also, try bioactive whey protein. Select non-pasteurized and non-industrially produced milk that contains no pesticides, hormones, or antibiotics.

Exercise for more Glutathione: Exercise enhances your glutathione levels, so it helps to boost your immune system, improve detoxification and enhance your body's own antioxidant defenses. Slowly start exercises and build it up to 30 minutes a day of energetic aerobic exercise like walking or jogging, or play various sports.

Take Glutathione Supporting Supplements: N-acetyl form of cysteine, the raw material for the synthesis of glutathione is easily absorbed by the body. Alpha lipoic acid is a close second to glutathione and is involved in energy production, blood sugar control, brain health and detoxification. Methylation nutrients like folate, vitamins B6 and B12 are the most decisive to keep the body producing glutathione. Mineral like selenium helps the body reuse and produce more glutathione. Vitamins C and E (in the form of mixed tocopherols) work together to recycle glutathione. Silymarin is used in liver diseases and helps to enhance glutathione levels.

Skin benefits of glutathione:

• Gives skin a radiant glow
• Makes pores finer
• Skin becomes smoother and clearer
• Controls acne and prevents acne marks
• Removes skin hyperpigmentations
• Challenges the aging process

Also, Glutathione can help to fight against infertility, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), cancers, cataracts, liver problems, thyroid problems, chronic fatigue, multiple sclerosis, heart disease especially those with LDL or bad cholesterol, Alzheimer disease, arteriosclerosis and Parkinson's disease.

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