Glutathione is a small protein that is formed naturally in the body when the amino acids cystine, glycine and glutamine combine under the thiol (sulphur) group.
Oxidative stress has a prominent role in the life-span regulation of living organisms. Glutathione is one of the most powerful antioxidants and free radical scavengers known in cellular biology.
Your ability to produce Glutathione diminishes over the years due to ageing and the constant toll that modern living has on the body. Exposure to xenobiotics, heavy metals (such as lead, mercury and arsenic), stress, poor dietary choices, toxic cocktails of prescription and non-prescription drugs, trauma and infections all have huge consequences for the body and its ability to maintain adequate glutathione levels.
Patient Case Study 1
I prescribed glutathione in the treatment of a 23 year old female patient who presented with fatigue. This was particularly effecting memory and cognition coupled with previous positive tests to Epestine Barr, Cystic Acne and heavy metal toxicity. The prescription was:
Subsequent follow up appointments (two weeks after initial consultation) saw the patient reporting improvements in energy levels. Acne symptoms decreased and there was a reduction in the occurrence of cysts and pain associated with cystic acne and improvements in short term memory. After several months of GSH, NAC and chelation therapy, heavy metal levels in the body decreased and improvements in oxidative stress, acne and cognitive function were reported. Liver function tests and hair mineral analysis testing indicated improvements of liver function and a decrease in toxicity, both supported by how the patient reported feeling.
Patient Case Study 2
Additional glutathione treatment was given to a 68 year old patient after he first suffered Atrial Fibrillation (AF) 6 years previously. Complications in treating the AF saw the patient suffer a dramatic loss in energy, short term memory loss due to ischemic damage and an increase in digestive issues, including an increase in food aversions and intolerances. Glutathione along with cardio vascular support and digestive support was prescribed to the patient for long term use:
After several months of treatment the patient reported an increase in energy, described as:
Why were the treatments effective? let’s look at the cellular biology and biochemistry:
Glutathione plays a role in many cellular functions including cell growth and repair, DNA synthesis and repair, metabolism of toxins, carcinogens and xenobiotics, and the conjugation of heavy metals. It enhances both cell and humoral mediated immunity and is involved in the regulation of homocysteine.
LIVER DETOXIFICATION HAS TWO PHASES:
The first phase is dependent upon cytochrome P450 enzymes and required for the conversion of toxins into water soluble molecules. This is achieved via oxidation, reduction, hydrolysis, hydration and dehalogenation. Nutrients responsible for this process include B vitamins (specifically B2, B3, B6, B12), folic acid, glutathione and flavonoids.The second phase, known as the conjugation pathway, is the conjugation of water soluble wastes in preparation for excretion. These pathways all require specific amino acids for the correct elimination of wastes. These pathways include sulfation, glucoronidation, glutathione conjugation, acetylation, amino acid conjugation and methylation. Each specific pathway requires specific amino acids and the addition of magnesium, glutathione, vitamin C, folic acid and choline.
It is through these two phases that the liver acts much like a supermarket scanner, scanning nutrients and toxins alike and then either sending them through for re-absorption or excretion via the lower digestive track.
INCREASING YOUR GLUTATHIONE LEVELS FROM NATURAL FOOD SOURCES
INCREASING YOUR GLUTATHIONE LEVELS WITH SUPPLEMENTATION
Melatonin and how to get a dose in Australia
Decrease the detrimental effects of light pollution in the home and the negative effects on melatonin production by using blue blocker glasses, programs that adjust the light on computers - f.lux - and salt lamps instead of fluorescent lights. In Australia, Melatonin is only available as a homeopathic formulation. A more effective way of increasing melatonin levels at night may be using essential oils that improve melatonin secretion - Clary Sage, Frankinsese and Vetiver. Another tactic is exposing yourself to the daily sunset and ensuring that you can observe the natural colour changes in the sky, from blue to red to black. The red sky helps to increase natural melatonin secretion. Also helpful is ensuring adequate digestive health and removal of stimulants from the diet. Finally create a routine around wake and sleep times so that the rhythm of your melatonin production is not disrupted.
References
Richie JP Jr, Mills BJ, Lang CA. Correction of a glutathione deficiency in the ageing mosquito increases its longevity. Proc Soc Exp Biol Med. 1987 Jan;184(1):113-7.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23189206
http://www.jbc.org/content/282/38/28063
High blood glutathione levels accompany excellent physical and mental health in women ages 60 to 103 years. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12486409
De Rosa SC, Zaretsky MD, Dubs JG, Roederer M, Anderson M, Green A, Mitra D, Watanabe N, Nakamura H, Tjioe I, Deresinski SC, Moore WA, Ela SW, Parks D, Herzenberg LA, Herzenberg LA. N-acetylcysteine replenishes glutathione in HIV infection. Eur J Clin Invest. 2000 Oct;30(10):915-29
S-linolenoyl glutathione intake extends life-span and stress resistance via Sir-2.1 upregulation in Caenorhabditis elegans. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12486409
http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/77/1/189.full
http://www.immunehealthscience.com/how-to-raise-glutathione.html
https://bioconcepts.com.au/media/W1siZiIsIjIwMTQvMDUvMjQvOGF6N3gzb2draV9OQUNfRmx5ZXIucGRmIl1d?sha=16c64b2c
Dihydrolipoic acid- a universal antioxidant both in the membrane and in the aqueous phase. Reduction of peroxyl, ascorbyl and chromanoxyl radicals.
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/000629529290482X
Whey protein concentrate (WPC) and glutathione modulation in cancer treatment
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11205219
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Chronic stress, busy schedules, and excessive screen time before bed, millions of Australians struggle to get quality shut-eye. However, research continues to support the idea of a simple solution: getting enough of the essential mineral magnesium.
