Here is some important information on Glutathione!
This master antioxidant is produced in all our cells, with the main production taking place in the liver. We accumulate the highest production of glutathione by 20 years of age, then our body’s ability to keep up needed production declines for many reasons. Stress creates free radicals which are unpaired electrons (unstable molecules) that damage the cells and tissues in our body.
Since free radicals are a byproduct of oxygen metabolism, we are exposed to them regularly and our immune system attempts to keep a balance through the use of antioxidants. When balance cannot be maintained and there are more free radicals (bad guys) then antioxidants (good guys) circulating in our body, it’s called “oxidative stress” and that is behind many chronic diseases.
Without antioxidants as protective armor, free radicals would kill us within a few hours! Since our bodies have innate intelligence (far beyond what we give it credit for), we are always producing more antioxidants – however there are many factors that deplete our supply of glutathione (remember we can only produce what our body made up to age 20).
Some poisons that affect this critical antioxidant level for each of us are drugs, pollution, radiation, stress, injury/trauma, aging, infection, poor diet amongst others. Our DNA in our cells is our last protection and keep in mind that our DNA is under constant attack from inflammation, radiation, UV, poisons, and air contaminants.
This is an impossible task for our immune system to handle as glutathione levels must always be kept at the highest level possible to maintain balance, reduce oxidative stress and sustain good health on a cellular level.
How can this be achieved? Through dietary changes, exercise, and our ANF discs. Stay tuned for more next time on this vital antioxidant and other facts about its impact on our health, so we can strive to “create a balance within.”