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The Problem with Glutathione Supplements

Posted Apr 13 2010 10:36pm
There are a lot of health conscious people who spend time and money researching and buying antioxidant supplements for the simple reason that they want the benefits that antioxidants can provide for their health. And there is no question that there are many, many benefits. The problem is that there are some antioxidants that cannot be taken as an oral supplement and one of them is probably the most important antioxidant of all – glutathione.

What is Glutathione?

A tri-peptide of the amino acids glycine, glutamine and cysteine, Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that you can find in every one of the trillions of cells in your body. If there is a problem, Glutathione is at the “scene of the crime” ready to do its voodoo. That’s only one of the very special qualities of this antioxidant that is manufactured by your body.

It’s often referred to as the Master Antioxidant and without it, better known but lesser antioxidants, such as Vitamins C and E which are the most abundant fat and water soluble antioxidants we have will not function to their full potential. In addition to that, Glutathione plays an important role in the repair of DNA, immune system enhancement and the detoxification of toxins from air and water pollution and cigarette smoke and carcinogens.

If you need convincing that increasing your cellular levels of Glutathione is a good idea, just consider that several studies have demonstrated a correlation between reduced levels of Glutathione and a host of well known, degenerative conditions such as some types of dementia, Parkinson’s disease, some forms of Cancer, type II Diabetes and degenerative joint disease.

Given its importance and the decline we all experience in natural production of this wonderful antioxidant and anti aging substance, it’s not much of a surprise that a number of companies market oral glutathione supplements. Unfortunately, it’s not that easy.

The problem is that in order for Glutathione to make it into the bloodstream and be transportable to the cells in our organs, it first must make it through our gastro intestinal system. But taken orally, it’s destroyed.

But you have other options and I’m sure you won’t be surprised to hear that 4-5 servings of fresh vegetables like spinach, asparagus, broccoli and avocado (yes, you’re right. Avocado is a fruit) will help support your body’s ability to manufacture more glutathione. Other natural sources for the right nutrients – precursors- include whey protein, selenium, and turmeric and milk thistle.

Your other choice is to consider supplementing with a glutathione precursor, which is a product that provides your body with the materials it needs to increase its production output of glutathione. After all, if your body is perfectly capable of making something, doesn’t it make sense to help it do what nature intended?

Anna Ruth consults with Whole Earth Health and is one of the company’s champions for MAX GXL a glutathione precursor. MAX GXL acts to assist the body to manufacture its own glutathione. The product has produced some outstanding results for people looking for joint pain relief when suffering from a number of inflammatory conditions

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