GLUTATHIONE – GSH
The body’s “Master
Antioxidant”, glutathione plays a key role in our health, well-being, cellular
repair and maintenance and overall toxicity level.
Glutathione is a tripeptide
consisting of glutamine, cysteine and glycine. It helps to prevent damage to our
cells brought on by reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as free radicals and
peroxides.
In its reduced form,
glutathione passes through our cells gathering up toxins, free radicals and
heavy metals, excreting them from the body. Once this action is performed the
glutathione molecule enters its oxidized form. Unlike other antioxidants,
glutathione can be recycled once in its oxidized form through the methylation
process.
The ratio between reduced
glutathione and oxidized glutathione within the cell is used to determine
overall cellular toxicity levels, regarded as the single best indicator of
overall health and well-being.
GSH and Free Radicals
Understanding the enormous
range of health benefits glutathione has to offer requires an understanding of
the arch enemy of health; free radicals.
Free radicals are a natural
byproduct of our cellular metabolic process. These free radicals pose such a
threat to our health because of the damage they cause to neighboring cells.
These unstable molecules are missing an electron, in an attempt to find balance
they indiscriminately rip electrons from nearby cells, turning them into free
radicals as well. This process snowballs, causing severe harm to our cells and
interfering with normal cellular function.
Most experts agree that
virtually every chronic illness we know of is linked to free radical induced
tissue damage.
The cumulative load of free
radicals is referred to as oxidative stress. Corroding our body from the
inside, similar to how rust accumulates and eats away at metal.
Antioxidants are the body’s
protection from oxidative damage. Glutathione is a particularly important
antioxidant due to its ability to recharge and recycle itself and other
antioxidants.
While free radical formation
and glutathione production are both natural processes, our increasingly toxic
environment is disrupting their delicate balance. Chemicals and pollutants
found in our air, water and food bombard our body with toxins which accelerate
oxidative damage while depleting glutathione levels. Our body cannot keep up
with the demand for antioxidants like glutathione, meaning it needs help
fortifying GSH levels.
Benefits of Glutathione
Anti-Aging
The free radical or
oxidative stress theory of aging suggests that the primary cause of aging and
age related disabilities comes from free radical accumulation and oxidative
damage; ultimately determining the lifespan and quality of life of an organism.
This accumulation of free
radical damage occurs naturally as we age, partly because of naturally
decreasing levels of glutathione; a vital tool in neutralizing free radicals
and repairing oxidative damage.
Experts believe that there
is a direct link between glutathione status, free radical accumulation and
reactive oxygen species. By improving reduced glutathione through an
L-glutathione complex, you can help combat the pitfalls of aging. This improves
cellular health and function, minimizing the damage caused to our body via free
radicals and even helping to repair the damage caused after years of free
radical accumulation. [1]
Anti-Inflammatory
Inflammation is the root
cause of virtually every chronic health condition we know of.
Chronic inflammation
releases a flood of free radicals which damage nearby cells and contribute to
the progression of disease.
Glutathione has been studied
extensively for its powerful anti-inflammatory characteristics. Beyond its
extraordinary inflammation fighting capabilities, GSH helps to repair the
damage that prompted the inflammation in the first place.
It is so critical to treat
chronic inflammation because it affects quality of life and overall health so
substantially. Aggressive symptoms of chronic inflammation in
N Acetyl-L-Cysteine Benefits
N Acetyl-L-Cysteine (NAC) is
commonly associated with glutathione due to their close relationship.
Glutathione consists of L-glutamic acid, glycine and L-cysteine. We get an
ample amount of L-glutamic acid and glycine in the average diet, L-cysteine is
the rate limiting factor in the body’s natural glutathione production.
Enhancing glutathione
production is only one of the remarkable health benefits of N Acetyl-L-Cysteine
though. [1]
Reducing Cellular Toxicity
Levels
Like other antioxidants,
reducing cellular toxicity is one of the premier functions of N Acetyl-L-Cysteine.
A popular clinical use for
NAC is as a treatment for acute liver toxicity due to acetaminophen poisoning.
[2] By supporting NAC levels, the liver is able to clear away the harmful
toxins and regain normal function. Just going to show how integral this
antioxidant is for our liver health and detoxing capabilities.
Acute liver poisoning just
showcases the powerful effect N Acetyl-L-Cysteine has on toxicity levels, but
it has also been proven effective in improving liver function and health in
individuals with non-acetaminophen induced liver failure.
Reversing The Aging Process
Free radical accumulation
and oxidative stress contribute to an accelerated aging process. Accumulation
of harmful toxins and heavy metals that flood the body with free radicals and
oxidative damage compound the problem as we age. Leaving the body increasingly
vulnerable to further damage and toxic overload throughout the aging process.
Reducing total body toxicity
levels helps turn back the hands of time, and not just by improving the
appearance and health of the skin, hair and nails.
Neurodegenerative diseases
are a growing concern in our increasingly toxic environment and diet. Common
disorders like Alzheimer’s Disease are occurring more frequently and earlier
than ever before.
Major contributing factors
for the development of Alzheimer’s Disease include heavy metal toxicity in the
brain and nervous system, causing severe oxidative damage. Heavy metals are
exceptionally difficult for the body to get rid of naturally, allowing these
harmful substances to accumulate over years and decades until they manifest
into severe, life threatening neurodegenerative disorders.
N Acetyl-L-Cysteine has been
shown to dramatically improve the condition of those suffering from heavy metal
toxicity. Replenishing GSH levels in the tissue and improving the body’s
natural chelating process. Ridding the brain, nervous system and body from
harmful heavy metals and helping to repair the damage caused to surrounding
tissue. [4]
Athletic Performance and Recovery
During periods of physical
stress and strain, cells are required to increase energy production. The
natural byproduct of cellular energy production is free radicals, meaning the
body is flooded with harmful free radicals during a workout.
N Acetyl-L-Cysteine helps to
neutralize these free radicals immediately, limiting the damage they cause. [5]
This helps combat oxidative damage to the cells as well as limits the
accumulation of peroxides during physical activity.
Neutralizing the harmful
byproducts of cellular energy production is extremely beneficial for athletes
and avid gym-goers, but it is only the tip of the iceberg. NAC can help to
delay muscle fatigue during prolonged exercise, effectively improving physical
stamina and endurance. [6,7]
The core concept of
bodybuilding and exercise in general, is to break down muscle tissue in order
to re-build it. This causes an immense strain on the body, impacting immune
function and energy levels. Supplementing with N Acetyl-L-Cysteine can help
negate the harmful byproducts of exercise in order to optimize physical
performance, energy production and the recovery process.
Inhibit the Influenza Virus
As if an improve immune
function, increased athletic performance, reduced recovery time and anti-aging
benefits weren’t enough, NAC
Alpha Lipoic Acid Benefits
Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) is
found in every cell in the body. It is a powerful antioxidant and plays a major
role in cellular energy production, helping to turn glucose into usable energy
(ATP).
What really sets Alpha
Lipoic Acid apart from other antioxidants is the fact that it is both fat and
water soluble. While most antioxidants are either water or fat soluble, it
limits their potential reach in the body. This allows ALA to reach every cell
in the body, promoting energy production while eliminating free radical
accumulation. [1]
The Smart Choice for Brain Health
The brain requires an
enormous amount of energy, meaning cells are working overtime to convert food
energy into usable cellular energy. This creates a surplus of harmful
byproducts known as free radicals, damaging nearby cells and inhibiting optimal
cellular function.
In order to clear away free
radicals and repair the damage they cause, the body needs an ample amount of
antioxidants. The difficulty with detoxifying the brain is getting enough
antioxidant activity to where it is needed most.
The semi-permeable barrier
that protects the brain (blood brain barrier) repels many harmful toxins,
however it also makes it difficult for many antioxidants to reach the brain.
This is where Alpha Lipoic Acid comes in as a powerful brain detoxifier and
heavy metal chelator.
ALA is both water and fat
soluble, it can easily pass through the blood brain barrier and neutralize the
stubborn free radicals found in the brain and nervous system. Helping to repair
the damage they cause, improving brain health and cognitive function. [2]
Heavy Metal Chelator
Heavy metals are another
major health concern for the brain and nervous system. These toxic metals
accumulate over the span of decades and they are quite difficult for the body
to deal with. We are exposed to these heavy metals on a daily basis, through
air pollution, beauty products and tap water to name a few. Because only
certain antioxidants are capable of easily passing through the blood brain
barrier, typically heavy metal toxicity is highest in the brain.
Chelation of heavy metals is
paramount to brain health and the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases.
Alpha Lipoic Acid is one antioxidant that is capable of reaching the heavy
metals found in the brain and effectively chelating them. Another antioxidant
capable of this is glutathione. Because ALA boosts glutathione levels, it
combats heavy metal accumulation on multiple levels, something that other
antioxidants simply cannot do.
Antioxidant Booster
ALA is capable of enhancing
the function of other powerful antioxidants, helping to recycle and regenerate
oxidized forms back into their active forms. None more important than
glutathione.
Glutathione levels decline
naturally as we age, hindering immune function and the body’s ability to
effectively detox itself. Alpha Lipoic acid has been shown to restore
intracellular glutathione levels, fortifying levels of the body’s master
antioxidant. [2]
Nrf2 is critical for the
Phase II detoxification process, ALA helps to promote Nrf2 activity by acting
as a pro-oxidant. Causing mild cellular insult to help prompt a localized Nrf2
response. [2]
Alpha Lipoic Acid and Fitness
Some fitness benefits of ALA
are obvious, such as the role it plays with cellular energy production and
metabolism. It also fights free radicals which flood the body during bouts of
intense exercise. These benefits are both critical and hugely beneficial for
athletes, gym-goers and everyone else trying to live a healthy life, but ALA
doesn’t stop there.
Reduce Body Fat
An essential antioxidant
that improves mitochondrial function and antioxidant activity also helps you
melt away unwanted fat.
One study examined the
effects of Alpha Lipoic Acid on 360 obese individuals over a 20 week period.
The results were quite conclusive, the group that supplemented with ALA lost
significantly more weight than the placebo group. [3]
There is no magic weight
loss pill that will provide you with the body of your dreams effortlessly. But
there are certainly supplements that will help with weight loss efforts, ALA is
one of these supplements. Pair it with a healthy diet and regular exercise
routine and the results will speak for themselves.
Muscle and Bone
Alpha Lipoic Acid plays an
important role in cell signalling pathways, helping to regulate the
inflammatory response and repair process throughout the body.
Studies show that ALA can
improve skeletal muscle regeneration following intense physical activity, as
well as helping to prevent bone loss by reducing homocysteine levels. [4,5]
The cellular metabolic
process is integral to the body’s repair process. By promoting the ability for
cells to turn glucose into ATP while removing harmful toxins, ALA helps promote
the body’s natural repair process.
Ubiquinol CoQ10 Benefits
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is
utilized by every cell in the body, it is absolutely vital for energy
production and cellular metabolism. Widely used for the powerful fat loss
benefits, CoQ10 is far more than an energy boosting fat burner, it is also a
remarkably powerful antioxidant.
Ubiquinol CoQ10
Coenzyme Q10 has three
different forms, the fully oxidized form known as ubiquinone, the partially
oxidized form, ubisemiquinone and the fully reduced form, ubiquinol. In its
fully reduced form, CoQ10 acts as a powerful antioxidant.
CoQ10 is involved in a
process called aerobic cellular respiration, which is responsible for about 95%
of our energy production. This makes Coenzyme Q10 an extremely important
molecule for cellular energy, especially in organs with a high energy demand
such as the heart, kidneys and liver.
Different from other
antioxidants, CoQ10 inhibits both the initiation and propagation of lipid
oxidation as well as protein oxidation. Ubiquinol has also been found to reduce
pro-inflammatory genes which can cause severe health problems if inflammation
persists. [15]
Typically used for its
cardiovascular health benefits, CoQ10 holds many more health benefits due to
its link to cellular energy and oxidative damage inhibition.
Antioxidant Activity
Free radical damage is the
leading cause of the aging process and disease manifestation. Brought on by a
myriad of factors, free radical damage accumulates in the body, severely hindering
cellular function and health. [1]
Antioxidants are the body’s
natural defense against free radical accumulation, capable of clearing away
these hazardous threats and repairing the damage they cause. Because free
radicals are a natural byproduct of the cellular metabolic process, it is a
never ending battle between antioxidants and free radicals. [2]
Reduced CoQ10 is essential
in order to neutralize free radicals produced through the metabolic process.
Found in its highest concentrations in organs which require the most energy,
CoQ10 is paramount to our heart, brain and liver health. [3]
When Coenzyme Q10 levels are
low, antioxidant activity is affected and oxidative damage floods the body.
When low-density lipoproteins (LDL) are exposed to oxidative damage, reduced
CoQ10 is the first antioxidant consumed. Coenzyme Q10 can help to protect the
membrane proteins and DNA from oxidative damage brought on through lipid
peroxidation. [4,5]
Supplementing with oral
Ubiquinol CoQ10 is an effective way to significantly improve antioxidant
activity and improve the health and function of virtually every cell in the
body. [6]
Mitochondrial Health
The mitochondria is the most
crucial component in cellular energy production. Thought of as the power-plant
of the cell, it is responsible for converting food energy into cellular energy.
CoQ10 is a potent free radical scavenger, particularly in the lipid and
mitochondrial membrane of the cell, essential for the health and function of
every energy producing cell. [7]
Mitochondrial dysfunction is
linked to neurodegenerative disorders and heart disease. This has led to
numerous studies outlining the benefits of CoQ10 for preventing and treating
neurodegenerative disorders and heart disease.
Energy Production
Converting the energy found
in carbohydrates and fats into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the form
of energy used by our cells, requires
Coenzyme Q10. It is an essential cog in the mitochondrial electron transport
chain, accepting and transferring electrons during the metabolic process. [8]
CoQ10 impacts cellular
energy production on multiple levels. Helping to ensure optimal mitochondrial
function by detoxifying the cell, helping to transport electrons and protons
through the mitochondrial membrane and converting energy from glucose into ATP.
Burn Fat with CoQ10
Coenzyme Q10 for weight loss
is a popular topic, and for a good reason. Insufficient CoQ10 levels can
prevent food energy from being used up, instead it is stored as fat. It will
also affect blood glucose levels which can have a profound effect on weight
gain. [9]
An essential piece in the
metabolic process, high CoQ10 levels improve the body’s ability to use up fat
deposits and burn them off passively for cellular energy. This gives it a sort
of “magic weight loss” benefit, allowing you to burn up unwanted fat without
any effort. However the effects are compounded when coupled with exercise and a
healthy diet.
Heart Health
When low-density
lipoproteins (LDL) found in the arterial walls is oxidized, it is thought to be
an early indication of the development of atherosclerosis (hardening of the
arteries). Coenzyme Q10 can help to inhibit this oxidation, especially when
coupled with Vitamin E. [7]
In patients with congestive
heart failure, it was found that lower plasma CoQ10 concentrations were
associated with a heightened risk of mortality. Plasma CoQ10 levels are thought
to be a biomarker for advanced heart disea
Heart Health
When low-density
lipoproteins (LDL) found in the arterial walls is oxidized, it is thought to be
an early indication of the development of atherosclerosis (hardening of the
arteries). Coenzyme Q10 can help to inhibit this oxidation, especially when
coupled with Vitamin E. [7]
In patients with congestive
heart failure, it was found that lower plasma CoQ10 concentrations were
associated with a heightened risk of mortality. Plasma CoQ10 levels are thought
to be a biomarker for advanced heart disease. Meaning poor heart health and
function can be associated with low concentrations of CoQ10. [10,11]
Fitness Benefits
During bouts of intense
exercise, the body requires a huge boost in cellular energy production, which
in turn leads to a huge boost in free radical production. CoQ10 helps to ensure
the cell is converting food energy into ATP effectively, as well as helping to
neutralize the free radicals produced as a result of energy production. This is
thought to improve physical performance and prevent reactive oxygen species
from damaging healthy tissue.
Improved CoQ10 levels have
been found to help reduce exercise induced muscular injury. Some studies have
also shown that it can help prevent the sensation of fatigue during intense
exercise. [12,13]
Ubiquinol vs Ubiquinone
The distinction between
Ubiquinol and Ubiquinone CoQ10 is crucial when looking for an effective
supplement. The vast majority of supplements use Ubiquinone CoQ10 because it is
the cheaper but far less effective form of the antioxidant. Ubiquinol CoQ10 is
the active form which offers the maximum benefit.
If your supplement does not
specify which form of CoQ10 is used, you can be sure it is the cheaper of the
two. In order to yield the maximum health & fitness benefits of CoQ10,
supplement with the active Ubiquinol form.
Selenium (seleno-L-methionine)
Selenium is an important
trace element, acting as a cofactor in 3 of the 4 known thyroid hormones that
are responsible for switching various other thyroid hormones on or off. This
plays a significant role in the body’s hormonal balance and development.
GSH is also a benefactor of
seleniums profound benefits because selenium is also a cofactor for the
reduction of many antioxidants, including GSH. [12] Ensuring optimal selenium
levels is important for our hormonal balance, antioxidant function and
methylation cycle, all working together to keep our health in check.
Milk thistle
Silymarin is the potent
extract from the milk thistle plant, commonly found in dietary and herbal
supplements. It is so common because it is believed to hold powerful liver
health benefits, helping to detoxify the body and improve overall health. Much
of this benefit is thought to be because of milk thistle’s ability to increase
glutathione while reducing lipid peroxidation. [13]
Milk thistle is a kind of
herbal heal all, able to promote organ health and detoxify the body. It has
even been shown to alleviate the symptoms of allergic rhinitis or Hay Fever.
[14] Supplementing with milk thistle can yield a wide range of health benefits
due to its GSH promoting qualities and ability to minimize oxidative stress.
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
Much like other B Vitamins,
riboflavin is involved in a vast number of cellular processes. It plays an
integral role in energy metabolism as well as the metabolism of fats,
carbohydrates, proteins and ketone bodies.
Riboflavin is commonly found
in some food sources, but it is necessary to ensure a sufficient dietary intake
of this important vitamin. Vitamin B2 is constantly being excreted from the
body in urine, making it essential to continuously supplement.
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxal-5-phosphate)
There are many forms of
Vitamin B6, but pyridoxal-5-phosphate or PLP is the active form, making it the
most effective when supplemented. Pyridoxal phosphate is involved in many
metabolic processes, such as the metabolism of amino acids, glucose and lipids,
neurotransmitter synthesis and gene expression.
Low Vitamin B6 levels, based
on serum levels of pyridoxal-5-phosphate have been associated with inflammatory
diseases such as cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes
among others. [16]
Vitamin B9 Folate (Quatrefolic®)
Folate deficiency is one of
the most common nutrient deficiencies. Folic acid is the cheapest and most
common form of folate found in many fortified foods and dietary supplements.
This is a problem for many people who are incapable of metabolizing folic acid
properly. It can also mask a Vitamin B12 deficiency, making it difficult to
properly diagnose the deficiency which can lead to many health problems.
(6S)-5-methyltetrahydrofolate
is a preferred source of folate due to its distinct advantages over other
forms. 5-MTHF is immediately bioavailable, meaning it does not need to be
metaboli
Vitamin B9 Folate
(Quatrefolic®)
Folate deficiency is one of
the most common nutrient deficiencies. Folic acid is the cheapest and most
common form of folate found in many fortified foods and dietary supplements.
This is a problem for many people who are incapable of metabolizing folic acid
properly. It can also mask a Vitamin B12 deficiency, making it difficult to
properly diagnose the deficiency which can lead to many health problems.
(6S)-5-methyltetrahydrofolate
is a preferred source of folate due to its distinct advantages over other
forms. 5-MTHF is immediately bioavailable, meaning it does not need to be
metabolized by the body in order to perform its biologic action.
Individuals with a MTHFR
gene mutation can benefit greatly by taking 5-methyltetrahydrofolate over folic
acid because of its immediate bioavailability. [17]
Vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin)
Vital for the methylation
process and countless cellular processes, it is also important to supplement
the correct form of B12. Three distinct forms of Vitamin B12 are available,
cyanocobalamin, hydroxocobalamin and methylcobalamin. Many supplements use cyanocobalamin
because it is the cheapest form of B12. While each of these forms of B12 yields
similar health benefits, the advantage of using methylcobalamin is that it is
the most available form of the vitamin. While cyanocobalamin is a man made
version which contains small amounts of cyanide. It is not dangerous in
recommended amounts, but it does tax the liver, forcing it to process the
vitamin and rid the body of the toxic cyanide before it can be utilized.
Methylcobalamin has been
shown to improve glutathione status, reduce chronic pain and improve cognitive
function, but we believe that is just the tip of the iceberg for this
astounding vitamin. [18,19,20]
Vitamin C (calcium ascorbate)
One of the most widely
recognized antioxidants, Vitamin C plays many important roles in our body. It
is crucial that we regularly intake sufficient amounts of Vitamin C because
humans cannot synthesize it on their own.
Vitamin C is needed for the
growth and repair of all our tissues and it is plays a key role in the creation
of collagen. [21] The role Vitamin C has in collagen synthesis has made it an
explosively popular ingredient in anti-aging supplements and cosmetics. It does
far more than help people fight the signs of aging though, it is required to
make skin, tendons, ligaments and blood vessels. Vitamin C also helps heal
wounds, form scar tissue, repair and maintain our cartilage bones and teeth
while acting as a powerful antioxidant that fights free radical damage and
boosts our immune function. [22]
Vitamin D3
Known as the sunshine
vitamin because humans can synthesize Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) when the
skin is exposed to sunlight. Unfortunately many people are still deficient in
Vitamin D, even if they are getting plenty of time outside, most people in the
Northern Hemisphere just cannot get an adequate amount of this sunshine vitamin
through sunshine alone. [23]
Vitamin D3 is generally
associated with bone health and development due to its ability to promote
calcium absorption and maintain adequate serum calcium concentrations. Vitamin
D performs many other roles in the body, from modulating cell growth to
regulating cell proliferation and apoptosis. This link to cellular health and
genetic regulation gives Vitamin D3 a principle role in our immune health and
ability to ward off disease. [24]
Vitamin E
A fat soluble antioxidant
that can help stop the reactive oxygen species from forming when fat undergoes
oxidation. Helping to prevent oxidative damage and limiting free radical
production are two huge benefits of Vitamin E, helping to fight the aging
process and a wide number of diseases associated with free radical formation.
[25]
Vitamin E is a crucial
antioxidant that is involved in numerous metabolic processes including, cell
signaling and the regulation of gene expression. It also helps fight disea
