Glutathione: Antioxidant Supplement
May 27, 2009
Glutathione: Antioxidant supplement
Glutathione is an antioxidant and is made up of three amino acids: cysteine, glycine and glutamic acid. It is present in every cell; including those of immune system also as it is synthesized by the body own its own and is most abundant natural antioxidant. It is used in treating many diseases and disorders.
Glutathione helps in treating cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, Eye problems, HIV, infertility, heavy metal poisoning and Parkinson’s disease. It boosts the immune system, helps the carbohydrate to convert into energy. It is also recommended for treating airway restriction.
Glutathione is most abundant antioxidant in the body, but the largest amount of this antioxidant is stored in liver, so as to detoxify harmful compounds and through the bile they can be removed from the body. Red and white cells in blood-stream directly get the glutathione from liver, which helps in keeping these cells healthy so as to increase the disease-fighting power of immune system. It slow down the aging process as it has anti-aging affect on the body.
Its deficiency can lead to nervous system disorders such as lack of coordination, tremors and mental problems. Its deficiency speeds up the aging process also, thus leaving the vulnerable to get damaged by free radicals.
Natural sources that provide glutathione are asparagus, orange, grapefruit, watermelon, potato, tomato, strawberries, spinach, cabbage, parsley, broccoli and meat. Another rich source of this antioxidant is Whey protein.
Glutathione is also available as a nutritional supplement in white form. Make sure that you take this supplement with meal to maximize absorption. There are still questions about the body’s ability to absorb it as a supplement, but can be taken in form of intravenous injection.
Like any other supplement, glutathione supplement also have side effect like chest pain, tightness in chest, difficulty in breathing, allergies like itching, skin inflammation, etc.
Pregnant women, women planning to get pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should not take glutathione supplement. Patients suffering from hypertension, heart disease and poor immune system should take the glutathione supplement under the supervision of their doctor.
Comments
Got something to say? Join the conversation and leave a comment below.