Master ANTIOXIDANT – Glutathione

MASTER ANTIOXIDANT – What more can we do to be “Nutritionally Bullet Proof”??

We often underestimate how nutrition can improve many conditions and pathways… During these circumstances we have been more aware of the role of nutrition and we are searching for what more we can do.
Sometimes these things just exist naturally….and have been under our very noses… Glutathione is one of those ones!!!
Nothing is magical, buttttt, there is a natural antioxidant which is found in every cell in the body  “Glutathione”, often called the master antioxidant and it is the most important of antioxidants. Antioxidants reduce oxidative stress and combat free radicals in the body making us less prone to disease and ageing….. “Now I must  be getting  your attention”…. Read more…..

This powerful antioxidant is one of most protective molecules in the human body. Low levels may increase conditions, like a stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, and heart disease. We all know of vitamin C and E, they are super common, but glutathione is even more powerful as it exists within the cell, including cells in the immune system.
Most antioxidants are found in foods, but glutathione is found in your body.  Glutathione levels may be depleted, including poor diet, chronic disease, infection and chronic stress….and unfortunately like everything else lowers with age…… “I’m afraid every good thing decreases with age”….

The TOP line – we need higher amounts of glutathione, the more the better.  You’ll not only have protection from the conditions above, but you will have energy, glowing skin, healthy detoxification, strong heart and brain function, and a longer life!

1. Consume Sulfur rich foods – it helps the synthesis of glutathione – beef, fish, poultry but also plant based sources such as cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, kale, watercress and mustard greens.
2. Increase your Vitamin C – vitamin C may act by attacking free radicals first and sparing glutathione. Strawberries, citrus fruits, papayas, kiwis and bell peppers, another good reason to eat more fruit. Some research has found that Vitamin C supplements increased glutathione levels in white blood cells in healthy adults.
3. Add more Selenium for glutathione activity – Best sources for this super mineral are beef, chicken, fish, organ meats, cottage cheese, brown rice and brazil nuts.
4. Eat Foods Naturally Rich in Glutathione – Our clever bodies produce glutathione, but there are also dietary sources, although not absorbed well. Spinach, avocados, asparagus and okra are some of the richest dietary sources. Also cabbage, brussels sprouts, spinach, broccoli, garlic, chives, tomatoes, cucumber, almonds and walnuts. Its highest concentrations are in raw or very rare meat, unpasteurized milk and other unpasteurized dairy products, freshly-picked fruits and vegetables.
5. Try Turmeric Extract – The curcumin content is the hero in this spice and more importantly may increase glutathione levels. Although flavoring your food with turmeric can be tasty, you need the more concentrated forms of curcumin found in turmeric extract to increase your levels.
6. Supplement with Whey Protein – An amino acid called cysteine is a particularly important amino acid that is involved in glutathione synthesis. Foods rich in cysteine, such as whey protein, may increase your glutathione
7. Give milk thistle a go – The active ingredient in milk thistle extract is called silymarin. Milk thistle supplements may cause an increase in glutathione levels, likely attributed to silymarin.
8. Get Enough Sleep – No surprise here
9. Exercise – No Surprise Here
10. Avoid Alcohol  – Again no surprise ;-P

Bottom Line:
Luckily, increasing your physical activity, avoiding drinking too much alcohol, getting enough sleep and eating a balanced diet : Super Easy!
Knowledge will create discipline, it will form habit and change lifestyle….
Taking milk thistle, turmeric or whey protein supplements may also help boost your levels. At the end of the day, there are many simple and natural ways you can increase your levels of this important and potent antioxidant.