Foods and dietary supplements that help boost glutathione levels naturally
1. N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) It is derived from the amino acid L-Cysteine, and acts as a precursor of glutathione. NAC is quickly metabolized into glutathione once it enters the body. It has been proven in numerous scientific studies and clinical trials, to boost intracellular production of glutathione.
2. Milk Thistle (silymarin) is a powerful antioxidant and supports the liver by preventing the depletion of glutathione. Silymarin is the active compound of milk thistle. It is a natural liver detoxifier and protects the liver from many toxins such as carbon tetrachloride and alcohol.
3. Alpha Lipoic Acid is made naturally in cells as a by-product of energy release, ALA increases the levels of intra-cellular glutathione, and is a natural antioxidant and free radical scavenger. It has the ability to regenerate oxidized antioxidants like Vitamin C and E and helps to make them more potent. ALA is also known for its ability to enhance glucose uptake and may help prevent the cellular damage accompanying the complications of diabetes. It also has a protective effect in the brain.
4.Broccoli, avocado, spinach & asparagus
(Sulforaphane from broccoli or brocolli sprouts promotes the expression of phase 2 enzymes and glutathione. ( Prostate cancer is characterized by an early and near universal loss of expression of the phase 2 enzyme glutathione S-transferase." - LifeExtension, Abstracts, Sept.2005.)
5. Raw egg contain beta-lactoglobulin and serum albumin. They are proteins that contain a bond of two glutathione precursors: glutamyl ( a form of glutamic acid ) and cysteine. This bond is called glutamyl-cysteine, which is 2/3 of a glutathione molecule The other 1/3 is glycine ). The egg white has to be raw and not scrambled or mixed, because heating, cooking or mixing will destroy these delicate proteins.
6. Un-denatured ( unheated ) whey protein also have beta-lactoglobulin and serum albumin, two glutathione precursors. Heating or pasteurization destroys the delicate disulphide bonds that give these proteins their bioactivity.
7. Curcumin (Turmeric) has been found to increase expression of the glutathione S-transferase and protect neurons exposed to oxidant stress.
Curcumin alters EpRE and AP-1 binding complexes and elevates glutamate-cysteine ligase gene expression.
8. Balloon Flower Root (Jie Geng) have been found to increase intracellular glutathione (GSH) content and significantly reduce oxidative injury to liver cells, minimise cell death and lipid peroxidation.
9. Selenium is a co-factor for the enzyme glutathione peroxidase. One Brazil nut per day contain daily need of selenium.
10. Homocysteine blockers SAM-e, TMG, B2, B6, folate and B12 are also glutathione precursors.
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Glutathione (GSH) plays a key role in protecting mitochondria and mtDNA from oxidative damage. GSH protects against mtDNA-damaging lipid peroxidation in the inner mitochondrial membrane, where the ETC [Electron Transport Chain] is located.
GSH (glutathione) also breaks down hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), another oxidant normally produced within mitochondria and which damages mtDNA.
Unfortunately, "Glutathione oxidation increases with age in mitochondria from liver, kidney, and brain of rats. It is striking that this increase was much higher in mitochondria than in whole cells." And mitochondria are at special risk with regard to GSH, because they lack the ability to synthesize GSH or to rid themselves of oxidized glutathione (GSS).
Sastre and colleagues found that GSSG levels doubled in old rats compared to young rats, while GSH levels dropped 40% and hydrogen peroxide generation increased 22%." - from The Mitochondrial Theory of Aging (James South).
"The role of GSH [Glutathione] as a reductant is extremely important particularly in the highly oxidizing environment of the erythrocyte [red blood cell]. The sulfhydryl of GSH can be used to reduce peroxides formed during oxygen transport." - from Tyrosine-derived neurotransmitters.. Examine Glutathione supplements.
Life Extension Foundation, 12/99 - "Lipoic acid is the only antioxidant that can boost the level of intracellular glutathione, a cellular antioxidant of tremendous importance. Besides being the body's primary water-soluble antioxidant and a major detoxification agent, glutathione is absolutely essential for the functioning of the immune system".... Vitamin C boosts glutathione levels...
Glutathione is necessary for lymphocyte proliferation (white blood cell growth.
