Glutathione 101

[Pat Robinson]

Glutathione 101 - "A primary phase II detoxification route is conjugation with glutathione (a tripeptide composed of three amino acids--cysteine, glutamic acid, and glycine). Glutathione conjugation produces water-soluble mercaptates which are excreted via the kidneys. The elimination of fat-soluble compounds, especially heavy metals like mercury and lead, is dependent upon adequate levels of glutathione, which in turn is dependent upon adequate levels of methionine and cysteine.

When increased levels of toxic compounds are present, more methionine is utilized for cysteine and glutathione synthesis. Methionine and cysteine have a protective effect on glutathione and prevent depletion during toxic overload. This, in turn, protects the liver from the damaging effects of toxic compounds and promotes their elimination."

Liver Detoxification: http://tuberose.com/Liver_Detoxification.html

***Glutathione is also an important antioxidant. This combination of detoxification and free radical protection, results in glutathione being one of the most important anticarcinogens and antioxidants in our cells, which means that a deficiency is cause of serious liver dysfunction and damage. ***

"Exposure to high levels of toxins depletes glutathione faster than it can be produced or absorbed from the diet. This results in increased susceptibility to toxin-induced diseases, such as cancer, especially if phase I detoxification system is highly active. Disease states due to glutathione deficiency are not uncommon. A deficiency can be induced either by diseases that increase the need for glutathione, deficiencies of the nutrients needed for synthesis, or diseases that inhibit its formation."

http://tuberose.com/Liver_Detoxification.html

Smoking increases the rate of utilization of glutathione, both in the detoxification of nicotine and in the neutralization of free radicals produced by the toxins in the smoke.

Glutathione is available through two routes: diet and synthesis. Dietary glutathione (found in fresh fruits and vegetables, cooked fish, and meat) is absorbed well by the intestines and does not appear to be affected by the digestive processes. Dietary glutathione in foods appears to be efficiently absorbed into the blood. ***However, the same may not be true for glutathione supplements.
http://heal-thyself.ning.com/forum/topics/nutrient-dense-foods?comm...

Food Sources That Boost Glutathione Naturally: Milk thistle, asparagus, whey protein, Indian curry spice, curcumin (turmeric), Brazil nuts, acorn squash, asparagus, avocado, broccoli, cantaloupe, grapefruit, okra, oranges, peach, potato, spinach, strawberry, watermelon, zucchini, apples, carrots, cauliflower, walnuts, garlic, and raw tomatoes.

***But cooked foods contained far less or none at all, and highly processed foods contain less than minimally processed cooked foods.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Food-Sources-That-Boost-Glutathione-Natur...


Bone broth is one of the best sources for glutathione precursor amino acids: http://www.townsendletter.com/FebMarch2005/broth0205.htm




Pat

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