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Glutathione
Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant naturally produced in the body, playing a crucial role in detoxification, immune function, and cellular protection against oxidative stress. It is composed of three amino acids—glutamine, cysteine, and glycine—and is essential for maintaining mitochondrial health, reducing inflammation, and supporting liver detox pathways. As the body's "master antioxidant," glutathione helps recycle other antioxidants like vitamins C and E, promotes optimal immune function, and protects against chronic diseases linked to oxidative damage. Maintaining adequate glutathione levels is vital for overall health, longevity, and resilience against toxins and environmental stressors.
Note: You will often read that glutathione supplements are not well absorbed orally, and this is true except for S-acetyl-l-glutathione, which is proven superior to IV glutathione infusions when it comes to absorption and duration of activity in the body. Please understand this whenever researching information on the therapeutic use of glutathione in supplement form. I use S-acetyl-glutathione exclusively myself and with my clients. For more information, see here: Why S-Acetyl-L-Glutathione (SAG) is Effective
I have very confidently used supplemental S-acetyl-l-glutathione in my work with people who have cancer. I have never not used it. There is a lot of confusion regarding glutathione and cancer, because of its intricate involvement in various pathways. The concern - simplified - is that glutathione will enable cancer cells to be more robust. This is the paper that articulates how using glutathione pardoxically depletes their protective glutathione, while enriching and protecting the normal cells and preventing/fighting cancer itself.
Therapeutic Potential of Glutathione Augmentation in Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy or Radiotherapy - Journal of Nutritional Oncology, November 15, 2016, Volume 1, Number 1
Abstract: The majority of cancer patients receiving conventional medical therapy receive chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery or palliative support. Nutritional support is increasingly recognized as vital to successful treatment. Glutathione (GSH) is a naturally-occurring tripeptide in human cells that serves many important functions, including antioxidant regulation, detoxification, protein synthesis and repair, immune modulation, and redox signaling. Altering glutathione levels has been demonstrated to have significant effects in chemotherapy/radiotherapy outcomes as well as influence on retarding cachexia. This review article summarizes some of the most notable findings, suggesting that up-regulation of glutathione through nutritional intervention has a potential to be integrated into a holistic approach to cancer treatment.
The Glutathione/Antioxidant/Cancer Paradox
Elevation of Glutathione as a Therapeutic Strategy in Alzheimer's Disease
Glutathione in Brain Disorders & Aging
Essential Functions of Glutathione:
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Detoxification: Glutathione assists in detoxifying harmful substances in the liver, aiding in the elimination of toxins from the body.
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Immune Support: It enhances the immune system’s ability to fight infections and diseases.
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Antioxidant Activity: As a master antioxidant, glutathione protects cells from oxidative stress and damage.
"This review examines the variability of the glutathione system in sleep pathologies. Modern sleep theory assumes a restorative sleep function, including active utilization of oxidants and protection from excessive oxidation. In this review article, we conducted an analysis of domestic and foreign literature and summarized data relating aspects of the functioning of the glutathione system in somnological disorders. Various authors have established systemic oxidative stress in insomnia due to reduced activity of glutathione peroxidase. Also, oxidative stress in insomnia is observed in certain areas of the brain due to a decrease in glutathione levels in them. Studies of the functioning of the glutathione system genes in insomnia, whose polymorphisms may include alleles that inhibit oxidation, are arousing interest. An alternative pattern of changes is observed in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. The apnea stage affects the indicators of the glutathione system. The values of the glutathione system indicators increase with mild to moderate apnea. This is an adaptive response mechanism. Also, the development of oxidative stress in apnea, which leads to disorders in the glutathione system, is cyclical. As a result, people with apnea do not have sufficient replenishment of the components of the glutathione system during sleep. The existing modification does not allow to fully respond to the intensification of peroxide processes and to restrain the activation of excessive oxidation." Source
Glutathione System & Sleep
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