The Master Antioxidant Glutathione: Your Key to Health and Wellness

Antioxidants play a key role in fighting disease in our bodies and promoting health.  Many of the antioxidants we use come from the colorful plant foods we eat.  However, the MOST POWERFUL ANTIOXIDANT is made in our body!  Glutathione, often referred to as the "master antioxidant," is a powerful compound that plays a pivotal role in your body. This small molecule, made up of three key amino acids - glutamate, cysteine, and glycine - which come from the PROTEIN we eat!  It is primarily produced in our liver and is essential for maintaining a healthy immune system and neutralizing harmful free radicals.

Glycine, one of the three amino acids that make up glutathione, is a non-essential amino acid, meaning our bodies can produce it.  Glycine is also used in the synthesis of cartilage, bone, ligaments and tendons which is key to joint & muscle health.  Our bodies do not produce enough glycine to keep up with the antioxidant demand combined with the upkeep of cartilage and connective tissues, so we MUST GET MORE through our diet. Foods rich in glycine include Bone Broth, Gelatin & Complete Collagen Protein Powders. There's some (but less) glycine in all protein-rich foods like meat, fish, dairy, and legumes - as well as leafy greens, pumpkin, banana, kiwi, and cucumber are also good sources of glycine.  I focus on getting enough glycine because it's often the lacking amino acid that can limit the body's ability to produce enough glutathione to keep up with the demand.

Glutathione's role in disease prevention and overall health is multifaceted. It helps detoxify the body, protects cells from oxidative stress, boosts the immune system, and aids in DNA synthesis and repair. By doing so, it helps prevent a wide range of diseases, from cancer and heart disease to neurodegenerative disorders and aging-related conditions.  WOW, if there was a pill that could do all that it would fly off the shelves!  But our bodies can produce this miracle compound - IF we provide it with the right building blocks.

I want to also spend a minute talking about a compound that helps support the glutathione pathways in our body.  Sulforaphane, a compound found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, kale, and Brussels sprouts, plays a significant role in enhancing the bioavailability of glutathione. It activates the Nrf2 pathway, a protein that regulates the expression of antioxidant proteins and detoxifying enzymes, thereby increasing glutathione levels in the body.  A lot of fancy words there, but bottom line: EAT YOUR BROCCOLI!  In fact, if you want a super source of sulforaphane, grow your own broccoli sprouts - they're easy and cheap!

In conclusion, glutathione is a vital component of our health, playing a crucial role in disease prevention and overall wellness. Incorporating foods rich in glycine and sulforaphane into your diet can help boost your body's production of this "master antioxidant," promoting a healthier, more vibrant life.

I help guide my clients to incorporate foods that support disease prevention, health & weight loss through my coaching, community and meal planners.  If you're interested in losing weight and feeling great without cutting carbs, counting calories or fearing fat contact me @ [email protected] to get started!  Guiding clients to goal achievement and learning to love food again!