Glutathione: Your Primary Protector!
I normally refer to Glutathione as the Master “Antioxidant”, but Glutathione is actually your Primary Antioxidant and Protector! Glutathione is needed for Methylation, Homocysteine, to reduce Inflammation and for proper Detoxification!
Our bodies burn oxygen for fuel within the mitochondria, which is good, but this process can create several harmful chemicals, one of them being hydrogen peroxide, which is rendered harmless by the presence of enough Glutathione!!!
By this burning process the mitochondria produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the primary energy carrier, but this same burning process produces several other harmful by-products, including free radicals. To protect against those by-products– the source of what we call Oxidative Stress, our mitochondria need lots and lots of GLUTATHIONE!!!!
If your methylation cycle works properly, you are good to go! Unfortunately, 45% of the population has at least a heterozygous MTHFR SNP (gene mutation), which reduces our methylation function by 40% and works at 60% capacity. If you have a homozygous MTHFR, then your methylation cycle is impaired by 60% and working at only 40% capacity. There are things you can do to improve your Methylation Pathway, as well as to teach your system to take the shortcut to Methionine (Methyl Homocysteine through the right supplementation of nutraceuticals).
Each year, more than 6 billion lbs of toxic chemicals are released into our environment, depleting our soil! These can accumulate in our bodies and impact our overall health if affected by issues with liver health and clogged detoxification pathways.
The body has the ability to rid itself of toxins and waste. However, when we overwhelm our kidneys and liver with junk and unhealthy food-like choices and environmental toxins, it slows down our metabolic rate and methylation pathways, as a result, these organs cannot drive the detox process. This decrease function leads to malnutrition, oxidative damage, overproduction of hydrogen peroxide (yes, our bodies make it), excessive body fat, insulin resistance and organ dysfunction, leaving us susceptible to autoimmune disease and even to some cancers.
Alcohol, pharmaceutical drugs, estrogen-mimic compounds, dehydration, and stress are big offenders when it comes to kidney and liver health!
The inflammation from the overburden alone can cause weight gain, gastritis, dermatitis as seen in conditions such diabetes, CV disease and any condition ending with “itis” indicating inflammation.
Some of the most common symptoms of Toxicity are: depression, anxiety, brain fog, memory issues, irritability, sluggishness, fibromyalgia, lack of energy, chronic fatigue, blood sugar irregularities, weight gain, blood sugar crashes, rashes, eczema, acne, itching, tingling, joint pain, food sensitivities, histamine intolerance, diarrhea, constipation, GI issues, muscle-aches, heart palpitations, hormonal imbalances and so many more…
Fear not, the good news is we can help our systems promote and drive the detoxification process in the CYP450 pathway by the proper hydration, electrolytes, digestive enzymes, probiotics, antioxidants, and most importantly amino acids and sulfur containing foods like Brussel sprouts, broccoli, cabbage, and supplements like N-Acetyl Cysteine which are precursors to guess what? GLUTATHIONE!
Furthermore, we have seen Glutathione being highly use as an antioxidant in the treatment for COVID-19, and other virus, post-COVID 19 syndrome (long haulers), and Post-Vaccine side effects.
It has been established that Glutathione is a must for several mitochondrial repair and methylation issues, yet, as per the functions of Methylation, here are a few:
- Turn on and off genes (gene regulation)
- Process chemicals, endogenous and xenobiotic compounds (biotransformation)
- Build neurotransmitters (norepinephrine →epinephrine, serotonin →melatonin)
- Metabolize neurotransmitters (dopamine, epinephrine)
- Process hormones (detoxification of extra estrogen)
- Build immune cells (T cells, NK cells)
- DNA and Histone Synthesis
- Produce energy (CoQ10, carnitine, creatine, ATP)
- Produce protective coating on nerves (myelination)
- Build and maintain cell membranes (phosphatidylcholine)
Fortunately, Epigenetics and Nutrigenomics can help your own unique biochemistry.
These are additional tips to support Glutathione, Methylation and Detox:
- Water with lemon and sea salt upon waking up: “Liver flush” and replenish electrolytes
- Epson salt baths: stimulate circulation, releases toxins (reverse osmosis)
- Cyclical Ketosis and Alliums-antioxidants: Onions, garlic, shallots, cofactors for methylation, to detoxify the body+ other metabolic and neurological benefits.
- Herbs and Spices: Turmeric, Ginger, Cinnamon, Rosemary, Thyme. Also EPA/DHA: anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal benefits.
- Intermittent fasting: to give the digestive system a break and support natural detox pathways
- Daily sunlight exposure and outdoor exercise: Vitamin D, Mitochondria and Circadian Rhythm. Read my Sunlight & Circadian Rhythm post on my blog.
- 8 hours of sleep: support detox pathways, autophagy+ benefits
- Limit nnEMF & blue light exposure: Shift cell phone and sleep trackers to “airplane” mode after sunset and while sleeping
- Essential oils diffuser: clean up air and environmental pollutants (NOS3 SNPs)
- Matcha Green tea (polyphenols and L-Theanine): detox, energy, and neurotransmitter balance.
- Sulforaphane foods, Folate, B12 and supplements to support Phase 1 and Phase 2 detoxification processes.
- Conventional and IR Sauna sessions.
I can guide you through a proper detox process suitable for your needs. NOTE: A detox is not the same as a juice cleanse.
In health and wholeness,
Victoria
