"The Mother of Antioxidants," glutathione (GSH)

"Antioxidant," We know it is good for us, but not many of us fully understand what antioxidants are and why they are beneficial to our health.

From IG-worthy acai bowls to energizing and colorful natural juices, we habitually seek our antioxidants from food sources. However, the most potent antioxidant, termed "The Superhero of Antioxidant s" by Dr. Oz, is produced by our bodies and is made from three essential amino acids: glutamate, cysteine, and glycine. Glutathione is critical to preventing disease and detoxification and overall healthy immune function.

WHAT ARE ANTIOXIDANT'S, FREE RADICALS, AND OXIDATIVE STRESS?

An antioxidant is a molecule that reduces oxidative stress on a cellular level by combating free radicals and preventing them from stealing electrons and causing damage to proteins, DNA, and cell membranes, a process commonly known as oxidation.

In short, antioxidants keep free radicals from running wild, and glutathione levels are a determining factor in preventing free radicals in check and detoxification. Without these processes functioning smoothly, free radicals cause detrimental damage to cells; our bodies do not detoxify. Naturally, the onset of chronic disease begins, oxidative stress is necessary for the development of several conditions:

• Cardiovascular disease

• Parkinson's

• Alzheimer's

• Emphysema

• Cancer

• Lupus

Without sufficient antioxidants, most especially glutathione, free radical levels exceed out of control and cause chronic levels of oxidative stress and the onset of disease. Symptoms of low glutathione levels include but are not limited to vomiting, headaches, depression, anemia, lack of energy, aching joints, frequent colds, etc.

HOW CAN GLUTATHIONE HELP INDIVIDUALS WITH HIV DISEASE?

According to the World Health Organization, approximately 37 million people worldwide are living with HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), 3.5 million HIV positive currently living in the United States.

Decades of health care research has confirmed that high levels of intracellular glutathione (GSH) assists in interference between the HIV virus and target cells. Additionally, subsequent studies have found that many HIV-infected people suffer from glutathione deficiency.

Cells, like CD4 that are meant to aid in immune defense and trigger the body's response to infections, are actually targeted for infection by HIV and used as hosts for replicating the virus. HIV kills the CD4 cell, rendering it unable to trigger an immune response, which leaves the body prone to more infection, decreased T-cell counts, and function. T-cells are a subset of white blood cells that play a crucial role in immune system function.

Many do not realize the vital role glutathione plays in the immune system's natural detoxification process.

THE GOOD NEWS ABOUT GLUTATHIONE LEVELS

We can increase our glutathione levels naturally as well as via effective and safe methods of supplementation and treatments available at Drip Doctors.

1. Decrease Alcohol Consumption – Happy hour doesn't have the happiest of effects on your body, especially when it comes to glutathione. Excessive alcohol consumption is proven to decrease glutathione levels, increase free radicals, and cause havoc on your immune system. Sometimes we should cut back on drinking to avoid a health problem and live as fully as possible. After all, our health is our most significant wealth.

2. Step Up Your Exercise Game – Working out is beneficial to your glutathione levels; workouts temporarily deplete glutathione levels but stimulates your body to generate more glutathione long-term. Regular exercise, especially intense workouts, is an effective natural supplement to boost glutathione levels. For example, practicing yoga regularly has been shown to maintain and increase levels of glutathione.

3. Oral Dietary Supplement – There are several oral glutathione supplements available that may increase glutathione levels if taken daily over six months. However, the factor of inconvenience translates into a percentage of non-compliance when it comes to daily oral supplements.

1. Increase Antioxidants in Your Diet – Eating foods rich in antioxidants and vitamins essential to glutathione production is a great way to jumpstart and increase the health of your immune system. The following foods are very antioxidant-rich:

   1. Strawberries

   2. Blueberries

   3. Grapefruits

   4. Asparagus

   5. Green tea

   6. Avocados

   7. Red wine

   8. Tomatoes

   9. Oranges

   10. Spinach

   11. Carrots

   12. Beans

   13. Okra