We all know that oxidative stress is bad for us, but do we know what it is? And more importantly, do we know what we can do to reduce its harmful effects? In this blog post, I'll introduce you to two antioxidants that may help alleviate the problems caused by oxidative stress: glutathione and NAC. Stay tuned for information on how they work and some of their potential benefits.
Free radicals are unstable atoms that can create damage to the body. They are produced when the body breaks down food or is exposed to cigarette smoke and other pollutants. These can also be generated by ultraviolet light from the sun. In addition, they are a natural by-product of many chemical reactions in the body. While some free radicals are necessary for proper cell function, too many can lead to cell damage. This cell damage can contribute to the development of cancer, heart disease, and other conditions. Antioxidants scavenge free radicals and help to protect cells from damage. '
Glutathione - the Master Antioxidant
Glutathione is a peptide and consists of three key amino acids. It's a master antioxidant and it helps to lower oxidative stress or free radicals.
Glutathione helps to fight infection. It helps the liver to clear unwanted toxins. Some longevity researchers believe it's a predictor of how long we will live. It is one of those vital antioxidants because it's every cell of our body.
Glutathione is not considered an essential nutrient technically because the body can create it from amino acids. However, we use up glutathione reserves every time we encounter environmental toxins, stress, or illness. By the age of 65 for a healthy individual, we produce about 50% less glutathione. This tells us that as we age, we are constantly using up this glutathione reserve.
There could be some genetic variants and defects that can contribute to the depletion of glutathione reserves. Having high blood sugar is one. Many things are eating up at this reserve. Therefore, we need to make sure that it is replenished. This way, when we encounter stressors, we're able to make sure that these free radicals, don't cause harm.
Glutathione supplements vary in form.
The most preferred one is through an intravenous injection. But if you're going to do an oral form, liposomal glutathione is a good choice because it's encapsulated into a lipid. It works very well in terms of absorption.
Glutathione is available in a topical sublingual form. This means that it can be absorbed through the lining of the mouth and directly into the bloodstream. This is a highly effective way to take glutathione, as it bypasses the digestive system and is immediately available for use by the cells.
The functions of glutathione are critical for a strong immune system. It protects from environmental toxins and can discourage cancer progression by what we call “programmed cell death”. The body's master antioxidant is most certainly a key player in fighting the signs of aging.
You can boost glutathione with other antioxidants, like selenium, alpha lipoic acid, and NAC. Some great foods include cruciferous veggies, any food high in vitamin C like an orange or a healthy smoothie made from berries and citrus fruit; Selenium found naturally in Brazil nuts and sardines which are also rich sources of minerals including zinc as well. B vitamins are essential inclusions too.
NAC as a Glutathione Precursor
N-Acetylcysteine or NAC is a supplement form of cysteine, which helps the body produce more enzymes and break down waste products into protein. It can be found naturally occurring within many types of foods including eggs chicken turkey.
It's an essential amino acid that helps build muscle while also supporting your immune system. NAC is a precursor to glutathione. It's a powerful antioxidant and can help prevent that free radical damage on a cellular level.
It can help improve lung function by helping to decrease inflammation in the lungs and loosen mucus in the airways. NAC was on the top of the list for some COVID protocols. It’s a key player as well in cases of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
Taking this supplement when you have the flu can help block viral replication and replenish your lungs' natural defense system. It will also provide a boost in antioxidants that fight off any potentially harmful elements.
The many health benefits of NAC include detoxifying your liver and kidneys and helping to blunt any type or effect from environmental toxins which speed up the depletion of glutathione. Even in some mental health disorders like OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder), depression, and substance abuse, NAC is a relevant consideration.
So what do glutathione and NAC have to do with each other? Quite a bit, as it turns out. Glutathione is the master antioxidant, and NAC is a precursor to glutathione. This means that when they are taken together, they are even more beneficial than when they are taken separately. If you’re looking for an edge in your health and wellness routine, consider adding supplements containing both glutathione and NAC to your regimen. And if you’d like to learn more about how these supplements could benefit you, please don’t hesitate to schedule a discovery call with our team today. We would be happy to discuss all of the ways we can help you reach your health and vitality goals.
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DISCLAIMER: The information in this email is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content is for general informational purposes only and does not replace a consultation with your own doctor/health professional.