Glutathione - Description and Uses

Glutathione, otherwise referred to as GSH, is a powerful antioxidant containing three amino acids in its molecular structure: glutamic acid, cysteine, and glycine. Because of the three resident amino acids, experts often refer to the antioxidant as a tripeptide. The tripeptide produced by the body cells usually exists in high concentration levels in the liver. A medical article estimates the number to be about five millimolar, the same as cholesterol and glucose concentration level in the body cells.

As an antioxidant, GSH helps the body fight free radicals. Free radicals refer to unstable molecules that the body cells produce due to an individual’s eating habits or environmental factors, including radiation and pollution. In a situation where there is an imbalance of antioxidants and free radicals in an individual’s body system, a condition called oxidative stress ensues. When oxidative stress persists, it might contribute to developing a wide array of chronic health conditions such as Alzheimer’s, cancer, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Emphasis is placed on just how essential antioxidants like GSH are to the body system. Not only does GSH aid in the direct chemical neutralization of radicals, but it also helps the body regenerate vitamins E and C and expel mercury from the cells and the brain. It aids in the activation of enzymes. GSH is also responsible for naturally creating and maintaining the mitochondrial DNA and adds to its job description the role of producing prostaglandin and protein.

A study conducted among elderly people revealed a direct link between a higher GSH level and a higher vitality level and reduced sickness rate. Experts believe that glutathione helps preserve an individual’s memory and improve longevity. The antioxidant may also help protect the body from Alzheimer’s, asthma, cataracts, high cholesterol, hepatitis, Parkinson’s, and other health problems. But a drop in the level of GSH concentration in the body may cause the individual to be more susceptible to immune diseases like HIV and AIDS or neurodegenerative disorders like Friedreich’s ataxia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. A low GSH level may also cause the individual to become vulnerable to cystic fibrosis, liver disease, and macular degeneration (a type of eye disease).

A 2011-study published in Medical Science Monitor revealed a connexion between autism spectrum disorders and low levels of GSH. To conduct the study, the researchers selected 26 children between the ages of three to 13. These children were given oral GSH supplements and transdermal alternatives (body lotions containing the antioxidant) for eight weeks. At the end of the observation period, the researchers discovered that the supplements increased GSH levels in the children’s body systems, albeit at different degrees. However, more research is needed to fully understand if the intake of GSH supplements may spell negative consequences for individuals with autism spectrum disorders.

Because of the relatively low amount of research literature, not much is known about the adverse effects of consuming GSH supplements. Some experts reckon that intake of GSH supplements may cause some to feel bloated or experience bloating. Some users of the supplements may also experience a rash.

However, experts suggest that reducing one’s alcohol intake may improve the production of glutathione in the body system. This measure may not directly increase the amount of GSH, but that may aid in reducing the level of toxins the antioxidant has to manage hence preserving some more GSH in the body. Another indirect method is to ensure that one’s diet contains as few POPs (persistent organic pollutants present in most conventionally grown foods ) as possible. Also, medical articles show that consuming approximately 17 ounces of alcohol-free beer may increase GSH by 29 percent. And, consuming about 3 ounces of almonds per day may increase a smoker’s GSH level by 16 percent.

Other foods high in sulfur may aid the body in its glutathione production include vegetables like Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, garlic, onions, or selenium-rich foods like eggs, fish, chicken, cottage cheese, and nuts. Whey, gusô seaweed, and flaxseed may also help.

What Is Serotonin?

Serotonin is a natural chemical in the body that facilitates communication between nerve cells (neurons). Serotonin is made from the amino acid tryptophan and can only be acquired through diet in red meat, nuts, and cheese. Also referred to as 5-hydroxytryptamine, serotonin naturally occurs in the body and is mostly present in the digestive system. The intestines produce most of the body’s supply, since it aids in digestion. The brain is also responsible for 10 percent of all production.

Serotonin is known for its mood-regulating functions. It promotes happiness and a feeling of well-being. It also helps manage anxiety and depression, and aids in sexual function, sleep, blood clotting, and bone health.

Serotonin’s function in the brain is perhaps its defining role. In fact, it’s commonly called the “feel-good” hormone and is one of the chemicals that help regulate brain chemical activity. So profound is its effect on the brain that some medications that treat anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders directly target serotonin. These include SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), which are antidepressants.

The hormone also controls bowel functions. It helps trigger the brain when someone has taken in enough food so that they don’t overeat. Besides, it helps to flush out harmful elements in the gut. It does this by making the intestines produce more of it to eliminate the unwanted food. Notably, too much serotonin has a nauseating effect, so drugs targeting serotonin receptors are used to treat vomiting and nausea.

Again, increased serotonin levels can elevate sexual desire. Hence, some antidepressants that trigger serotonin production are known to affect libido. Additionally, its mood-altering effects ease tension, which is key to sexual arousal. This effect on libido is linked to serotonin’s relationship with dopamine, another hormone that affects how human beings experience pleasure.

The parts of the brain responsible for sleep function have serotonin receptors, meaning the hormone affects sleep behavior. However, scientists are not clear about the precise role serotonin plays in falling asleep, waking up, and sleep patterns. Nonetheless, researchers believe that serotonin affects the quality and quantity of sleep, working with dopamine and melatonin to facilitate sleep function. Melatonin is well known to control sleep cycles, and the body needs serotonin to produce it. Therefore, melatonin deficiency means there is also a likely serotonin deficiency.

Blood clotting involves several physiological processes. Among them is blood vessel narrowing, also known as vasoconstriction. When a person gets a cut and begins bleeding, the body must stop the blood flow to enable the wound to heal. Serotonin causes the arterioles, which are small arteries, to narrow, leading to decreased blood flow.

Serotonin also affects bone health, though in a negative way. Increased levels have been linked to low bone density and osteoporosis, a health condition where the bones become fragile and susceptible to fractures. Studies have also reported that SSRIs may lead to insufficient bone minerals. For a patient taking such medication, it is important to continue with their dosage and discuss with a doctor regarding other risk factors, including family history and smoking.

Serotonin deficiency may lead to depression and other mood disorders. However, other factors can of course come into play. Nonetheless, insufficient serotonin may affect mood, sleep, and digestive disorders. There is no sole reason for serotonin deficiency. It may be caused by the body not producing enough of it. It may also result from ineffective serotonin usage, such as when the brain has few serotonin receptors. Finally, tryptophan deficiency leads to low serotonin levels.