Rather than relying exclusively on surgery, medication, and other conventional methods of treatment, GIOSTAR Chicago encourages patients to take a holistic approach to their healthcare. For stem cell therapy to be effective, individuals must closely attend to exercise, diet, and other elements of their lifestyle. In line with our belief that well-informed patients will make the best decisions, we provide here an overview of glutathione – heralded by many as the “master antioxidant.”
You may be familiar with glutathione as an over-the-counter supplement that helps boost the immune system. Or perhaps you take it as an antioxidant. However, you still may not be sure what it is and what it does. You may not even know how to pronounce it.
Let’s get that out of the way first: it’s pronounced gloota-thigh-own.
Reversing “Radical” Havoc on the Body
Glutathione is a tripeptide—a very small protein. It is composed of three amino acids: glycine, cysteine, and glutamate. Glutathione is widely regarded as the “master antioxidant” because it gives a boost to other antioxidants such as vitamins C and E. The compound is produced naturally by the liver, and helps the human body eliminate free radicals that damage cells and contribute to illness and premature aging.
Free radicals are unpaired electrons that arise when oxygen in the body splits into separate atoms. These unpaired electrons are then “free” to seek out other electrons to pair with, causing damage to cells, DNA, proteins and other parts of the body.
Patients have numerous options for augmenting the amount of glutathione naturally produced by the human body. The compound is sold over the counter as a supplement, and is also present in foods such as garlic, onions, leafy greens, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, avocadoes, and watercress.
“Nutritional Swiss Army Knife”
Glutathione provides many therapeutic benefits, and may help patients:
- control inflammation by influencing white blood cells and lowering oxidative stress
- treat glaucoma and cataracts
- prevent heart disease
- treat lung disease
- reduce cell damage from liver disease
- manage symptoms of Parkinson’s disease
- improve insulin sensitivity (very beneficial for patients suffering from diabetes)
- ameliorate the side effects of chemotherapy and may be used to treat male infertility.
An Ounce of Prevention Equals A Pound of Cure
The primary value of glutathione lies in proactive prevention of health problems, before they escalate into intractable diseases. Imbalances of free radicals and antioxidants increase oxidative stress, which can lead to cancer, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, and numerous other life-threatening disorders. Glutathione neutralizes free radicals, which lowers this risk.
Glutathione’s ability to reduce oxidative stress provides many benefits in slowing the aging process as well. Aging is accompanied by decreases in glutathione levels, requiring us to use diet, supplements, and exercise to trigger increased production of the compound. Maintaining high levels of the compound clears out toxins, allowing us to sustain higher levels of energy for longer periods.
Learn More
Like many patients, you will want to understand how to best incorporate glutathione into your ongoing efforts to manage your health. The GIOSTAR Chicago team is happy to address questions about this antioxidant, and how it may help you augment the benefits of stem cell therapy. We invite you to call us at 844-446-7827, or contact us online. You can also complete a Medical Review form to determine if you are a candidate for stem cell therapy.
