Glutathione – The Miracle Molecule for Longevity

By Dr. Sherrill Sellman © 2009

Recent statistics have good news for us.

Centenarians are the fastest growing age group in America.

What’s the secret to a long and healthy life? And, what can you do right now to

ensure ( to make certain) that you will one day take your place in the ranks of vibrant 100 year olds?

The answer can very well be found in the presence of a small but potent molecule

made in every cell of your body called Glutathione.

While Glutathione may not have the same notoriety as other more high profile nutrients such as vitamin C and E,

it certainly is a "miracle " molecule.

Glutathione levels of 41 centenarians between the ages of 100-105 years old were compared with those people

between 60-79 years old. They found that the mean Glutathione activity was significantly higher in

centenarians than in the group of younger elderly subjects, and that centenarians with the best functional capacity

tended to have the highest Glutathione activity.

The study concluded that high Glutathione levels are associated with increased survival.

Women ~ Beautiful, Healthy & Vibrant

In a later study, Glutathione levels were evaluated in 87 women in excellent physical and mental health, ranging in age from 60 to 103.

The scientists found that all women had very high blood Glutathione levels. They followed these women for five years, and

concluded “high blood Glutathione concentrations … are characteristic of long-lived women.”

The Life-Extending Master Antioxidant

Glutathione (GSH) is a tripeptide molecule composed of three amino acids:

glutamic acid, cysteine and glycine. Glutathione is one of the main nonprotein antioxidants

that exists within each cell, and has been referred to as the body’s “master antioxidant.”

It rules the body’s cells and is abundant in cytoplasm, nuclei and the mitochondria.

Although discovered in 1888, the initial research on Glutathione deficiency was conducted in the 1920’s

and 1930’s and concentrated on the eye, particularly the lens. It is well known that macula degeneration is related to low levels of Glutathione.

By the 1980’s, researchers realized that Glutathione was a major player in all aspects of good health and disease prevention.

Without adequate Glutathione levels, each cell would eventually disintegrate

from massive free radical damage, your body would have little resistance to

metabolic waste products, and your liver would be severely compromised from

the eventual accumulation of toxins. Our cells would also be defenseless against

the many bacteria, viruses and many of the carcinogens that pose a health threat.

For the past three decades, researchers have been investigating the role of

antioxidants for the maintenance of good health as well as for the prevention and

treatment of oxidative stress-induced diseases.

Glutathione is considered the master antioxidant because all other antioxidants

depend upon the presence of Glutathione to function properly.

For example, it is essential in regenerating oxidized forms of

vitamins C and E by re--circulating them back into antioxidant function.

Normally once these antioxidant vitamins scavenge free radicals, they can

become oxidized themselves and attack the healthy cells. This is known as prooxidation.

Glutathione easily restores them to their reduced form so they can

resume the free radical scavenging activity again.

When the Glutathione systems are functioning effectively, the use of antioxidants

maximizes their effectiveness in the treatment and prevention of degenerative

diseases associated with oxidative stress. This includes arthritis, cancer,

cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and macular degeneration

Glutathione performs important jobs in the body which includes protecting cells

against the destructive effects of free radicals; detoxifying external substances

such as drugs, environmental pollutants and carcinogens; maintaining cell

membrane stability; regulating protein and DNA biosynthesis and cell growth;

enhancing immunologic function through its influence on lymphocytes;

prostaglandin synthesis; and amino acid transport.

Since it is involved in so many critical functions, Glutathione impacts all levels of

the body’s physiological functioning.

It is believed that Glutathione has the potential to treat and prevent hundreds of

diseases. When you consider the role that Glutathione plays in the basic wellness

of cells, the primary living building blocks in our body, you can appreciate why

maintaining Glutathione levels is critical for optimal wellbeing.

Essential Support of Immunity and Detoxification

In addition to its role as a powerful antioxidant, Glutathione also serves as an

immune system enhancer and a detoxifier.

As an immune system enhancer, Glutathione is needed for the proper

functioning, and in particular the creation and maintenance, of T-cells a type of

lymphocytes, the body’s front-line defense against infection.

Glutathione plays a central role in the proper function of the white blood cells.

Dr. Gustavo Bonus, a Glutathione expert, says, 'The limiting factor in the proper

activity of our lymphocytes (the white blood cells) is the availability of

Glutathione.' The healthy growth and activity of the white blood cells depends

upon high levels of intracellular Glutathione.