Fortifying Immunity: Strategies for Strengthening Your Body's Defenses
Explore the benefits of glutathione, known as "the mother of all antioxidants," in addressing Thyroid DIS-ease.
Glutathione is a tripeptide (a small molecule made up of three building blocks called amino acids. Amino acids are like Lego blocks that combine to form different proteins in our bodies. In the case of a tripeptide, three amino acids join together to create this specific molecule) composed of three amino acids: cysteine, glycine, and glutamic acid. It plays a crucial role in protecting our cells from oxidative stress and damage caused by free radicals.
Antioxidants are substances that help neutralize free radicals, which are highly reactive molecules that can damage cells and contribute to various health problems, including chronic diseases and aging. Glutathione is considered the most potent and versatile antioxidant because it not only directly scavenges free radicals but also regenerates and reactivates other antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E.
Glutathione acts as a primary defense mechanism against oxidative stress by protecting cellular components, including DNA, proteins, and lipids, from damage. It also plays a critical role in supporting the detoxification processes in the liver, helping eliminate harmful toxins and chemicals from the body.
It's important to note that while glutathione is naturally produced in our bodies, various factors such as aging, chronic diseases, stress, poor nutrition, and environmental toxins can deplete its levels. Therefore, maintaining optimal levels of glutathione through a healthy diet, regular exercise, and, if necessary, supplementation can be beneficial for overall health and well-being.
Again, glutathione is often referred to as "the mother of all antioxidants" due to its potent antioxidant activity, its role in regenerating other antioxidants, and its ability to protect cells from oxidative damage. Its multifaceted functions make it a crucial player in maintaining optimal cellular health and supporting various physiological processes in the body.
Below is dietary Information that can help to increase glutathione, boost natural immunities, and help T cell functions in the body:
Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables: Several of the food listed below have shown to be a good natural source of glutathione, but their GSH content is destroyed by overcooking or processing. To get the most glutathione out of your fruits and veggies, eat them fresh whenever possible.
- Fruits and vegetables high in glutathione include broccoli, avocado, okra, spinach, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, collard greens, mustard greens, cabbage, asparagus, grapefruit, apples, oranges, and cherries (many more)
Despite the benefits of these foods, you should always strive for a balanced diet. Overdoing it on fruits and vegetables can create problems for your digestive system if you do not also get enough dietary protein.
Eat lots of lean protein: Three amino acids contribute to glutathione's makeup (so-called "precursors"): cysteine, glutamate, and glycine. Lean protein sources, especially meats, contain naturally high levels of these amino acids, especially cysteine (which is also the most important one). If your diet includes lots of these lean proteins, your body will produce more glutathione.
- High-quality sources of lean protein include poultry and egg yolks, milk, and yogurt. To get as much cysteine from your diet as possible (and therefore increase your body's glutathione production), you should try to eat at least two servings of lean protein per day.
Eat foods rich in alpha lipoic acid: Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) promotes natural glutathione production. ALA is also an antioxidant and can regenerate other antioxidants that have been "used up," including Vitamin C and E, helping to renew their ability to scavenge free radicals in your cells.
- Foods containing high levels of ALA (Alpha Lipoic Acid) include liver, peas, spinach, broccoli, tomatoes, Brussels sprouts, and potatoes. Several of these foods (such as Brussels sprouts) are also naturally high in glutathione, so these are particularly good options.
- For a high dose of dietary ALA and glutathione, look for recipes that combine some of these food items, such as stews, salads, or casseroles.
Eat foods rich in selenium: Selenium is a mineral with antioxidant abilities that contributes to GSH production. In addition to being naturally present in many foods, food items from selenium-rich environments will have higher levels. Selenium is also essential for the production of enzymes containing glutathione.
- Many types of meats have high selenium content, especially crab, tuna, liver, fish, and poultry; however, their selenium content depends on where the animal was raised and the natural selenium content of the soil and water in its habitat.
- Several plants are good sources of selenium, as well. The ones with the highest selenium content are grown in soil with naturally high selenium levels. Good plant sources include Brazil nuts, pinto beans, mushrooms, many seeds, brown rice, cabbage, broccoli, and spinach.
Consume spices that boost GSH: Some spices include chemical compounds (such as curcumin) that promote glutathione production. These include turmeric, cinnamon, cumin, and cardamom.
- Eating foods that already contain high levels of multiple glutathione-promoting spices can help you to further boost your glutathione without much extra effort. Many curry dishes fall into this category.
- Cinnamon can be added to many desserts or sweet foods to add a flavorful kick while also contributing to higher glutathione levels. It's a win-win!
Take a multivitamin that promotes glutathione: The multivitamin itself will not likely contain glutathione, but many have several vitamins and minerals that improve glutathione production. It can be difficult to get enough of certain vitamins from your diet, so a multivitamin is a good complement to a healthy diet. Find a multivitamin that includes:
| Vitamin C | Vitamin E |
| Vitamin B1 | Vitamin B2 |
| Vitamin B6 | Vitamin B12 |
| Folate | Selenium |
| Magnesium | Zinc |
Please note that we are not medical doctors or nutritionists. If you are taking medication or suspect you have a medical condition, please consult your doctor. We would highly recommend taking an allergy test through your doctor or trying an at home testing kit before adjusting your diet. Below is one that provides fast and accurate results:
