Key Terms

What Are Antioxidants?
Antioxidants are molecules that help protect your body from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable compounds that can harm your body if their levels become too high, and they are associated with various illnesses, including diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.

How Antioxidants Work
Your body has its own natural defenses to control free radicals. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, preventing them from damaging other cells. They can also repair some of the damage and enhance your immune system.

Sources of Antioxidants
Antioxidants are found in many foods, particularly fruits, vegetables, and other plant-based whole foods. Vitamins such as C and E are potent antioxidants. Additionally, antioxidant preservatives are added to foods to increase their shelf life.

Diverse Roles and Types of Antioxidants
Antioxidants are not a single substance; rather, they encompass a range of substances with different roles and interactions within the body. They are categorized into two types:

  1. Water-Soluble (Hydrophilic) Antioxidants: Act in the cell’s cytosol and blood plasma.
  2. Lipid-Soluble (Lipophilic) Antioxidants: Protect cell membranes from damage.

These antioxidants may be produced by the body or obtained through diet.

Examples of Antioxidants

  • Internally Produced Antioxidants: Glutathione, catalase, and superoxide dismutase are examples of antioxidants produced naturally by the body.
  • Dietary Antioxidants: Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and vitamin E are common antioxidants obtained from food.

Significance of Glutathione
Glutathione is one of the most important cellular antioxidants due to its high concentration and its vital role in maintaining the cell’s redox balance.

Key Takeaways

  • Antioxidants prevent oxidation, a chemical reaction that can produce free radicals and damage cells.
  • They come from various sources, including the body’s own production and dietary intake.
  • A broad range of antioxidants exists, each with its unique function and importance to maintaining health.

By maintaining a balanced level of antioxidants, your body can effectively manage oxidative stress and reduce the risk of disease.

What Are Free Radicals?
Free radicals, also known as reactive oxygen species (ROS), are waste substances produced by cells when the body processes food and reacts to environmental factors. If the body cannot efficiently remove these free radicals, they can cause oxidative stress, damaging cells and disrupting normal bodily functions.

Factors That Increase Free Radicals
The production of free radicals can be influenced by both internal and external factors:

  • Internal Factors: Inflammation within the body.
  • External Factors: Pollution, UV exposure, and cigarette smoke.

Consequences of Oxidative Stress
Oxidative stress is linked to various health conditions, including:

  • Heart disease
  • Cancer
  • Arthritis
  • Stroke
  • Respiratory diseases
  • Immune deficiency
  • Emphysema
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Other inflammatory or ischemic conditions

Factors That Promote Oxidative Stress
Several lifestyle, environmental, and health factors can contribute to excessive free radical production and oxidative stress:

  • Air pollution
  • Cigarette smoke
  • Alcohol consumption
  • Exposure to toxins
  • High blood sugar levels
  • High intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids
  • Radiation, including excessive sun exposure
  • Infections (bacterial, fungal, or viral)
  • Excessive intake of iron, magnesium, copper, or zinc
  • Imbalance of oxygen in the body (too much or too little)
  • Intense and prolonged exercise (causing tissue damage)
  • Excessive or insufficient intake of antioxidants (e.g., Vitamins C and E)
  • Antioxidant deficiency

Health Conditions Linked to Free Radicals

  • Eye Health: Deterioration of the eye lens, contributing to vision loss.
  • Joint Health: Inflammation of the joints (arthritis).
  • Brain Health: Damage to nerve cells in the brain, leading to conditions like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.
  • Aging: Acceleration of the aging process.
  • Heart Health: Increased risk of coronary heart disease, as free radicals cause low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol to stick to artery walls.
  • Cancer: Certain cancers triggered by DNA damage in cells.

By understanding these factors and their impact, you can make lifestyle choices that help minimize free radical production and reduce oxidative stress.

What is Glutathione?

Glutathione Overview
Glutathione (GSH) is a powerful antioxidant naturally produced in the body. It is made up of three amino acids: glutamine, glycine, and cysteine. It is mainly produced in the liver and by neurons in the central nervous system.

Factors Affecting Glutathione Levels
Glutathione levels in the body can be reduced by several factors, such as:

  • Poor nutrition
  • Exposure to environmental toxins
  • Stress
  • Aging

Ways to Increase Glutathione Levels
Glutathione can be administered in several forms:

  • Intravenously (IV): Directly into the bloodstream, which may be more effective for certain conditions.
  • Topically: Applied to the skin.
  • Inhalant: Taken via inhalation.
  • Oral Supplements: Available in capsule and liquid forms, but may not be as effective as IV delivery.

Role and Functions of Glutathione
Glutathione plays a crucial role in various biological processes, including:

  • Metabolizing toxins and carcinogens
  • DNA synthesis and repair
  • Protein and prostaglandin synthesis
  • Amino acid transport
  • Supporting immune system function
  • Preventing oxidative cell damage
  • Activating enzymes

Health Benefits of Glutathione
Glutathione is believed to protect against a wide range of health problems, including:

  • Heart Health: Atherosclerosis, high cholesterol, and heart disease
  • Neurological Conditions: Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease
  • Chronic Conditions: Chronic fatigue syndrome, colitis, and asthma
  • Eye Health: Cataracts and glaucoma
  • Metabolic Disorders: Diabetes and liver disease
  • Infections and Inflammations: Hepatitis and osteoarthritis
  • Other: Lyme disease, alcoholism

Glutathione is also claimed to:

  • Reverse the aging process
  • Prevent cancer
  • Preserve memory

Importance of Maintaining Glutathione Levels
Maintaining optimal levels of glutathione is essential for health. According to a 2014 report in Integrative Medicine, glutathione plays a key role in:

  • Antioxidant defense
  • Nutrient breakdown
  • Regulating many biological processes, including immune response

Ensuring adequate levels of glutathione can support overall health and help protect against various diseases.