What is Glutathione

About Glutathione

It's the most important molecule you need to stay healthy and prevent disease -- yet you've probably never heard of it. It's the secret to prevent aging, cancer, heart disease, dementia and more, and necessary to treat everything from autism to Alzheimer's disease. There are more than 89,000 medical articles about it -- but your doctor doesn't know how address the epidemic deficiency of this critical life-giving molecule ...

What is it? I'm talking about the mother of all antioxidants, the master detoxifier and maestro of the immune system: GLUTATHIONE (pronounced "gloota-thigh-own").

The good news is that your body produces its own glutathione. The bad news is that poor diet, pollution, toxins, medications, stress, trauma, aging, infections and radiation all deplete your glutathione.

This leaves you susceptible to unrestrained cell disintegration from oxidative stress, free radicals, infections and cancer. And your liver gets overloaded and damaged, making it unable to do its job of detoxification.

These include people with chronic fatigue syndrome, heart disease, cancer, chronic infections, autoimmune disease, diabetes, autism, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, arthritis, asthma, kidney problems, liver disease and more.

  The ability to maintain a high level of glutathione is critical to recovery from nearly all chronic illness -- and to preventing disease and maintaining optimal health and performance. The authors of those 76,000 medical articles on glutathione say the same thing!

So in today's blog I want to explain what glutathione is, why it's important and give you some tips that will help you optimize your glutathione levels, improve your detoxification system and protect help yourself from chronic illness.

What is Glutathione?

Glutathione is a very simple molecule that is produced naturally all the time in your body. It is a combination of three simple building blocks of protein or amino acids ... cysteine, glycine and glutamine.

The secret of its power is the sulfur  chemical groups it contains. Sulfur is a sticky, smelly molecule. It acts like fly paper and all the bad things in the body stick onto it, including free radicals and toxins like mercury and other heavy metals.

Normally glutathione is recycled in the body -- except when the toxic load becomes too great. And that explains why we are in such trouble .... These are the genes involved in producing enzymes that allow the body to create and recycle glutathione in the body. These genes have many names, such as GSTM1, GSTP1 and more.

These genes impaired in some people for a variety of important reasons. We humans evolved in a time before the 80,000 toxic industrial chemicals found in our environment today were introduced into our world, before electromagnetic radiation was everywhere and before we polluted our skies, lakes, rivers, oceans and teeth with mercury and lead.

That is why most people survived with the basic version of the genetic detoxification software encoded in our DNA, which is mediocre at ridding the body of toxins. At the time humans evolved we just didn't need more. Who knew we would be poisoning ourselves and eating a processed, nutrient-depleted diet thousands of years later?

Because most of us didn't require additional detoxification software, almost half of the population now has a limited capacity to get rid of toxins. These people are missing GSTM1 function ... one of the most important genes needed in the process of creating and recycling glutathione in the body.

Nearly all very sick patients are missing this function. The one-third of our population that suffers from chronic disease is missing this essential gene. That includes me. 2 years ago I became intolerent of gluten and have a positive ANA suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia due to this very problem. My GSTM1 function was inadequate and I didn't produce enough glutathione as a result. Eventually, my immune system broke down and I became extremely ill ...

This is the same problem I see in so many sick people. They are missing this critical gene and they descend into disease as a result. Let me explain how this happens ...

The Importance of Glutathione in Protecting Against Chronic Illness

Glutathione is critical for one simple reason: It recycles antioxidants. You see, dealing with free radicals is like handing off a hot potato. They get passed around from vitamin C to vitamin E to lipoic acid and then finally to glutathione which cools off the free radicals and recycles other antioxidants. After this happens, the body can "reduce" or regenerate another protective glutathione molecule and we are back in business.

However, problems occur when we are overwhelmed with too much oxidative stress or too many toxins. Then the glutathione becomes depleted and we can no longer protect ourselves against free radicals, infections, or cancer and we can't get rid of toxins. This leads to further sickness and soon we are in the downward spiral of chronic illness.

But that's not all. Glutathione is also critical in helping your immune system do its job of fighting infections and preventing cancer. That's why studies show that it can help in the treatment of AIDS.

Glutathione is also the most critical and integral part of your detoxification system. All the toxins stick onto glutathione, which then carries them into the bile and the stool -- and out of your body.

And lastly, it also helps us reach peak mental and physical function. Research has shown that raised glutathione levels decrease muscle damage, reduce recovery time, increase strength and endurance and shift metabolism from fat production to muscle development.

If you are sick or old or are just not in peak shape, you likely have glutathione deficiency.
In fact, the top British medical journal, the Lancet, found the highest glutathione levels in healthy young people, lower levels in healthy elderly, lower still in sick elderly and the lowest of all in the hospitalized elderly. 

Keeping yourself healthy, boosting your performance, preventing disease and aging well depends on keeping your glutathione levels high. I'll say it again ... Glutathione is so important because it is responsible for keeping so many of the keys to UltraWellness optimized.

It is critical for immune function and controlling inflammation. It is the master detoxifier and the body's main antioxidant, protecting our cells and making our energy metabolism run well.

And the good news is that you can do many things to increase this natural and critical molecule in your body. You can eat glutathione-boosting foods. You can exercise. And you can take glutathione-boosting supplements like Protandim. Protandim is proven to raise the bodies own glutathione by 300% in 30 days!!!

Donny Osmond Mentions Protandim in Livingwell Magazine!

Check out Donny Osmonds interview with Livingwell Magazine.

http://www.livingwellmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/LIVING-WELL-Fall-Cover-Story.pdf

Direct Antioxidants DON'T Work!!!

Scientists agree that aging and many of the health issues associated with aging are associated with cellular deterioration. Free-radical damage is known as oxidative stress. Think of oxidative stress as like the rusting of an engine. We are exposed to free radicals in the environment, but the overwhelming exposure occurs in your body, where free radicals are produced as a by-product of cellular metabolism. Protandim is many times more effective at removing free radicals from your body than direct antioxidants like vitamins and fruits.

The myth about antioxidants is that for years we've been told that consuming vitamins, fruits, and other sources of direct antioxidants is the best way to fight oxidative stress caused by free radicals. But the latest scientific research shows that this is not the case for two very important reasons. Consumable antioxidants may cause more harm - Consuming high-antioxidant products in reality may do more harm than good, because in some cases as the antioxidant reacts in the body, it actually produces more free radicals than it eliminates. Also, consumable antioxidants are ineffective. Consumable antioxidants are ineffective at removing the huge number of free radical molecules that are produced in the body every day because it's not how the body eliminates free radicals in the first place!  One molecule of a direct antioxidant can only remove one free radical molecule. The problem is that your body produces 300,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 (300 sept-tillion) free radicals every day. At this rate, you would need to consume 87 glasses of red wine, over 350 oranges, over 30 pounds of raspberries, 11 pounds of blueberries,  or 120 vitamin C tablets every day to equal the antioxidant power you receive from just one daily caplet of Protandim.

Protandim and your Heart

A consequence of the increased oxidative stress is intimal hyperplasia, a thickintg of the vessel wall which can eventually reduce blood flow and lead to a re-blockage, or restenosis of the vessel. Protandim prevented initimal hyperplasia in saphenous veins cultured in vivo at arterial oxygen concentrations suggesting that Nrf2 activation may extend the life of arterialized vein grafts.

Intimal hyperplasia leads to late failure (3 to 10 years) following three common vascular surgeries: 

• Caronary Artery Bypass Graft surgery, or CABG 

• Angoplasty with or without stent insertion 

• Carotid artery endarterectomy  

Together, these three procedures put about 1.5 million Americans per year at risk for complications due to intimal hyperplasia.

Concllusions of the study: Saphenous veins used in arterial bypass surgery suffer from oxidative stress due to the higher concentration of oxygen in arterial blood. 

Also...

Protandim was shown to protect the heart by increasing the expression of protective genes and by preventing the formation of scar tissue, or fibrosis, in the heart. The study showed that Protandim
also prevented capillary loss in the heart muscle of the animals, preserving right heart function despite the continuing stress of pressure overload. Protandim also prevented the death of heart cells and significantly lowered osteopontin (OPN-1) levels by more than 50%. Osteopontin is a factor that leads to scar tissue formation, a cause of heart failure. The researchers in this study described the ability of Protandim to effectively activate the transcription factor Nrf2, a signal to the cell’s DNA to increase expression of a network of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic genes.

How Should I take Protandim?

How to Take Protandim®
*  Protandim is best taken with food. The active ingredients in Protandim are fat soluble. Although it is
not absolutely necessary, taking Protandim with a meal containing some fat allows the ingredients to be
absorbed more efficiently.
*  One caplet per day is the recommended dosage. Most people prefer taking Protandim in the A.M.
*  Two caplets may be recommended for those with high levels of oxidative stress, such as athletes.
Those with more serious health conditions and smokers may also wish to try taking 2. More than two caplets should
not be necessary. If taking 2, try taking them at different times of the day.
*  Sensitive individuals, and those with a tendency to allergies should test out a half (or even a third) of a cap for
several days. Then proceed to a full caplet. Protandim can even be dissolved in a glass of water, sipping a little
now and then over the course of a day.
*  Those with medical conditions can also follow a gradual increase and should monitor medication levels closely
with their doctor as their biochemistry changes.
*  Take medications separately from Protandim. Those taking Coumadin should check within a couple of days to
see if their clotting time has changed and their dosage may need adjustment. There is no known issue with Plavix.
Everyone is different and, therefore, will have a different experience. Individual lifestyle factors, activity level, overall health status,
nutritional intake, and constancy will affect outcome. Some results may be rapid and dramatic, while others are subtle and gradual.
What to Expect When Starting Protandim
Although you may not feel a change, oxidative stress levels decrease during the first 30 days by an average of 40%,
dramatically slowing the cellular aging process. Inflammation levels will also be reduced.
Within the first few days after you begin taking Protandim, you may notice that:
1. Protandim may increase your energy levels, improve concentration, and promote better sleep, calmness and tranquility,
improved mental focus, less stress, better exercise recovery, and endurance.
2. Protandim has anti-inflammatory properties - you may experience a reduction in swelling and pain.
3. Protandim has been shown to have mild detoxification properties - you may experience symptoms such as headaches,
abdominal discomfort, loose stools, muscle aches, fatigue, feeling sick, or have a worsening of symptoms of an illness or disease.
This is your body naturally ridding itself of toxins and usually lasts 7-10 days, although it may last longer if you have high
levels of toxins. See suggestions below.
4. Because changes in your biochemistry are happening at the cellular level - you may experience a rise or drop in blood
sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol level, or other lab values when your blood is tested.
5. It takes 90 days to fully experience Protandim’s benefits - you may not notice anything in the first few days, but significant
changes may take place in the weeks and months to come in your overall health and sense of well being.
ALL OF THESE ARE NORMAL AND TO BE EXPECTED!
Perform a Self-Assessment
Take a few minutes to write down any physical issue you may be experiencing. Do a head-to-toe assessment of all discomfort,
skin issues, patterns and amount of sleep, mood, energy levels throughout the day, etc. Date your list and set it aside to
revisit and update on a monthly basis. It is easy to forget about aches and pains or other changes once they are gone. This is a
more accurate way to evaluate your results than relying on memory.
NOTE: Protandim is an ALL-NATURAL NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENT and NOT medication. It is recommended when someone voluntarily adds, changes or
modifies lifestyle regarding Health (for example, taking Protandim, starting an exercise routine, new diet, taking nutritional supplements, medications, etc.) a
person should be responsible and notify their Primary Doctor immediately.
Warning: If you are pregnant, nursing, suffering from a serious medical condition, taking a prescription drug, or have surgery scheduled in the next two
weeks, consult a physician before use. Always consult with your health practitioner over any concerns.
This information has not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
This is an Independent Distributor-created form. These views are not necessarily the views of LifeVantage Corporation.

Protandim and Nrf2 on PubMed.gov Again!

"This study examined gene expression using Affymetrix® GeneChips and the relationships among the regulated genes using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis® in cultured human cells treated with Protandim®," said Dr. McCord, Chief Science Officer of LifeVantage and senior author of the study.

Thousands of genes were affected by Protandim® treatment, including prototypical Nrf2-dependent genes such as heme oxygenase-1. Pathway Analysis was utilized to glean insights from the upregulated and downregulated genes, and it revealed that many of the genes affected by Nrf2 activation are relevant to Alzheimer's Disease, atherosclerosis, and colon carcinoma, among other conditions. For the majority of the genes associated with these conditions by pathway analysis, Nrf2 activation in cultured cells regulated the genes in directions that opposed the changes produced by the disease processes.

Further, the study described a bioassay that allows for direct comparisons of efficacy among Nrf2 activators applied to cultured cells. The agents examined included Protandim® and sulforaphane, the well-studied Nrf2 activator found in broccoli, and two pharmaceutical Nrf2-activating products currently in phase 3 human clinical trials. One of these, bardoxolone methyl from Reata Pharmaceuticals/Abbott Laboratories, is a promising candidate for the treatment of chronic kidney disease in type II diabetes patients, based on their reported Phase 2 and Phase 3 human clinical trials to date. The other pharmaceutical product, BG-12 (dimethyl fumarate) from Biogen Idec, is a promising candidate for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, based on their reported Phase 2 and Phase 3 human clinical trials results to date. Both pharma products recognize Nrf2 pathway activation as the basis of their physiological activity.

"The early successes of Nrf2 activation in the treatment of diseases as disparate as kidney failure and multiple sclerosis bodes well for the future usefulness of Nrf2 activation, whether managed by pharmaceutical products, dietary supplements such as Protandim®, or by diet itself," said Dr. McCord.

"Protandim® was shown in an earlier human trial to increase antioxidant enzyme production and to eliminate the age-dependent increase in the most widely used marker of oxidative stress," stated Douglas C. Robinson, Chief Executive Officer of LifeVantage. "The current study, as well as other recent studies, have shown that Protandim® may provide benefits to the body that extend beyond its ability to decrease oxidative stress. Scientific publications such as these help raise the profile and expand the awareness of our product, and we look forward to continuing to help a growing number of people achieve their health and wellness goals."