Step 1 of my mercury detox called for me to increase foods rich in Glutathione. This was a term that was unfamiliar to me and imagine it is to many people so I did some research to find out more. Here is an excellent article I found.
Yours in health,
Kerri
Glutathione, the body’s master antioxidant and detoxifier, is one of the 14 “Superfoods” listed in SuperFoods Rx : Fourteen Foods That Will Change Your Life, co-authored by Dr Steven Pratt.
Glutathione levels cannot be increased to a clinically beneficial extent by orally ingesting a single dose of glutathione. (1) This is because glutathione is manufactured inside the cell, from its precursor amino acids, glycine, glutamate and cystine.
Hence food sources or supplements that increase glutathione must either provide the precursors of glutathione, or enhance its production by some other means.
The manufacture of glutathione in cells is limited by the levels of its sulphur-containing precursor amino acid, cysteine.
Cysteine - as a free amino acid - is potentially toxic and is spontaneously catabolized or destroyed in the gastrointestinal tract and blood plasma. However, when it is present as a cysteine-cysteine dipeptide, called cystine, it is more stable than cysteine.
Consuming foods rich in sulphur-containing amino acids can help boost glutathione levels. Here are some food sources and dietary supplements that help boost glutathione levels naturally.
1. N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC)
It is derived from the amino acid L-Cysteine, and acts as a precursor of glutathione. NAC is quickly metabolized into glutathione once it enters the body. It has been proven in numerous scientific studies and clinical trials, to boost intracellular production of glutathione, and is approved by the FDA for treatment of accetaminophen overdose. Because of glutathione’s mucolytic action, NAC (brand name Mucomyst) is commonly used in the treatment of lung diseases like cystic fibrosis, bronchitis and asthma.
2. Milk Thistle, Silymarin
Milk thistle is a powerful antioxidant and supports the liver by preventing the depletion of glutathione. Silymarin is the active compound of milk thistle. It is a natural liver detoxifier and protects the liver from many industrial toxins such as carbon tetrachloride, and more common agents like alcohol.
3. Alpha Lipoic Acid
Made naturally in body cells as a by-product of energy release, ALA increases the levels of intra-cellular glutathione, and is a natural antioxidant with free radical scavenging abilities. It has the ability to regenerate oxidized antioxidants like Vitamin C and E and helps to make them more potent. ALA is also known for its ability to enhance glucose uptake and may help prevent the cellular damage accompanying the complications of diabetes. It also has a protective effect in the brain.
4. Natural Foods That Boost Glutathione Levels
Asparagus is a leading source of glutathione. Foods like broccoli (2), avocado and spinach are also known to boost glutathione levels. Raw eggs, garlic and fresh unprocessed meats contain high levels of sulphur-containing amino acids and help to maintain optimal glutathione levels.
5. Undenatured Whey Protein Isolate
Whey protein contains proteins like alpha-lactalbumin which is is rich in sulphur-containing amino acids. Heating or pasteurization destroys the delicate disulphide bonds that give these proteins their bioactivity. Undenatured whey protein is a non-heated product that preserves bioactive amino acids like cystine. It has been shown in numerous scientific studies and clinical trials to optimize glutathione levels.
6. Curcumin (Turmeric)
Treatment of brain cells called astrocytes, with the Indian curry spice, curcumin (turmeric) has been found to increase expression of the glutathione S-transferase and protect neurons exposed to oxidant stress. (3)
7. Balloon Flower Root
Changkil saponins (CKS) isolated from the roots of the Chinese herbal medicine, Platycodon grandiflorum A. DC (Campanulaceae), commonly called Balloon Flower Root or Jie Geng, have been found to increase intracellular glutathione (GSH) content and significantly reduce oxidative injury to liver cells, minimise cell death and lipid peroxidation. (4)
8. Selenium
Selenium is a co-factor for the enzyme glutathione peroxidase. Selenium supplements have become popular because some studies suggest they may play a role in decreasing the risk of certain cancers, and in how the immune system and the thyroid gland function. However, too much selenium can cause some toxic effects including gastrointestinal upset, brittle nails, hair loss and mild nerve damage.
Disclaimer: The information here is not provided by medical professionals and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. Nutritional supplements, while usually benign, can produce adverse reactions in some people. As with prescribed drugs, long-term effects from supplements are often unknown. Pregnant women and children should not take supplements except after consultation with their healthcare provider. Never exceed the recommended dosage on the container. If you observe adverse effects stop taking the supplement immediately and contact your healthcare provider.
References:
1. The systemic availability of oral glutathione
Witschi A, Reddy S, Stofer B, Lauterburg BH. [Eur J Clin Pharmacol. 1992;43(6):667-9.]
2. Dietary approach to attenuate oxidative stress, hypertension, and inflammation in the cardiovascular system
Wu L, Ashraf MH, Facci M, Wang R, Paterson PG, Ferrie A, Juurlink BH. [Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2004 May 4;101(18):7094-9. Epub 2004 Apr 21.]
3. Can Curry Protect Against Alzheimer’s?
American Physiological Society (APS) Press release; 16-Apr-2004
4. Protective effect of saponins derived from roots of Platycodon grandiflorum on tert-butyl hydroperoxide-induced oxidative hepatotoxicity
Lee KJ, Choi CY, Chung YC, Kim YS, Ryu SY, Roh SH, Jeong HG. [Toxicol Lett. 2004 Mar 7;147(3):271-82.]
This article was first published in the July 2004 issue of
The Glutathione Report, a newsletter featuring regular updates on the health benefits of glutathione. Get a Free report on
Glutathione in Health and Disease
Technorati Tags: glutathione, mercury, detox, detoxification, health, chelation, amalgam, natural
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November 6th, 2007
Organic health products are growing more popular due to the public’s views on choosing items that are all-natural and considered more beneficial for the body. There is an increase of stores selling more organic health products - some devoting an entire aisle to the items. There is also an increase in the number of health food stores selling an assortment of organic health products.
When shopping for an organic health product, you should know that there is a variety of functions that each item possesses. Some products cleanse the body’s systems, and other items provide nourishment and energy.
When reading a label, some of the key phrases to look for include: 100% Absorbable; 100% Organic and Natural; 100% Non Toxic; 100% Whole Foods; as well as 100% Raw and Active.
Today, the Earth is polluted with many things that can affect the health and well-being of an individual. As if dealing with the deteriorating ozone layer, UV rays and smog isn’t enough, there are other contaminants that can cause an upset in the balance of one’s body.
There are numerous toxins, pesticides, drugs, and other poisons in the world that enter the body and wreak havoc. There are reports that the human body can harbor at least 700 contaminants.
This calls for the elimination or cleansing of these toxins. There are many organic health products that can assist in this goal, including cleansing remedies for the colon, liver, gall bladder, kidney, and blood.
For example, an organic health product to consider is hot cayenne extract, which can unblock the waste material that prevents efficient blood flow.
Vitamins and minerals are a popular form of organic health products sold in stores, as well as over the Internet. For example, there is a product called Living Calcium, prepared from sea vegetables and other green foods - considered one of nature’s best calcium sources.
Some organic health products have been known to boost the immune system. When an item contains spirulina, they will encounter a 100% organic mixture that surpasses the capabilities of many grains, herbs or food.
When you are battling an upset stomach or bloating, taking capsules filled with 100% plant-based digestive enzymes, can easily correct the problem.
The healing properties of some of these organic health products are amazing. There are items that are 100% organic that can strengthen skin, connective tissue, bones, teeth, nails, as well as hair.
Organic health products also offer help when a consumer is in need of relief from nervous tension and insomnia.
Hormonal imbalances in both males and females can also benefit from the use of an organic health product. Menopause, impotence, hot flushes, and PMS are just some of the issues that these products can deal with.
The list goes on and on, when referring to the advantages of choosing an organic health product. This includes pain relief caused by muscle tension and cramps, as well as effective measures taken against fevers, colic, congestion, and the common cold.
Technorati Tags: organic, natural
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September 5th, 2007
Last week I was talking about nutrition with one of my workout buddies and when I mentioned grass fed beef and “organic food” he asked, “Do you mean like what you get at Whole Foods Market?”
I said, “Yes, exactly… that’s a natural food and organic supermarket.” He said, “Yeah well, that place costs so much, I call it Whole Paycheck!”
I was rolling on the floor laughing, but the truth is, organic food really is expensive and so is grass fed beef and free range chicken, so it’s a valid question to ask, “Is it worth it?”
After researching the subject and doing some personal experiments with my own diet, let me offer you my take on it from a bodybuilder’s viewpoint. This is a perspective on organics you may not have heard before.
First, look at it this way - if you put the cheapest fuel in your luxury car, how well is it going to run and how many miles are you going to get out of it?
While I’m on car analogies, health and fitness author and educator Paul Chek once wrote about how ridiculous it is to watch how many $75,000 + cars pull up to the Mcdonald’s or Burger King drive through window to buy $1.99 hamburgers.
I would say that’s a serious case of screwed up priorities, wouldn’t you? The driver has no problem shelling out the $1,100 monthly car payment, but it’s too much to ask him to put premium fuel into his own “bodily vehicle.”
How can you put ANY price tag on your body and your health? You can buy another car, but you’ve only got one body.
Now, as for the grass fed beef and organic foods question….
For best results in body composition improvement, which I define as burning fat and or building muscle, (and I’ll even go as far as to say for optimal health as well), I am a believer in including animal proteins, including lean meats.
I have no wish to take up the vegetarian debate in this article. I respect vegetarians and acknowledge that a healthy and lean body can be developed with a vegetarian diet if it is done properly, although it may be more challenging for strict vegans to gain muscle for various reasons.
However, in recommending animal protein as part of a healthy fat loss and muscle building nutrition program, I do agree that we all need to give some serious thought to what is in our meat (and in the rest of our food).
Some people say that meat is part of our “evolutionary” diet and it’s the way we were intended to eat and I wouldn’t argue with that. But is the meat we’re eating in today’s modern society the same as what was hunted and eaten many thousands of years ago, or has some “toxic stuff” found its way into our beef, poultry and fish that wasn’t there before?
I also think we should consider what is *missing* from our commercially grown food, that is supposed to be in there, that probably used to be there in the past, but may not be today.
A lot of people are not paying any attention to this… even people who should know better. I admit it - I was oblivious to this for a long time myself. Here’s why:
I am not your typical “health and wellness” or “weight loss” expert. I am also competitive bodybuilder. We bodybuilders are well know for eating very clean diets with lots of lean protein and natural carbs, as well as for looking like “the picture of health” with our ripped abs and impressive muscularity.
We eat our oatmeal and egg whites for breakfast, and proudly walk around with our chicken breast, rice and broccoli or our flank steak, yams and asparagus, and boast about how perfect and clean our meals are and how our diets are already “clean” and could not be improved.
But how many bodybuilders or fitness enthusiasts are there - even serious, dedicated and educated ones - who don’t give a single thought to the poisonous chemicals that might be lurking in our supposedly “clean” food?
The Food and Drug Administration lists more than 3,000 chemicals that can be added to our food supply. One billion pounds of pesticides and farming chemicals are used on our crops every year.
Depending on what source you quote, the average American consumes as much as 150 pounds of chemicals and food additives per year.
Does ANYBODY out there think that this is good for you?
Didn’t think so.
If you had a way to avoid all these chemicals and toxins, would you at least explore it, even if it cost a little more?
Although this topic is controversial and hotly debated, organic food is gaining in popularity and seems to fit this bill.
Food grown on certified organic farms does not contain:
Pesticides, Herbicides, Fungicides, Hormones, Antibiotics or Chemical fertilizers
It is also not:
Irradiated or Genetically modified
Beyond the “certified organic” label, grass fed beef and free range chicken (and eggs), have other advantages.
Not only can there be tons of antibiotics, hormones, and other chemicals in our meat, but also commercially raised beef is fed grain or corn and yet that is not what the animals were meant to eat.
The result - aside from sick, drugged animals - is a higher overall fat, higher saturated fat and a screwed up ratio of omega three to omega six fats, which is a very big problem today - even when you think you’re eating “clean.” Most people accept the idea that “you are what you eat,” but they forget that the animals we eat are what they ate!
Last but not least, proponents of organic food suggest that the vitamin, mineral and phytonutrient content of commercially grown foods can be anywhere from a little bit low to virtually absent.
So… if organic and or grass fed beef and free range chicken can help us avoid some of these problems and dangers, then I’m all for it and the extra investment.
I started eating grass fed beef almost exclusively (except for my occasional restaurant steak), quite a few years ago and started eating more and more organic food. I can’t say I eat entirely organic. I eat a lot of it, but not 100%. If I’m eating an apple or some blueberries, and it doesn’t happen to be organic, I don’t freak out over it.
When you really study deeply into the subject of food processing, industrial pollution and commercial farming, it can almost scare you half to death, but I don’t recommend getting “alarmist” about it.
Sometimes it’s the people who live in fear of a disease who are most likely to get it. I for one, am not going to live in a plastic bubble to isolate myself from a “toxic world”… oh, wait… make that a ceramic bubble, plastics are really bad for you.
All joking aside, the fear of toxins can be taken to the point where the fear itself is unhealthy, but the more I study this subject - from a variety of sources and perspectives - the more the organic argument does make sense to me. I’ve built my career in fitness based on being a natural bodybuilder, which means no steroids or performance enhancing drugs, so why would I expose myself to other chemicals if I can avoid them?
Honestly, I can’t say I noticed any dramatic change in my physique or in the way I feel – at least not yet. I have always eaten clean and I was a successful bodybuilder for many years before I started eating more organic food and grass fed beef.
However, I feel confident about my decision to spend the extra money on grass fed beef, free range chicken (and eggs), and an increasing amount of organic food, knowing that I am avoiding toxins and getting more of the nutritional value I need to support my training and my health long term.
I’m certain this is the type of nutritional lifestyle change that can accrue benefits over time, even if you don’t see an immediate “transformation.”
One thing I would suggest before you run out for organic fruits and vegetables or grass fed beef and so on, is to consider what kind of shape your diet and your lifestyle are in right now. If your diet is currently such a total mess that you’re drinking a lot of alcohol, smoking, abusing coffee and stimulants, not even eating ANY fruits and vegetables to begin with…
And if your idea of lean protein is the processed lunch meat you get in your foot long sub, then I think it might be a little moot to worry about whether your fruits and veggies are 100% certified organic or whether your beef is grass fed. Just start cleaning up your diet and establishing new healthy habits, one step at a time. Focus on nutrition and lifestyle improvement, not perfection.
There are some very strong opinions on this subject. I am aware of that, and I’m not going to stand up on a pulpit and preach either way. What I have done here is simply share what I have found from my own research and what I decided to do in my own personal health and bodybuilding regimen.
My advice to everyone else is to become as educated as possible about what is really in your food, including how it is raised or grown, and to continuously seek ways to improve your nutrition above the level it is at now. Whether the next step in improving your nutrition is to go organic will be up to you to decide.
Copyright 2006 Tom Venuto
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Tom Venuto is a natural bodybuilder, certified personal trainer and author of the #1 best selling e-book, “Burn the Fat, Feed The Muscle,” which teaches you how to burn fat without drugs or supplements using the little-known secrets of the world’s best bodybuilders and fitness models. Learn how to get rid of stubborn fat and turbo-charge your metabolism by visiting: http://www.burnthefat.com . To get Tom’s free fitness newsletter, visit http://www.tomvenuto.com
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Technorati Tags: organic, organic food, natural, healthy
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August 29th, 2007
