Although important in strengthening the immune system, glutathione is a new topic for most people. Well, if this is your first time hearing about it, this article is for you. It’s never too late for anyone to start reaping the immune-building benefits of this important antioxidant.
What is glutathione?
Glutathione is a very simple sulfur-based molecule that is produced by the human body. It is made up of three building blocks namely glycine, cysteine, and glutamine. The secret to its power in promoting a stronger immune system is the presence of sulfur.
As a metal, sulfur is a very sticky molecule and therefore all the bad stuff (free radicals, disease-causing microorganisms, harmful chemicals and poisons) binds to it.
Glutathione and life expectancy
Research in medical health has confirmed the role of glutathione in increasing life expectancy. The main reason behind this fact is that as a major antioxidant, glutathione is able to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Protecting cells from oxidative inflammation extends the life of every cell. This, in turn, translates into a person’s longer and healthier life.
Glutathione is also actively involved in repairing damaged cells. These damaged cells have the potential to cause risky infections if not repaired. Besides that Free radicalsOther factors that will damage cell structure include stress, aging, infection, radiation, and pollution.
As much as we say our bodies are capable of producing these cell-protecting molecules, immune system function along with aging often reduces their levels to almost zero. Therefore, we need to supplement our bodies with over-the-counter glutathione supplements and sulfur-based foods.
A closer look at immune function
Let’s take a closer look at the immune function of glutathione.
-
Cell creation, growth, division, and repair
Cells usually go through a number of stages after being produced by the human body. Once cooked, some of them may be damaged by free radicals and other side factors such as the presence of metals such as sulfur and mercury in the bloodstream.
Glutathione is actively involved in cell creation, development, and repair of damaged cells.
-
Metabolic function
Toxic molecules present in the bloodstream attach to the sulfur molecules found in glutathione. Once the toxin attaches to the glutathione, it means that the toxin is now more water soluble and therefore the toxin can be easily transported out of the system via respiration and excretion.
Glutathione is also involved in the active metabolism of carcinogens, xenobiotics and heavy metals. All of these are harmful to the immune system.
-
T-cell cloning
T-cells carry out the most important role of the immune system. Their role is to identify and label all disease-causing microorganisms and toxic chemicals present in the human body. Once these disease-causing microorganisms are identified, they are then destroyed by white blood cells.
Cysteine is an important molecule used in the manufacture of T-cells and glutathione provides it in abundance.
