Free radicals are produced by the body during normal metabolism. The biggest downside of these unstable molecules is that they accelerate ageing and damage the body’s DNA. It’s why free radicals are harmful to your health and wellbeing.
When the body loses the ability to effectively defend itself against the effects of excess free radical activity it gives rise to ‘oxidative stress’.
This biological response is a key factor contributing to the development of many chronic diseases. What’s more, with ageing the body loses the ability to effectively fight the effects of excess oxidative stress making it harder to recover from illness.
A Healthy Diet Is A Vital Source of Antioxidants
Antioxidant nutrients from dietary and supplemental sources are incredibly beneficial to help reduce the harmful effects of free radicals. In effect, these substances can help neutralise free radicals formed within the body.
For example, fruits and vegetables are good sources of readily available antioxidant nutrients such as zinc, selenium, manganese, vitamin A, vitamin C, carotenoids and flavonoids such as quercetin.
You can click here to read more about healthy eating for thyroid wellbeing.
Glutathione – The ‘Master’ Antioxidant
Along with consuming a healthy diet, supplementing with naturally-occurring antioxidants is an effective strategy to protect the body from oxidative stress.
One of the leading antioxidants is glutathione, often termed the body’s master antioxidant.
Glutathione is important to the human body as it is a major cellular antioxidant. Glutathione is also critical for supporting detoxification processes and maintaining immune system health.
The body naturally produces glutathione with the help of three amino acids; cysteine, glutamic acid, and glycine.
You may already know amino acids are the building blocks of protein. Some amino acids can be made by the body while others must be obtained from dietary protein sources such as meat, fish, poultry, eggs, dairy products and to a lesser extent beans and legumes.
Glutathione body stores are easily depleted when the body’s toxic load is high. Environmental stress, flu infections, allergies, a poor diet, exposure to man-made electromagnetic fields, and some medications can also deplete this crucial antioxidant.
Glutathione Supplements To Support An Active Lifestyle
If supporting your immunity has become a #1 priority you may want to consider adding in a glutathione supplement to your daily routine. But you should always talk to your qualified healthcare practitioner before taking a new complementary medicine to ensure the product is right for you.
Studies show Setria® glutathione is a patented bioavailable form of glutathione that may enhance glutathione levels in the body. This ingredient is now found in many popular Australian approved complementary medicines.
REFERENCES
Asher BF, Guilford FT. Oxidative Stress and Low Glutathione in Common Ear, Nose, and Throat Conditions: A Systematic Review. Altern Ther Health Med. 2016 Sep;22(5):44-50. PMID: 27622960.
Carr AC, Maggini S. Vitamin C and Immune Function. Nutrients. 2017 Nov; 9(11): 1211.
Checconi P, De Angelis M, Marcocci ME, et al. Redox-Modulating Agents in the Treatment of Viral Infections. Int J Mol Sci. 2020;21(11):4084. Published 2020 Jun 8.
Pizzino G, Irrera N, Cucinotta M, et al. Oxidative Stress: Harms and Benefits for Human Health. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2017;2017:8416763.
Richie JP Jr, Nichenametla S, Neidig W, et al. Randomized controlled trial of oral glutathione supplementation on body stores of glutathione. Eur J Nutr. 2015 Mar;54(2):251-63.
Rostami R, Nourooz-Zadeh S, Mohammadi A, Khalkhali HR, Ferns G, Nourooz-Zadeh J. Serum Selenium Status and Its Interrelationship with Serum Biomarkers of Thyroid Function and Antioxidant Defense in Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. Antioxidants (Basel). 2020;9(11):1070. Published 2020 Oct 31.
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