Glutathione and the Brain

Glutathione has been called the brain's masterunsaturated fatty acids, which are obviously targets
antioxidant. It plays an essential role in protecting thisfor lipid peroxidation. The results is cell damage
vital organ from free radical activity. Numerousthrough this free radical activity. The brain also
National Library of Medicine studies indicate that freecontains less SOD (Superoxide Dismutase), CAT
radical damage to brain tissue may be associated(Catalase), and glutathione activity when compared
with neurodegenerative disorders. The neutralizationwith other major organs such as the liver.
of these free radicals becomes an essential functionThese facts only underline the importance of
of glutathione in the brain.supporting the antioxidant system for the best
The brain is without doubt one of the mostpossible brain function throughout a person's life. The
fascinating, yet least understood, organs in the body.brain will become vulnerable to free radicals when it is
It goes without saying that organs don't get moresubjected to chemicals that are known to decrease
vital than the brain. At the same time, the brain isglutathione. During times of environmental stress, free
highly vulnerable to free radical activity, commonlyradicals can increase dramatically and potentially result
known as oxidation.in significant cell structure damage culminating in
Unlike many of our other organs in the human body,oxidative stress. Providing the body with a means to
the brain is most deficient in defences againstkeep free radical activity in check is vital. Glutathione
oxidative stress. This deficiency can leave the brainand other antioxidants such as SOD and CAT work
vulnerable to something called "lipid peroxidation".together toward this end.
Lipids are a broad group of naturally occurringThe obvious thing for people to do is to try to
molecules which include fats, waxes, and suchsupplement with glutathione. Until just recently, this
vitamins as A, D, E, and K. Lipids play an importanthas not worked. Glutathione is a protein and is
role in such functions as energy storage and celldestroyed by digestion. Nearly zero glutathione would
messaging.ever be bioavailable for use by the brain if we were
Cell messaging is a complex system ofto ingest it. At the same time, injectable forms have
communication between the cells that governs cellbeen found to be equally ineffective. What science is
activity and allow cells to perceive and correctlyconcentrating on now is preventing the body from
respond to their microenvironment. This sets thedestroying the supplies of glutathione it currently has.
stage for important functions such as tissue repairThis science is so new that very few people know
and support of the immune system. Conversely,about it. I have been experimenting with a product
when cell messaging fails, it nearly always results inthat allows the body to naturally restore glutathione
health challenges of various kinds.levels to what they were when we were in our
As I mentioned, the oxidation degeneration of lipids istwenties! While I am only in week 2, I have noticed a
called lipid peroxidation. This occurs when free radicalsfew benefits so far. I sleep better and wake up
steal electrons from lipids in the cell membrane,earlier. I require less sleep. I heal faster and I am able
resulting in cell damage - or aging.to do more and recover faster. And in the past three
While the brain Accounts for only about 2 percent ofdays, I've noticed a clarity of thought that I haven't
the body's mass, it utilizes approximately 20 percenthad for many years. As more data comes in, I will be
of the body's oxygen. It is rich in lipids withreporting the results.