Glutathione (GSH) is an antioxidant made up of three amino acids – cysteine, glycine and glutamic acid. It is naturally produced in our body. It plays an important role in supporting the immune system by boosting levels of white blood cells production to fight off infection and foreign substances. It is a cofactor of the glutathione s-transferase enzyme, which function to detoxify chemical toxins.
High levels of glutathione maybe found in the liver, spleen, kidneys, pancreas and stomach lining, organs that are frequently exposed to toxins. Our body’s level decreases with age. Diseases, such as cancers, liver diseases, heart attack, stroke, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, diabetes and HIV/AIDS have been linked to low levels. Stress, excessive exercises, poor diets and toxic overload increase its demand.
How does it work?
Hepatic GSH is a key substrate for reducing toxic oxygen metabolites and oxidized xenobiotics in the liver. Depletion of hepatic glutathione is a common occurrence in Leaky Gut Syndromes contributing to liver dysfunction and liver necrosis among alcoholics and immune impairment in patients with AIDS.
Toxic chemicals, such as those from our environment – pesticides, heavy metals (lead, mercury, and cadmium), preservatives, PCBs, and medications are first neutralized by the liver. Then glutathione in the liver binds to these toxic chemicals and eliminates them from the body safely. This is what happens when the body’s detox system is functioning well and all nutrients needed for detox are adequate.
It has been suggested that toxic metals, such as mercury, inhibit the production of glutathione in the body, sabotaging the body’s detoxification system. As a result, toxic chemicals accumulate, affecting brain functions, resulting in behaviors frequently seen in children with ADHD.
This maybe reversed by limiting your child’s exposure to toxic substances and heavy metals through diets and supplementing your child’s diet with detox supplements, such as alpha lipoic acid, carnosine, n-acetylcysteine (NAC), trimethylglycine (TMG) or dimethylglycine (DMG).
Where to find GSH?
Glutathione is found in both plant and animal sources. Fresh fruit and vegetables, cooked meat and fish contain about 25 – 750 mg per pound. Processed foods, dairy products, most nuts, grains and legumes are not good sources.
Glutathione supplement itself is poorly absorbed since the stomach acid would have digested most of it. The most effective way to raise hepatic glutathione is to administer its dietary precursors, cysteine or methionine.
Its precursors, N-acetylcysteine, glycine, L-cysteine and methionine supplements are more effective in increasing glutathione levels in the blood.
L-Cysteine supplement should not be used in children. However, NAC is a safer alternative. High doses of NAC may cause headaches and dizziness.
Silymarin, the active substance in milk thistle, may increase glutathione levels in the liver up to 50%.
There are also transdermal and intravenous glutathione available. However, these options will require special prescription through physicians who are familiar with their use.
Another less pleasant but likely very effective way of increasing hepatic glutathione is “coffee enema“, which is described in the “Beautiful Truth” as part of the Gerson Therapy for cancer cure.
As always consult a registered dietitian and/or physician who are familiar with dietary or nutritional supplements and working with children with developmental disorders. Avoid implementing trials of these supplements on your own. Some of these supplements may interact with your medication and some require closing monitoring of a pair of experienced eyes.
Ok, there you have it…
I hope you find this information helpful. Let me know what you think and comment below.
Remember ADHD does not doom your child to a life of under-achievement. You know your child is bright, full of potential and deserve the best. In fact, many of the world’s greatest discoveries and inventions were made by people with ADHD.
I helped my crazy wild child who could not read or write when she was little with the 4 steps I laid out in the Eat to Focus book. She’s now a merit scholarship student studying premed in Loyola Chicago University.
So stay strong and keep believing in your child.
Check out the Eat to Focus book at amazon.com to learn about my story and the 4 steps that I used to transform my daughter and help her reach her full potential. This information may change your child’s future.
Download your free gift before you leave. I have put together 15 clean and brain-nourishing school day breakfast ideas for you. I don’t like to spend my life in the kitchen either, so I make sure these are super simple and quick recipes, and some you can even prepare the night before. Knowing your child goes to school fully prepared and well-fed is satisfying.
This post may contain affiliate links.
***I am including links in this post for your convenience to review the products that I recommend. There is no obligation for you to purchase any product. Some of these links may contain an affiliate link, and I may get a small commission from the sale to help off set cost to keep this blog going. You know I only recommend products that I know works and trust. If you do make a purchase from one of these links, and I earn a small commission from it, I thank you for keeping this blog alive.***
Anna
Latest posts by Anna (see all)
- 20 Calming Brain Foods to Eat Everyday for Kids with ADHD - March 2, 2024
- The Best Diet for Kids with ADHD that Works - February 28, 2024
- Which is the Best Magnesium Supplements for Kids with ADHD? - February 21, 2024
Share is caring:
- Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
- Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
- Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
- Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
- Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
- Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
- Click to print (Opens in new window)
