Volume Two                Article Four             May 1999

GLUTATHIONE

Thank you for joining us on Health Chat!

Prior to our article on Biomagnetics we talked about the immune system and Colostrum, the first fluid produced following birth in mammals.  Today I would like to discuss a product that is also Immune System related called Glutathione.   This is one of the latest breakthroughs in cell defense. We might call this the Glutathione Revolution.  All the cells of your body make this single molecule to help protect them against common pathways to disease.  These disease pathways would include invasion by viruses, bacteria, destructive free radicals, dangerous toxins and poisons, and radiation only to mention a few.  Everyday and in every way ... your body is always under attack, but your immune system protects you both in health and dis-ease.  Understanding Glutathione function in the cell and how we can increase the production of this substance inside your cells is indeed a recent breakthrough.   There is a new book out entitled "Breakthrough In Cell-Defense" authored by Dr. Allan C. Somersall with Dr. Gustavo Bounous.  This research has ultimately culminated in the production of the highest quality whey protein carrying the precursors for increased glutathione production by your cells.  This product by Immunotec Research Ltd. stands alone in quality and performance.

Glutathione has multiple functions helping to support the proper functioning of your immune system.  It enhances your body's natural immune activity involving the multiplication of lymphocytes and antibody production which requires normal levels of glutathione inside the lymphocytes.  Glutathioine acts as an antioxidant and free radical scavenger protecting us against the damaging effects of pollutants and free radicals.  Without glutathione, other important antioxidants such as vitamins C and E cannot adequately do their job.  The second major function of glutathione consists in the body's natural detoxification of foreign chemical compounds.  The specific immune response involves lymphocytes (helper T-cells and B cells), which support the the body's natural immune system by multiplying themselves and producing antibodies.   To do their job well, helper T-cells and B cells need sufficient intracellular glutathione levels.

One of the key precursors of glutathione is cysteine.    This compound, an amino acid, is considered to be essential; without cysteine, glutathione cannot be synthesized, or fabricated, by the cell.  It is also considered to be rare for the trace amounts found in certain foods, such as raw eggwhites, milk and meat, to be sufficient enough to ensure  adequate synthesis of glutathione when the body is exposed to the challenges and damaging effects of pollutants and free radicals.  You can now optimize the glutathione inside your cells.  This is nature's way of cell-defense and that is your best option in self-defense.  The body of research already published on the role of glutathione in health and disease, when coupled with this new breakthrough by simply and effectively enhancing its production in vivo, will certainly have a profound impact on health care management.

I would like to close this short article with what is called a 10-point prescription to optimize your immune system:

Number one is DIET.  There is no substitute anywhere for a healthy diet that is varied; high in fiber and low in fat; rich in fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains; abundant in fluids and restricted in sugar and salt.   Modern fast and convenient foods are not doing any justice to our immune system.

Number two is SUPPLEMENTATION.  To this cornerstone of good nutrition, it makes sense to add supplements to ensure a guaranteed supply of the essential nutrients, especially the minerals.

Number three is EXERCISE.   Nutrition is a great place to start.  Then include some moderate exercise.  Muscle activity is a process of aerobic respiration and cellular oxidation.  Both mechanisms producing energy by catabolism, but they also produce harmful metabolites and dangerous free radicals.   Glutathione is consumed during and after such oxidative stress, to preserve the cellular integrity and restore homeostasis.

Number four is REST.   Adequate rest is indispensable for the body to recuperate from all the physical, mental and biochemical stress that it must endure each day.  Relaxation and re-creation are just as important as sleep.

Number five is CONTROLLED STRESS.   Speaking of stress, there is an ordinate level of tension and excitement that stimulates adrenaline and productivity.  But those same hormones (in excess) can cause havoc and "activity" can become the enemy.  Every person has a physical, mental and emotional limit.

Number six is AVOIDING ADDICTIONS.   Alcohol, drugs and smoking are notoriously bad for the immune system!

Number seven is ATTITUDES.   Evidence is accumulating that the way we think and react to our life situations can and does affect are physical well-being.  It is very evident that remaining positive, hopeful, and caring has definite consequences for health and disease.  We choose so much of our own destiny.  

Number eight is EXPOSURE.   You will want to minimize exposure to all the physical, chemical and biological insults in the environment - as much as you can.  These can all create havoc on your immune system.  It would behoove us to analyze what may be threatening to our health in our home and work surroundings and take appropriate measures to remove them.

Number nine is PROFESSIONAL HEALTH CARE.   There is no substitute for the periodic health examination from the doctor of your choice.  Often serious conditions can be avoided by routine health evaluations.

Number ten is IMMUNOCAL.   Thanks to this major discovery, you can enjoy the benefits of the new Breakthrough in Cell-Defense - and take part in the real Glutathione Revolution - by taking Immunocal and a daily basis.   You will have nothing to lose and much to gain.  It will help to optimize your all-important cellular glutathione level and boost your own immune system.  Again, 'an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure'.

It has been some time since we have done a Health Chat newsletter.   Our move from Indiana to North Carolina was an exhaustive one.  We are finally getting our computer setup and office functional again.  Thank you for being patient and thank you for joining us for this issue of Health Chats.

Take care and God Bless ......................... Dr. Jack