DEPLETION OF GLUTATHIONE LEVEL
Factors that deplete Glutathione (GSH) level
With all the roles that GSH plays in helping the cells function properly, there are substances that will deplete your body of this much needed molecule. Here is a list of some very common external stresses that can directly and indirectly affect GSH levels leading to chronic disease and shorter lifespan:
As you can see there are multiple ways that external stressors can affect your glutathione levels. You have control over some of these stressors. Others you have no control over. All these external stressors will deplete your GSH levels leaving your cells susceptible to cellular damage and dysfunction.
The natural decline of your GSH levels, combined with the increased external stressors that rob your body of this critically molecule, makes it extremely important that you take a proactive approach to supplementing your glutathione levels.
With all the roles that GSH plays in helping the cells function properly, there are substances that will deplete your body of this much needed molecule. Here is a list of some very common external stresses that can directly and indirectly affect GSH levels leading to chronic disease and shorter lifespan:
- Cigarette smoke – A single puff of cigarette smoke contains trillions of free radicals. The chemical nicotine must be neutralized in the liver. The cigarette tars are long-lived free radical generators making them potent carcinogens.
- Pharmaceutical products – Every drug must be neutralized by the liver. Additionally, many drugs will deplete GSH levels in the kidneys, heart, and other tissues.
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) – This popular over-the-counter drug for pain and inflammation is a potent oxidant that has to be handled by the liver. It depletes glutathione levels to increase the liver’s vulnerability to toxic stress.
- Halocarbons – Halogenated hydrocarbons are used in plastics, dry cleaning solvents, pesticides, herbicides and refrigerants. It is a potent oxidant that does more than threaten the ozone layer. It currently contaminates much of the ground water in the United States and can be detected in the fat tissue of humans around the world. These halocarbons cause the cytochrome P-450 enzymes in the liver to be overly active which depletes GSH levels and causes free radical damage to the liver.
- X-rays and ultraviolet rays from sunlight.
- Tissue injury from burns, ischemia, surgery, septic shock and trauma.
- Bacterial or viral infections including HIV.
- Alcohol, illegal drugs, and emotional stress.
As you can see there are multiple ways that external stressors can affect your glutathione levels. You have control over some of these stressors. Others you have no control over. All these external stressors will deplete your GSH levels leaving your cells susceptible to cellular damage and dysfunction.
The natural decline of your GSH levels, combined with the increased external stressors that rob your body of this critically molecule, makes it extremely important that you take a proactive approach to supplementing your glutathione levels.