You may not have heard much about it before now. Yet, it shouldn’t be overlooked. Glutathione is the most powerful antioxidant in your body. It may be the greatest predictor of overall health. A study in the Lancet found those with the lowest levels of glutathione were sickest while those with the highest glutathione levels were healthiest.
What does it do?
- Boosts your immune system
- Decreases inflammation
- Prevents caner
- Detoxes the body
- Improves heart health
- Helps you shift from fat increases to muscle building
- Flushes out heavy metals (including mercury)
Where do you get it?
The best source of antioxidants overall are fruits and vegetables. Another source helpful in boosting the immune-building benefits of glutathione are found in organic, grass-fed whey protein concentrates. Many people can’t tolerate dairy, and those that do, can still have inflammation from it so it isn’t something I recommend normally. I personally don’t include dairy in my diet other than occasional lactose-free cheese and a carefully selected whey protein concentrate – that I co-created in a way that leaves the nutrition intact without adding chemicals or sugars that act as toxins in the body.
This is what we each want in a whey protein concentrate. First, be sure that it is concentrate, rather than isolate. Be sure it’s non-denatured. That is, the proteins in it are not broken down and it’s not produced at extreme high temperatures. You want non-pasteurized and non-industrial produced milk produced without pesticides, hormones, or antibiotics.
Look for ingredients you’re unfamiliar with if you’re shopping for protein shakes. If it ends in -ose, contains soy, or you can’t pronounce it, pass.
What Else Can You Do To Boost Glutathione?
- Exercise regularly. Include regular strength training and aerobic exercise in your routine.
- Other supplements can help your overall glutathione production: a multi, fish oils, selenium, B vitamins, C and E can help boost glutathione production.
Glutathione production decreases as you age. The need for antioxidants increases, especially with the cumulative effect of various toxins you’re exposed to regularly. Be mindful of the things you’re doing to encourage glutathione production for your optimal health. It’s used for detoxification purposes too. In young swimmers, for instance, glutathione can be helpful for reducing the toxic effects of chlorine.
Have you heard of glutathione? Are you taking it?
Enjoy this favorite whey-based smoothie.
My Favorite Cherry-Chocolate Smoothie
- 1 Scoop of Your Whey Chocolate
- 3/4 cup of frozen cherries
- 4-5 ice cubes
- 1/4 avocado
- 3 T chia seeds
- Drops of liquid chocolate stevia
Blend it all in a high-powered blender. Vanilla works to but I have to admit I’m obsessed with the chocolate.
I love this post-workout. The whey and the avocado start boosting recovery and decreasing inflammation. The cherries add antioxidants and help replace glycogen. The chocolate, well, it needs no explanation!
