By Bryce Wylde
The body continually makes toxins, called endogenous toxins, as part of the metabolic process. We’re also exposed to toxins as part of everyday life. “Our ability to efficiently dispose of all these toxins, also known as free radicals, can have a direct impact on our health,” explains Functional Medicine expert Bryce Wylde, BSc, DHMHS, Homeopath. “We can all use a little support, which is why most of us make a point of consuming antioxidants. But few people realize the body already makes the most powerful antioxidant of them all, the master antioxidant called glutathione.”
Wylde estimates there’s a huge percentage of folks who can’t seem to get rid of toxins that may be building up in their bodies. “Consider your home. No matter how good you are at throwing out the trash, it will accumulate until the city picks it up. Glutathione, with the support of other antioxidants, helps keep your body – your house – clean.”
Whether you’re a modest detoxifier or a good detoxifier, an advantage is an advantage.
Wylde explains that toxins lurk everywhere. “These include bleach in the laundry room and chemicals in foods and cosmetics. They are in you urinate, stool, sweat, or breathe out these toxins. When your output is less than your input, your health may be compromised. Antioxidants are one way to help the body sweep up the mess.”
Even if you follow a healthy diet and lifestyle, your body may not be able to keep up with the detox process. That’s where antioxidant supplementation gives you an advantage. “Many antioxidants have different objectives,” explains Wylde. “Vitamin A has a high affinity for the back of the eyes. Vitamin C supports the immune system. Vitamin D is also incredible for the immune system, and our bodies can manufacture it. But in the summer, we apply sunblock, and in the winter, we may not get enough exposure. So, we supplement.”
Why a glutathione supplement may not be the best choice “Other antioxidants don’t add up to the power of glutathione, which is made by every cell in your body,” says Wylde. And much as we may need to supplement our vitamin D, the body may also need an extra boost to help maintain adequate amounts of glutathione due to such variables as advancing age, toxin exposure, and even genetics.
“In addition to everyday exposure to toxins, about 20% of the population are born with a genetic anomaly that limits their body’s ability to make glutathione.” Wylde also noted that low glutathione levels are associated with many chronic diseases.
But, he explains that oral glutathione supplements may not be the best choice. “Science reveals that while there is some benefit, most supplements aren’t bioavailable to our bodies. While some of these supplements may get the glutathione into the bloodstream, they don’t get it into the cells where it does much of its work.”
This is why a precursor is more effective. “Think of a precursor as the yeast that’s necessary to start the carbon dioxide reaction that causes bread to rise. Skipping that step and spraying carbon dioxide into the dough doesn’t work as well. Similarly, the body needs a natural compound called gamma-glutamylcysteine (GGC) to encourage more glutathione production inside the cells. Glyteine is a proprietary name for nature-identical GGC.
“Research has shown that Glyteine raises the cellular levels of glutathione rapidly, within an hour or two. Taking it on a regular basis may help your body be better prepared to manage the toxins we’re all exposed to on a daily basis.” Glyteine is available over the counter as Continual-G.
