Liver Health and Glutathione the “Master Antioxidant”

Our liver has a significant responsibility in maintaining our health, and strong, healthy liver function is essential for producing glutathione.

The liver plays a key role in most metabolic processes, particularly in detoxification. The liver is constantly exposed to caustic substances. A myriad of chemicals are used on commercially grown fruits and vegetables, as well as in the soil. Today, the soil also lacks essential minerals and trace minerals needed in our produce for optimum health.  Also, we are contending with GMO (genetically modified organism) seeds, commercial factory farming, the feeding of GMO grains to animals, and the use of antibiotics and some growth hormones. All this causes free radical damage and dis-ease affecting the immune system because the liver can no longer clear toxins.  In today’s world, we are bombarded with external threats we need to be concerned about. Chemicals from environmental toxins and too many pharmaceuticals create xeno-estrogens, which affect the liver and our hormonal system.

If you live in the city, you may encounter fluoride (hydrofluorosilicic acid), an impure industrial by-product collected in air pollution control systems of certain industries, and chlorine, which is used to control harmful bacteria in drinking and bathing water, potentially causing free radical damage.

Foods grown without chemical substances contain naturally occurring toxins, which are easily detoxified by the liver. Food and herbs are designed to keep us toned, cleanse our bodies of excess toxins, provide pre- and probiotics, supply essential micronutrients, and maintain homeostasis within all our systems.

There are Three Very Important Functions of the Liver and Detoxification

1.  The Blood–Every minute, almost two quarts of blood move through the liver for detoxification.

2. The Bile–Every day, the liver produces approximately one quart of bile. Bile is necessary for the elimination of toxic materials through the large intestines, where it is absorbed by fibre and excreted.
Bile is also needed for the excretion of cholesterol and excess calcium. Bile is needed for emulsifying fat and fat-soluble vitamins in the intestines.

3.  Phase I and II–This is a process to neutralize unwanted chemical compounds from environmental sources and any other substance that has to go through the liver or kidneys, such as pharmaceuticals.
household cleaners, chemicals on and in our food and water.

Phase I – Through an internal chemical process, Phase I modifies chemicals, making them a more accessible target for one or more of several Phase II enzyme systems.  

Phase II – This pathway involves a process called conjugation, in which many enzymes in the liver attach to chemicals to neutralize toxins and make them easier to be excreted through the urine or bile.

There are six major Phase II Enzyme Systems–

1. Glutathione conjugation
2. Amino Acid Conjugation
3. Methylation
4. Sulfation
5. Acetyulation
6. Glucuronidation

The most important and powerful antioxidant for neutralizing free radicals is glutathione, which is made.in the liver.

Glutathione

One of the main roles of the Liver is protecting us from free radical damage by producing glutathione, the most powerful antioxidant that enables other antioxidants to function optimally. Glutathione and the enzyme it forms (GSH peroxidase) are made from three amino acids:

1. Cysteine
2. Glutamic acid
3. Glycine

Cysteine or Cystine

Controls the amount of glutathione produced in the liver, giving GSH its metabolic strength as an antioxidant and detoxifier. It is the most important of the three amino acids. Found in these foods: poultry, yogurt, whey, raw goat or small cow’s milk, egg yolk, red peppers, garlic, onions, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts.

Glutamic acid

known as the ‘chemical messenger’, is an excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system and is needed for mental alertness, clarity, and mood. Found in these foods: animal protein, vegetable proteins, raw cheese, whey, and almonds.

Glycine

is needed to produce creatine, collagen, and glutathione.  Glycine is a neurotransmitter that stimulates and inhibits cells in the brain and the central nervous system. Like Glutamic acid, it supports cognitive function and mood and also affects appetite, digestion, immune function, and heart health. Found in these foods: gelatin, meat, eggs, seeds, seaweed, algae.

Glutathione and GSH enzyme is essential for life. In humans, Glutathione is found in all tissues, with the highest levels in the:

• Liver
• Spleen
• Pancreas
• Kidneys
• Lenses of the eyes

Glutathione protects us against:

I personally believe it is best to eat foods that support glutathione production and take herbs that aid in liver detoxification.

If you feel you need to supplement, we cannot use Glutathione in supplement form unless it is converted into a small molecule such as N-acetylcyteine (NAC) converts into Glutathione.

Other Important Antioxidants are Vitamins A, C, and E and trace mineral selenium.