|
A high blood glutathione level has been correlated with long
life span in not only the mouse and rat, but also in elderly human beings (Lang, 2000). The Lang study compared ill to healthy
adult humans and demonstrated that "a decrease in glutathione is a risk factor for chronic diseases that may be used to monitor
the severity and progress of the diseases".
As we get older there is a tendency for the antioxidant system to become
depleted, but the relationship between glutathione and antioxidants such as vitamin C, remains constant (Lenton, 2000). There
is a direct correlation between glutathione and vitamin C in lymphocyte cells throughout life.
The other reason to
focus on glutathione is that there are building blocks available that are documented to increase glutathione levels. One product
has been evaluated in several studies and documented to raise the glutathione levels as well as immune cell function in mice
(Bounous, 1989) . There are other glutathione precursors, such as N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) which can elevate glutathione levels.
Voskoboinik (1998) wrote that certain cells may prefer different forms of glutathione.
Glutathione levels in various
blood components can be monitored. Glutathione studies may be a measure of prevention, as well as a monitor of the progress
of serious illness (Lang, 2000).
PARKINSON'S DISEASE
Glutathione is diminished in Parkinson's disease as well
as other neurologic diseases. Intravenous infusion of glutathione has been shown to improve many of the symptoms of Parkinson's
disease in a clinical trial (Sechi, 1996). While it is not possible to predict reversal of Parkinson's symptoms, many patients
have enjoyed improvement after the infusion of glutathione. The original study in Italy gave the infusions twice a day for
almost a month. I have seen improvement with shorter schedules and in combination with nutrient building blocks.
|
