You’ve been reading about some products touted as ways to boost your glutathione (GSH) levels without taking a harsh drug. Today you’ll see two more products readily available at your health food store.
Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA)
Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) is an important antioxidant and is particularly important because it helps recycle glutathione (GSH) back into its active, fighting form. ALA’s effectiveness is due to its intimate involved with glutathione (GSH). Therefore, research shows that ALA benefits people with diabetes, HIV/AIDS, liver disease and cataracts. It also increases the endurance of body builders and speeds up muscle recovery time.
ALA is easily absorbed, can travel across cell membranes and it is both fat- and water-soluble so...it is effective inside and outside the cell and against a wide range of free radicals. Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) can be found in very small amounts in foods such as spinach, broccoli, peas, Brewer's yeast, brussel sprouts, rice bran, and organ meats.
Long term studies regarding negative side effects of supplementing with ALA have not been done. We do know excessive intake of alpha lipoic acid (ALA) can cause nausea, stomach upset and low blood sugar.
As a result, I do not recommend you take ALA as part of your regular supplement regime.
Now, here’s something that’s been around for centuries...
Milk Thistle
Milk Thistle is a natural product that has been used by herbalists for
centuries. Long before anyone had ever heard about glutathione (GSH) the fruit
and seeds of the milk thistle plant were used to treat liver and gall-bladder
problems. Herbalists also use it to treat alcoholic cirrhosis, jaundice and
hepatitis.
Silymarin, the active extract, derived from the milk thistle plant, is a powerful antioxidant shown to regenerate liver cells. Studies demonstrate that milk thistle (silymarin) protects the liver in cases of acetaminophen overdoses. Even more exciting is the fact that milk thistle (silymarin) has been shown to increase glutathione (GSH) production by as much as 35% so it is potentially useful for raising glutathione (GSH) levels.
There has also been research into the use of milk thistle (silymarin) for the treatment of prostate cancer. This research has demonstrated milk thistle (silymarin) as a potent suppressor of cancer cell growth.
The glutathione (GSH) raising potential of milk thistle (silymarin) is offset by possible side effects including gas, cramps and diarrhea. People with diabetes should use caution with milk thistle (silymarin) as it may lower blood sugar. Milk Thistle (silymarin) may also have an estrogen-like effect so it should be avoided if you have any hormone-sensitive condition such as endometriosis, uterine, breast or ovary cancer. It is also possible that milk thistle (silymarin) interferes with oral contraceptives.
For all of these reasons, I do not recommend taking milk thistle (silymarin) for prolonged periods. Also...if you have a chronic health problem or are taking medication for any reason, it’s a good idea to discuss the use of milk thistle (silymarin) supplements with your physician. If they don’t know much about it, you could try talking to your pharmacist or a knowledgeable natural health professional.
Coming up...the best way to raise glutathione (GSH) levels.
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