How do our cells protect themselves? With a small protein molecule named Glutathione (GSH). This molecule is called a tri-peptide because it is composed of three amino acids – cysteine, glycine and glutamic acid. GSH is also known as a thiol because its electron-donating capacity is linked to the sulfa group. It is the ability of this molecule to donate an electron of hydrogen that provides for its bioactivity. It actually functions as a non-enzymatic reducing agent. Glutathione is so important that it is found in almost every living cell – plant, animal and human. Medical research has determined that less than 70% of the reduced (active) form of glutathione in the cell will result in cellular dysfunction, and a disease state will follow. The cell synthesizes or produces its own glutathione dependent on the needs of that particular cell. The substrates or building blocks, when adequately present inside the cell, allows the cell to maintain production of GSH at a rate that will exceed the required 70% active form. The amino acid that is the “rate limiting” amino acid is cysteine. It is far more difficult for the body to obtain sufficient cysteine than either glutamic acid or glycine. In fact, those people in their late 50”s or early 60”s have a slowly declining production rate of this important molecule. For example, the senior citizen who is already experiencing a decline in intracellular glutathione, who is placed on medication (whether prescription or over-the-counter) for their symptoms. Medication is considered a xenobiotic, which is any foreign substance, not synthesized by the body. These xenobiotics must be broken down and excreted from our cells and hence from the body. If this does not occur, we become toxic over time. Then, add our western lifestyle with the carbonated drinks, fast foods, alcohol, tobacco, drugs, excess coffee and pasteurization, and we have a body that is over utilizing intracellular glutathione. This intracellular glutathione must be replaced. In support of this function of detoxification we find that the largest concentration of glutathione occurs in the liver. The liver can export glutathione to other areas of the body. The second largest concentration occurs in the epithelial lining fluid of the lungs. This is our major cellular defense where air contamination is concerned. Glutathione is called the master, intracellular antioxidant. Another major role of GSH is to capture the free radicals that are created when the immune system responds to attack. Monoclonal expansion is expansion of our cellular defenses when we suffer an attack against our cells. Free radical production is rapidly increased with cell division and this desire of our immune system to respond to this danger is greatly inhibited unless adequate amounts of glutathione are present. Another very important role for intracellular glutathione is that of cellular protection against radiation. A recent research article published in the journal Radiology states that “radiation from a single whole-body scan is equal to that from 100 mammograms and is similar to that received by survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan – about 1 _ miles from the explosions – according to radiation biologist, David J. Brenner of Columbia University. The radiation from one scan is enough to produce a tumor in one out of 1200 people, and for those who have annual scans the risk increases to one tumor in every 50 people. With inadequate intracellular GSH the risk is greatly increased. The results are self-evident in our increasing cancer incident reports. Detoxification, immune response, antioxidant requirements and protection from radiation caused cellular disease – what more can be said concerning the absolute requirement for maintaining GSH at 80 to 90% active form per cell? For cellular repair and regeneration we also depend on the organelles, where our metabolic processes occur to receive protection by the neutralization of free radicals. These free radicals are actually produced by our cellular functions. About 2 to 5% actually escape the normal mechanisms for capture. This is where GSH comes to our rescue. Before the instability of the free radical can stabilize itself by damaging the organelles in the cell, glutathione provides a stabilizing hydrogen ion and prevents cellular damage. The final responsibility of GSH is as a participant in apoptosis. Apoptosis is the programmed cell death that is set into motion when the cell steps out of normal service to the body. Glutathione is necessary for cellular protection, repair and the very cornerstone for cellular healing. Remember, cellular healing means tissue healing and tissue healing means normal organ function that translates into balance, harmony and health.