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Somebody’s Going to be Upset…
by Glen Depke
The somebody that is going to be upset may actually be your own natural health practitioner. The reason for this upset is due to the fact that many natural health care practitioners are still practicing under an antiquated model of toxicity.
The old model of toxicity was based on the idea that small amounts of any particular toxin were “OK” for you and that a problem would arise when the build up of this toxin became too great for you personally. The steps typically taken were to take a blood, urine, or hair analysis to assess levels of toxicity. The next step was to assist the body in releasing this toxicity via chelation or some form of aggressive detoxification. Far too often this would lead to an increase of symptoms which would then be pawned off as detoxification symptoms.
Common challenges with the old model of toxicity:
- Increased toxicity in your brain
- Increase in symptom challenges
- Mineral deficiencies
- Unhealthy demand on liver function as well as other systems of detoxification and elimination
If you have either witnessed this yourself or have experienced this yourself, let me expose you to something “different” today. I don’t like to say right or wrong, just “different.”
First of all there are 3 factors that tie into toxicity as listed below.
- Dose dependent
- Build up of toxicity
- Immunological imbalance
Any of or all three of these can lead to a loss of your personal chemical tolerance. Once your body loses chemical tolerance this can be expressed in many ways listed below.
- Chronic illness
- Autoimmunity
- Degeneration
- Fatigue
- Inflammation
If you’ve been reading my articles in the past you will also understand that these challenges can lead to a host of other complications in your body, but we’ll stick with the main issues above.
Now the reason the above challenges arise is based on the fact that when you lose your chemical tolerance, there are certain factors that are leading to this issue. These factors are listed below for you.
- Depleted glutathione recycling
- T cell failure
- Barrier system breakdown
- Cytokine dysregulation
Let’s understand each of these a bit further.
Glutathione is a sulfur-containing, water-soluble, endogenous tripeptide composed of 3 amino acids. Glutathione, simply put, is your body’s master antioxidant. Existing in every cell of your body, Glutathione is produced within each cell to cleanse and protect your body at the cellular level by detoxifying, removing heavy metals, and fighting free radicals.This is the body’s main protecting antioxidant for the cellular mitochondria. For those that are not familiar with mitochondria, this is the little engine that drives every cell in your body. Sounds slightly important, right? Anyway, glutathione exist in a reduced form (GSH), which is the potent antioxidant and the oxidized form (GSSG) which is the post form of protection to quench your free radical activity and inflammatory states. At the end of this article I will provide much more information on glutathione and its benefits.
T cells originate in the bone marrow and mature in the thymus. In the thymus, T cells multiply and differentiate into helper, regulatory, or cytotoxic T cells or become memory T cells. They are then sent to peripheral tissues or circulate in the blood or lymphatic system. Once stimulated by the appropriate antigen, helper T cells secrete chemical messengers called cytokines, which stimulate the differentiation of B cells into plasma cells (antibody-producing cells). Regulatory T cells act to control immune reactions, hence their name. Cytotoxic T cells, which are activated by various cytokines, bind to and kill infected cells and cancer cells. Let’s also recognize that T cell failure is synonyms with glutathione deficiency.
Your barrier systems are going to include the gut, lung and blood brain barrier. The gut barrier speaks of the tight junctions, which represent the major barrier within the pathway between intestinal epithelial cells that line the digestion tract. The blood–brain barrier is a separation of circulating blood from the brain extracellular fluid in the central nervous system. It occurs along all capillaries and consists of tight junctions around the capillaries that do not exist in normal circulation. Basically this blood/brain barrier protects your brain from toxins moving from your blood into your brain where they will ultimately create challenges in your body on many levels.
Cytokines are proteins that are produced by cells. Cytokines interact with cells of the immune system in order to regulate the body’s response to disease and infection. Cytokines also mediate normal cellular processes in the body. Overproduction or inappropriate production of certain cytokines by the body can result in disease. With this said, you can see the dysregulation of cytokines can be a huge health issue on so many levels.
Now we can look at a “different” model for detoxification.
First of all a blood test is absolutely ridiculous unless there is an acute exposure and will have zero representation of toxicity that is long term. When I mention an acute exposure, this would be defined as a 48 hour period or less. I also do not recommend hair or conventional urine testing as both these tests can be very inaccurate. I always use a urine
porphyrins profile. Porphyrins are proteins produced in your body that will react in very specific ways based on heavy metals in your body.
We also want to address the true factors into the toxicity.
- Initiation of the lose of chemical tolerance
- Triggers or the chemicals that trigger and immune system response
- This then lead to challenges such as asthma, fibromyalgia, depression, chronic fatigue, autoimmunity and magraines
- This will also lead to further challenges with allergies, food intolerance and chemical sensitivity
What do you do now?
- Increase glutathione levels: I personally use and recommend A/C Glutathione and Super Oxi-Cell to my clients and often recommend a Glutathione Recycler for some cases. Short of an IV, this is the best way to increase your own bodies glutathione and recycling of glutathione.
- Understand that glutathione will create a natural chelating affect, bind to heavy metals in your body, and bind to metal ions making them less toxic to your body.
- Increase blood flow to the brain: Typically in my practice I recommend either VeinLite or Nitric Balance to assist on this level.
- Address some of the underlying causes such as:
- Gluten intolerance
- Cross reactive intolerance
- Chronic stress
- Alcoholism or over-consumption of alcohol
- Poor dietary choices
- *Once you have supported these levels and addressed other levels of your health and wellness you may be able to use some standard levels of detoxification
This is will get you started in reestablishing your barrier systems, T cell relation as well as glutathione recycling and assist in regulating your cytokine production.
*When addressing the supplements mentioned above, work with a qualified natural health practitioner that understands this immune-toxicity pattern. Taking these supplements without direction can make a significant difference in your results.
I would like to make one other side note for my athletes out there that are focusing on nitric oxide. Very often those with athletic aspirations look to increase nitric oxide by using L-arginine. While there are two forms of nitric oxide that are beneficial such as neural endothelial function and dialated blood vessels, the use of L-arginine to increase nitric oxide can also increase what is referred to as iNOS which is an inflammatory/autoimmune response. This would not be recommended.
If you are not a client of Depke Wellness, you are welcome to call our office at (949)954-6226 to see how our team can assist you with your health challenges by setting up a complimentary 20 minute phone consultation. No commitment but some time.
More information on Glutathione.
Glutathione
Also known as: GSH; Reduced Glutathione
Description
Glutathione is a Sulfur-containing, water-soluble, endogenous Tripeptide composed of 3 Amino Acids.
Health Benefits of Glutathione
Aging & Life Extension
Increasing the body’s production of Glutathione may inhibit the progression of the Aging
Process (old Cells contain 20 – 30% less Glutathione compared to young Cells).
Glutathione possesses Life Extension potential.
Cardiovascular System
Atherosclerosis patients generally exhibit reduced endogenous Glutathione levels (indicating that supplemental Glutathione or supplements that increase endogenous
Glutathione levels may be beneficial for the treatment of Atherosclerosis).
Glutathione improves the structural integrity of Red Blood Cells and helps to prevent Free Radicals from damaging Red Blood Cells. research
Glutathione improves the chances of surviving a Stroke (people with low Glutathione levels who experience a Stroke have less chance of survival compared to people with high Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) levels of Glutathione).
Cells
If Glutathione levels become depleted to less than 25% of normal levels, Cell death can occur.
Digestive System
Crohn’s Disease patients are generally found to have very low Glutathione levels and some researchers speculate that supplemental Glutathione (or its precursors) may improve the condition of Crohn’s Disease patients.
Glutathione helps to prevent Gastric Ulcers caused by Stress, Aspirin and Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs).
Glutathione concentrates in the Pancreas.
Excretory System
Glutathione concentrates in the Kidneys.
Eyes/Vision
Optimal Glutathione levels help to prevent Cataracts.
Glutathione concentrates in the Cornea research and Lens research of the Eye and accelerates recovery from Eye surgery.
Hair
Glutathione exerts Antioxidant effects that protect Hair Follicles from Free Radicals damage (inactive Hair Follicles (that occur during the progression of Male Pattern Baldness) tend to be deficient in Glutathione).
Immune System
Persons infected with the HIV Virus and/or affected by Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) usually exhibit depressed Glutathione levels (many researchers believe that this Glutathione deficiency plays a major role in the pathogenesis of HIV and the eventual development of full-blown AIDS):
Further studies have shown that Glutathione suppresses the expression of the HIV virus.
Glutathione inhibits the excessive production of Cytokines that are implicated in Autoimmune Diseases.
Glutathione protects against Cancer via a similar mechanism to Beta-Carotene:
Glutathione can possibly cure Liver Cancer.
Hepatitis C causes severe depletion of Glutathione (and supplemental Glutathione helps to counteract this depletion).
Glutathione facilitates the transport of essential nutrients to Lymphocytes and Phagocytes.
Glutathione protects against the damage caused by Radiation Therapy.
Glutathione concentrates in the Spleen.
Metabolism
The Sulfhydryl Group of Glutathione interacts with Aldehydes and prevent them from initiating Cross-Linking.
Glutathione is a powerful endogenous Antioxidant (via its incorporation into the Glutathione Peroxidase and Glutathione Reductase enzymes):
Glutathione combats many of the Free-Radicals that cause Allergies:
Glutathione is involved in the destruction of Peroxide Free-Radicals (including Hydrogen Peroxide).
Optimal endogenous Glutathione levels help to prevent Cirrhosis (depletion of endogenous Glutathione is one of the biochemical consequences of Cirrhosis). Glutathione also helps to repair the Liver damage caused by Cirrhosis.
Glutathione repairs the Liver damage caused by Hepatitis.
Glutathione enhances the general function of the Liver and helps to prevent Liver damage.
Nervous System
Alzheimer’s Disease patients generally exhibit reduced endogenous Glutathione levels (indicating that supplemental Glutathione or supplements that increase endogenous Glutathione levels may be beneficial for the treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease).
Glutathione protects against the toxic effects of excessive production of Endorphins.
Manic Depression patients are generally found to have low endogenous production of Glutathione.
Parkinson’s Disease patients generally exhibit reduced endogenous Glutathione levels (indicating that supplemental Glutathione or supplements that increase endogenous Glutathione levels may be beneficial for the treatment of Parkinson’s Disease).
Schizophrenia patients are generally found to have low endogenous production of Glutathione.
Glutathione Enhances the Function of these Substances
Amino Acids
Glutathione is a transport vehicle for Cysteine.
Enzymes
Glutathione is an essential component of Glutathione Peroxidase.
Minerals
Glutathione facilitates the absorption of essential Minerals.
Vitamins
Glutathione recycles Dehydroascorbic Acid back to Vitamin C.
Glutathione can recycle Tocopheryl Quinone (oxidized Vitamin E) back to fresh Vitamin E.
Glutathione Counteracts these Potentially Toxic Substances
Glutathione detoxifies many toxic Chemicals.
Pharmaceutical Drugs
Glutathione inhibits the ability of Aspirin to damage the Gastric Mucosa and to cause Gastric Ulcers.
Glutathione inhibits the ability of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) to damage the Gastric Mucosa and to cause Gastric Ulcers.
Recreational Drugs
Glutathione counteracts the toxic effects of excessive consumption of Alcohol (Ethanol).
Glutathione counteracts many of the toxic effects of Tobacco smoking.
Minerals
Glutathione detoxifies most toxic Heavy Metals from the body:
– Aluminium
– Arsenic
– Cadmium
– Glutathione increases the urinary excretion of Lead.
– Mercury
Proteins
Glutathione inhibits the activation of Nuclear Factor-Kappa B (NF-Kappa B).
These Substances Enhance the Function of Glutathione
Amino Acids
Cysteine is an essential precursor for the endogenous production of Glutathione:
However, only a very small quantity of supplemental L-Cysteine is utilized in the endogenous manufacture of Glutathione (due to the rapid oxidation of L-Cysteine to Cystine).
Alternatively, the majority of exogenous N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) is converted to Glutathione (the NAC form of Cysteine, unlike L-Cysteine, is not oxidized to Cystine.
Of the several precursors for Glutathione, Cysteine is believed to be the most important as the other precursors (Glycine and Glutamic Acid) are generally not deficient. This means that Cysteine is generally the rate-limiting factor in Glutathione production.
Glutamine is integral to the production of Glutathione within the body (Glutamic Acid is extracted from Glutamine’s chemical structure within the Liver for incorporation into the Glutathione molecule).
Glycine is an essential component of Glutathione.
Methionine facilitates the production of Glutathione (and prevents the decline in Glutathione levels that are associated with the progression of the Aging Process).
S-Adenosylmethionine (SAM) is essential for the endogenous production of Glutathione.
Antioxidants (Synthetic)
Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) increases the body’s Glutathione levels.
Auxins (Plant Hormones)
Indole-3-Carbinol stimulates the endogenous production of Glutathione by Liver Cells (hepatocytes).
Enzymes
Glutathione Reductase helps to maintain Glutathione in its active state.
Glutathione-S-Transferase enhances the function of Glutathione – it catalyzes the reaction of Glutathione with acceptor molecules of various toxins, thereby functioning as a key enzyme in the detoxification of various substances.
Glutathione Synthetase catalyzes the production of Glutathione, Adenosine Diphosphate (ADP) and Orthophosphate from Gamma Glutamyl Cysteine, Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) and Glycine.
Hormones
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) stimulates the endogenous production of Glutathione by Liver Cells (hepatocytes).
Melatonin increases the endogenous production of Glutathione:
Melatonin inhibits the depletion of Glutathione in the Liver that is caused by Cadmium accumulation.
Minerals
Germanium increases the body’s Glutathione levels.
Magnesium facilitates the endogenous synthesis of Glutathione and Magnesium deficiency often results in low serum Glutathione levels.
Selenium facilitates the endogenous production of Glutathione:
Sodium Selenite (form of Selenium) stimulates the endogenous production of Glutathione by Liver Cells (hepatocytes).
Sulfur is an essential component of Glutathione.
Zinc facilitates the endogenous production of Glutathione and Zinc deficiency results in lowered plasma Glutathione levels.
Phenolic Acids
Ellagic Acid stimulates the endogenous manufacture of Glutathione.
Polyphenols
Curcumin stimulates the endogenous production of Glutathione by Liver Cells (hepatocytes).
Silymarin inhibits the depletion of Glutathione in the Liver and can increase Liver Glutathione levels by up to 35%.
Proteins
Whey Protein (when correctly processed) causes sustained increases in the body’s Glutathione levels.
Vitamins
Lipoic Acid increases intracellular Glutathione levels by 30 – 70%.
Lipoic Acid (1% cream/lotion applied topically) increases the Glutathione content of the Skin.
Vitamin B2 recycles oxidized, degraded Glutathione into fresh active Glutathione:
Vitamin B2 increases Glutathione levels in Sickle Cell Anemia patients.
Vitamin B6 enhances the function of Glutathione.
Vitamin C increases Glutathione levels.
Vitamin E enhances the function of Glutathione.
These Foods Enhance the Function of Glutathione
Vegetables
Garlic increases the body’s levels of Glutathione and reduces levels of oxidized Glutathione.
Globe Artichoke prevents the destruction of the Liver’s Glutathione content by various oxidative agents.
Dietary Sources of Glutathione
(mg of Glutathione per 100 grams)
Note that Cooking destroys ALL Glutathione present in these dietary sources.
Fruits: Apples Avocado
Grapefruit 70
Herbs: Purslane
research
Vegetables: Broccoli Carrots 75
Tomatoes 169 Spinach 166
