The Glutathione Treatments for Depression

The glutathione treatments for depression provides a simple easy way to eliminate for some, what is a debilitating condition.

Many have discovered what seems to be an effective depression treatment … This treatment for depression is actually backed up with science. It is simply boosting glutathione with supplemental cysteine intake.

First consider what a study from Biological Psychiatry has to say.

Cysteine for Depressive Symptoms is an published study in Biological Psychiatry, November, 2008 1;64(9):e1.

The full title: N-acetyl cysteine for depressive symptoms in bipolar disorder–a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial. The study noted that both depression and bipolar disorder are complicated by glutathione depletion. They started with the premise that N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), a precursor of glutathione, could improve the depressive felt in bipolar disorder.

The study was randomized, double blind multi-center placebo study of people with bipolar disorder. They were treated with NAC given adjunctive to their usual treatment.

They were measured on a depression rating scale, a time to a mood episode, Bipolar Depression Rating Scale and 11 other ratings of clinical status including quality of life, and functioning.

The study found that NAC treatment resulted in significant improvement. In all but one of the measurements it worked in a frame of 2 to 20 weeks. The depression treatments were found results considered good to great in over 3/4 of the measurements.

You will read in the abstract that the conclusion was that NAC appears to be a safe and effective augmentation strategy for depressive symptoms in bipolar disorder.

However there was a flaw in the study. Well, a flaw of sorts.

The method of administration of NAC and the effectiveness of the NAC was limited to the quality of what would be typically purchased over the counter at a health food store.

There currently are patented formulations of NAC and Cysteine that have been clinically proven to boost glutathione far above the levels that can be obtained from just the generic variety of NAC.

In effect, the NAC is augmented to be more effective. To be sure, most people give it at least a month to two months to see if it is effective for them. Although many will find it works in three days to a week, numerous anecdotal experiences have found that it can take up to two months to realize the full effectiveness.

The effectiveness of these alternative treatments for depression come from a novel approach. Help the body to get into a state of health and the mental health will follow on its own.

Bottom line, be patient. What do you have to lose, well, besides your depression.

——————————————————————————————————————–

You can raise the glutathone level in every one of your cells by ingesting MaxGXL.

Effects of Chronic Hepatic Dysfunction on Pulmonary Glutathione Homeostasis

Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research. 26(12):1840-1845, December 2002.
Foreman, Marilyn G.; Hoor, Terri Ten; Brown, Lou Ann S.; Moss, Marc

Abstract:
Background: The development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in patients with pre-existing cirrhosis of the liver is associated with very high mortality. One possible cause may be alteration of pulmonary antioxidant capacity as a result of chronic hepatic dysfunction. Glutathione (GSH) is the most substantial nonprotein thiol in living organisms and likely plays a key role in neutralizing the oxidants and reactive oxygen species that are increased in ARDS. The lung is unable to synthesize GSH and is dependent on the liver. During periods of oxidant stress, individuals may exhibit relative deficiencies of GSH. With cirrhosis, the end result of chronic alcohol ingestion, this deficiency is more profound.

Methods: Sixteen stable subjects with cirrhosis primarily due to alcohol consumption and 15 healthy controls underwent bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage with concurrent measurement of GSH in the plasma and the alveolar epithelial lining fluid (ELF).

Results: For standardizing for saline dilution of the epithelial lining fluid as a result of bronchoalveolar lavage, GSH values are expressed in relation to immunoglobulin A (IgA). GSH in the ELF was profoundly reduced in the cirrhotic group [12.5 [mu]g of GSH per [mu]g of IgA (5.3-16.9 [mu]g)] compared with the control group [64.0 [mu]g of GSH per [mu]g of IgA (55.1-242.5 [mu]g);p < 0.001]. The ratio of oxidized GSH to total GSH in the ELF was also significantly increased in the cirrhotic group [9.2% (5.1-16.4%) vs. 3.4% (1.7-5.7%);p < 0.003]

Conclusions: Despite a total reduction in GSH concentrations in the alveolar epithelial lining fluid of individuals with cirrhosis, the amount of oxidized GSH is increased. There is increased utilization of GSH despite the low supply in stable individuals with cirrhosis during steady state. These perturbations in GSH homeostasis in the alveolar epithelial lining fluid may be a factor in the poor outcomes seen in these individuals with ARDS.

2002 Research Society on Alcoholism

———————————————————-

What does this mean for those of us who are alcoholic or have alcoholic loved ones? Chronic alcoholism results in low levels of glutathione and in cirrhosis of the liver. Cirrhosis further depletes glutathione levels. Even though levels are down, there continues to be an increase in the amount of glutathione that the body uses (logically, this will further deplete supplies of the body’s primary antioxident). Disruptions in glutathione equilibrium in the alveolar epithelial lining fluid may be a factor in the poor outcomes seen in these individuals with ARDS.

Learn more about glutathione. ]]> http://improve-your-memory.com/98/alcoholism-and-low-glutathione/feed/ http://improve-your-memory.com/93/a-passage-from-dr-bates-alternative-therapies-for-addadhd-and-autism/ http://improve-your-memory.com/93/a-passage-from-dr-bates-alternative-therapies-for-addadhd-and-autism/#comments Tue, 04 Aug 2009 21:00:55 +0000 Susan Juricek http://improve-your-memory.com/?p=93 “There is a supplement specifically designed to raise Glutathione levels in the body.  Glutathione is a natural combination of amino acids that is a powerful anti-oxident with several other interesting features:
•    It’s a major part of the immune system often overlooked by scientists.
•    Glutathione detoxifies the body by taking poisons, including mercury and other toxic minerals out.  (Similar to chelation, but most other toxins as well as minerals.)
•    It’s not absorbed well when taken as a direct supplement.  This is important as there are many supplements that contain glutathione that are not generally effective.
•    Low levels of glutathione are found in all ADD/ADHD/autistic children, as well as many other sick or toxic persons.  These low levels do not allow excretion well.  This explains why hair, blood, and urine tests of mercury (and other minerals) do not show accurately what is stored in the body.
•    Price of supplement program [MaxGXL] - $85 for a 30 day supply ($69 for preferred customer).  Not cheap, but this seems to be worth the price if you can afford it. ”

For more details and to learn more about MaxGXL, go here. The potential importance of glutathione is illustrated by the huge variety of diseases associated with low glutathione levels…aging, Alzheimer’s, acne, Bird Flu and  MRSA are but a few. Do keep in mind that reduced glutathione levels does not prove that less glutathione results in the onset of  disease. Science demands a cause and effect relationship be clinically proven before such claims can be made. To date, there have been no scientifically rigorous studies to demonstate that increasing glutathione levels will improve the outcome of any disease or clinical condition. The studies have not been done because, prior to the development of MaxGXL, there was no glutathione elevating pill available (glutathione taken in pill form does not survive digestion). Nevertheless, personal experiences of folks with various conditions indicate that MaxGXL has the potential to transform the quality of life for many, many people.

If you have Parkinson’s, free radical damage to your cells is already very advanced. One contributing factor is extremely low levels of glutathione, your body’s master anti-oxidant and most important free radical fighter. More studies come out every month that positively validate the connection between Parkinson’s, free radical damage, and low glutathione levels.

What Is Glutathione (see July 21 post Glutathione - the Natural Antioxidant for deeper understanding)? Glutathione is produced in every single one of your cells. It is your body’s master anti-oxidant. This means four big things:

Glutathione neutralizes free radicals.

Glutathione repairs cell damage already done by free radicals.

Glutathione can detoxify and flush toxins out of the body.

Glutathione recharges all other anti-oxidants.

Recent research analyzing the brain tissue of people with Parkinson’s has found that the damage is consistent with extensive oxidative stress. Oxidative stress IS free radical damage. Basically, the brain tissue of people living with Parkinson’s, and other neurodegenerative diseases, is ‘rusting.’ Fighting free radicals means fighting the rust. Glutathione is the master rust fighter.

Intravenous glutathione injections have been shown to have amazing and quick results in Parkinson’s. Dr. David Perlmutter, a pioneer in this therapy, developed a protocol utilized at the Perlmutter Health Center for administering intravenous glutathione to Parkinson’s patients. After even a single dose of IV glutathione - often in as little as 15 minutes - the ability to walk, turn around and move their arms is almost completely restored.

Keep in mind that adding glutathione will not cure Parkinson’s disease; but it just may substantially improve quality of life for those suffering from the condition.

So, where and how can you raise glutathione at the cellular level? The days of raising it by IV just may be gone. There is now a safe, easy method of elevating the glutathione levels in every cell of the body. The answer is MaxGXL , the only glutathione accelerator with scientifically proven effectiveness in double blind studies.

That said, anyone who has a first-degree relative (mother, father, brother, or sister) who had Alzheimer’s has an increased risk of getting the disease — probably because of shared genes. Since we can do absolutely nothing about the genes with which we were born, it is up to us to take preventive measures. The prevailing medical opinion is that the steps for preventing  Alzheimer’s are the same as those for preventing heart disease: healthy diet, exercise, and keeping blood pressure and cholesterol under control. Some research also suggests that keeping your mind active doing puzzles, playing games, reading, going to museums, etc. is helpful in preventing Alzheimer’s. In other words, staying active professionally, socially and physically is one of the best things you can do to keep your brain healthy and delay the onset of Alzheimer’s.

The symptoms of Alzheimer’s (cognitive problems with thinking, speaking, reasoning, understanding, remembering, planning, and demonstrating good judgment) are only one part of the prevention puzzle. Other parts also need to be considered — there is an association with Alzheimer’s disease symptoms and a lack of glutathione in the brain.

Have you ever heard of the metabolic syndrome in reference to cognitive impairment? Improving memory in later life may be as easy as avoiding Metabolic Syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is characterized by a group of metabolic risk factors in one person…this means that if you have three or more of five symptoms, you have the syndrome and a 66% higher risk of developing cognitive impairment than women who do not have syndrome. According to a large study done by the San Francisco VA Medical Center and the University of California and published in the March, 2009 issue of Archives of Neurology, the metabolic syndrome is defined by the presence of three or more of the following symptoms: abdominal obesity, elevated blood triglycerides (fatty acids), reduced HDL or ‘good’ cholesterol, elevated blood pressure, and Type 2 diabetes.

Interestingly enough, if each symptom is examined by itself, diabetes is the only one of the five symptoms that is normally associated with a higher risk of cognitive impairment. But, when more than one symptom is present, each additional symptom adds a 23% greater risk. This means that it is important for older folks with the metabolic syndrome to be screened early for cognitive impairment (and that the different symptoms of the syndrome should be treated early and aggressively, before a woman becomes post-menopausal).

The news is quite thought provoking, considering that 45% of American adults between the ages of 60 and 70 are believed to have metabolic syndrome. In fact, many 45-50 year old men and women are already exhibiting three of the five symptoms. The good news is that all five symptoms of metabolic syndrome are manageable, and most are even preventable or reversible. But more research is needed to determine whether managing or reversing symptoms will reduce the risk or if the damage has already been done. Once again, prevention is without a doubt much better than a cure. ]]> http://improve-your-memory.com/59/improve-your-memory-by-avoiding-metabolic-syndrome/feed/ http://improve-your-memory.com/53/glutathione-the-natural-antioxidant/ http://improve-your-memory.com/53/glutathione-the-natural-antioxidant/#comments Tue, 21 Jul 2009 20:17:42 +0000 Susan Juricek http://improve-your-memory.com/?p=53 I maintain that careful, intelligent use of natural supplements can improve memory and help our aging brains adapt to today’s information overload. BUT, what supplements should we take…which are most beneficial with the least amount of possible side effects? Without a doubt, our first move should be toward supplementing antioxidants.

Antioxidants are truly nature’s little miracles. Their benefits are enormous and endless…they are true superstars in our bodies and our cells. They are on guard 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, protecting us from the free radicals that are produced by cellular action which occurs after we breathe in oxygen.

Each time we breathe in oxygen and our cells produce energy through normal everyday living processes, molecules inside of our cells react with the oxygen we inhale. This is called oxidative stress. Just like oxygen reacts with metal on a car and produces rust, “rust” (oxidation) happens in every single one our cells. In other words, every moment of every day, our cells are “rusting”…this rusting is known as “aging”. We experience oxidative stress in our cells, which leads to damaged tissues and damaged body organs…which will eventually lead to the many diseases of aging (Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, dementia, high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, etc.).

So we agree that we need to be taking an antioxidant supplement — but which one is best to take? I personally am big on ‘natural’ supplements, and every cell in our bodies have a natural antioxidant called glutathione.

Glutathione is produced by every cell in the body. It is so critical to cellular function that thousands and thousands of medical articles have been written about it. It is the body’s most powerful antioxidant…millions of times more effective than Vitamin C and E. Intracellular glutathione fights inflammation and preserves cellular health. It also works to help improve mental functions, increase energy, improve concentration, support increased exercise, and improve heart and lung function.

Glutathione has been shown to slow down the aging process, detoxify and improve liver function, strengthen the immune system, and reduce the chances of developing cancer. Glutathione also works to help improve mental functions, increase energy, improve concentration, permit increased exercise, and improve heart and lung function - just to name a few. IV glutathione is being examined as a possible treatment for autism (autism is often associated with low glutathione levels in the cells of the body).

The body’s supply of glutathione begins to decline 10% to 15% per decade starting at the age of twenty. Stress, exercise, infection, injury, and environmental toxins are a few things that significantly reduce glutathione. Low glutathione levels result in lower energy, higher cellular inflammation, greater vulnerability to cellular damge, accelerated aging, and less effective immune function.

Energy, healthy organs and skin (after all, your skin is an organ), and the ability to fight the damage caused by free radicals all require healthy cells. While adding antioxidants to your diet can be beneficial to supporting good health, it is glutathione…the natural antioxidant produced by your body… that is most important for protecting healthy cells.

The good news is that science continues to learn new ways to boost even the aging brain’s performance. Science now has a detailed picture of how the intricate machinery of the brain functions…and this makes it much easier for baby boomers to take a variety of supplements to give us the nutritional, neuro-chemical, and hormonal substances necessary for optimal brain performance. I suggest that careful, intelligent use of natural supplements can improve memory and help our aging brains adapt to today’s information overload.

Remember how you use to make fun of older folks’ absent-mindedness? Like the time your elderly neighbor locked herself out of the house for the third time one month? Or the day your dad’s friend Frank took the Dart train home because he forgot that he had driven to work in downtown Dallas that morning (this is not as bad as it appears - Frank usually took Dart to and from work)? And how about the time your mom put liquid Joy dish washing soap into the dishwasher soap dispenser instead of Cascade? Now that I am in my 50s, these ’senior moments’ aren’t so funny anymore…except maybe for the Joy in the dishwasher. I still chuckle at the visual image of my mother with a mop in her hands, knee deep in the soap suds that flowed so freely out of the dishwasher during that wash cycle!

Like most baby boomers, I have noticed some physical changes in the last few years. Some of the changes sort of crept up on me, while others seem to have appeared virtually overnight (although these I probably just did not notice until they became obvious). The most distressing of these changes is the frequency of the dreaded ’senior moment’. I realize that my aging brain cannot function like it did thirty years ago…but I am NOT enjoying having to make lists of things I could once remember effortlessly; and I am tired of the seemingly ever present thought, ‘it is on the tip of my tongue’.

Of all the usual signs of aging, the scariest are those that affect the mind. I will define a senior moment as a lapse of memory, logic, or mental function which is atypical or unusual. In other words, ’senior moment’ is an unscientific term for a variety of mental glitches…the most common of which is the temporary inability to recall a name, a phone number, or what you were about to do. Ever gone into a room to get something and forgotten what you went in there to get? Welcome to the ’senior moment’!

Part of the normal aging process is a general slowing of cognitive function - in other words, it becomes harder to pay attention and process information. Mental clarity wanes.This usually starts in the 50s and 60s. Why does it start? There are fewer neurotransmitters in the brain. (Neurotransmitters are the chemicals released by neurons that allow nerve cells to communicate by acting as messengers across synapses, the spaces between brain cells.) The brain shrinks, leaving less brain matter and fewer intact connections between brain cells. White matter — the fiber tracks connecting the front of the brain to storage areas — changes so that information takes longer to process. The brain becomes like a computer that freezes temporarily as it tries to call up a file. This time lapse is the senior moment where you have a hard time recalling names or choosing the right word.

But, you ask, should I be concerned about the memory loss of senior moments? Is what I am experiencing the first signs of something worse…something like Alzheimer’s disease?

Although I am no medical expert, both my mother and my mother-in-law passed away after long, ugly, seemingly endless bouts with Alzheimer’s. I saw the disease up close and personal. I lived with it every day and watched it consume the brains of two once remarkable women. I can tell you what I noticed about the disease. Extreme changes in mood, behavior, or memory can be a signal of early Alzheimer’s…and I do mean extreme here. If you have always been kind of ditzy, it is not really unusual that you can’t remember things well; BUT, if you have always had a remarkable memory and now can’t remember things, I would go talk with your doctor.

With early Alzheimer’s, there is a significant change in short term memory. You can pull up obscure old memories, but have difficulty with recent events and conversations. You may forget the names of simple things. You may go from being very organized to frequently misplacing things. If you cannot find your car in a parking lot because you forgot to look at the number associated with the space in which you parked, you are probably having a senior moment. If you can’t remember the make of the car or the color of the car and it is the car that you drive all the time, I’d make an appointment with a doctor.

Just remember that there is a huge difference between the mild cognitive impairment of normal aging and Alzheimer’s. People with normal age-related memory loss are usually able to compensate for these changes by using lists and other memory aids. In other words, the senior moments don’t generally impair daily functioning. If you’re concerned, get evaluated by a family doctor or a memory specialist…and do it sooner, rather than later. And also remember, DO NOT PANIC. There are many other physical conditions that can cause memory problems — depression, alcohol abuse, thyroid problems, vitamin deficiencies, hormone fluctuations… and you will notice that these are treatable. If it is Alzheimer’s, getting help early may be able to reduce symptoms and slow the progress of the disease - at least for awhile.

We baby boomers are in a truly unique position in American society. Due to the anticipated shortfall of the Social Security system and the prevalence of Alzheimer’s in older adults, we are expected to become a huge drain on the American economy over the next 20 years or so. I have news for the naysayers, we baby boomers have lived through wars in Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan, Iraq (and probably some others I do not remember; darn these senior moments!). We have thrived despite setbacks in our personal lives and fortunes. We constitute a vast number of people who have no intention of going quietly to the end of our days. We are a force and we plan to stay healthy and active for a long time to come.

If we baby boomers want to emphasize health and wellness, I must point out that we are going to need to make some changes in the way we live. Let’s begin by assuming here that I am ‘average’ with cholesterol too high, osteoporosis knocking at the door, a urinary system effected by having borne three children, etc. (Sounds familiar, doesn’t it; and yet I am an active, 57 year old who thoroughly enjoys life and desires to continue enjoying it for a long time to come.)

Let’s take a look at a couple of my life choices and see what changes I need to make. Let’s look at one of my food choices first. My favorite food is the good old American hamburger, add bacon and jalapenos but no cheese. Want fries with that? You bet I do! And I like them swimming in catsup. This particular meal is a cholesterol nightmare and a cardiac event in the making. Knowing that I need to monitor my cholesterol intake, I must now answer an important question: Do I really need to eat hamburgers and fries regularly or do I want to be healthy and active for a long time to come? Alas, it looks like it is time for a change. Hey, I am a baby boomer. I am not easily defeated by life’s trials and tribulations. I can handle only eating a burger and fries occasionally.

Smoking and drinking excessive amounts of alcohol will also greatly effect my health and wellness efforts. I do not now nor have I ever smoked. I wanted to when I was a teenager because I thought it looked cool, but I could never get past the horrible coughing when I took a puff off a cigarette (let me point out here that we did not know smoking was so bad for us back in the day). I was also never a heavy drinker, but I do not drink at all now. I have had rheumatoid arthritis for 19 years and cannot mix alcohol with one of the medications I take unless I have a death wish (this is a VERY easy choice to make). Life works in mysterious ways. Because I never did these things, I do not need to stop doing them. Fellow baby boomers, if you smoke and drink alcohol excessively, the Baby Boomer Health and Wellness Plan (I am giving it a name!) dictates that you put out that cigarette and exchange that bottle of hooch for a bottle of water.

How about it? Are you up to a challenge? I will use this blog to begin to discuss one particular health and wellness issue we face, fading memory and the ’senior moment’. Just remember that we can handle whatever comes up. After all, we are baby boomers and we are here to stay!