Glutathione,

By Dr. Ashraf Girgis N.D.

Glutathione is a protein made up of three amino acids: cysteine, glutamic acid, and glycine. It is produced within the cells throughout the body through enzymatic reactions that utilize these amino acids.

First discovered by J. de Rey-Paihade in 1888, glutathione was initially extracted from yeast, animal tissues such as beef liver, fish, lamb intestine, and sheep brain. It is often referred to as the “master antioxidant” due to its critical role in detoxification and protection against oxidative stress.

Functions of Glutathione:

Glutathione is primarily produced in the liver and is excreted through the kidneys. Its key functions include:

• Fighting toxins and protecting against oxidative stress.

• Defending the body from mercury, toxic metals, alcohol, and persistent organic pollutants.

• Supporting the transport of toxins through four different mechanisms, including the formation of glutathione S-conjugates.

Low levels of glutathione are linked to chronic exposure to toxins such as alcohol and cadmium, and are associated with conditions like AIDS/HIV, macular degeneration, Parkinson’s disease, and other neurodegenerative disorders. Deficiency can also lead to red blood cell breakdown, gallstones, an enlarged spleen, and, if untreated, mental deterioration.

Studies show that people with AIDS tend to have lower levels of glutathione. Research on cystic fibrosis patients has also revealed that low glutathione levels can lead to intestinal inflammation, malabsorption of nutrients, pain, weight loss, and growth failure. A 2015 study published in the Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition demonstrated that glutathione supplementation, administered three times daily with meals, reduced intestinal inflammation and improved growth in children with cystic fibrosis.

Medical Insights:

According to Dr. Robert Ashley, Assistant Professor of Medicine at UCLA, glutathione has shown benefits for patients with cystic fibrosis and AIDS who suffer from low glutathione levels in the intestines. He also suggests that glutathione may help with intestinal inflammation in conditions such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. However, Dr. Ashley does not recommend glutathione supplementation for healthy individuals, as the body typically produces enough of this important antioxidant.

Research suggests that oral glutathione supplements are not well absorbed due to the absence of certain enzymatic components necessary for intestinal absorption. The human gastrointestinal tract contains an enzyme called gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), which recycles glutathione precursors, thereby inhibiting glutathione absorption when taken orally.

However, intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM), subcutaneous, and dermal applications of glutathione bypass the intestinal absorption process and have been shown to increase glutathione levels in the body.

Boosting Glutathione Naturally:

In addition to supplementation, certain foods can help boost glutathione levels. These include:

• Fresh and frozen vegetables such as asparagus, avocados, broccoli, and spinach.

• Garlic, walnuts, and unprocessed meats like fish.

• Whey protein, though individuals with dairy sensitivity should avoid it.

Those with conditions such as diabetes, HIV, low sperm count, respiratory distress syndrome, pulmonary fibrosis, liver disease, and cancer may benefit from glutathione supplementation under medical supervision. Other supplements like vitamin C, alpha-lipoic acid, glutamine, vitamin B6, selenium, and riboflavin are necessary for the production of glutathione.

A small study involving eight patients with colon cancer showed that glutathione may possess anticancer properties, though further research is needed to substantiate this finding.

Conclusion:

Glutathione plays a crucial role in maintaining the body's defense against toxins and oxidative stress. While its therapeutic use is beneficial in certain medical conditions, oral supplementation may not be as effective due to poor absorption. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare provider before adding glutathione or any other supplements to your regimen.

References:

1. NCBI: Role of Glutathione in Cellular Protection

2. NCBI: Glutathione in Human Diseases

3. Nature: "Mechanisms of Glutathione in Disease Modulation"
   https://www.nature.com/articles/s41419-023-05645-y

4. UCLA Health: "Ask the Doctors: What Do Glutathione Supplements Do?"
   https://www.uclahealth.org/news/ask-the-doctors-what-do-glutathione-supplements-do

5. Nutritional Supplements. (Page 531)

6. NCBI: Gastrointestinal Processing of Glutathione

7. ScienceDirect: Glutathione as a Potent Antioxidant

By Dr. Ashraf Girgis N.D.

Vitamin B6 is an essential member of the B-vitamin family, involved in more than 150

biochemical reactions within the body. It plays a crucial role in the metabolism of proteins,

carbohydrates, fats, nucleic acids, and in cellular signaling. Like all B vitamins, it is water-

soluble, meaning any excess is excreted by the body.

Vitamin B6 is vital for amino acid processing and the synthesis of certain hormones. Some of its

most important functions include:

Key Roles of Vitamin B6:

 Neurotransmitter Formation: Vitamin B6 is involved in the production of

neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and melatonin, which are critical for

mood regulation, sleep, and cognitive function.

 Amino Acid Processing: It helps in the metabolism of amino acids, the building blocks

of proteins.

 Carbohydrate and Lipid Metabolism: Vitamin B6 also supports the metabolic

processes of carbohydrates and lipids.

 Brain Function: It plays an important role in maintaining brain health.

 Red Blood Cell Formation: Vitamin B6 aids in the production of red blood cells, which

are essential for oxygen transport.

 Immune Function: It supports antibody production and overall immune function.

 Disease Prevention: Vitamin B6 has been linked to the reduction of cardiovascular

diseases, Alzheimer’s disease, osteoporosis, and improved glucose tolerance.

Types of Vitamin B6:

There are six naturally occurring forms of vitamin B6:

 Pyridoxine (PN)

 Pyridoxal (PL)

 Pyridoxamine (PM)

 Pyridoxine Hydrochloride

 Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate (PLP): PLP is the active form of vitamin B6 and acts as a cofactor

in nearly 160 biochemical reactions in the body. The term “PLP” is often used

interchangeably with “vitamin B6.”

Food Sources of Vitamin B6:

Vitamin B6 is found in a variety of foods, including:

 Leafy green vegetables

 Poultry and fish, such as tuna

 Eggs

 Whole grains, fortified cereals, and breads

 Nuts and legumes (beans, chickpeas, peanuts)

 Bananas

 Potatoes

 Cauliflower

Recommended Dosage:

The recommended daily intake of vitamin B6 is typically 10-15 mg. However, high doses of

vitamin B6 (above 250 mg daily) over extended periods can lead to toxicity, resulting in

numbness and neurological issues.

Deficiency and Risks:

Individuals taking hormonal treatments or women using contraceptives may experience lower

levels of vitamin B6. Deficiency can also be seen in those with kidney disease, liver failure, and

individuals with alcohol addiction.

Symptoms of Vitamin B6 Deficiency:

 Confusion

 Mood disturbances and irritability

 Sleep disturbances

 Peripheral neuropathy (numbness or tingling in extremities)

 Depression

 Cracked lips and tongue

 Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

Vitamin B6 Toxicity:

Toxicity from excessive vitamin B6 intake can produce symptoms similar to those of deficiency.

Toxicity has been reported in individuals taking more than 250 mg daily over a long period.

Symptoms may include:

 Peripheral neuropathy

 Dermatitis

 Photosensitivity

 Dizziness

 Ataxia (loss of balance and coordination)

 Dysesthesias (unpleasant or painful sensations)

For specific dosage recommendations based on age and condition, please visit MedlinePlus.

Dr. Ashraf Girgis, N.D.

Email: contactcurenaturally@gmail.com

Shah Abbasi Mosque مسجد شاه, Isfahan, Iran

According to National Center for Health Statistics, National Health Interview Survey, 2021. (1) 
In 2021, 4.3% of adults aged ≥18 years reported being bothered by headache or migraine in the past 3 months with the percentage among women (6.2%) higher than that among men (2.2%). Percentages were higher among women than men in all age groups: 7.4% versus 2.5% in adults aged 18–44 years, 6.7% versus 2.4% in those aged 45–64 years, and 3.1% versus 1.5% in those aged ≥65 years. Among men and women, the percentage of those bothered a lot by headache or migraine in the past 3 months was lowest among those aged ≥65 years.”

In a study migraine impacts 17.6 % American female and 6% male suffer from migraine headaches, study survey was done on 20,000individuals responding to the survey.(3) in another study done in 1989, questioner provided to 15,000 found almost similar result for migraine headaches in America , 17.6% of females and 5.7% of males expressed having 1 or more migraine headaches per year.(4)

Their Conclusions:
“A projection to the US population suggests that 8.7 million females and 2.6 million males suffer from migraine headache with moderate to severe disability. Of these, 3.4 million females and 1.1 million males experience 1 or more attacks per month. Females between ages 30 and 49 years from lower-income households are at especially high risk of having migraines and are more likely than other groups to use emergency care services for their acute condition.”(4)

Causes of headache:
-Stress.
-Dehydration.
-Constipation& Poor digestion.
-Sleeplessness.
-Food sensitivities, for example food containing tyramine are chocolate and citrus containing food, phenylalanine or MSG seen in Chinese food . Food containing high amount of copper such as chocolate, nuts, wheat germs and shellfish can result in headache. Other food can cause issues are eggs, cow milk,
Accumulation of toxins in body, such as heavy metals toxicity, toxins in drinking water, perfume, smoking, pesticides, formaldehyde, animal feeds.
-Too much caffeine, alcohol, & drugs.
-Hormonal imbalances.
-Sugary food( it increase blood sugar and when crush down, it gives headaches).
-Other serious causes can be, blood clots in brain, brain tumor, glaucoma.
-Sinusitis.

Headaches can also be the result of a SERIOUS cause, EMERGENCY MEDICINE suggest :
“If headaches is accompanied by fever,nausea, stiff neck , slurred speech, vomiting, weakness or numbness on side of the face. For MORE info when to call emergency for headaches visit EMERGENCY MEDICINE side”. ( 6)

Tension headaches:
Tension headaches are also felt by increase tension in shoulders and back and sometimes tightness in chest and tension in the neck.

Cluster headaches:
Cluster headaches usually start in one side of the head or around one eyes. It comes in cluster forms, several times a day can last from several days to several weeks. Causes of cluster headaches is unknown. But, those with family history or alcohol consumption can be a factor. Cluster headaches is seen more in men than women and while not sure smocking as a factor, however cluster headache is seem more among smokers. (5)

Migraine headaches:
Migraines heads usually pain is felt in one side of the head and usually is very severe and accompanied by visual disturbances , such as light sensitivity, nausea, vomiting.

How to address headaches:
It is important to find out the underlying cause of headaches. However as mentioned most headaches are due to stress and tension,
By eliminating the usual suspects causing headaches such as sleeplessness, stress, dehydration, anxiety, food causing sensitivities or allergens important to find out exactly what is the causes and eliminate it.

Here are few steps to treat headaches:
   1.    Using relaxation techniques of deep breathing and visualization and self hypnosis ( relax and visualize yours head is relax and tension is gone). Actually visualizing it happening when you are totally relax and talking to yourself example: my forehead is relax, the feeling of relaxation is going down my face and neck etc etc, mentioning every body part and visualizing it relaxing, all the way to your toes.).
   2.    Take 200 mg of magnesium twice daily while you have headaches .
   3.    Vitamin B complex in general is excellent for nerve damage repairs etc. vitamin B2 especially helps with headaches, in addition to vitamin B6.
   4.    imbalances in calcium and magnesium can also result in pain. Make sure eat food containing calcium and mg such as banana, chicken, drink milk( if no sensitivity to dairy).
   5.    Herbs such as chamomile tea can help to relax, oregano oil and lavender massage can help in relaxing and also contain anti inflammatory actions.
   6.    fever few( 400mg) if headache continue to persist. Fever few does have anti inflammatory as well as analgesic impact .
   7.    Make sure to eat or add anti inflammatory food such as wild salmon, cruciferous  vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, kale etc
   8.    Sprinkle some turmeric on your chamomile tea.
   9.    Avoid alcohol as it dehydrate in addition eliminate important microbiome in addition to preventing important vitamin absorption in the gut.
  10. Add some avocado due to its fatty acidosis, or just take 1 gram of fish oil daily.
   11.    Taking 5 HTP ( hydroxytriptophen ) it can increase serotonin level. Also eating high carbohydrate food does increase serotonin level , therefore help with pain reduction in general.
   12.    Listen to your favorite music….music does impact brain waves and listening to types of relaxing music can change the brain waves therefore relieve pain.

Other alternative drug free approaches are smelling peppermint it result in opening up the nostrils and sometimes relieve headaches.
Similarly rinsing of the nostrils can sometimes help with headaches.

Thanks for visiting www.curenaturally.org combining ancient wisdom with modern science.

References
1. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhis.htm
2. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/wr/mm7222a6.htm#:~:text=In%202021%2C%204.3%25%20of%20adults,that%20among%20men%20(2.2%25)
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1941010/ 
4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8502385/ 
5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18471125/ 
6. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cluster-headache/symptoms-causes/syc-20352080#:~:text=Overview,one%20side%20of%20the%20head
7. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/migraine-headache/symptoms-causes/syc-20360201
8. https://www.emergencyphysicians.org/article/know-when-to-go/headache#:~:text=Seek%20emergency%20care%20if%3A,relieve%20chronic%20or%20excruciating%20pain