Glutathione – Important to your Health & Well-Being

This article will demonstrate to you why Glutathione is so important to your health and well-being.

Glutathione (pronounced ‘gloota-thigh-own’) is the body’s essential health ABC’s – Antioxidant, Blood Booster and Cell Detoxifer.

It is a tripeptide composed of glutamic, cysteine and glycine. Glutathione is found in all cells in the body, including the bile, the epithelial lining fluid of the lungs, and – at much smaller concentrations – in the blood.

Glutathione is the smallest intracellular non-protein thiol (molecule containing an S_H or sulfhydryl group) molecule in the cells. This characteristic emphasizes its potent antioxidant action and supports a multifaceted thiol exchange system, which regulates cell activity.

This small protein, produced naturally in the body, maintains these three crucial protective functions.

In fact, your life depends on glutathione. Without it, your cells would disintegrate from unrestrained oxidation, your body would have little resistance to metabolic acids, and your liver would shrivel up from the eventual accumulation of acidic toxins.

Glutathione is not yet a household word. Even some medical and holistic doctors who have heard the term may still have only a vague idea of what it is. However, everyone will soon be talking about this critical non-nutritive substance.

There was a time when only scientists had heard of cholesterol and vitamins, but today, everyone knows about them. Now the magnificence of glutathione is becoming known.

In the last five years, over 25,000 medical articles about this substance have been published, and the scientific understanding of glutathione is gradually becoming common knowledge.

Each and every cell in the body is responsible for its own supply of glutathione and must have the necessary raw materials in order to produce it. Glutathione is always in great demand and is rapidly consumed when we experience any sort of emotional or physical stress, fatigue and even moderate exercise.

Some well-known causes of glutathione depletion are as follows:

1) Acidic lifestyle and diet 2) Air and Water pollution 3) Prescription and recreational drugs 4) Ultraviolet and Radiation from cells phones, computers, electrical cars, power lines, hair dryers, etc. 5) Emotional and physical stress 6) Injury, trauma or burns 7) Heavy metals 8) Cigarette smoke 9) Household chemicals 10) Acetaminophen poisoning 11) Exhaust from motor vehicles 12) Septic shock

All of these above factors lead to a build up of acidic toxins that cause the loss of glutathione as a non-nutritive buffer leading to cellular aging, disease and finally death.

Why is Glutathione Essential to Health?

Glutathione’s three major roles in the body are summarized by the letters A-B-C. – Anti-oxidant – Blood Booster – Cell Detoxifier

These are the three critical processes driven by glutathione. The Master Antioxidant Over the past thirty years, researchers have explored the role of antioxidants in good health as well as the treatment and prevention of diseases involving oxidation or fermentation by metabolic acids.

 Well known and widely used antioxidants such as vitamin A, vitamin E and selenium neutralize acid. They occur naturally in nature, but not in the body. They must be introduced as part of a balanced diet. Given the critical role of antioxidants in good health, it is not surprising that the body itself manufactures its own natural antioxidants. The most important of these is glutathione. Because all other antioxidants depend upon the presence of glutathione to function properly, scientists call it ‘the master antioxidant.’

Glutathione binds to toxins, forming a water-soluble complex – which is ultimately excreted in the urine or bile as waste.

Food for the Blood

Elevated glutathione levels enable the body to produce more white blood cells. White blood cells are the body’s garbage collectors and are the most important cells for maintaining sterility of the body fluids.

Glutathione plays a central role in the proper function of the white blood cells. Dr. Bustavo Bounous, a leading glutathione expert, says, ‘The limiting factor in the proper activity of our lymphocytes (the white blood cells) is the availability of glutathione.’ In other words, healthy growth and activity of the white blood cells depends upon glutathione’s availability. Put simply, glutathione is ‘food’ for the white blood cells.

Cellular Detoxifier

Whether we know it or not, we are continually inhaling and ingesting natural and synthetic acidic toxins. They are unavoidable in these modern times both in our polluted cities and our poorly engineered food supplies. When the body has the health and the nourishment it needs, it works tirelessly to eliminate acidic toxins and to protect itself. But, increasing levels of environmental pollution are depleting the body’s store of glutathione more and more rapidly. Our main organ of detoxification of acidic waste products is the lymphatic system and the liver. This is the body’s most concentrated source of glutathione.

Studies show that low glutathione levels lead to poor lymphatic and liver function, causing more and more acidic toxins to circulate through the body and resulting in damage to individual cells and organs.

Medical doctors today routinely use glutathione- promoting drugs to detoxify victims of certain types of drug overdose.

Glutathione in Natural Medicine

Practitioners of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) have long advocated the use of milk thistle for liver problems. It turns out that this herb works by modestly elevating glutathione levels. The mineral selenium also produces subtle elevations in glutathione by becoming integrated into the glutathione peroxidase. Glutathione in Traditional Medicine

Emergency medical doctors, toxicologists and lung and liver specialists are well acquainted with glutathione’s therapeutic uses. American physicians seeking ways to raise a patient’s glutathione levels can open the standard Physician’s Desk Reference (PDR) and find two options – the pharmaceutical drugs sold under the names Parlodex and Mucomyst, and the natural dietary supplement found in natural foods stores derived from whey protein isolate.

Drugs That Raise Glutathione Levels Pharmaceutical drugs like Procysteine, OTC, OTX, Glutathione monoesters and Glutathione diesters have been used to raise glutathione levels. However, they all produce side effects and are unsuitable for long term use. This pharmaceutical non-nutritive chemical is used to break up mucus in lung diseases such as cystic fibrosis, chronic bronchitis and asthma. It remains the standard treatment for acetaminophen overdose.

Glutathione in Health and Disease

It is believed that glutathione has an important role to play in the prevention and treatment of disease. It may in the future be considered as important to health as an alkaline diet, exercise and alkaline lifestyle. Clinical tests show that raised glutathione levels may address some of the eight major health issues of our time:

1) Cardiovascular- Prevents heart disease – Shimizu H, Kiyohara Y, Kitazono T, Kubo M, Ibayashi S, Fufishima M, Lida M. Relationship Between Plasma Glutathione Levels and Cardiovascular Disease in a Defined Population: The Hisyama Study. Stroke. 2004 Sep; 35(9):2072-7. – Prevents stroke – Paterson PG, Juurlink BH. Nutritional Regulation of Glutathione in Stroke. Neurtox Res. 1999 Dec; 1(2): 99-112. – Prevents atherosclerosis – Coppola L, Grassia A, Giunta R. Glutathione Improves Hemostatic and Hemorrheological Parameters in Atherosclerotic Subject. Drugs Exp. Clin Res 1992 18:493-98 – Reverses artherosclerosis – Prevents reperfusion injury

2) Cancer 

Cancer causing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) have been found to alter levels of glutathione compounds in experiments, which may alter the body’s resistance to certain types of cancer. Glutathione deficiencies have been linked to many forms of cancer. – Prevents cancerous tissue – Suppresses tumor growth – Eliminates carcinogen – acids – Retards oxidative stress – Prevents wasting disease – Eases side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy

3) Pulmonary 

Glutathione is the most efficient free radical (acid) scavenger in the airways, and dozens of studies have confirmed that free radical (acid) damage is a primary player in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Rahman I, MacNee W. Oxidative Stress and Regulation of Glutathione in Lung Inflammation. Eur Respir J. 2000 Sep; 16(3):534-54.

 - Breaks up mucus – Rahman I, MacNee W. Oxidative Stress and Regulation of Glutathione in Lung Inflammation. Eur Respir J. 2000 Sep; 16(3):534-54

 - Cystic fibrosis – Glutathione neutralized harmful oxidants introduced into the lungs or those released by cells. Exotoxins from bacteria can overload the endobronchial terrain and feed the fires of acidic inflammation. This staggering burden increases the oxidative sensitivity of the CF lung, resulting in further injury of lung parenchyma. Data supports evidence of a decrease in the antioxidant tri-peptide glutathione (Roum JH, Buhl R, McElvaney NG, et al. Systemic Deficiency of Glutathione in Systic Fibrosis. J Appl Physiol 1993; 75:19-24).

- Asthma

- Chronic bronchitis

- Emphysema – Lamson, David, MD, Grignall, Matthew, ND. The use of Nebulized Glutathione in the Treatment of Emphysema: A Case Report. Altern Med Review. 5(5);429-431, 2000 Oct.

- Pulmonary fibrosis – Ishii T, Fujishiro M, Nakajima J, Teramoto S, Ouchi Y, Matsuse T. Depletion of Glutathion S-Transferase P1 Induces Apoptosis in Huamn Lung Fibroblasts. Exp Lung Res. 29(7);523-36, 2003 Oct-Nov.

4) Aging

Glutathione is critically important to our brain as it is one of the most important brain antioxidants. Glutathione helps preserve brain tissue by preventing damage from free radicals (acids).

In addition to quenching dangerous acids, glutathione also acts to recycle vitamin E which also has the ability to reduce acidity in the brain. (Perlmutter D., BrainRecovery.com July 2004, 5th ed:13)

- Autism – Medical literature documents that an out-fection can lead to a lowering of glutathione which participates in detoxification, interacts with metallothioneins, and supports many crucial aspects of immunity. A link between glutathione and autism regression may derive from the fact that transient or chronic intestinal problems can impair an infant’s or toddler’s nutritional status, thereby minimizing the levels of amino-acids required for the production of glutathione (McCandless, J. Children With Starving Brains. 2003, 2nd ed; 252)

- Parkinson’s Disease – Glutathione helps to preserve brain tissue by preventing damage from free radicals (acids) and destructive chemicals formed by the normal processes of metabolism, toxic elements in the environment, and as a normal response of the body to challenges by acidic agents or other stresses. With the understanding that glutathione is important for brain protection and that this protection many be lacking in the brains of Parkinson’s clients due to glutathione deficiency, it can be seen as very beneficial. (Di Monte DA, Cahn P, Sandy MS. Glutathione in Parkinson’s Disease: A Link Between Oxidative Stress and Mitochondrial Damage? An Neurol. 32 Suppl; S111-115, 1992.)

- Alzheimer’s Disease – Woltjer, R.L., Hgheim W., Maezawa I., Vaisar T, Montine K.S., Montine T.J., Role of Glutathione in Intracellular Amyloid-Alpha Recursor Protein/Carboxy- Terminal Fragment Aggregation and Associated Cytotoxicity. J Neurochem. 2005 May; 93 (4): 1047-56. –

Huntington’s Disease – Choo Y.S., Mao Z, Johnson GV, Lesort M. Increased Glutathione Levels In Cortical Striatal Mitochondria of the R6/2 Huntington’s Disease Mouse Model. Neuroscience Letter. 2005 Sep 23; 386(1): 63-8.

- Multiple Sclerosis – Calabrese V, Scapaginini G, Ravagna A, Bella R, Butterfield DA, Calvani M, Pennisi G, Giuffrida Stella AM. Disruption of Thiol Homeostasis and Nitrostative Stress in the Cerebrospinal Fluid of Patients with Active Multiple Sclerosis: Evidence for a Protective Role of Acetylcarnitine. 2003 Sep; 28(9): 1321-8. Mann CL, Davies MB, Aldersea J, Fryer AA, Jones PK, Ko Ko C, Young C, Strange RC, Hawkins CP. Glutathione S-Transferase Polymorphisms in MS: Their Relationship to Disability. Neurology. 2000 Feb 8;54(3):542-7.

- ALS – Tohgi H, Abe T, Yamazaki K, Murata T, Ishizake E, Isobe C. Increase in Oxidized Products and Reduction in Oxidized Glutathione in Cerborospinal Fluid From Patients with Sporadic Form of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Neurosci Lett. 1999 Feb 5; 260(3):204-6.

- Cataract formation

- Macular degeneration – Cancers of aging

- Prostate problems

- Osteoarthritis

 - Hammarqvist F, Luo JL, Cotgreave IA, Andersson K, Wernerman J. Skeletal Muscle Glutathione is Depleted In Critically Ill Patients. Crit Care Med. 25(1):78-84 1997 Jan.

5) Digestive

 - Inflammatory bowel disease

- Hepatitis

- Malnutrition

- Pancratititis

- Peptic ulcer

6) Toxicology

- Detoxifies certain drug overdoses - Acetaminophen has been shown to reduce glutathione production, thus paving the way for enhanced brain destruction by metabolic acids. (Perlmutter D. July 2004, 5th ed:108)

- Detoxifies substances in cigarette smoke and auto exhaust – Rahman I, MacNee W. Lung Glutathione and Oxidative Stress: Implications In Cigarette Smoke-Induced Airway Disease. Am J Physiol. 277(6 Pt 1);1067-88, 1999 Dec.

- Detoxifies pollutants including heavy metals and pesticides – Elevated glutathione levels have been shown to protect tissue form lipid peroxidation created by exposure to certain metals. Consider infusions of glutathione to relieve the body burden of both neurotoxins and metal toxicity, including mercury. (Foster, JS. Kane PC, Speight N. The Detox Book. 2002;90)

- Prevents hearing loss from noise pollution

- Detoxifies many well-known carcinogens

7) Immunology

- Anti-viral for AIDS, hepatitis, herpes, etc. – Low glutathione levels in HIV clients may contribute to their immune deficiency since glutathione plays an important role in the function of lymphocytes. Some lymphocytes require adequate levels of glutathione in order to function normally, and HIV induces oxidative stress that depletes the cells of glutathione. Townsend DM, Tew KD, Tapero H. The Importance of Glutathione in Human Disease. Biomed Pharmacother. 2003 May-June;57(3-4):145-55. Droge W, Holm E. Role of Cysteine and Glutathione in HIV Infection and other Diseases Associated with Muscle Wasting and Immunological Dysfunction. FASEB J, 11(13):1077-89 1997 Nov.

 - Lyme Disease – Lyme disease is a seriously complex multi-system acidic inflammatory condition that is triggered by bacterial exotoxins. Glutathione helps to remove exotoxic and/or mycotoxic acids by forming a soluble compound with them, which can then be excreted through the urine or gut. (Can Glutathione Help Lyme Disease Suffers? Excerpt from: The Glutathione Report: Opitmal Health with the Master Antioxidant, Issue 4, Volume 1, May 2004).

- Natural antibiotic

- Chronic fatigue syndrome – An article in the journal of Medical Hypothesis proposed that glutathione, an anitoxidant essential for lymphocyte function, may be depleted in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome patients. Glutathione is needed for both the immune system and for aerobic muscular contraction. The authors proposed that glutathione depletion by an activated immune system also causes the muscular fatigue and myalgia associated with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (Bounous et al. 1999).

8) Metabolic

- Athletic enhancement

- Decreases recovery time from physical stress

- Supports hemoglobin in kidney failure

- Diabetes – The blood and tissues of diabetics are marked by critically low glutathione levels. Glutathione depletion may have adverse consequences in diabetic clients independent of glycemic control, and it may weaken the defense against oxidative stress. De Mattia G, Bravi MC, Laurenti O, Cassone-Faldetta M, Armiento A, Ferri C, Falsano F. Influence of Reduced Glutathione Infusion on Glucose Metabolism in Patients with Non-insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus. Metabolism. 1998 Aug;47(8):433-8.

 Glutathione provides the body with tools to fight off these threats naturally. Healthy people also benefit from elevated glutathione levels through an enhanced ability to fight off acidic toxins, disease, pre-cancerous cells and the aging process itself. Diminished glutathione levels are a symptom of aging and are particularly evident in such aliments as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Glutathione is also important to physically active people. Many world-class athletes are discovering that well-maintained glutathione levels gives them the edge over their competitors, bringing greater strength and endurance ,decreased recovery time from injury, less muscle pain and fatigue, and muscle-promoting activity.

 Putting It All Together

1) Medical science is still ascertaining all the critical roles played by glutathione in disease resistance and general good health. Clinical evidence links low glutathione levels to the most common illnesses of our time as well as newly emerging diseases.

2) As an essential aid to health, glutathione works as the master antioxidant in our body, optimizes the white blood cells and detoxifies a long list of pollutants and carcinogens or acids. The best way to raise glutathione levels is by eating foods that are high in glutathione such as avocados.

3) Pharmaceutical medicine has created drugs that do this very effectively. They have their uses in critical situations. But they also have side effects and repeated use is clearly inadvisable. _________________________________________________________

 References: Aging It is well known that aging is accompanied by a precipitous fall in glutathione levels. Lower glutathione levels are implicated in many diseases associated with aging including cataracts, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s atherosclerosis and others.

Journal of Clinical Epidemiology 47:1021-26, 1994.

Antioxidant Functions

Antioxidants are well documented and known to play vital roles in health maintenance and disease prevention. Glutathione is your cell’s own major antioxidant. Maintaining elevated glutathione levels aids the body’s natural antioxidant function.

Biochemical Pharmacology 47: 2114-2123, 1994.

Neurological Disease

Low glutathione levels have been associated with neuro-degenerative diseases such as MS (Multiple Sclerosis), ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease), Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. The Lancet 344: 796-798, 1994.

Cancer

Glutathione plays a role in eliminating many carcinogens/acids and also maintains and optimizes white blood cell function while providing stronger anti-acidic/anti-tumor defenses.

Cancer Letters 57: 91-94, 1991.

Athletic Performance

Raised glutathione levels help increase strength and endurance. Those interested in physical fitness can benefit from a definite athletic edge. Journal of Applied Physiology 87: 1381-1385, 1999.

Toxins, Pollution and Radiation

Glutathione detoxifies a variety of pollutants, carcinogens and poisons including many found in fuel exhaust and cigarette smoke. It also retards damage from radiation exposure due to the eroding ozone layer. Annual Reviews of Biochemistry 52: 711-760, 1983 AIDS

Glutathione levels correspond to poor survival of AIDS patients. Much documentation demonstrates the role of enhanced glutathione levels in AIDS.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, USA 94: 1967-72, 1997.

Heart Disease, Stroke and Cholesterol Raised glutathione levels fight the oxidation of fats circulating in the bloodstream including cholesterol, retarding the process of plaque formation in the arteries leading to most heart attacks and strokes.

Nutrition Reviews 54: 1-30, 1996.

Diabetes

Diabetics are more prone to ‘out-fections’ and circulatory problems leading to heart disease, kidney failure and blindness. Glutathione protects against the complications of diabetes.

Clinical Science 91:575-582, 1996

Lung Disease

Doctors have used glutathione-promoting drugs to treat many lung diseases including asthma, chronic bronchitis and emphysema. New and potentially therapeutic roles can be found for cigarette smoke damage, pulmonary fibrosis and other illnesses.

American Journal of Medical Science 307:119-127, 1994

Digestive Disorders

Glutathione protects the body from inflammation of gastritis, stomach ulcers, pancreatitis and inflammatory bowel disease including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.

Gut 42: 485-492, 1998

Hepatitis

The liver is a major storehouse for glutathione. Glutathione is impaired in alcohol hepatitis as well as in viral (acidic) hepatitis including hepatitis A, B, and C. Raised glutathione levels help restore liver function.

American Journal of Gastroenterology 91: 2569-2573, 1996

 Kidney Disease

Those with kidney failure or on dialysis suffer from high levels of oxidative (acidic) stress and decreased glutathione levels. Raised glutathione levels help prevent anemia. Nephron 61: 404-408, 1992

Pregnancy, Lactation and Childbirth

Glutathione’s role in fetal and placental development is critical. It also acts in the placenta to detoxify pollutants before they can reach the developing child. Many complications of pregnancy have been linked with poor glutathione levels.

Early Human Development 37: 167-174, 1994

 ———————————————————————

Update On My Dad

Well,  I have been so busy that I haven’t posted the progress on my father.

Some of you know he was on his death bed the end of October, 2008.  You may already know he has come back and no one is expecting him to go anywhere for a long time.

Maybe you remember that he has dementia/alzheimers disease and that the doctors said he is in the last stages and has hardly any white brain matter left.

I am hearing reports from the caregivers every day about dad remembering things.  One mentioned he even remembered a DVD movie she had put in that night.  A movie he had not seen for probably a month or so.

This is a man who didn’t have much of a long term memory or a short term memory for many years.  He didn’t communicate much either.  Well he is back and I wish his doctors would do another MRI because I bet it would look totally different!

Thank you God for MaxGXL and Dr. Keller!

 

GLUTATHIONE PROMOTING DRUGS, SUPPLEMENTS AND CO FACTORS

THE N-ACETYL CYSTEINE STORY 

The only substances listed in the drug category above that have been approved by the FDA to date are N-acetyl cysteine and glutathione itself, both of which are usually administered intravenously.  All others in that category have demonstrated significant problems and are not considered safe for long term use. 

Nonetheless, it is estimated that pharmaceutical companies have spent billions of dollars to develop a glutathione producing/promoting drug.  Given the relative obscurity of glutathione in mainstream medicine, don’t you find Big Pharma’s intense and costly interest curious? 

With the scarcity of available drugs and their restricted uses imposed by the FDA and health insurance companies, it is clear, to me at least, that nutritional supplements are needed to maintain maximum glutathione levels (for health, quality, and perhaps even length of life). 

One substance that occupies a position both as a prescription drug and a supplement is N-acetyl cysteine (NAC).  Of course the difference is that a prescription drug (NAC) must be pharmaceutical (highest) grade whereas supplements containing NAC may, but are not required to be, pharmaceutical grade.  In fact, most of them are food grade.  As such, drug NAC is purer bur not necessarily more effective (comparative studies don’t exist).  Both drugs and supplements taken orally have the same potential gastrointestinal side effects (stomach ache, nausea, vomiting) if administered at greater than 800mg/m2 per dose. 

Stated simply, this is about 12000 milligrams (mgs) for a 150-pound person.  Some of the other negatives such as statements that NAC supplements raise glutathione levels only transiently (temporarily), however, require more critical examination. 

Glutathione is synthesized within the cytosol of cells.  The studies demonstrating that NAC raises GSH levels only transiently measure glutathione in the serum (blood).  In a previous section, we mentioned that glutathione transferases transport glutathione out of cells when intracellular levels exceed the cells requirements.  Although the ORAC test (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) may measure GSH levels in serum, remember neither serum glutathione elevations nor its duration accurately depicts the conditions within the cell.  In fact, there are a few important articles in the research literature that speak directly to this controversy. 

In one study, animals were given NAC every four hours.  The studies revealed that intracellular glutathione levels increased with the initial dose; increased again with the second dose; and only plateaued after the third dose.  Of note, the doses used were thousands of times the equivalent human dose. 

In another study, animals were fed NAC, again at doses hundreds of times the equivalent human dose, over a prolonged period (the equivalent of approximately four years in humans).  Examination of all the organs of the animals after the experiments were completed demonstrated no abnormalities in any tissue.  In addition, comprehensive chemistry evaluation revealed only one minor abnormality in liver enzyme levels, but glutathione and glutathione peroxidase levels were elevated significantly. 

Finally, an interesting study in baby animals demonstrated that 20 grams (20,000 mgs) in a baby chick weighing less than 100 grams (the ideal human is 70,000 grams) demonstrated increased growth compared to a group of baby chicks receiving no NAC.  It must be noted that if 30 and 40 grams of NAC was given, the chicks actually demonstrated decreased growth rate compared to a placebo-fed group, but at doses at least thousands of times the human dose, NAC increased the growth of the baby chicks.  This finding gains importance as babies of any species grow more quickly that adults and therefore, any problem associated with NAC should be magnified. 

In addition, these are the very studies required by the FDA before human clinical trials can begin (animal toxicity studies) and are worthy of mentioning even though the results of animal studies cannot be extrapolated to humans.  Given the beneficial effects at doses thousands of times any human dose, they call into question any statement concerning the possibility toxicity associated with long-term use of N-acetyl cysteine.  These studies suggest strongly that NAC or other “protected” cysteines serve our integral purpose in any GSH promoting supplement.                  

CLOSING NOTE: N-Acetyl Cysteine is an ingredient in Dr. Keller’s formulation.

From pages 41-43 of GLUTATHIONE, Your Best Defense Against Aging, Cellular Damage and Disease, Dr. Robert H. Keller, MD, MS, FACP, AAHIVS

The Heart

“Tomorrow morning,” the surgeon began, 
“I’ll open up your heart…”
“You’ll find Jesus there,” the boy
interrupted.
The surgeon looked up, annoyed “I’ll
cut your heart open,” he continued,
to see how much damage has been 
done..”
“But when you open up my heart, you’ll
find Jesus in there,” said the boy.
The surgeon looked to the parents, who
Sat quietly. “When I see how much
damage has been done, I’ll sew your 
heart and chest back up, and I’ll plan
what to do next.”
“But you’ll find Jesus in my heart. The
Bible says He lives there. The
hymns all say He lives there. You’ll
find Him in my heart.” 
The surgeon had had enough. “I’ll tell
you what I’ll find in your heart
I’ll find damaged muscle, low blood
supply, and weakened vessels.
And I’ll find out if I can make you well..”
“You’ll find Jesus there too. He lives 
there.”
The surgeon left.
The surgeon sat in his office, recording his notes from the surgery,
“……damaged aorta, damaged pulmonary vein, widespread muscle 
degeneration.
No hope for transplant, no hope for cure. Therapy: 
painkillers and bed rest Prognosis: 
here he paused, “death within one year.”
He stopped the recorder, but there was
more to be said. “Why?” he asked aloud.
“Why did You do this? You’ve put 
him here; You’ve put him in this pain; and You’ve cursed him to an 
early death. Why?”

The Lord answered and said, “The boy,
my lamb, was not meant for your
flock for long, for he is a part of My 
flock, and will forever be
Here, in My flock, he will feel no pain, and will be comforted as you
cannot imagine.
His parents will one day join him here,
and they will know peace, and
My flock will continue to grow.” 
The surgeon’s tears were hot, but his
anger was hotter. “You created that
boy, and You created that heart. He’ll
be dead in months. Why?”
The Lord answered, “The boy, My lamb,
shall return to My flock, for He has 
done his duty: I did not put My lamb
with your flock to lose him, but to retrieve another lost lamb.”
The surgeon wept… 
The surgeon sat
beside the boy’s bed; the boy’s
parents sat across from him. The boy awoke and whispered, “Did you cut 
open my heart?”
“Yes,” said the surgeon.
“What did you find?” asked the boy.
“I found Jesus there,” said the
surgeon.
Author Unknown – Celebrate Jesus in 2009 

Have you lost someone you love or care about?  Are you losing someone now?  Perhaps the plan was never for them to be here forever.  Would you change the way you treat someone if you knew from the day they were born they were on a limited stay here with us?  Would you live your life differently if you knew just how long you would be walking this earth?  What is your purpose here, now?  Do you even know?  Well I will have to find out from God just what he put my dad on this earth for but at least I have faith there was a plan put in motion from the day he was born.  Hey without him I wouldn’t be here would I.  I’ll have to remember to give him another hug today for that gift he gave me.  Better do it today because I don’t know how much longer he will be with us……  What are you waiting for?  Go hug that special person who is still here or tell them you love them now.  If you wait then the pain will just be greater for you when you wake up and realize you didn’t have the chance because you waited too long.  The pain will be all ours because they won’t be in pain. 

Sorry, these are the thoughts and questions that came to my mind after I read this poem someone sent me.  What kinds of thoughts does this poem bring to you?  I’m interested.  Tell me about it. 

 

TESTIMONIAL-SEVERE PAIN-SPONDYLOLISTHESIS

This Testimonial is straight from Dr. Keller’s book: 

Cindy, Improved Cell Function & Anti-Inflammation 

Hi, my name is Cindy M.  I’ve suffered with severe scoliosis since I was 12 years of age.  I also have a lower back problem that caused my scoliosis; which is known as Spondylolisthesis.  I was in severe pain. I went through surgery at 13 and was in a body cast for 9 months and in bed for 6 months.  I couldn’t sit up or hang my leg off the bed.  I was basically confined to my bed.  They did the surgery to slow the curve down and I didn’t have your typical surgery that you would have for scoliosis, because of my Spondylolisthesis.  I had a Harrington type pin placed in my lower back instead of rods.  Prior to all of this I wore a Milwaukee brace for two years.  It didn’t work because of my lower back, however.  Now they would like to go in and put four Harrington rods in from top to bottom. 

And also some stainless-steel pins in the front to secure what they would have to do in the back.  My doctor at University of Michigan has told me that he would like to tell me that he’s doing it to get rid of my pain but he is not.  My spine’s not just curving, but it’s turning my torso and they would lie to try to stop that.  I have suffered every day of my life with this pain.  I have tried several different natural methods and I didn’t choose synthetic pain killers because this would be with me for the rest of my life, and I would have to take stronger doses with each passing year.

The day I was introduced to the glutathione supplement, I was in severe pain.  I was very skeptical because of all the things I’ve tried.  But I was always praying something would work.  So I took the glutathione supplement and I went and rested because I didn’t think I was going to be able to go do errands that I had to do.  Twenty minutes later, I started feeling better.  I got up and started moving around and my pain was gone! I didn’t say anything to my family because I was still skeptical, wondering “was this really this supplement?  How could it work this fast?” 

So I finished the week’s supply and two days went by without the glutathione supplement and I felt like I had been hit by a Mack truck.  I was back to severe pain, calling everyone to see if I could get some more.  I’ve never done crack, but I felt like an addict.  I was looking for that fix.  At that point I knew that it was the glutathione supplement.  It’s been almost four months now, and the glutathione supplement has changed my life.  My quality of life has never been this good since I was a little girl.  I know everybody is different.  It might not work on some people as fast as it did on me, but it was like the forest fire was put out on my back.  I still have scoliosis but I’m not living with pain anymore. 

Keller, RH, GLUTATHIONE Your Best Defense Against Aging, Cellular Damage and Disease, 2008

TESTIMONIAL-FIBROMYALGIA & MENISCUS CARTILAGE TEAR

This Testimonial is straight from Dr. Keller’s book: 

Jillyn, Improved Cellular Function-Musculoskeletal 

In February 2006, working as a teacher I, Jillyn, at 52 years old was tripped in the hall and landed on my left knee.  It immediately swelled up and I struggled to walk.  I was sent to two doctors, one was an orthopedic surgeon I had X-rays, and an MRI done.  I was told my MRI showed a meniscus cartilage tear.  It hurt so bad I couldn’t sleep and I walked with severe pain.  I was given Prednisone and Amitriptyline to bring down the inflammation and the pain, but to no avail.  I was on crutches for a month but that didn’t help either.

 Then in April 2007, over a year later and still in pain, I was then sent to another orthopedic surgeon who really is a specialist in knees.  He said I definitely needed surgery.  But I am allergic to a lot of anti-inflammatories so I wanted to think about it for a few weeks.  I then heard about the glutathione supplement and started taking it to see if it would help my fibromyalgia which I was diagnosed with in 1980 by a rheumatologist.  Some symptoms of fibromyalgia, besides pain and lack of energy that I also struggle with are severe insomnia where many nights I did not sleep at all and a lack of mental clarity. 

The longer I was on the glutathione supplement, the better I felt.  After about 2 months of taking it I noticed increased mental clarity, my energy level was up and there was less stiffness in my joints and muscles.  I sleep better and I feel better than I have in 27 years!  I am sleeping all night, every night, and my knee is NOT painful anymore.

Now 1 ½ years since the fall, Oct. 1, I had a follow up with the knee specialist, the orthopedic surgeon who I saw last April.  I was concerned about the surgery and when to have it.  After my exam he wrote up the results and asked if I wanted a copy.  In those results he wrote, 

‘PLAN:  Because her symptoms have shown signs of resolution and her exam is benign today would recommend holding off on surgery for now.  Continue to follow on a conservative basis using the glutathione supplement.  Since the inflammation is now resolving, it will take another 6 months or so for complete healing.”

My orthopedic surgeon then explained that by keeping the inflammation down with the glutathione supplement my body has been able to work on healing my meniscus cartilage tear.  He then recommended careful exercise to build my knee strength, so the very next day I walked ONE mile on it, which I had not dared do, and my knee felt fine.  I am ecstatic! 

My knee is doing wonderful, NO surgery needed, my fibromyalgia seldom bothers me anymore, I have more energy, better mental clarity and I sleep every night. 

For years I have also had severe allergies.  And after four months on the glutathione supplement, I was able to keep my allergies completely under control.  I felt normal and even forgot about my allergies until one day my husband asked me why I wasn’t suffering with them.  I said I was only taking my glutathione supplement and had no allergy symptoms.

Keller, RH, GLUTATHIONE Your Best Defense Against Aging, Cellular Damage and Disease, 2008

Testimonial-Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

This Testimonial is straight from Dr. Keller’s book:

Frank and Judy, Improved Cellular Function

 I am 46 years young and I live in Peachland, BC.

 I hated feeling like a burden to my family.

As things go over the next years so many well intentioned friends and friends of friends were convinced they could “cure” my MS with their various products etc.  Being somewhat of a realist I didn’t want any part of bouncing from product to product, I did my research, there is no cure for MS!

In January of 2005 my husband had a heart attack, yet another blow for us!  Two surgeries and 11 stints later he is taking huge doses of Lipitor (80 mg daily).

Our children now being young adults and heading out on their own, I wanted a change for us so we moved to Peachland and semi-retired. 

In June of 2007 my husband was introduced to a glutathione supplement.  I was willing to try it. 

About two weeks into taking the glutathione supplement, I had to admit that I was feeling so much better than I had in years!  Less spasm, less pain, less fatigue and more energy than I had in some time!  WOW and this gets better.  After two months on the product, my husband’s medication was reduced by 20% to 60 mg of Lipitor daily.

Glutathione has been so much more than a supplement.  It has and is changing our lives daily.  I still have MS but MS doesn’t have me!  We are looking forward to a much longer life and a better quality of life than we ever could have imagined!

Keller, RH, GLUTATHIONE Your Best Defense Against Aging, Cellular Damage and Disease, 2008

Testimonial-Fibromyalgia & Osteoarthritis

This Testimonial is straight from Dr. Keller’s book:

Joanne, Improved Cellular Function 

I am 61 years young — feeling like I’m 39 and holding due to the glutathione supplement!  I can think more clearly now (less senior moments), major pain nearly gone –more energy.  I love to dance and there is no more lactic acid after dancing or exercise!  Inflammation is the cause of almost all pain but with the glutathione supplement and my positive attitude, I am experiencing major pain relief.  But my life wasn’t always this enriched — healthwise! 

I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis back in the late ‘80’s — early 90’s.  I have been in pain since that time!  Fibromyalgia is a condition where you hurt all over your body.  I would take over-the-counter pain medicine to help with the pain —- but it would help for a short time only.  My doctor gave me antidepressants a few years ago.  I told him that I wasn’t depressed.  He told me that antidepressants work for the pain of fibromyalgia.  So I went home and tried it.  I took one tablet —- a few minutes later I was sick to my stomach.  I threw the pills in the garbage.  So over the years I put up with the pain, dealing with it as best I could.  Due to this condition, I only slept 3-4 hours a night as well.  And we all know that as we sleep — our bodies are repairing themselves.  A person needs their proper sleep or they can’t function the next day! 

But since learning about the glutathione supplement — I’ve been taking it since July 9, 2007 noticing AMAZING RESULTS within 48 HOURS!  First of all, I noticed my pain was not as bad as it used to be — my arms and legs had a lot less pain.  As the days went by, the pain got even less!  I have a great sleep every night now and energy galore.  An amazing supplement! 

Keller, RH, GLUTATHIONE Your Best Defense Against Aging, Cellular Damage and Disease, 2008 

Testimonial-Anxiety, Depression & Chest Pain

This Testimonial is straight from Dr. Keller’s book: 

Carvel, Improved Cellular Function 

I am 66 years old.  Using the glutathione supplement has changed my life.  Yes, I have reentered life! 

I experienced a significant benefit within 2 hours of using this product.  I feel better now than I have in many years. 

Here is my story.

I was in near perfect health, so I believed, through my late 50’s.  Then I was assaulted by serious mental and physical health challenges. 

I had been an outdoor enthusiast.  I ran my first marathon at age 47.  I ran at least one marathon a year for 10 consecutive years.  I did a lot of mountain biking and backpacking into the backcountry.  Also, I snow skied –— never at a high skill level, but I had the energy and strength to do it. 

All that great outdoor stuff stopped when I became ill.  I stopped exercising and gained 75 pounds.  For several years I was not living life —- I was merely surviving from one day to the next.

I was diagnosed with severe depression and an anxiety disorder.  Every day for at least 5 years, I had pains in my chest; some days it was only at an uncomfortable level, but most days the pain was excruciating. 

I was committing many thinking errors.  It adversely affected every area of my life, including financial, spiritual, and social. 

Nothing seemed to deliver relief.  I was hospitalized 3 times.  I sought help from several different medical doctors.  Many different pharmaceutical medicines were prescribed and used.  Still no relief. 

I tried several alternative approaches to my health problems, including acupuncture, hypnosis and chiropractic.  Nothing worked. 

I spent a week with a holistic practitioner in Mexico.  It didn’t help. 

Many well intended people gave me advice – what to do – what to eat – what to drink – what to swallow, etc.  Nothing worked. 

I decided to take an early retirement.  I retired from my career in 2003.  Life was still very hard.

Then I decided to move from Utah to Hawaii.  I made the move early November, 2006.  I believe that helped, but I was still hurting. 

I woke up every morning with turmoil in my chest.  I can best describe it by reporting that it felt like cats inside my chest clawing. 

Sometime late December, 2006, I learned about glutathione supplement.  I began using it mid-January, 2007. 

This is what happened.  Within an hour or two after I first took the supplement, I felt softening of the anxiety in my chest.  The pain went away, and has not returned. It is an absolute miracle. 

But the softening of the anxiety per se, is not the most miraculous part of my experience.  Not only was my anxiety going down, but my energy was increasing.

Never before had I taken anything, good or bad, that increased my energy and also reduced the anxiety.  Usually when my energy increased, my anxiety cranked up. 

So, my first two noticeable benefits were my anxiety reduced and my energy went up. 

Here are some other benefits I noticed:

• Better sleep – that is, more restful slumber
• Natural color returning to my hair
• Old scar tissue on my right shin repairing
• Increased desire to accomplish things each day
• Increased sense of well being

 I do not use any prescribed medications.  I feel discouraged sometimes, but I no longer suffer from depression; I know the difference. 

Yes, using this product has changed my life.  It is true that I feel better than I have in many years. 

I am not yet back to the point to where I thought I was enjoying near perfect health.  But, that is now up to me.  I know I need to exercise more, and shed some pounds. 

There is more, but I think I have captured, and shared the essence of my experience using the revolutionary product. 

Keller, RH, GLUTATHIONE Your Best Defense Against Aging, Cellular Damage and Disease, Table 1, p 16, 61-70, 2008

Parkinson’s Testimonial

This Testimonial is straight from Dr. Keller’s Book.

Jean, Improved Cellular Function-Neurologic

 I am a 52 year old woman with Parkinson’s.  I was diagnosed in 2002, at the age of 47.  My neurologist is Ali H. Rajput, OC, SOM, MBBS, FRCPC, of Royal University Hospital, Saskatoon, Canada.  I was last seen by Dr. Rajput in December of 2006, when it was determined I could no longer work (I was a bakery manager at the time).  This is a part of his letter to my family doctor.  “Jean was examined 3 hours and 30 minutes after the last dose of Sinemet.  There was a 2+ resting tremor in the left upper limb and 1+ resting tremor in all other limbs.  There is 2+ postural tremor in the right upper limb and 1+ in the left upper limb.  Her pronation/supernation is at 2+ on the left side and 1+ on the right side, and heel tapping is 3+ on the left and 1+ on the right.  There is 1+ rigidity.  Her posture is stable; she is therefore at Stage 2 disability.”

 I first started taking the glutathione supplement in late May 2007. I started with three capsules in the morning and three in the afternoon.  I felt nauseated, weak, developed a headache, and broke out in hives.  So I then started taking only 1 capsule twice daily for three days.  Then I went to 1 and 2 for 3 days.  I still did not feel really well.  Then I went to 2 and 2.  By day 10, I started to feel really good. I actually slept for 4 hours straight, something that had not happened in the last 2 years.  By day 12, I was feeling great!  My medication did not “wear off” in one to one-and-a half hours like it usually did, but lasted 3 hours before wearing off!  My pain level went from about an 8 to a 2.  For the first time since about January of 2007, I did not have to use a cane to walk!  What a wonderful feeling that was!  There was no more Parkinson’s shuffle, and the cramping in my left arm and leg was minimal.  And instead of sleeping half the afternoon away, I only need about a 15-minute nap.  I started taking 3 and 3 capsules on about day 30.  The hives have gone away and no more headaches.  So, to sum up the first 3 months;

 1)      My energy level increased (from about a 2 to a 6)

2)      I sleep for about three hours straight and for a total of about 6 hours per night, whereas before, I was lucky to get a total of 4 hours per night.

3)      My medications last 3 to 3-and-a-half hours instead of 1 to 1-and-a-half hours, resulting in:

a)      Less tremors

b)      Less muscle cramping

c)      Less muscle rigidity

d)     Do not lose my voice very often

e)      Do not have as much trouble swallowing

f)       Pain in joints is minimal (as opposed to all day)

g)      Do not need cane to walk

h)      Less depression

i)        My thinking is a lot clearer, not so foggy in the morning

j)        Panic attacks are less

k)      I fee more confident in such things as my driving, going put alone, etc.

l)        Overall, more “on” time than “off” time

 In September, I felt the glutathione supplement was not working as well, so I started taking 3 in the morning, 3 just after lunch, and 3 at around 4 or 5 p.m.  This seems to be working well.

Keller, RH, GLUTATHIONE Your Best Defense Against Aging, Cellular Damage and Disease, 2008