The Little Known Story of Methylation
When it comes to different biological processes in our body, few are as important as a process known as methylation, and yet very few people are familiar with it. Methylation is a biological process that takes place over a billion times every second!!! It is used in our bodies to help with detoxification, energy production, immune function, neurologic function, muscle growth and repair, proper hormone balance, DNA synthesis and repair and much, much more! As you can see, it’s pretty darn important.
The Little Known Player, Glutathione
Methylation, in very plain and simple terms, is a process whereby our body utilizes a methyl group, which is a carbon atom with 3 hydrogen atoms (CH3) in various biological processes, such as those stated above. One of the most critical players in the methylation story, is a key antioxidant that many refer to as “The mother of all antioxidants,” Glutathione. You may have never even heard of this before, but it is an extremely important antioxidant that helps with methylation and many other processes throughout our body. In fact, there are over 100,000 medical articles confirming the critical role and importance of Glutathione in many different biological processes. Here are just some ways in which Glutathione can help us:
- Glutathione Helps with Aging
Several studies have shown a very clear connection between decreased Glutathione levels and age-related illnesses. Boosting Glutathione levels and maintaining them is a very simple way to help slow the overall aging process.
- Glutathione and Heart Disease
One of the critical roles that Glutathione plays in our body is in helping to protect our heart and blood vessels from harmful damage that can occur from free radicals. Glutathione acts like a sponge and travels throughout our body to help fight off these and other harmful substances.
- Glutathione Protects Our Brain
Oxidative stress has been shown to be a key factor in the onset of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Glutathione has been shown, as stated above to be a critical player in helping to protect our brain from harmful damage that can occur as a result of free radical damage.
How to Boost Glutathione Levels
Here are 5 simple ways that have been consistently proven to boost Glutathione levels easily and naturally:
- Eat Your Greens
Because Glutathione is a sulfur containing compound, eating foods rich in sulfur are a great way to help boost Glutathione levels. Green cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, kale, spinach, collard greens, and brussels sprouts are awesome!
- Drink Bone Broth
Bone broth is just for fasting. Consuming 1 cup of bone broth daily is a great way to increase your consumption of naturally occurring glycine – one of the building blocks of glutathione. - Exercise
Surprise, surprise! Yet again another reason to exercise. Numerous studies have shown that exercising is a great way to naturally boost Glutathione levels throughout our body. Both aerobic and weight training exercise has been shown to increase your levels drastically.
- Supplementation
Another easy way to help boost Glutathione is through supplementation. Direct supplementation has been proven ineffective, i.e. taking glutathione directly. Instead you can consume a natural glutathione precursor known as N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC). Some other great supplements to help with Glutathione production and recycling are the B Vitamins, especially in the active form of folate (5 methyltetrahydrofolate), B6 (in active form of P5P) and B12 (in the active form of methylcobalamin).
- Clean Up Your Act
Toxins deplete your supply of glutathione. To reduce your exposure to these toxins, swap out factory foods for natural foods, filter your water, and trade toxic cleaners and personal care products for “green” varieties.
So, there you have it. A very simple way to help you combat the negative effects of aging, help you protect yourself from heart disease, and protect your brain! Take care until next time!