Sunday, October 12, 2008

GSH and Healthy Kidney Function

Arteriosclerosis or hardening of the arteries is so common in the developed world it is often considered a normal part of aging. Although it is caused by a cascade of events over a long period of time, the consequences (kidney failure, heart disease, stroke, and many other ailments) can be fatal. The good new is: medical evidence shows arteriosclerosis can be prevented. While dietary choices and exercise are excellent means to ensure health and longevity, research also suggests that glutathione (GSH) plays an important part in slowing down the progress of arterial plaque formation and reducing oxidative stress.

To better understand the benefits of GSH, let’s consider kidney failure and dialysis. The kidney system is responsible for filtering the blood, detoxification, removing excess fluid, and regulating blood pressure. If the kidneys are not working properly, waste products accumulate in the blood and negatively affect other organ systems. This destructive process may shorten life expectancy. Renal failure patients suffer an imbalance of oxidants and antioxidants that grow worse with dialysis. In spite of life saving action, dialysis can worsen kidney malfunction by increasing oxidative stress and dramatically reducing GSH levels.

Kidney failure is most commonly triggered by arteriosclerosis, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Acute renal failure occurs when the kidneys suffer inadequate blood flow. Many pharmaceutical drugs are also implicated in kidney failure. Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen and acetaminophen put a tremendous strain on the kidneys and can damage them. Supplementing with GSH plays a protective role because glutathione acts as an antioxidant and detoxifier. It cleanses the body of harmful pharmaceuticals and fights plaque formation by inhibiting lipid peroxidation. Restoring glutathione is a therapeutic strategy for kidney disease that promises beneficial effects. In addition to proper nutrition and exercise, supplementing with Max GXL may help complications of kidney failure or prevent arteriosclerosis altogether.
Learn more about the importance of GSH at:
http://www.themaxsite.com/glutathione.html

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