If you have ever sprained your ankle, you know how uncomfortable it can be. The affected area swells up and you are in enormous pain. Or do you have an elderly family member with arthritis or gout who often complains about aches and pains from their swollen joints? What’s common in these situations is the affected person has difficulty with movement as it becomes painful and any form of exercise can be challenging.
It is now known that cellular inflammation is at the root of most diseases, including arthritis. Glutathione is our body’s most powerful natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory molecule. Created by every single cell, glutathione plays an important role in the immune system and has potent anti-inflammatory effects.
Scientists have discovered that people with arthritis have significantly reduced glutathione levels. According to a study, rheumatoid arthritis is associated with significant depletion in glutathione.
Our glutathione levels become rapidly depleted as we age, leading to a build-up of free radicals and inflammation within our cells. To add to the problem, pain medications and other pharmaceutical drugs have the unfortunate side effect of further depleting our glutathione levels, creating a vicious circle.
