Winter's chill isn't just about the flu; it's a silent assault on your body's defences. While low vitamin D takes the spotlight, a hidden threat lurks: the depletion of glutathione, a powerful antioxidant crucial for a robust immune system. This is especially alarming for the elderly, who already have lower glutathione levels to begin with. And here's the shocking part: a commonly used medication, paracetamol (acetaminophen), might be exacerbating this problem, potentially hindering recovery and increasing vulnerability to illness!
Glutathione: Your body's internal shield
Imagine your cells as tiny fortresses, constantly under siege from free radicals – unstable molecules that damage cell structures and contribute to ageing and disease. Glutathione acts as the fortress's main defender, neutralising these harmful invaders and keeping your cells healthy and functioning optimally. This powerful antioxidant isn't just a bystander; it's a key player in immune responses, fighting off infections and reducing inflammation. Research such as this study emphasises glutathione's critical role in disease severity.
The age factor: A glutathione deficiency time bomb
As we age, our bodies naturally produce less glutathione. This makes older adults significantly more vulnerable to illness. This reduced defence is often further compromised by other age-related factors, such as decreased nutrient absorption, and increased oxidative stress.
Paracetamol: A double-edged sword?
Paracetamol is commonly used (and advised by doctors) to reduce fever and alleviate aches, though it doesn't shorten the duration of illness. However, emerging evidence suggests a potential downside: it may further deplete already low glutathione levels, especially in the elderly. This means that while providing temporary relief from symptoms, paracetamol could inadvertently weaken the body's ability to fight off infection in the long run. This is particularly concerning given the already compromised glutathione status of the elderly population. My experience with COVID-19 patients reinforced this concern; in the winter of 2021-2022 I treated almost 500 people with COVID-19 and I observed numerous cases where (older) patients experienced significantly improved recovery just by stopping paracetamol use.
*Endogenous Deficiency of Glutathione as the Most Likely Cause of Serious Manifestations and Death in COVID-19 Patients.
Beyond glutathione: The gut's crucial role
The picture of winter wellness is incomplete without considering the critical role of gut health. A leaky gut or an imbalanced microbiome—an unhealthy microbial community in the digestive system—can compromise immune function, further reducing the body’s ability to produce and effectively utilise glutathione. This creates a vicious cycle, where an already weakened immune system is less capable of fighting off infections, resulting in a prolonged recovery and increased susceptibility to illness.
Reclaiming your winter wellness: A multifaceted approach
To counter the winter wellness slump, we need a strategic, multi-pronged approach:
- Dietary power-up: Increase your intake of glutathione-boosting foods, including cruciferous vegetables, avocados, and nuts.
- Gut-friendly choices: Prioritise fibre-rich foods, fermented foods (kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut), and prebiotics (foods that feed good gut bacteria). Consider probiotic supplementation under professional guidance.
- Lifestyle optimization: Prioritise quality sleep, stress management, and moderate exercise.
- Strategic supplementation: In some cases, supplementing with glutathione precursors, like N-acetylcysteine, can be beneficial. Always consult your healthcare provider. For superior bioavailability and rapid cellular absorption, consider Nutriswiss glutathione. Its unique nano-sized molecules deliver glutathione to every cell in the body in just 70 seconds with over 97% bioavailability—a significant improvement over traditional supplements. This superior absorption allows for optimal detoxification and chelation of some heavy metals, a process where the glutathione molecule binds to the metal, making it easier for the body to eliminate. You can find more information on Nutriswiss glutathione here.
This winter, let's challenge the conventional wisdom and take a proactive, holistic approach to well-being. By supporting our glutathione levels and nurturing a healthy gut, we can significantly enhance our resilience and face the colder months with greater confidence and vitality. For a more complete understanding of winter wellness, be sure to read my other blog post on vitamin D, magnesium, and K2 here.
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Sources
- Pandolfi S, Simonetti V, Ricevuti G, Chirumbolo S. Paracetamol in the home treatment of early COVID-19 symptoms: A possible foe rather than a friend for elderly patients? J Med Virol. 2021 Oct;93(10):5704-5706. doi: 10.1002/jmv.27158. Epub 2021 Jun 30. Erratum in: J Med Virol. 2022 Mar;94(3):1246. doi: 10.1002/jmv.27454. PMID: 34170556; PMCID: PMC8426871.
- Polonikov, A. Endogenous Deficiency of Glutathione as the Most Likely Cause of Serious Manifestations and Death in COVID-19 Patients. ACS Infectious Diseases 2020 6 (7), 1558-1562. DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.0c00288
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- Ober. C., S. Sinatra, M. Zucker, Earthing: the most important health discovery ever?. 2010: Basic HealthPublications.
- Pizzorno L. Jeffrey S. Bland, phd—The Disease Delusion: Conquering the Causes of Chronic Illness for a Healthier, Longer and Happier Life. Integr Med (Encinitas). 2014 Oct;13(5):52–6. PMCID: PMC4684103.
- Marí M, Morales A, Colell A, García-Ruiz C, Fernández-Checa JC. Mitochondrial glutathione, a key survival antioxidant. Antioxid Redox Signal. 2009 Nov;11(11):2685-700. doi: 10.1089/ARS.2009.2695. PMID: 19558212; PMCID: PMC2821140.
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