Bill Whitaker was in accordance with take over the podium on Jeopardy ! tonight( May 3 ), for the first of his two week stint on the favourite trivia show as guest host.
The 69 -year-old CBS Correspondent chatted with the Washington Post ahead of the premiere escapade and opened up about what went into guest hosting the program.
“I work in television news, which is a totally different animal. I’m used to talking to one camera, ” he shared with the paper. “Here, “youve had”, I picture, four cameras — one lunges in from the side, you talk to that one at the end of one commercial, and then lunges to another one you have to talk to after a business, and then the contestants are over on the other side. The thing that I was most surprised about was just how fast-paced it is.”
Bill revealed that he only had one day to practise for his appearance, ahead of filming.
“I probably could have abused two, ” he admits, and added that he instantly picked up on the rectify Jeopardy! lingo: players pay “responses, ” not answers, and hosts say a response is “incorrect” instead of wrong.
Bill added that there were a” couple of seasons I had to pinch myself to say,’ Oh my gosh! Look where I am. This is crazy ‘. It glances just like it gazes on tv. You’re not watching on the box, you’re actually there. The big screen and the questions and the platforms with the patrons and the directors and the producers and the whole thing. It is quite surreal.”
“It becomes easier, present by establish, ” he shared about hosting. “Around show seven, I was like,’ I mull I’ve get this! ’ I was feeling a little bit more pleasant. Then you’ve came support eight, nine, 10 and you’re out.”
Like with guest multitudes in the past few weeks, Jeopardy will be donating to a donation of Bill’s select, in an equal amount to the cumulative winnings of the players that compete while they’re hosting.
He has chosen the Media Fellowship House, which is a non-partisan interracial and interfaith organization based in Media, Pennsylvania. The house has been used to hold programs for children and senior citizens, and also host civics groups and civil rights activities.
Jeopardy! breaths weekdays. Check your regional registers for experiences and channels.
Pierce Fulton has sadly passed away, his brother revealed on social media.
The 28-year-old EDM producer’s older brother, Griff, shared a statement about Pierce’s passing, which was due to a “tragic struggle with his mental health.”
“It breaks my heart to share with you that Pierce passed away on Thursday evening following a tragic struggle with his mental health,” the statement began. “Pierce was so incredibly full of life, love & unimaginable creativity. He was kind, caring, thoughtful, silly & sweet. The most magical person that we were all so blessed to know, hear & see. He was an expert at absolutely anything he set his mind to & had this incredible ability to retain knowledge unlike anyone I’ve ever known. The only word that truly can describe his abilities is genius.”
Griff continued that Pierce “could captivate a room of strangers in the blink of an eye with only one hope – to make everyone feel loved, comfortable & welcomed. He traveled the globe for the better part of a decade doing what he loved & cemented powerful friendships with so many wonderful people along the way, accomplishing more in his career in music than most could dream to accomplish in a lifetime. He loved you all so much & wanted to give you everything he had; and he had so much to give.”
Pierce made a big impact on the music industry with his breakout single “Kuaga (Lost Time)” in 2015, and his final album, Keeping the Little Things, was released last August.
His family thanked fans, extended family and friends for their support and have also created the email address pierce@piercefulton.com for fans and friends to send any memories or thoughts about Pierce.
They have also vowed to start an organization aimed at creating “real & lasting positive change” for those battling with their mental health.
Anxiety feels like everything is your fault, person infringe a glass? Your fault! Someone cancelled proposes on you? Your fault, everything is your fault!
Anxiety feels like you’re a television and someone else has the remote! You have no control over what to watch or what to do!
Anxiety may seem like everyone dislikes you! You say hello to someone and they just say hi back, they hate you!
Anxiety feels like when you’re sitting back on your chair but the chair almost comes over but you catch yourself simply in time! Yeah anxiety feels like that excitement for hours after hours but for no reason at all!
Anxiety feels like you can never trust your own excitements because they are constantly lying to you!
Anxiety may seem like everything is wrong, well because distres forms everything go wrong for you!
Anxiety feels like a race track in my subconsciou but a scoot that never stops or points and the cars in the hasten are negative speculations proceeding round and round the move.
Anxiety feels like someone smacked you in the chest over and over and over again haphazardly out of nowhere.
Anxiety feels like a close-fisted braid in your stomach that no matter how hard to try to untie you can’t!
Anxiety may seem like a expres in the back of your top telling something bad is going to happen no matter how safe you feel.
Anxiety feels like you’re invariably flinging and turning at night unable to fall asleep!
Anxiety feels like you’re alone in nature with billions of beings in it!
Anxiety feels like you wish you could be regular and like everyone else.
Authentic Mental Health is a community of like minded people who suffer from a range of mental health disorders, we are an open, honest community who aid, reinforce and never adjudicate each other!
Join local communities by subscribing now – https :// goo.gl/ cRK9Uq
————————————————————————————————-
> Anxiety Test – https :// www.youtube.com/ watch? v= 0aiEj8Q5CG0& t= 316 s
> Depression Test – https :// www.youtube.com/ watch? v= Ln0SCsZPZIc
Before we tell you how to lose belly fat, we’d like to say this:
There”;s nothing wrong with belly fat.
In fact, in many cultures, it”;s desirable to have some extra squish.
Certainly, at various points in history, luscious roundness was the look. (Google “;Renoir”;s bathers”; or “;Rubens”; nudes.”;)
And yet, in modern popular culture–;despite some progress celebrating more diverse body shapes–;we still overwhelmingly glorify the six-pack and the itty-hourglass waist.
(Not that there”;s anything wrong with those shapes either.)
Either way, many of our clients come to us wanting to lose belly fat.
Which is why we”;re covering the topic.
Fair warning: This story will be different than what you usually find on the web in a magazine. That”;s because we”;re going to give you practical, realistic, big-picture answers.
(And those answers might not be what you expect.)
Indulge in some navel-gazing, and explore this topic with us.
Why belly fat even matters
You might”;ve noticed: Regardless of body fat, people are shaped differently.
And it turns out, where we store fat matters.
Visceral fat vs. subcutaneous fat
If you sliced someone”;s belly open (gross), you would find fat in two places.
The padding just under the surface of the skin: This type of fat, called either subcutaneous fat or peripheral fat, is relatively benign.1,2
Deep in the abdomen, often surrounding vital organs like the liver, stomach, and intestines: Called visceral or central fat, this contributes to chronic inflammation, the formation of arterial plaque, and blood clots.3 It”;s also associated with an increased risk for metabolic disorders, including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.4,5
Generally, if someone has more subcutaneous fat, they”;ll also have more visceral fat–;but not always. Occasionally, a person can appear quite lean, with little subcutaneous fat, but still have higher levels of visceral fat.
Okay, but why do I have belly fat?
Well, as you”;ve probably heard, where we store fat relates to hormones, genetics, and certain medical conditions.
Things that can increase visceral fat include:
A higher body fat percentage: Although genetics and hormones will determine how fat is distributed, people with more body fat are more likely to have higher amounts of belly fat. Being a man: Compared to premenopausal women, men are more likely to carry extra fat around their midsection. That”;s because their visceral fat stores seem to absorb a greater proportion of dietary fat.6 Being postmenopausal: Mostly due to hormonal shifts, women tend to experience a shift in body fat distribution post-menopause, with a decrease in leg fat, and an increase in abdominal fat.7 Aging: As fat cells age, they secrete more inflammatory factors and also get redistributed from subcutaneous stores to visceral depots.8 Having chronically high levels of cortisol: Visceral fat soaks up and breaks down excess cortisol.9 Having certain gene variants: Several genes have been linked to body fat distribution. (If you”;re into that kind of stuff, the genes are: TBX15, HOXC13, RSPO3, CPEB4, and LRP5.) While all people carry these genes, certain versions of these genes predispose a person to carry fat around their midsection, compared to their hips and legs.10,11
We can”;t do anything about our age, sex, or genes. (Sorry). But we do have control over a few other things.
And we”;re about to get into just that.
“;Belly fat”; after pregnancy: It might not be what you think it is
Immediately postpartum, women will lose about 13 pounds (bye baby, placenta, and other tissues).
After that, more weight loss may slowly occur as the uterus returns to its regular shape, and fluid levels normalize.12
Many women find, however, that their bodies, especially their bellies, look different–;even if they return to their pre-pregnancy weight.
This is likely because their abdominal tissue stretched to accommodate their fetus. Now it”;s fluffier, and doesn”;t compress tissues and fat as well as it used to.
Lingering diastasis recti–;a separation of the abdominal muscles–;can also make the abdomen look more rounded.
(If diastasis is giving you problems, see a pelvic physiotherapist. They can assess the degree of diastasis, give you safe ways to move your body, potentially repair some of the abdominal separation, and improve symptoms.)
Though strengthening key core muscles (like the transverse abdominis) can help both issues, it takes time.
With so many other changes going on in your life (remember sleep?), this news can be tough to swallow.
At the same time: Your body just did a really amazing thing.
So while there”;s nothing wrong with wanting to work on your body after pregnancy, make sure you approach that work with love, compassion, and a heck of a big high five.
How to lose belly fat, in 6 steps
If there”;s a trick to incredible results, it”;s this: the ability to practice basic (sometimes boring) health behaviors over and over again.
Wait!
Come back!
Hear us out.
What we”;re about to share will probably trigger your inner “;I know this already”; voice. You might roll your eyes and think there”;s nothing new here. Nothing “;cutting edge”; or “;sparkly.”;
But, if you use these steps, you”;ll see results.
Results you can actually sustain.
And hey, that would be pretty thrilling.
1. Know why you want to change your belly.
This will help you set clear goals and stay motivated.
Maybe you”;re thinking, “;This is easy. I”;m here because I want to lose belly fat! Step 1 is now complete!”;
Easy there, partner. Let”;s get specific:
Has your doctor told you to lose weight for health reasons? Are you pretty healthy, but feel like your pants are getting tighter, and you just wanna know what”;s up? Are you looking to get totally shredded, with visible abs?
Whatever your reasons, you”;re welcome here.
However, if you”;ve decided to slim down for your health, let”;s dig a little deeper because, beyond a certain point, getting a leaner midsection isn”;t healthier.
Yes, larger midsections–;over 37 inches (94 cm) for men, and over 31 inches (80 cm) for women–;are correlated with:13,14,15,16
Type 2 diabetes Cardiovascular disease Dementia All-cause mortality
And yet, plenty of people fall well under these waistline parameters–;and feel pretty fit and healthy too–;but they”;re unhappy with their bellies.
(By the way, plenty of people fall above these parameters and are also healthy–;and happy with their shape.)
While there”;s nothing wrong with wanting to change your body for aesthetic reasons, it”;s worth considering:
Sometimes when we go through tough stuff–;a divorce, dealing with a sick parent, a job loss–;we look for other ways to feel better and more fulfilled. Like, “;getting ripped.”;
And getting a flat (or flatter) stomach won”;t fix those problems.
In fact, sometimes getting hyper-lean creates new problems and stress.
Because of that, lots of clients have found value in learning to accept their softer sides, rather than fight them.
Some did that through learning to view their bodies through the eyes of a loved one–;such as a toddler who cuddles up to “;stomachy”; because it”;s so squishy and comfy. Or, they”;ve learned to appreciate their bodies for what they can do.
So, know your reasons for wanting to change.
And whether that change is worth the effort.
2. Accept (even if begrudgingly) that there”;s no trick to spot-reducing belly fat.
We all want the easy way out of stubborn problems.
Especially when life (laundry, sick relatives, rebellious teenagers, injuries, and what”;s that smell in the heating duct) feels challenging enough.
Plus, there”;s no shortage of books with titles like The Belly Shrinking Diet or magazines promoting “;4 Exercises to Give You Abs in 4 Weeks”; to make us think that spot-reducing is not only possible, but easy.
Argh.
But just like you can”;t lose fat only off your left tricep, you also can”;t lose it just from your belly.
Belly fat loss goes along with overall body fat loss, which usually goes along with changes to diet and exercise.
Why are we telling you this? Because the sooner you give up on what doesn”;t work, the sooner you can move on to what does.
Note: We”;re excluding surgical and pharmaceutical treatments from our strategies to lose belly fat. To date, these are the only reliable methods to “;spot-reduce”; fat from the abdomen. Liposuction and body contouring can surgically remove fat from the belly, and hormone replacement therapy can change how fat is distributed in the body.17
Can you lose belly fat fast?
How quickly you can lose belly fat depends on how quickly you can lose fat all over your body.
To lose an inch of fat around the waist, it takes about 4-5 pounds of overall weight loss, according to our analysis of over 1000 clients.
With consistent effort, our clients generally have lost between 0.8 to 2 pounds a week.
Meaning, within a month or so of reasonably consistent healthy habit changes, people can lose up to an inch off their waists.
3. Consume a diet centered around minimally-processed foods.
While there aren”;t any foods that will magically shrink your belly (celery juice, get outta here), highly-processed, highly-palatable foods can easily derail efforts to get leaner.
Meanwhile, minimally-processed foods–;like lean proteins, colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds–;are more satisfying.
Specifically, we”;ve found, in coaching more than 100,000 clients, that most people have an easier time losing fat when they consume:
1-2 fists of veggies per meal, which helps fill you up on fewer calories 1-2 palms of appetite-regulating protein-rich foods (chicken, yogurt, tofu, or eggs) per meal Fiber-rich whole grains, fruit, and legumes in place of refined foods most of the time
Specific amounts vary from one person to another.
Now, you”;re probably thinking, “;That”;s not that helpful, PN.”;
You”;re right, but we have a solution for that: our free nutrition calculator below. Click the “;get started”; button, answer a few questions, and it”;ll instantly give you the calories, protein, carbs, and fat you need to achieve your goals (along with a nutrition plan that shows you what to do).
Nutrition Calculator How much should you eat? Let’s find out.
Trans fats, an ingredient often found in processed foods, may actually cause belly fat:
In one study, rats were fed either a high saturated fat diet, or a high trans fat diet. After eight weeks, rats on the high trans fat had significantly more visceral fat, compared to the rats of the high saturated fats diet.18
(And the only reason we don”;t have a similar study in humans is because the negative health effects of trans fats are so indisputable that such a study would be unethical.19,20,21)
Trans fats are often listed as “;partially hydrogenated oil”; on ingredient labels, and are found in many shelf-stable baked goods, crackers, and cookies. So try to reduce or eliminate those foods.
4. Eat slowly, until 80 percent full.
You might assume people need a strict food tracking method to start losing fat, but we just haven”;t found that to be the case.
This is especially true when they learn to listen and respond to their internal sense of hunger and fullness, a skill known as internal appetite regulation.
By relaxing, eating slowly, and tuning into their thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations, most people can make phenomenal progress.
This is truly a ninja skill when it comes to weight management.
You can”;t burn away belly fat with abdominal exercises or vibrating waist belts.
[Shakes fist at infomercials.]
And while you might have read that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) has been shown to boost visceral fat loss,22 there”;s an important caveat:
Exercise only works if you do it consistently–;and long term.23
In other words, one exercise-until-you-hurl session isn”;t gonna flatten your belly. Neither will two. Or three. Or seven. Or fifteen.
It takes session after session after session–;week after week, month after month–;to see and maintain results.
So if you love HIIT workouts more than ice cream, great. Keep it up.
On the other hand, if the idea of sprints and burpees makes you want to hide in your closet, know that you”;ve got options–;lots and lots and lots of options.
Ideally, to lose belly fat, you”;d combine some form of resistance training with some form of cardio.
But you ultimately want to exercise in a way that”;s doable, pain-free, and enjoyable–;because that”;s the exercise you”;ll do regularly.
(Sweaty salsa, anyone?)
Can supplements reduce belly fat?
Periodically, a new supplement promises remarkable results.
But do any of them actually work?
Below we explore what the research has to say about the effectiveness of five supplements often promoted for fat loss:
Compound Will it help? Findings
Phosphatidylserine (PS) Not likely PS was proposed to decrease stress, and thereby also visceral fat. However, there”;s little support that PS decreases either the stress response or abdominal fat.24
Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) Not likely There”;s no reliable evidence that CLA helps with site-specific or general weight loss.25
Green tea extract Maybe, but minimally There is some evidence that green tea extract improves weight loss.26 However, support that it specifically targets belly fat is minimal, and only in non-lean individuals.27
Caffeine Not likely There is moderate evidence that caffeine suppresses appetite that leads to weight loss, and increases metabolic rate temporarily. But the weight loss isn”;t specific to belly fat.28,29
Capsaicin Not likely There is some evidence the capsaicin may increase metabolic rate temporarily. However, this doesn”;t translate to belly fat loss.28
If you just read this list and felt a big “;womp woommp”; of let-down, we don”;t blame you.
Through clever marketing campaigns and dramatic anecdotal success stories, we”;re constantly being sold on the miracle pill.
Sadly, it just doesn”;t exist.
The good news:
Now that you know this, you can stop wasting your money, and empower yourself to practice the daily nutrition, movement, and lifestyle habits that do work.
6. Approach all of the above with self-compassion, instead of criticism.
Self-compassion is an attitude of generosity, honesty, and kindness towards yourself. It helps you see yourself clearly, and then take steps to help yourself.
But being nice to yourself to lose belly fat? Well, it sounds like a load of hooey, doesn’t it?
It”;s not:
Research shows self-compassion is linked to healthier eating and more consistent exercise habits30,31–;as well as lower rates of anxiety and depression, less perceived stress, and greater well-being overall.32,33,34
Conversely, self-criticism is linked to unhealthy eating behaviors, as well as higher rates of anxiety and depression.35,36
(Ok, fine. Not hooey.)
So what does self-compassion look like in practice?
There are three main elements:
Mindfulness: This is when you”;re aware of what you”;re doing, thinking, feeling and experiencing, but you”;re not judging yourself for it.
Example: “;I”;m feeling bad about my belly. And I notice that I also feel frustrated and impatient to change…;”;
Common humanity: Acknowledging that you”;re not alone–;that everyone goes through what you”;re dealing with at some point.
Example: “;That”;s okay. So many people struggle with aspects of their appearance.”;
Self-kindness: Being generous and decent to yourself.
Example: “;Take a deep breath. This body has carried me through a lot. Maybe I can do something small to care for it right now.”;
We just told you about six ways to reduce belly fat.
But they”;re just the start.
A healthy body is the result of many habits that support all dimensions of your life. It includes your relationships, your mental well-being, your emotional health, your surroundings, and your spiritual life. At Precision Nutrition, we call this deep health. It”;s a whole-person approach that addresses all of the dimensions of life–;and not just the physical.
You don”;t want to have ripped abs but feel awful inside, right? That”;s why your deep health journey might lead you to change your environment, explore your values and your identity, and line up lots of support from family, friends, medical practitioners, and maybe a coach (if you have access to that kind of service).
Finally, know that there are some things about your body that you may not be able to change (thanks aging, hormonal changes, and other life adventures).
So, while we encourage you to pursue your best body and life with all the zest you have…; well, we”;ll still like you if you decide not to change at all.
7. Ambikairajah, Ananthan, Erin Walsh, Hossein Tabatabaei-Jafari, and Nicolas Cherbuin. 2019. “;Fat Mass Changes during Menopause: A Metaanalysis.“; American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 221 (5): 393-;409.e50.
18. Dorfman, Suzanne E., Didier Laurent, John S. Gounarides, Xue Li, Tara L. Mullarkey, Erik C. Rocheford, Farid Sari-Sarraf, Erica A. Hirsch, Thomas E. Hughes, and S. Renee Commerford. 2009. “;Metabolic Implications of Dietary Trans-Fatty Acids.“; Obesity 17 (6): 1200-;1207.
31. Sirois, Fuschia M., Ryan Kitner, and Jameson K. Hirsch. 2015. “;Self-Compassion, Affect, and Health-Promoting Behaviors.”; Health Psychology: Official Journal of the Division of Health Psychology, American Psychological Association 34 (6): 661-;69.
32. Allen, Ashley Batts, and Mark R. Leary. 2010. “;Self-Compassion, Stress, and Coping.”; Social and Personality Psychology Compass 4 (2): 107-;18.
Learning how to coach clients, patients, friends, or family members through healthy eating and lifestyle changes–;in a way that”;s personalized for their unique body, preferences, and circumstances–;is both an art and a science.
The symptoms of severe COVID-19 frequently include hypercoagulability, or an increased tendency to produce blood clots. While the pathophysiology is not completely understood,1 the characteristic changes have been identified.2 Researchers have found anticoagulant therapy helps improve health outcomes from an illness that can trigger a variety of thromboembolic complications.
Data also show that people who are deficient in glutathione experience some of the more serious symptoms.3 Interestingly, one study4 published in Nature in January 2021, evaluated the differences in the prothrombotic potential between COVID-19 and other respiratory viral infections not triggered by a coronavirus. The thrombotic rates were not different between the two groups in mild disease.
However, hypercoagulability in COVID-19 was a dynamic process and the highest risk occurred in severely ill people. The complications of hypercoagulability include the shortness of breath and severe lung complications it triggers.
In one study,5 patients admitted to Padova University Hospital in Italy for acute respiratory failure showed “markedly hypercoagulable thromboelastometry profiles,” which “correlated with a worse outcome.”6
It appears one of the differences between those who have a mild illness and severe illness is related to the body’s ability to reduce the hyperimmune response that leads to a cytokine storm and the hypercoagulability that often accompanies it. Glutathione plays a role in the fight against the severe inflammatory response triggered by SARS-CoV-2.7
Glutathione Plays a Crucial Role in Severe COVID Illness
Studies published in ACS Infectious Disease8 and Antioxidants9 proposed that glutathione plays a crucial role in the body’s fight against the severe inflammatory response triggered by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The research group in the ACS Infectious Disease study called it the “most likely cause of serious manifestations and deaths in COVID-19 patients.”
In that study,10 they theorized the higher infection rate in older individuals and those with comorbidities suggest these groups are sensitive to environmental factors. Certain medical conditions have been identified that increase the risk of severe illness from COVID-19. These include chronic lung disease, Type 2 diabetes, heart conditions, obesity and smoking.11
Specifically, the researchers12 homed in on an impaired redox homeostasis and concurrent oxidative stress in individuals of advanced age and with comorbidities. Redox homeostasis is a process that helps ensure a proper cellular response to stimuli.
When this is dysregulated, oxidative stress can lead to “cell death and contribute to disease development.”13 Glutathione plays a crucial role in the inflammatory response, which the researchers theorize is a feasible means in the treatment and prevention of COVID-19. They wrote:14
“The hypothesis that glutathione deficiency is the most plausible explanation for serious manifestation and death in COVID-19 patients was proposed on the basis of an exhaustive literature analysis and observations.
The hypothesis unravels the mysteries of epidemiological data on the risk factors determining serious manifestations of COVID-19 infection and the high risk of death and opens real opportunities for effective treatment and prevention of the disease.”
The paper published in Antioxidants also concluded that a common denominator appeared to be the impaired redox homeostasis system. They proposed glutathione may be “critical in extinguishing the exacerbated inflammation that triggers organ failure in COVID-19.”15
In the paper, the scientists presented a review of biochemical mechanisms that are counterbalanced by glutathione and the pathways that may explain endogenous glutathione depletion in older people and those with comorbidities known to increase the risk of severe illness.
Glutathione Mediates Reduction in Lung Inflammation
One medical student put this theory to the test when his 48-year-old mother was diagnosed with pneumonia. She was prescribed hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin that helped to improve some symptoms but her breathing remained labored. When she had severe respiratory problems, her son contacted Dr. Richard Horowitz, a specialist who was treating his sister for Lyme disease.
He suggested adding glutathione to help reduce the inflammation and protect the lung tissue. The results were dramatic. Within one hour after receiving a 2,000 milligram dose of glutathione, her breathing had improved. She continued taking the glutathione for five days and did not relapse. Horowitz published two case studies, documenting the results of oral and IV glutathione.16
In May 2020, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center posted a trial to ClinicalTrials.gov17 announcing a study using N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in patients with COVID-19. This was first-of-its-kind research.
The team planned to enroll patients with severe disease and evaluate the use of 6 grams of NAC administered intravenously each day in addition to other treatments. The study was last updated in March 2021; the team postulated that:
“… a medication called N-acetylcysteine can help fight the COVID-19 virus by boosting a type of cell in your immune system that attacks infections. By helping your immune system fight the virus, the researchers think that the infection will get better, which could allow the patient to be moved out of the critical care unit or go off a ventilator, or prevent them from moving into a critical care unit or going on a ventilator.”
At approximately the same time Memorial Sloan-Kettering announced their study, Dr. Alexi Polonikov from Kursk State Medical University in Russia published papers18,19,20 proposing glutathione plays a crucial role in the body’s ability to respond to a COVID-19 infection. In a short YouTube video, pulmonologist Dr. Roger Seheult21 explains the science.
In addition to using glutathione during an illness, Polonikov postulates that glutathione may be used as a preventive agent. Based on an exhaustive literature analysis, he later gave an explanation for why he believes glutathione deficiency is a plausible reason for serious illness from COVID-19.22
“(1) oxidative stress contributes to hyper-inflammation of the lung leading to adverse disease outcomes such as acute respiratory distress syndrome, multiorgan failure and death;
(2) poor antioxidant defense due to endogenous glutathione deficiency as a result of decreased biosynthesis and/or increased depletion of GSH is the most probable cause of increased oxidative damage of the lung, regardless which of the factors aging, chronic disease comorbidity, smoking or some others were responsible for this deficit.”
Seheult23 and Polonikov24 explain how oxidative damage plays a role in severe illness with COVID-19. In a second video,25 Seheult explains how COVID-19 sets the stage for significantly increased oxidative stress by raising levels of superoxide, a damaging reactive oxygen species (ROS).
Glutathione — A Master Antioxidant
This increase in superoxide occurs in people who have high levels due to chronic diseases that are comorbidities for COVID-19. These include heart disease,26 Type 2 diabetes27 and high blood pressure.28
When the virus uses the ACE2 enzyme, it generates angiotensin II,29 which in turn generates superoxide.30 The ROS can be reduced with glutathione peroxidase31 as it oxidizes glutathione in the process of reducing H2O2 to water. A deficiency in glutathione creates a buildup of ROS, as Polonikov describes.
The powerful antioxidant function in glutathione has earned it the nickname “master antioxidant.”32 Antioxidants help keep other molecules from oxidizing. Most proteins are constructed from a set of 20 amino acids. The precise arrangement and sequence results in the specific biological activity associated with that protein.33
However, glutathione is created from three amino acids — glutamate, glycine and cysteine — to form the glutathione molecule. One function of glutathione is to recycle other antioxidants. This helps increase the effectiveness and recycle the molecules. On the other hand, deficiencies in certain vitamins such as C, E and A can cause a glutathione deficiency.34,35,36,37
Comorbid Risk Factors Linked to Glutathione Deficiency
In a review of the literature38 evaluating the effect of lung disease in COVID-19, researchers wrote that, in 2002, data showed glutathione protected against chronic inflammation during respiratory disease. They postulated that directly increasing glutathione levels in the lungs “would be a logical approach to protection against chronic inflammation and oxidant-mediated injury in lung disease.”39
In addition to protecting lung tissue, glutathione has been studied in many of the comorbid conditions associated with severe COVID-19. For over a decade, researchers have noted that people with obesity,40 heart disease41 and Type 2 diabetes,42 and who are elderly,43 have a higher incidence of glutathione deficiency associated with those conditions.
As I reported in “NAC’s Crucial Role in Preventing and Treating COVID-19,” NAC is a precursor to reduced glutathione and has a long history of use for acetaminophen poisoning.44 It effectively neutralizes the toxin by recharging glutathione and preventing liver damage.
Past studies45 have also found it can reduce viral replication, including the influenza virus. Importantly, NAC also helps counteract hypercoagulation46,47 as it has both anticoagulant and platelet inhibiting properties.48 This is in large part due to the sulfur in NAC that reduces the interchain disulfide bonds by Von Willebrand factors that contribute to clot formation.
Once the Von Willebrand factor sulfur bonds are broken, the clot starts to dissolve, and the blood vessels open allowing for exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
According to the authors of one paper, “NAC is an effective and safe alternative to currently available antithrombotic agents to restore vessel patency after arterial occlusion.”49 Two additional papers50,51 show the same thing.
Strategies to Support Your Glutathione Levels
As he discusses in the video, Seheult believes there is more to the damage by COVID-19 than oxidative stress.52 He points out that the clots in patients with confirmed COVID-19 are rich with platelets, indicating another mechanism involving disulfide bonds. He goes on to explain:53
“And, as we’ve already talked about N-acetylcysteine and reduced glutathione will break these disulfide bonds and cause them to lyse and potentially relieve the obstruction and the hypoxemia with COVID-19. Again, this is all a hypothesis, but it looks as though it’s fitting together.”
Foods that have a positive impact on glutathione production include cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, green tea, curcumin, rosemary and milk thistle.54 Getting quality sleep may also help.55
Different types of exercise can influence your levels as well. In one study,56 researchers enrolled 80 healthy but sedentary volunteers to measure the type of exercise that may have the greatest effect. They found that aerobic training in combination with circuit weight training showed the greatest benefit.
The padding just under the surface of the skin: This type of fat, called either subcutaneous fat or peripheral fat, is relatively benign.1,2
