Published By: K.D Cameron

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Protein is essential to a healthy diet, and it’s common for athletes and bodybuilders to supplement their protein intake to boost muscle development. But protein is more than just a muscle builder. We recently sat down with Dr. Stephen Langer to discuss protein’s role in aging and why he believes that a specific type of protein supplement can help us look and feel younger than our years.

“Protein is so much more than just a muscle builder,” says the doctor. “It’s composed of amino acids and peptides [short chains of amino acids] that impact organs and systems throughout the body. When it comes to aging, protein—quality, undenatured protein—is essential to maintaining healthy levels of glutathione, the body’s master antioxidant and detoxifier.”

Glutathione is a tripeptide—a short chain of three amino acids (glutamate, cysteine and glycine)—that is found in every cell of the body. It’s our primary intracellular antioxidant, which means it defends against damage inside our cells. How important is it? Dr. Langer explains:

“Glutathione is the body's most important antioxidant. It works inside the cells, fighting free radicals that are formed through normal cellular processes. It is found in every cell and all bodily fluids. Without it, our cells would quickly die.

Not only is Glutathione a powerful antioxidant; it also helps prolong the activity of other important antioxidants like vitamins C and E. When these antioxidants have been “used up,” Glutathione helps reactivate them so they can keep working.

Glutathione is also master detoxifier. It's especially important in the organs responsible for cleansing our bodies, especially the liver and kidneys, but also the lungs and the intestines. It works by helping to detoxify and break down the chemicals and pollutants that we ingest or inhale, or those that are produced within our bodies. Boosting Glutathione is one of the best ways to support our natural detoxifying processes.

Finally, Glutathione is important to the immune system. It's essential to the production and replication of white blood cells known as lymphocytes, and it's particularly vital to the activity of specific lymphocytes called "natural killer" or NK cells.”

So where does dietary protein come in? Again, let’s ask Dr. Langer:

“Dietary Glutathione comes primarily from fresh meats and fresh fruits and vegetables. But even the most minimal processing destroys Glutathione, so any diet high in processed foods and low in fresh foods is likely going to be low in Glutathione. Processed protein supplements don't help, either.

That's why my Certified Organic Undenatured Bioactive Whey Protein features pure, certified organic undenatured whey protein. That's what the body needs to make Glutathione. I truly believe that certified organic undenatured whey protein is one of the world's most perfect foods. By giving us what we need for peak Glutathione production, it can help us fight fatigue, boost energy, maintain healthy weight and greatly improve health on all levels.”

In fact, Dr. Langer has developed an entire program for boosting Glutathione. It includes his special whey protein along with an innovative Glutathione Precursor Formula that includes key co-factors that help the body produce Glutathione from the foundational nutrients protein provides, as well as pure pharmaceutical-grade stabilized Glutathione itself. Taken together, they provide a complete, comprehensive solution for optimizing Glutathione.

“Our ability to produce Glutathione declines with age,” says Dr. Langer. “So I believe everyone over the age of 40 should begin taking steps to address this decline.Glutathione is critical, and none of us are immune to this natural reduction.

Smokers and drinkers should be supporting their Glutathione levels, as these substances are toxins and Glutathione is used up in neutralizing and eliminating them. Many prescription drugs can deplete Glutathione as well. Coffee and tea also contain compounds that destroy Glutathione, so if you're a big Starbucks fan, it might be a good idea to supplement.”

You can find all of Dr. Langer’s Glutathione boosting supplements at www.swansoneurope.com