For our body to properly function, oxygen is necessary. Each process made by our body produces oxidants which can be very harmful and our body has to constantly fight them with antioxidants.
The human body needs oxygen for all body functions, and each process produces oxidants. These oxidants are harmful and we have to fight them constantly with antioxidants. Specifically, brain cells can be seriously affected with this continuous production of oxidants. In other words, the brain is particularly sensitive to oxidative stress and cognitive deterioration, as well as the loss of brain functions including memory. This is usually associated with old age and oxidative stress.
It has been proven that the capacity of antioxidant response of our organism decreases with age, making our immune system less strong to counteract the external and environmental damage, processed products, and certain medicines, among other factors. This makes the fight against free radicals crucial in order to combat the deterioration of neurological and cerebral functions.
Although losing memory is something we accept with age as an inevitable part of the aging process, it is also true that this loss of function can be slowed down or even reversed with the antioxidant protection of glutathione in the brain.
Many studies prove that oxidative stress is the cause of many physical, cerebral and mental illnesses, among them the lack of memory. When a person has good levels of antioxidants, specifically the "Master Antioxidant", Glutathione, the brain is more capable to combat memory loss and protect it against harmful molecules.
Glutathione helps us in two ways: not only is it the protagonist of the antioxidant work of our organism, but it is a fundamental support to the antioxidant defenses of the body.
Studies determined that "there is a close link between the metabolism of glutathione and the processes of learning and memory. In this link, the mechanisms that preserve cerebral oxidant homeostasis can participate, both as modulators of cognitive function and as targets of the degenerative and neurotrophic events. "
In conclusion, maintaining optimal levels of the antioxidant Glutathione will ensures better performance of brain functions, including memory.
References:
Busu, C., Circu, M. L. y Wei, L. et al. Glutathione in cerebral microvascular endothelial biology and pathobiology: implications for brain homeostasis. Int J Cell Biol. 2012: 434971.
Dringen, R. Metabolism and functions of glutathione in brain.Progress in Neurobiology
Glutathione metabolism during aging and in Alzheimer disease http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15247041.
Gut microbiota regulates antioxidant metabolism. https://sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/11/151106062708.htm [Fecha de consulta: 20/12/2016].
Holford, P. y Cass, H. (2002). Natural Highs. Piatkus Ltd: Londres.