Because it protects our cells by attacking external poisons, levels of L-Glutathione in our blood have potential to significantly impact our overall health. Studies have demonstrated that administration of L-Glutathione is extremely effective in treated diseases such as Hepatitis. It has also been shown to be a key player in regeneration of liver, and to combat cirrhosis. The compound is useful in treating jaundice and protects brain and body tissues in event of poisoning. In addition, level of tissue damage from Carbon Monoxide, Hydrogen Sulfide, heavy metals, pesticides, and environmental poisoning has been demonstrated to be significantly lower with adequate L-Glutathione in blood stream. Finally, side effects of chemotherapy and growth of cataracts have been demonstrated to be significantly reduced with addition of L-Glutathione.

So what does all of this mean? Essentially, it is time to supplement your diet with L-Glutathione or proteins that help your body make more of this essential nutrient. Although L-Glutathione is readily made by your body, supplementation with it and its precursors may increase your overall level of protection. Glutathione and its precursors, Cysteine, Glycine and L-Glutamic Acid, are all readily available as food supplements in your local health food store. In addition to eating a healthy and balanced diet, supplementation with Glutathione and its constituents can only help to increase your overall level of health, and may even slow down process of growing old.

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About Barrett Niehus

"No more Furosemide." Now I wasn't asking, I was demanding. "You've seen his rash. He didn't have it when he came to care unit."

"You're not qualified to say what he should or should not have."

"What am I doing," I wondered, "arguing with a doctor who should be helping?" I wish I'd spoken words I thought next. "Bye-bye! You're fired!"

But, in that moment, I resolved to be fully in control of all my father's drugs. I would learn everything I could and provide drugs direct to facility. . .or not. There would be no more ordering drugs without my specific authorization

I enlisted expertise of a pharmacist I found just down street. She graciously took time from her crowded day to answer all my questions and explain anything I didn't understand. She took a brief history of my father's illness, made note of his allergies, and offered money-saving suggestions. She focused on providing excellent service. In short, she was, and is, an angel.

I immediately began to look for another physician to take over my father's care, but I was too slow. Within a few weeks, my father died of complications from a massive insulin overdose.

Was my experience unusual? Probably not, according to a study from Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS). On subject of increased cost of pharmaceuticals for people over-65, study's author, Marie Stagnitti, MPA, reports:

Every year from 1997-2000, average out of pocket expense for prescription medicines for those with a purchase and age 65 and older was more than three times as high as average out of pocket expense on prescription medicines for those with a purchase and under age 65.

The potential for overmedication in elderly is clear in Stagnitti's chart showing an average 23.5 prescriptions in both 1999 and 2000 for over-65 group that used prescription drugs. The number of prescription drugs used by under-65 group seemed high to me as well: 9.5 for 1999 and 10.1 prescriptions for year 2000.

Overmedication is not only crushingly expensive for our elderly, it represents a real and present danger. You can do something about it. Please, learn about and oversee medications. You will help elders save money. You might even save a life.