(ARA) – Brewing a pot of coffee and checking the day’s headlines are standards of many morning routines. Now, a wealth of clinical research confirms that adding a simple step to your regimen can benefit every cell in your body to support healthy aging, immune health and much-needed detoxification. By simply increasing your intake of a powerful nutrient called glutathione, you stand to improve your overall health.

Glutathione may not sound as familiar as vitamin C or beta-carotene, but its powerful ability to neutralize cell-damaging free radicals has earned it the title of “master antioxidant.” That’s thanks in part to glutathione’s unique ability to recycle and replenish other key antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E. Because antioxidants help fight a relentless oxidation process similar to rust forming on metal, regular intake of this nutrient can help us stay in better shape as we age.

“More than 80,000 published studies show that glutathione plays a critical role in supporting healthy aging, detoxification and overall good health,” says Hyla Cass, M.D., a leading alternative medicine practitioner and author of “8 Weeks to Vibrant Health.” “Over time, cell damage is inevitable, so glutathione-rich supplements and foods such as asparagus, avocados and walnuts are vital for anyone wanting to counteract this deterioration.”

In addition to its powerful anti-aging protection, glutathione has been shown to fortify the immune system by supporting white blood cell function. Its ability to bind to and help remove everyday toxins – such as metals in fish or pesticides on fruit and vegetables – is especially important to the liver, the most important detoxifying organ in the body’s system.

Dr. Cass notes that although glutathione is found throughout the body, it has to be constantly replenished. Several factors can reduce or deplete naturally occurring levels, leaving the body vulnerable to stress. They include:

* Time of day: Studies have shown glutathione levels are especially low in the morning. Starting your day off with an asparagus omelet, avocado on toast, a handful of walnuts or a concentrated supplement allows the body to combat oxidative stress from square one.

* Age: Glutathione deficiencies are common among nearly every age group. However, research shows that natural glutathione in all cells begins to decrease after age 45, a stage that often marks the onset of serious health issues.

* Health issues: Given glutathione’s presence in every cell, it’s understandable that prolonged oxidative stress opens doors to a long list of health problems. Several neurodegenerative diseases as well as cardiovascular disease and diabetes are linked to oxidative damage.

* Nutrition: The U.S. diet is infamous for the popularity of highly processed and preservative-laden foods that fail to provide sufficient levels of antioxidants.

* Lifestyle: It’s no surprise that smoking, excessive alcohol intake, being overweight and even intense exercise can negatively impact overall health. Their compromising effect on glutathione levels is no exception.

* Medications: Acetaminophen, one of the most common pain relievers available, has been shown to deplete glutathione levels. Some prescription medications also exhibit this effect. As we age and are likely to take more medications, glutathione supplementation can become even more important.

Dr. Cass observes that most Americans do not consume nearly enough glutathione as part of their everyday diet, so a good option is to take a supplement like Vitamin Shoppe’s Reduced Glutathione or Twinlab Glutathione. Both contain a sufficient daily amount of Setria brand glutathione.

“In addition to a well-balanced diet and regular exercise, I recommend high-quality supplements to my patients, given that glutathione levels are lowest early in the morning,” notes Dr. Cass. “Taking a capsule is a guaranteed way to meet your nutritional antioxidant needs, maintain optimal health and help slow the aging process.”

For more information on glutathione and how it can improve your health, visit www.morningantioxidant.com.