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Benefits of Glutathione

Updated: Aug 16, 2023


Glutathione is made up of three essential amino acids and it’s often referred to as the master antioxidant for its ability to promote skin health, body function, overall mood and well-being. It reduces inflammation, helps detoxify pollution, radiation, drugs, molds, chemicals, and heavy metals from the body.


Glutathione is our body’s most powerful antioxidant that is naturally produced within the liver. This mother of all antioxidants helps bind with toxins within the body to excrete them out and reduce the oxidative stress within our systems. Our environment, medications, chemicals, and stress can decrease the amount of Glutathione the body can produce. Along with helping to detox the body, Glutathione is helpful in supporting iron levels, blood sugar management and maintaining healthy blood flow. Glutathione IV therapy appears to be the most successful delivery system for glutathione. This is because it enables glutathione to get straight into your bloodstream.


In-Depth Information: It’s made up of three amino acids: Cysteine, L-glutamic acid, Glycine. But stress, medications, aging, and bad health can deplete glutathione levels. This leaves you open to oxidative damage caused by reactive oxygen species (aka free radicals). Glutathione has a sulfur content which is a sticky molecule. So free radicals, heavy metals, and environmental toxins stick to it. It’s often recommended for: Supporting healthy iron levels, maintain healthy blood flow, blood sugar management, supporting the body’s ability to detox naturally, reducing oxidative stress, and free radicals cause oxidative stress on the body. This can result in increased signs of aging and illness. We need antioxidants to fight off these free radicals, supporting circulation, when the peripheral arteries become clogged by plaque, they become narrow. This reduces the blood flow to the limbs and can cause great pain and mobility issues. Studies have shown that intravenous administration of glutathione may support healthy circulation. With patients able to increase their ability to walk pain-free for longer distances. No clinical trials that have safely evaluated IV glutathione for skin bleaching. Which means there are no guidelines. The FDA also warns that there are no injectable products approved to lighten the skin.


Its levels decrease as a result of aging, stress, and toxin exposure. Boosting glutathione may provide many health benefits.


Reduces oxidative stress


Oxidative stress occurs when there’s an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the body’s ability to fight them off. Too-high levels of oxidative stress may be a precursor to multiple diseases. These include diabetes, cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis. Glutathione helps stave off the impact of oxidative stress, which may, in turn, reduce disease.


An article cited in Journal of Cancer Science and Therapy indicated that glutathione deficiency leads to increased levels of oxidative stress, which might lead to cancer. It also stated that elevated glutathione levels raised antioxidant levels and resistance to oxidative stress in cancer cells.


Reduces cell damage in alcoholic and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease


Cell death in the liver may be exacerbated by a deficiency in antioxidants, including glutathione. This can lead to fatty liver disease in both those who misuse alcohol and those who don’t. Glutathione has been shown to improve protein, enzyme, and bilirubin levels in the blood of individuals with alcoholic and nonalcoholic chronic fatty liver disease.


A study reported that glutathione was most effective when given to people with fatty liver disease intravenously, in high doses. Participants in the study also showed reductions in malondialdehyde, a marker of cell damage in the liver.


Another small study found that orally administered glutathione had positive effects on people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease following proactive lifestyle changes. In this study, glutathione was provided in supplement form in a dose of 300 milligrams per day for four months.


Improves insulin resistance in older individuals


As people age, they produce less glutathione. Researchers at Baylor School of Medicine used a combination of animal and human studies to explore the role of glutathione in weight management and insulin resistance in older individuals. Study findings indicated that low glutathione levels were associated with less fat burning and higher rates of fat storing in the body. Older subjects had cysteine and glycine added to their diets to increase glutathione levels, which spiked within two weeks, improving insulin resistance and fat burning.


Increases mobility for people with peripheral artery disease


Peripheral artery disease occurs when the peripheral arteries become clogged by plaque. It most commonly happens in the legs. One study reported that glutathione improved circulation, increasing the ability of study participants to walk pain-free for longer distances. Participants receiving glutathione rather than a saline solution placebo were given intravenous infusions two times daily for five days, and then analyzed for mobility.


Reduces symptoms of Parkinson’s disease


Parkinson’s disease affects the central nervous system and is defined by symptoms such as tremors. It currently has no cure. One older study documented intravenous glutathione’s positive effects on symptoms such as tremors and rigidity. While more research is needed, this case report suggests that glutathione may help reduce symptoms, improving quality of life in people with this disease.


May help fight against autoimmune disease


The chronic inflammation caused by autoimmune diseases can increase oxidative stress. These diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease, and lupus. According to one study, glutathione helps reduce oxidative stress by either stimulating or reducing the body’s immunological response. Autoimmune diseases attack the mitochondria in specific cells. Glutathione works to protect cell mitochondria by eliminating free radicals.


May reduce the impact of uncontrolled diabetes


Long-term high blood sugar is associated with reduced amounts of glutathione. This can lead to oxidative stress and tissue damage. A study found that dietary supplementation with cysteine and glycine boosted glutathione levels. It also lowered oxidative stress and damage in people with uncontrolled diabetes, despite high sugar levels. Study participants were placed on 0.81 millimoles per kilogram (mmol/kg) of cysteine and 1.33 mmol/kg glycine daily for two weeks.


May reduce respiratory disease symptoms


N-acetylcysteine is a medication used to treat conditions such as asthma and cystic fibrosis. As an inhalant, it helps to thin mucus and make it less paste-like. It also reduces inflammation. N-acetylcysteine is byproduct of glutathione


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*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Vitamin supplementation is for wellness only, and not intended to cure or treat disease.

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