Glutathione

The Buzz on Glutathione: Your Body’s Secret Weapon for Glow-Up and Go-Getter Glory

Detoxes are all the rage. While some people believe in a quarterly or annual ‘spring cleaning’, your body is working 24/7 to clean out and detoxify your body. What is your body’s detoxifying powerhouse? Glutathione. This antioxidant superhero is the Beyonce of cellular health, slaying free radicals, boosting immunity, and keeping your glow game on point. But what exactly is this molecule, and how can you tap into its superpowers? Let’s jump in.

Glutathione 101: Imagine your cells as tiny disco balls, shimmering with life. Free radicals are the uninvited guests, crashing the party and causing damage. Glutathione, the bouncer, kicks them out, keeping your cells healthy and the party groovin’. It’s like a detoxifying shield, immune system booster, and anti-aging elixir all rolled into one.

How it works: 

Glutathione works behind the scenes, like a ninja of cellular repair:

  • Neutralizes free radicals: These pesky molecules damage cells, contributing to aging and disease. Glutathione mops them up like a spilled smoothie, keeping your cells youthful and vibrant.
  • Boosts immunity: A strong immune system is your best defense against invaders. Glutathione fuels your immune cells, making them stronger and more effective at fighting off illness.
  • Detoxifies your body: We’re constantly bombarded with toxins from pollution, food, and even our own metabolism. Glutathione helps your liver neutralize and eliminate these toxins, keeping your system running smoothly.

The Benefits: Ready to unleash your inner Mr. Clean? Glutathione therapy might just be your ticket. Here’s what you can expect:

  • Radiant skin: Say goodbye to dullness and hello to a healthy, luminous glow. Glutathione helps reduce hyperpigmentation and can even skin tone, giving you that “I woke up like this” look (minus the alarm clock).
  • Energy boost: Feeling sluggish? Glutathione can revitalize your cells, giving you more energy to conquer your day (and maybe even hit the dance floor).
  • Improved athletic performance: Train harder, recover faster. Glutathione helps reduce muscle soreness and inflammation, making you a workout warrior.
  • Enhanced immunity: Fight off colds and infections like a champ. Glutathione strengthens your immune system, keeping you healthy and vibrant.
  • Anti-aging magic: Glutathione slows down the aging process by protecting your cells from damage. Think of it as hitting the pause button on wrinkles and gray hairs.

But wait, there’s more! Studies are exploring the potential of glutathione for everything from fighting cancer and neurodegenerative diseases to improving mental health and fertility. The research is still ongoing, but the future of this antioxidant powerhouse looks bright.

Ready to give your body the ultimate upgrade? Talk to your doctor about whether glutathione therapy is right for you. It’s a powerful tool to support your overall health and well-being. So, go forth, unleash your inner glow, and let glutathione be your secret weapon for a life that’s truly badass.

GLUTATHIONE

Human Studies:

The Remarkable Benefits of Glutathione: A Comprehensive Guide

What is Glutathione?

Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant found in every cell of the body.

(consider explaining what antioxidants are for example: Antioxidants are substances that can neutralize free radicals. They help protect cells and tissues from the damaging effects of oxidative stress, and aging)

Glutathione is made up of three amino acids: cysteine, glutamine, and glycine. It plays a crucial role in supporting the immune system, detoxifying the body, and protecting against oxidative stress and chronic diseases.

Health Benefits of Glutathione

Boosts Antioxidant Levels and Reduces Oxidative Stress

Glutathione is essential in combating oxidative stress, which can lead to numerous chronic diseases. Studies like those by Hayes et al. (2020) and Huang et al. (2016) link oxidative stress to conditions like cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. By neutralizing free radicals, glutathione helps mitigate these risks.

Supports Immune Function

Dröge and Breitkreutz (2000) highlight glutathione’s role in bolstering the immune system. It aids in the proliferation of lymphocytes, the cells that mediate immune responses, ensuring a robust defense against infections and diseases.

Detoxification

Glutathione helps detoxify the body by binding to toxins and facilitating their excretion. This process is vital for healthy liver function and for preventing diseases like nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), as noted in studies by Honda et al. (2017).

Anti-Aging Properties

Weschawalit et al. (2017) suggest that glutathione has significant anti-aging effects. It helps in reducing the appearance of wrinkles and increases skin elasticity. Sechi et al. (1996) found that glutathione can benefit neurological health, including improvements in conditions like Parkinson’s disease.

Enhances Physical Performance

Aoi et al. (2015) found that glutathione supplementation can improve aerobic metabolism and reduce muscle fatigue during prolonged exercise.

Supports Oral Health

As per Bains and Bains (2015), glutathione plays a significant role in maintaining periodontal health by combating oxidative stress in the oral cavity.

Skin Health

Glutathione is known for its skin health benefits, including reducing melanogenesis, as explored by Weschawalit et al. (2017) and Prussick et al. (2013).

Sources of Glutathione

Dietary sources rich in glutathione include cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and kale. Supplements are also available, but it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.

Safety and Regulations

While glutathione is generally considered safe, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises you consult your physician in regards to glutathione products, especially those for injection.

Conclusion

Glutathione is a versatile antioxidant with numerous health benefits, from enhancing immune function to improving skin health. However, it’s essential to approach its use thoughtfully, considering both the potential benefits and the safety guidelines provided by health authorities.

References

  1. Bains VK, Bains R (2015). The antioxidant master glutathione and periodontal health. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26604952/ 
  2. Dröge W, Breitkreutz R (2000). Glutathione and immune function. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11115795/ 
  3. Minich DM, Brown BI (2019). A Review of Dietary (Phyto)Nutrients for Glutathione Support. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6770193/
  4. Gonzalez-Perez O, Gonzalez-Castaneda RE (2006). THERAPEUTIC PERSPECTIVES ON THE COMBINATION OF ALPHA-LIPOIC ACID AND VITAMIN E. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2925278/
  5. Huang WJ, et al (2016). Role of oxidative stress in Alzheimer’s disease. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4840676/
  6. Hayes JD, et al (2020). Oxidative Stress in Cancer. Cancer Cell. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32649885/
  7. Ballatori N, et al (2009). Glutathione dysregulation and the etiology and progression of human diseases. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2756154/
  8. Kumar P, et al (2022) GlyNAC (Glycine and N-Acetylcysteine) Supplementation in Mice Increases Length of Life by Correcting Glutathione Deficiency, Oxidative Stress, Mitochondrial Dysfunction, Abnormalities in Mitophagy and Nutrient Sensing, and Genomic Damage. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35268089/ 
  9. Kumar P, et al (2021) Glycine and N-acetylcysteine (GlyNAC) supplementation in older adults improves glutathione deficiency, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, insulin resistance, endothelial dysfunction, genotoxicity, muscle strength, and cognition: Results of a pilot clinical trial.https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ctm2.372
  10. Honda Y, et al (2017). Efficacy of glutathione for the treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: an open-label, single-arm, multicenter, pilot study. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5549431/
  11. Weschawalit S, et al (2017). Glutathione and its antiaging and antimelanogenic effects. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5413479/
  12. Prussick R, et al (2013) Psoriasis Improvement in Patients Using Glutathione-enhancing, Nondenatured Whey Protein Isolate: A Pilot Study. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3805302/
  13. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2022). [Fact Sheet] https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/injectable-skin-lightening-and-skin-bleaching-products-may-be-unsafe 
  14. Honda Y, et al (2017) Efficacy of glutathione for the treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: an open-label, single-arm, multicenter, pilot study https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28789631/ 
  15. Aoyama K. (2021) Glutathione in the Brain. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8125908/
  16. Sechi G, Det a; (1996). Reduced intravenous glutathione in the treatment of early Parkinson’s disease. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8938817/ 
  17. Aoi W, et al (2015). Glutathione supplementation suppresses muscle fatigue induced by prolonged exercise via improved aerobic metabolism. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4328900/
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Reviewed by:

Dr Alex Mosheni, MD
Dr Daniel Bryan, MD

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