WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF GLUTATHIONE?

WHAT IS GLUTATHIONE?

 

 

Glutathione is a substance made from the amino acids glycine, cysteine, and glutamic acid. It acts as an essential antioxidant in your body. Antioxidants are molecules that can damage your body’s cells help combat free radicals.

 

It is produced naturally by the liver and involved in many processes in the body. This includes but is not limited to:

• tissue building and repair
• making chemicals and proteins needed in the body
• boosting the immune system.

 

Glutathione is an antioxidant in found in plants, animals, fungi, and some bacteria and archaea. It can prevent damage to important cellular components caused by reactive oxygen species such as free radicals, peroxides, lipid peroxides, and heavy metals. People take Glutathione for many reasons.  This includes

• anti-aging
• Prevent alcoholism and liver disease
• aid in prevention of heart disease

 

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF GLUTATHIONE IN THE BODY?

 

Glutathione is a small molecule that plays a number of important roles in the body. It is an antioxidant, meaning it helps to protect cells from damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS are molecules that can damage cellular structures and contribute to the development of diseases such as cancer and heart disease.

 

Glutathione is also involved in the detoxification of harmful substances in the body, including drugs and environmental toxins. It does this by binding to these substances and making them more water-soluble, which allows them to be excreted in the urine or bile.

 

In addition to its antioxidant and detoxification roles, glutathione is also involved in:

• The synthesis and repair of DNA
• regulation of the immune system
• maintenance of normal brain function

It is found in high concentrations in the liver, where it plays a critical role in the detoxification of drugs and other toxins. Overall, glutathione is an important molecule that helps to keep the body healthy by protecting cells from damage and helping to remove harmful substances.

 

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF GLUATHIONE?

 

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.

 

Can Glutathione help improve psoriasis?

 

A small study indicated that whey protein, when given orally, improved psoriasis with or without additional treatment. Whey protein had been previously demonstrated to increase glutathione levels. Study participants were given 20 grams as an oral supplement daily for three months. Researchers stated that more study is needed. What we found as a functional medicine clinic is that autoimmune conditions such as eczema and psoriasis are caused largely by an unbalanced diet. Removing processed foods, sugars and starches from your diet can help reduce the symptoms of your psoriasis. 

 

Glutothione can Reduce 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.

 

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, spiked within two weeks. Thus, 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 twice daily for five days and then analyzed for mobility.

 

Reducing symptoms of Parkinson’s disease

 

 

Parkinson’s disease symptoms affect the central nervous system and are 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 the quality of life in people with this disease. Another study has shown that patients diagnosed with autoimmune conditions such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s have shown to have high contents of toxic heavy metals in their blood. By creating an effective detox regiment at a young age, you can prevent high levels of heavy metals in your system. Some good strategies for detoxifications are exercise, sauna, diet and chelation through IV therapy treatments.

 

 

 

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. Glutathione helps reduce oxidative stress by either stimulating or reducing the body’s immunological response. Autoimmune diseases attack the mitochondria in specific cells. It works to protect cell mitochondria by eliminating free radicals.

 

May reduce oxidative damage in children with autism

 

Children with autism have higher levels of oxidative damage and lower Glutathione levels in their brain. This increased susceptibility to neurological damage in children with autism from substances such as mercury.

 

The eight-week clinical trial on children aged 3 to 13 used oral or transdermal applications of Glutathione. Autistic symptom changes were not evaluated as part of the study, but children in both groups showed improvement in cysteine, plasma sulfate, and whole-blood glutathione levels.

 

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.

 

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 the byproduct of Glutathione.

 

Glutathione is found in some foods, although cooking and pasteurization diminish their levels significantly. Its highest concentrations are raw or very rare meat, unpasteurized milk, and other dairy products, freshly-picked fruits and vegetables, such as avocado and asparagus. 

 

Antioxidant activity

 

Free radicals may contribute to aging and some diseases. Antioxidants help to counteract free radicals and protect the body from their damaging effects.

 

Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant, partly because high concentrations can be found in every cell in the body.

 

Preventing cancer progression

 

Some research shows that Glutathione has a role in preventing the progression of cancer. However, the same study indicates that Glutathione may make tumors less sensitive to chemotherapy, a standard cancer treatment. Determining the effects of Glutathione on cancer will require more research.

 

Reducing cell damage in liver disease

 

Hepatitis, alcohol abuse, and fatty liver disease all damage the cells of the liver. Glutathione could help treat nonalcoholic fatty liver disease due to its antioxidant properties and potential to detoxify. The researchers note that more extensive studies are needed to confirm this effect.

 

Improving insulin sensitivity

 

Insulin resistance can result in the development of type 2 diabetes. Insulin production causes the body to move glucose (sugar) from the blood and into cells that use it for energy. A small 2018 study indicates that people with insulin resistance tend to have lower glutathione levels, particularly if they have experienced complications, such as neuropathy or retinopathy.

 

Anti-cancer effects-Some studies have shown that Glutathione’s neutralization of free radicals may have anti-cancer and anti-tumor effects. Researchers note that a glutathione supplement is not meant to replace standard chemotherapy treatment for cancer. Still, it is an antioxidant that needs more study for its potential anti-cancer effects.

 

SIDE EFFECTS AND RISKS OF GLUATHIONE

 

A diet rich in glutathione-boosting foods does not pose any risks. However, taking supplements may not be advisable for everyone. Talk to your doctor about Glutathione to determine if it’s right for you. Possible side effects may include: abdominal cramps, bloating, trouble breathing due to bronchial constriction, allergic reactions, such as rash.

 

Taking glutathione long-term has been linked to lower zinc levels. Inhaled Glutathione may trigger asthma attacks in people who have asthma. Symptoms may include wheezing.

 

What Are Symptoms of Deficiency of Glutathione?

 

These problems may include seizures; a generalized slowing down of physical reactions, movements, and speech (psychomotor retardation); intellectual disability; and a loss of coordination (ataxia). Some people with severe glutathione synthetase deficiency also develop recurrent bacterial infections.

 

What Are The Right Dosages of Glutathione?

 

Intravenously

 

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows:

 

Chemotherapy Adjunct

 

600 mg/day intramuscularly days 2-5 of chemotherapy

1.5 g/m2 intravenously before chemotherapy

 

Male Infertility

 

600 mg intramuscularly every other day for two months

 

Oral

 

250 mg orally once daily

Dose range: 50-600 mg/day

 

Inhaled

 

600 mg via nebulizer twice daily

 

Glutathione Supplement Forms

 

Glutathione supplements come in several different forms, including oral pills and powder, or as an inhalant, topical treatment, or intravenous injection.

 

Sources of Foods Naturally Rich in Glutathione

 

• Spinach
• avocados
• asparagus, and okra are some of the richest dietary sources.

 

However, dietary Glutathione is poorly absorbed by the human body. Additionally, cooking and storage conditions can decrease the amount of Glutathione found in food.

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