Glutathione

What is glutathione?

Glutathione, or GSH, is a potent antioxidant produced within the human body. It consists of three amino acids — glycine, cysteine, and glutamine — and affects a wide range of cellular processes. GSH is primarily produced in liver cells and cells throughout the central nervous system, although it is also present in the foods we eat every day, such as fish, poultry, and fruits. This naturally occurring element is vital to our well-being and can have excellent anti-aging, stress-reducing, and immune system benefits.

What does glutathione affect?

One of the primary roles of glutathione is protecting your cells from damage by free radicals. These are toxic molecules in your body that form largely in response to environmental factors, such as pollution, diet, and smoking. They can also form due to excessive mental and physical stress. Although harmless in small numbers, free radicals can begin to outnumber antioxidant molecules in your body. This excess can produce oxidative stress and damage cells throughout the body. Both side effects can accelerate aging and catalyze a variety of illnesses and degenerative conditions.

Although other antioxidants can counteract these molecules, glutathione is the most potent free radical-fighting antioxidant your body produces. Naturally, increasing the amount of GSH in your body can fight aging, reduce oxidative stress, and prevent serious health issues.

GSH’s properties can also affect many other processes that toxins might hinder. For example, glutathione is known to help with the repair and creation of DNA within the cell and can have powerful effects on immune regulation. Other known benefits of GSH are better nutrient breakdown, reduction of inflammation, activation of enzymes, and the production of proteins and prostaglandins.

What is glutathione therapy?

Glutathione treatment is the introduction of greater amounts of GSH through various methods. In many cases, individuals simply take a glutathione supplement in pill or tablet form. In clinical settings, providers may administer glutathione via IV or with a nebulizer. Some clinicians will administer GSH in combination with N-acetyl cysteine, also called NAC, a supplement that can also help fight free radicals.

Aside from these direct methods, there are many ways to increase GSH naturally. Eating GSH-rich foods and exercising regularly are popular natural methods. Some foods that are presumed to boost glutathione are avocados, cabbage, kale, garlic, onions, fish, and cauliflower. Since there are many ways to supplement GSH, it’s important to talk to your doctor before choosing a treatment.

What can glutathione treat?

Glutathione has been used by clinicians to treat a wide variety of conditions. These are some of the diseases and conditions that may be prevented by glutathione treatment:

Benefits of glutathione therapy

Aside from helping to prevent a range of serious health problems, glutathione therapy can have many beneficial effects on your health. These are some of the most common benefits of GSH therapy:

Slower aging

One of the primary reasons many individuals choose to use glutathione supplements is the substance’s anti-aging properties. As our bodies age, they begin to produce less GSH, which is a potential precursor of greater damage by free radicals and stress. These toxins can degenerate cells in many parts of the body, speeding aging. Increasing GSH through diet or supplements can mitigate many of these effects and promote cell growth, leading to clearer skin, healthier nails and hair, and greater energy.

Decreased inflammation

Inflammation is a byproduct of the concentration of toxins throughout the body. It is one of the main triggers of the development of cancer and chronic diseases and is often caused by the congregation of free radicals and a lack of antioxidants. The good news is that GSH has powerful free radical-fighting properties that counteract inflammation and toxicity in your body. If you’re prone to diseases or infections, glutathione therapy may be what you need to create a healthier future.

Liver detoxification

Your liver is a vital part of your biome and helps to detoxify your body. One of the most common threats to a functioning liver is fatty liver disease, a serious condition often brought about by alcohol abuse, diabetes, or high cholesterol. Doctors have found that liver disease is usually caused by cell death due to a lack of antioxidants, including glutathione, which is naturally found in the liver. Increasing the amount of GSH in your body can help detoxify the liver, prevent cell damage, and guard against liver disease.