10 Health benefits of Glutathione 

Introduction 

Glutathione is often referred to as “The Mother of All Antioxidants“. It is still one of the most talked-about detoxifiers in both the natural health and medical communities today. Our immune system and longevity depend on glutathione for many elements of human health. 

What is glutathione? 

Glutathione is one of the strong antioxidants present in plants and animals. The master antioxidant, glutathione, also enhances (recycles) other antioxidants, including vitamins C and E, alpha lipoic acid, and CoQ10.

Glutathione is a tripeptide made up of three amino acids,

Cysteine

Glycine

Glutamic acid

Glutathione comes in two forms.

The active form is reduced glutathione, which is known as L-glutathione or GSH. It oxidises and fixes oxidative damage to become oxidised glutathione.

The inactive form of glutathione, oxidised glutathione (GSSG), could be converted back into active glutathione (GSH).

Health benefits of glutathione 

Reduce oxidative stress 

Oxidative stress arises when there occurs an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body. A lack of antioxidants allows free radicals to cause damage in the body, including genetic damage and impaired normal cell function. 

Many chronic diseases, including Diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease, have been related to oxidative stress.

Glutathione is a powerful free radical scavenger, which signifies that it may scavenge free radicals before they result in oxidative stress and damage.

Benefits for skin 

Many people want flawless, young-looking skin, but they also worry about things like acne, wrinkles, dryness, eczema and swollen eyes. Glutathione is an effective remedy for this.

One doesn’t need to spend so much to restore the youth and health of the skin. The issue can be resolved from the inside out by glutathione which cells can repair and renew themselves.

Glutathione has been shown to improve skin suppleness and reduce wrinkles and melanin (pigmentation) in the skin. Tyrosinase, an enzyme essential for producing melanin, is inhibited by glutathione, which affects the skin’s pigmentation.

Although it takes a few weeks to take effect, GSH and GSSG were found to have a skin-lightening effect. To sustain the skin-whitening effect, one would need to keep using glutathione. The usage of glutathione contributes to skin whitening.

Glutathione also reduces Psoriasis. Consuming whey protein, which has glutamylcysteine, a precursor to GSH, helps people have higher glutathione levels.

Reduce cell damage in NAFLD. 

A deficiency in antioxidants, such as glutathione, may worsen liver cell death. In both people who abuse alcohol and those who do not, this can result in fatty liver disease. 

Individuals with alcoholic and nonalcoholic chronic fatty liver disease have shown that glutathione helps to improve protein, enzyme and bilirubin levels in their blood.

Improves insulin resistance 

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), insulin resistance occurs when the muscles, fat and liver cells don’t respond well to insulin and are unable to use glucose from the blood for energy. 

This can result in the Pre-diabetes stage, which is a condition that occurs before a person gets Diabetes. Studies state that glutathione supplements may help prevent Diabetes.

Enhance mobility for people with peripheral artery disease. 

Atherosclerosis, an accumulation of fatty deposits in the artery, is the root cause of occlusive peripheral arterial disease. This can then cause the arteries to constrict, decreasing blood flow.

Atherosclerosis can result in pain, muscle spasms and numbness in the limbs, but more usually in the legs. Walking can bring on the symptoms, which tend to reduce or go away while at rest.

Decreased blood flow to the neighbouring cells results in a lack of oxygen delivery. The cellular damage and an increase in oxidative reactions result from this. 

An adequate concentration of antioxidant molecules could be used to regulate oxidative stress. Increasing glutathione extends the patient’s pain-free walking distance and enhances blood flow.

Boosts athletic performance

Supplementing with glutathione before a workout can improve athletic performance. This workout booster is beneficial for everyone, from the casual runner to the trained professional.

According to a study, the glutathione group performed better, felt less tired and had lower blood lactic acid levels than the placebo-controlled group in a trial of eight men who received 1,000 mg of glutathione prior to exercise.

This is crucial since an increase in lactic acid can lead to tiredness, low blood pressure, muscle pains, a reduction in body temperature and respiratory issues.

More nitric oxide (NO) was produced when glutathione and L-citrulline were combined than when each substance was either used alone or as a placebo.

It is commonly known that nitric oxide expands blood arteries, increasing blood flow and oxygen delivery to muscles and tissues. This enhances the athletic ability and workout output.

Fight against autoimmune diseases. 

Autoimmune diseases occur when the body attacks itself. Since the immune system is unable to differentiate between foreign cells and the body’s own cells, it reacts by starting an inflammatory process.

Certain autoimmune illnesses have been linked to an increase in oxidative stress and a decrease in glutathione levels. Inflammation is known to cause an increase in oxidative processes.

Glutathione has a significant impact on the immunological system. It can help with inflammation by boosting or reducing the immune system’s reaction.

Increasing glutathione levels may reduce systemic problems and aid in preventing oxidative damage. This may help autoimmune conditions like Psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, alopecia areata, multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and type 1 Diabetes.

Fights inflammation 

Glutathione (GSH) regulates when inflammation rises or falls by directing and having an effect on the white blood cells. This works through an entirely different mechanism than its antioxidant properties.

Regulating glutathione levels is necessary for restoring immunological function and reducing chronic inflammation.

Increases energy levels

High levels of glutathione are connected with improved health among the elderly, while lower levels are linked to energy depletion.

Taking the supplement is relatively safe. Ensure to speak with a primary care physician or a doctor before incorporating one into the routine, particularly if an individual already uses drugs on a regular basis.

Manages Diabetes

Uncontrolled Diabetes can lead to oxidative stress and damage to tissue in various organs, including the kidneys, eyes and nerves. 

Since glutathione is used more frequently as an antioxidant, patients with Diabetes may have low amounts of it. According to research, using glutathione supplements may help people with Diabetes lower their tissue damage.

What are the sources of glutathione? 

Intracellular glutathione levels can be increased by consuming the right foods.

The food sources of glutathione include

Almonds

Turmeric

Okra

Avocado

Asparagus

Broccoli

Poultry

Grains like rice, bread and pasta

Vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, kale, watercress and mustard greens.

Cottage cheese

Beans

Sunflower seeds

Mushrooms

Brown rice

Brazilian nuts.

Side effects and risk of glutathione 

Little is understood regarding the harmful effects of taking glutathione supplements as a result of a lack of studies. High glutathione intake from diet alone hasn’t been associated with any adverse side effects.

However, some people worry that taking glutathione supplements can result in stomach pain, bloating or allergic reactions, which could manifest as a rash.

Some patients with moderate asthma have reported breathing issues after inhaling glutathione. 

Stop taking the supplement and talk to a doctor if any of these negative effects appear. Glutathione supplementation may also cause zinc levels to fall over time.

Glutathione supplement Dosage 

Glutathione dosages:

l Intravenous 

Dose Considerations – Should be taken as follows:

Chemotherapy Adjunct

600 mg/day intramuscularly from two to five days of chemotherapy 

Before chemotherapy, provide 1.5 g/m2 intravenously.

Male infertility 

600 mg given intramuscularly every second day for two months

Oral

250 milligrammes taken orally once daily

Dosage range: 50-600 mg/day

Inhaled

600 mg twice daily using a nebuliser

Conclusion 

It is usually safe to take glutathione, and most adverse effects of glutathione use are moderate. Speak with a doctor about common side effects, including loose stools or abdominal cramps. 

An ice compress and over-the-counter pain relievers may help ease the symptoms of redness and swelling that may occur following glutathione injections. 

Finally, glutathione is easily accessible in oral or intravenous form and continues to be a potent antioxidant. To benefit from the advantages of this natural antioxidant, consult with a doctor.

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