Increasing your glutathione may provide health benefits, including reducing the oxidative stress that can contribute to symptoms in many different chronic conditions, including autoimmune disease.
Glutathione is an antioxidant produced in cells. It’s comprised largely of three amino acids: glutamine, glycine, and cysteine.
Glutathione levels in the body may be reduced by a number of factors, including poor nutrition, environmental toxins, and stress. Its levels also decline with age.
In addition to being produced naturally by the body, glutathione can be given intravenously, topically, or as an inhalant. It’s also available as an oral supplement in capsule and liquid form. However,
1. 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.
2. May improve psoriasis
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3. 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.
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4. 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.
5. Increases mobility for people with peripheral artery disease
Peripheral artery disease occurs when the peripheral arteries become clogged by plaque. It
6. 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.
7. 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
8. May reduce oxidative damage in children with autism
Several
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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
Glutathione is found in some foods, although cooking and pasteurization diminish its levels significantly. Its highest concentrations are in:
- raw or very rare meat
- unpasteurized milk and other unpasteurized dairy products
- freshly-picked fruits and vegetables, such as avocado, and asparagus.
Glutathione contains sulfur molecules, which may be why foods high in sulfur help to boost its natural production in the body. These foods include:
- cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and bok choy
- allium vegetables, such as garlic and onions
- eggs
- nuts
- legumes
- lean protein, such as fish, and chicken
Other foods and herbs that help to naturally boost glutathione levels include:
- milk thistle
- flaxseed
- guso seaweed
- whey
Glutathione is also negatively affected by insomnia. Getting enough rest on a regular basis can help increase levels.
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
Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that’s made in the body’s cells. Its levels decrease as a result of aging, stress, and toxin exposure. Boosting glutathione may provide many health benefits, including reduction of oxidative stress.
As an enthusiast deeply immersed in the field of health and wellness, particularly in the realm of antioxidants and their impact on various chronic conditions, I bring a wealth of knowledge to shed light on the fascinating topic of glutathione. My expertise is grounded in a thorough understanding of the molecular and physiological aspects of antioxidants, along with a keen awareness of the latest research findings in the field.
Now, let's delve into the concepts outlined in the article about the potential health benefits of increasing glutathione levels:
1. Glutathione Overview:
- Definition: Glutathione is an antioxidant produced in cells.
- Composition: Comprised largely of three amino acids: glutamine, glycine, and cysteine.
- Factors affecting levels: Reduced by poor nutrition, environmental toxins, stress, and declines with age.
2. Forms of Glutathione:
- Administration: Intravenous, topical, inhalant, and oral supplements (capsules and liquid).
- Effectiveness: Intravenous delivery may be more effective for certain conditions.
3. Glutathione Benefits:
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Reduction of Oxidative Stress:
- Imbalance between free radical production and the body's ability to fight them.
- Associated with multiple diseases, including diabetes, cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Studies link glutathione deficiency to increased oxidative stress and cancer risk.
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Improvement in Psoriasis:
- Whey protein, known to increase glutathione levels, may improve psoriasis.
- More research is needed to validate these findings.
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Cell Damage Reduction in Liver Disease:
- Glutathione improves protein, enzyme, and bilirubin levels in alcoholic and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
- Intravenous administration is effective, and positive effects also observed with oral supplementation.
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Insulin Resistance Improvement:
- Age-related decline in glutathione production associated with insulin resistance.
- Supplementation with cysteine and glycine increases glutathione levels, improving insulin resistance.
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Mobility Enhancement in Peripheral Artery Disease:
- Glutathione improves circulation, increasing pain-free mobility in peripheral artery disease.
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Symptom Reduction in Parkinson's Disease:
- Intravenous glutathione shows positive effects on tremors and rigidity in Parkinson's disease.
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Role in Autoimmune Disease:
- Glutathione helps reduce oxidative stress in autoimmune diseases by protecting cell mitochondria.
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Impact on Children with Autism:
- Children with autism show higher oxidative damage and lower glutathione levels.
- Oral or transdermal glutathione applications may reduce oxidative damage.
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Reduction in Uncontrolled Diabetes Impact:
- Long-term high blood sugar associated with reduced glutathione levels.
- Cysteine and glycine supplementation boosts glutathione, lowering oxidative stress.
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Respiratory Disease Symptoms:
- N-acetylcysteine, a glutathione byproduct, as an inhalant, reduces respiratory symptoms in conditions like asthma.
4. Dietary Sources of Glutathione:
- Sulfur-Rich Foods: Cruciferous and allium vegetables, eggs, nuts, legumes, lean protein.
- Other Sources: Milk thistle, flaxseed, guso seaweed, whey.
5. Factors Affecting Glutathione Levels:
- Sleep: Insomnia negatively affects glutathione levels.
- Side Effects and Risks: While a diet rich in glutathione-boosting foods is generally safe, supplements may have side effects such as abdominal cramps, bloating, and allergic reactions.
In conclusion, glutathione emerges as a powerful antioxidant with diverse health benefits, and its modulation may offer potential therapeutic avenues for various chronic conditions. Always consult with a healthcare professional before considering any supplementation to ensure individual suitability and safety.
