Glutathione is comprised of 3 amino acids: glycine, L-cysteine and L-glutamate. It is naturally produced in the liver and present in cells throughout the body, helping to maintain homeostatic balance while protecting from a host of foreign invaders and pathologies
Glutathione is regarded as an extremely potent 'master' antioxidant that prevents and reverses damage done by free radicals or oxidative stress. Both free radicals and oxidative stress exist in the presence of disease-causing toxins, viral loads, and inflammatory conditions. An excess of oxidative stress can become a systemic complication that degrades cellular health, eventually impairing proper immune function. As Glutathione's primary job is to detoxify the liver, it efficiently cleanses blood from any wastes preventing further damage to the body, scavenging for free radicals and rehabilitating tissues for recovery. As a bioregulator, it also has the capability to bind latent drugs previously used and stored in tissues, making them easier to excrete. This helps to rehabilitate those with chronically weak or suppressed immunity
Glutathione production naturally decreases during the aging process. It is important to boost Glutathione stores with helpful foods and supplements in later years. In supplemental form, intravenous applications or oral liposomal glutathione is far easier to assimilate and is often recommended for maximum benefit
Source: Glutathione is naturally produced in the liver. To increase natural levels of glutathione, consuming sulfur-rich food, asparagus, potatoes, peppers, carrots, avocados, squash, spinach, melons and whey protein assist in provisions
Benefits:
Major Antioxidant: As discussed earlier, free radicals contribute to a long host of diseases. Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that acts to combat and prevent disease by actively working against oxidative stress. It also helps in maintaining and regenerating proper levels of vitamins C & E, both used for anti-aging and protection against cell damage
Immune Recovery and Cellular Support: Chronic and overreactive inflammation caused by autoimmunity can increase oxidative stress which, again, is counteracted by Glutathione. Autoimmune diseases attack the mitochondria of cells. In opposition, Glutathione proactively protects the mitochondria while informing DNA repair and functions of nucleotide development
Cancer: As cancer is largely caused by free radicals, Glutathione could be invaluable in fighting against the spread and proliferation of cancer. There are many medical studies showing Glutathione use can prevent the spread of cancer cells and increase apoptosis. As recovery is achieved, cells can regenerate to support healthy organ function
Heart Health: It has been seen to aid in fat metabolism, lowering both LDL and total cholesterol. In a 2017 study, it was found that Glutathione reduced vascular stiffness that can contribute to heart related conditions. This is a game changer for metabolic health especially in cases of inherited cardiovascular disease.
Digestive Health: For those with a sluggish gallbladder or liver, the enzymatic digestion and breakdown of fats is supported to improve bile release and overall health of related organs. In cases of colitis, Glutathione has been shown to act protectively to mucosal membranes and increase the integrity of intestinal lining
Memory Aid: There is growing evidence that memory-related disorders and mental illness is caused by oxidative stress in the brain. Glutathione can directly support mental health by protecting the central nervous system and neurotransmitter function. It has also been found to transport mercury out of the brain tissues, protecting against heavy metal damage that can contribute to disease progression
Risks: While glutathione is considered safe as it is naturally produced in the liver and found in high concentrations throughout our body, there are always precautions especially in cases of complex disease status related to genetic predisposition and degeneration. Pregnant woman and those on intensive medications should seek the advisement of a health professional before adding Glutathione to their regimen
For those undergoing chemotherapy, glutathione may make cells less sensitive to chemotherapy. Please speak with a treating physician before applying Glutathione to a health maintenance routine
Sustainability: An abundant and naturally-occurring resource, Glutathione is not at risk of depletion
Processing: Supplemental Glutathione comes in several forms. Resources typically supply the raw materials - cysteine and glycine- to generate a natural production of Glutathione. Other antioxidants like ascorbic acid (vitamin C) are used synergistically to prevent circulating depletion of Glutathione. Additional supplementation like curcumin, milk thistle, N-acetyl cysteine and superoxide dismutase assist in maintaining healthy levels overall
Resources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28526381- 2017 study on cardiovascular benefits of glutathione
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3673338/- Effects against cancer progression
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5549431/- Benefits for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0198626- Use for Type 2 Diabetes
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19393193- Effects on immune system and oxidative stress
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14988435- Glutathione metabolism
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31782617- Effects against colitis