Glutathione

Glutathione

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 several factors, including poor nutrition, environmental toxins, and stress. Its levels also decline with age.

Glutathione benefits

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.

Glutathione deficiency lead to increased levels of oxidative stress, which might lead to cancer

2. May improve psoriasis

A small study showed improvement of lesions in patients receiving Glutathione

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.

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 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.

6. Reduces symptoms of Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease affects the central nervous system and is defined by symptoms such as tremors. Intravenous glutathione has a positive effects on symptoms such as tremors and rigidity.

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

8. 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. Glutathione lowered oxidative stress and damage in people with uncontrolled diabetes, despite high sugar levels.

9. May reduce respiratory disease symptoms

N-acetylcysteine is a medication used to treat conditions such as asthma and cystic fibrosis. It also reduces inflammation.

10. Reduces side effects of chemotherapy treatments for cancer’

11. Can improve infertility in men