Glutathione Benefits
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.
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 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.
Reduces cell damage
in alcoholic and non-alcoholic 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 non-alcoholic chronic fatty liver disease.
Orally administered glutathione has
positive effects on people with the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease following
proactive lifestyle changes.
Improves insulin
resistance in older individuals
As people age, they produce less glutathione. Researchers 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.
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.
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. Glutathione
may help reduce symptoms, improving the quality of life in people with this disease.
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.
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.
Glutathione contains sulfur
molecules, which may be why foods high in sulfur help to boost their 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.
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