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Revitalize Your Body with Glutathione: The Essential Antioxidant You Need to Know About

Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant found in every cell in our body & frankly, does not get talked about enough! Its role within the body is to fight off free radicals, protect our body cells to avoid damage and aging and improve the overall health of the heart, liver, and brain. One unique thing about glutathione is that the body can make it in the liver, which is not true of most antioxidants. All your body needs is the building blocks to make it, as it comprises three amino acids: glutamine, glycine, and cysteine. Several factors, including poor nutrition, environmental toxins, and stress, may reduce glutathione levels in the body. Its levels also decline as you get older. You'll find that glutathione can add several benefits to your life, such as:


Reducing oxidative stress

Inflammation generally releases free radicals by damaging cells nearby. Free radicals may contribute to aging and some diseases. Oxidative stress occurs when there's an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the body's ability to fight them off. Oxidative stress damage can lead to a vast number of diseases over time.[1] Such as:

  • diabetes

  • atherosclerosis

  • inflammatory conditions

  • high blood pressure

  • heart disease

  • neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's & Alzheimer's

  • cancer[2]


Reducing cell damage in fatty liver disease

A deficiency of antioxidants in the liver, such as glutathione, can lead to the death of liver cells, leading to fatty liver disease. Glutathione has been shown to improve protein, enzyme, and bilirubin levels in the blood of individuals with alcoholic and nonalcoholic chronic fatty liver disease.[3] It is very effective when taken in combination with a proactive lifestyle change.


Improving Insulin Resistance

As you get older, your body produces less glutathione. A small 2018 study showed that people with insulin resistance tend to have lower glutathione levels. Study findings also indicated that low glutathione levels were associated with less fat burning and higher rates of fat storage in the body.[4]


Can help fight autoimmune disease

The inflammatory issues created from free radical damage can lead to your own body attacking itself, creating an autoimmune disease. This ranged from rheumatoid arthritis to celiac disease and even lupus. Luckily, glutathione is a great combatant of free radicals & can either stimulate or inhibit the immunological response to control inflammation.[5]


Foods to increase Glutathione levels

Food varieties rich in vitamins C & E can also enhance the glutathione level in our body. Vitamin C can protect and increase the glutathione level in red blood cells, while vitamin E supports the glutathione to improve the protective shield of glutathione-based enzymes.

Since glutathione is rich in sulfur, foods high in sulfur can also increase levels in the body, such as:

  • eggs 

  • nuts  

  • legumes 

  • cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and bok choy 

    • milk thistle 

    • flaxseed 


Summary

Glutathione is a vital antioxidant that begins to wane as we get older. Without it, many diseases can start to creep up & decrease our energy levels. As glutathione fights against free radicals and reduces oxidative damage, it can help protect mitochondria in our system. Weak or damaged mitochondria can slow down our body's energy production and reduce our ability to combat disease.











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