Easy Detox With Glutathione: Everything You Need To Know About A Magic Antioxidant
Glutathione – it’s grabbing attention for its reported health benefits and its magical anti-aging properties. But what is it, and what does it do?
What Is Glutathione?
You might never have heard of glutathione, but it’s absolutely vital to your health and has multiple functions. Glutathione is an antioxidant which naturally occurs in the body, and can be found in every single cell. It is made of three different amino acids: cysteine, glutamic acid and glycine. Glutathione (pronounced gloo-ta-thigh-ohn) has many important responsibilities, including:
- Making DNA
- Supporting immune function
- Breaking down free radicals
- Regenerating vitamins C and E
Glutathione protects your mitochondria – the powerhouse of your cells – by ensuring that heavy metals and toxins don’t damage them. This keeps your cells healthy and thriving.
What Causes Glutathione Deficiency?
As we get older, our production of glutathione slows. Levels of glutathione can also be decreased by:
- Poor nutrition
- Environmental toxins (such as pollution and cleaning products)
- Stress.
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol use
- Certain illnesses (including cancer and heart disease)
Scientists have found links between low glutathione levels and various diseases. At the moment, scientists are unsure whether these diseases deplete glutathione levels, or if they are caused by low glutathione levels.
Detox With Glutathione: What Are The Benefits?
It’s An Amazing Antioxidant…
Breaking down free radicals (which cause cell damage and lead to disease) is one of the most important roles of glutathione. Glutathione is vital in carrying out this job, because it is found in every cell of the body.
When your body breaks down oxygen, it results in single electrons. Electrons like to be in pairs so these single electrons, called free radicals, scavenge your body for other electrons. This damages cells and DNA. Antioxidants, like glutathione, are able to give an electron to free radicals without becoming destabilized themselves. This protects those cells that would otherwise be attacked.
Preventing Cancer Progression…
Glutathione is often used during cancer treatment. It can be administered intravenously as a treatment to prevent the poisonous effects of chemotherapy. It’s also vital for cell repair.
Reducing Cell Damage In Liver Disease…
Cell death in the liver can be exacerbated by a lack of antioxidants, including glutathione. This can lead to fatty liver disease, both for those who abuse alcohol and for those who don’t. Glutathione, when taken orally, has been shown in studies to have a positive effect on people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. This is likely due to its potential to detoxify.
Improving Insulin Resistance…
Studies have found that people with insulin resistance tend to have lower levels of glutathione. This is a concern because insulin is the hormone which allows our bodies to break down fats and sugars and convert them to energy. Insulin resistance can lead to excess fat storage and type 2 diabetes. Taking extra glutathione can help to reverse this!
Reducing Symptoms Of Parkinson’s Disease…
Parkinson’s disease is an incurable degenerative disorder of the central nervous system, and has symptoms such as tremors. A study has found that glutathione can reduce tremors and other such symptoms.
Reducing Ulcerative Colitis Damage…
Ulcerative colitis is a long-term, debilitating and painful condition which has been linked to oxidative damage and stress. It causes inflammation and ulcers in the colon, and at its worst complete removal of the colon may be necessary. An animal study found that glutathione supplements can improve some of the damage caused by colitis.
Mental Health…
People with depression have been found to have lower levels of glutathione. Animal studies have discovered that glutathione prevented depression in animals under stress, and it’s believed that anti-anxiety medication may work, at least in part, by raising glutathione levels. So, increasing glutathione levels is likely to calm the mind and improve mental focus and clarity.
Patients with OCD and schizophrenia also have lower glutathione levels.
Athletic Performance…
In a study of men taking glutathione before exercise, the group using glutathione performed better, felt less fatigued and had lower blood lactic acid levels than the placebo group. Glutathione has been shown to boost nitric oxide production. Nitric acid dilates blood vessels, meaning more oxygen can be delivered to muscles during exercise, improving performance.
Improving Vitamin D Deficiency…
Low vitamin D3 levels can increase your risk of heart attack, asthma, diabetes and many more diseases. Low glutathione levels are linked to vitamin D3 deficiency. It’s also been found that taking vitamin D supplements alone don’t improve a vitamin D deficiency unless glutathione levels are also increased. Having a good level of glutathione means that your vitamin D will work the way it should.
Youthful Skin…
Glutathione has skin conditioning properties, causing reduced appearance of wrinkles and increased skin elasticity. It also blocks formation of melanin in the skin – which darkens the skin as we age. In addition, it can stop the hair drying out, leading to shinier, healthier hair. In other words, glutathione can turn back the clock – leaving you with youthful skin and hair.Can Glutathione Help With The Effects Of Drinking Alcohol?
Yes. Glutathione has a role in metabolizing alcohol and when we drink excessively, levels of glutathione are lowered. Several studies have shown that taking glutathione supplements can help with the effects of a hangover.
Excessive alcohol use can also result in liver damage. Scientists have found that increasing glutathione levels can help to repair damage to the liver.
How Can I Boost My Glutathione Levels?
With so many benefits linked to heightened glutathione, you’ll be wanting to make sure that your levels are bountiful. There are several ways you can do this…
Take Glutathione Supplements…
Glutathione supplements can be taken orally. Taking them frequently can leave you feeling energised, with increased mental clarity. The antioxidant properties help to rid your body of free radicals, improving your overall health. The best way to take advantage of glutathione supplements is through one of our Vitamin IV treatments – not only will you get all the great benefits, you’ll also enjoy 100% absorption rate.
Food…
Foods which contain sulfur may help to raise your glutathione levels. This is because glutathione contains sulfur molecules. Foods that are high in sulfur include:
- Cruciferous vegetables (such as cauliflower and broccoli)
- Garlic and onions
- Eggs
- Nuts
- Legumes
- Lean protein (such as chicken)
Exercise…
Exercise has been shown to boost your glutathione levels. If you don’t currently exercise, start slow and build up to 30 minutes of aerobic exercise such as running 3 times a week, and try strength training a couple of times a week too.
Limit Exposure To Toxins…
Glutathione levels are depleted by exposure to toxins, so limiting this exposure is a good way to fortify levels. Some are impossible to avoid – such as air pollution. Other toxins can be limited, such as those in certain foods and beauty products. Choosing naturally produced make-up, shampoos and deodorants can help.
Because this antioxidant is SO beneficial, taking a supplement alongside a healthy diet and consistent exercise is a great idea.
Detoxing With A Glutathione Infusion…
Glutathione is an incredible, highly valuable antioxidant which helps to protect the very life force of our cells – the mitochondria. Low levels can lead to many problems and illnesses, while a boost can give great benefits (including anti-aging, increased athletic performance and mental clarity). There are a lot of great benefits to detoxing with glutathione, and the best way to take advantage of this remarkable antioxidant is our Vital Detox Vitamin IV drip.
Book your appointment now and take full advantage of the 100% absorption rate you can only get from our IV infusions…