10 Surprising Benefits of Glutathione You Need to Know

Glutathione, often referred to as the “master antioxidant,” is a powerful substance that our bodies produce naturally. This tripeptide is made up of three key amino acids: glutamine, glycine, and cysteine. It’s found in nearly every cell in our bodies, playing a crucial role in maintaining our overall health ¹.

The importance of glutathione in our bodies cannot be overstated. It’s primarily responsible for protecting our cells from free radical damage, a process known as oxidative stress. This makes it a key player in our body’s immune response, helping to detoxify our cells and support liver health. Additionally, glutathione has been linked to reducing insulin resistance and may even play a role in preventing the progression of cancer ².

However, factors such as aging, stress, and exposure to environmental toxins can deplete our body’s glutathione levels. This makes understanding its benefits and how to maintain optimal levels all the more important. In this article, we’ll explore ten surprising benefits of glutathione that you need to know.

The Role of Glutathione in the Body

Glutathione as the “Master Antioxidant”

Glutathione has earned the title of “master antioxidant” due to its pivotal role in our body’s defence system. As an antioxidant, glutathione neutralizes harmful free radicals, and unstable molecules that can damage cells and contribute to aging and disease. By doing so, it helps protect our cells from oxidative stress, a key factor in many chronic diseases, from heart disease to cancer.

But glutathione’s role goes beyond just neutralizing free radicals. It also helps regenerate other antioxidants in the body, like vitamins C and E, enhancing their effectiveness. Furthermore, glutathione plays a crucial role in the detoxification process, helping to eliminate toxins and carcinogens from the body ³. This is particularly important for liver health, as the liver is our main detoxifying organ.

How Glutathione Works in the Brain

In the brain, glutathione plays a vital role in protecting neurons (nerve cells) from damage and inflammation. It helps maintain the health and function of mitochondria, the powerhouses of cells, which is crucial for brain health. By reducing oxidative stress in the brain, glutathione may help prevent neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s ⁴.

Moreover, glutathione has been found to modulate neurotransmission, the process by which neurons communicate. It can influence the activity of neurotransmitters, chemicals that transmit signals across nerve cells, affecting various brain functions, including mood, sleep, and cognition ⁵.

Understanding the role of glutathione in the body and brain underscores its importance for our overall health and well-being. As we delve into the specific benefits of this master antioxidant, you’ll see just how crucial it is to maintain optimal glutathione levels.

The 10 Surprising Benefits of Glutathione

1. Fights Oxidative Stress

One of the most well-known benefits of glutathione is its ability to combat oxidative stress. Oxidative stress occurs when there’s an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the body’s ability to counteract their harmful effects. By neutralizing these free radicals, glutathione helps protect our cells from damage, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, and arthritis ⁶.

2. May Slow Cancer Progression

Preliminary research suggests that glutathione might play a role in slowing the progression of cancer. However, it’s important to note that high levels of glutathione might make tumours less responsive to chemotherapy. This is because glutathione’s antioxidant properties can protect not only healthy cells but also cancer cells from damage, potentially making them more resistant to chemotherapy drugs ⁷.

3. Reduces Cell Damage in Liver Disease

Glutathione has shown potential in treating nonalcoholic fatty liver disease due to its antioxidant properties and ability to detoxify. It can improve protein, enzyme, and bilirubin levels in the blood, which are often compromised in individuals with liver disease. By reducing oxidative stress in the liver, glutathione can help to protect liver cells from damage, potentially slowing the progression of liver disease ⁸.

4. Improves Insulin Sensitivity

Insulin resistance can lead to type 2 diabetes. Research indicates that individuals with insulin resistance often have lower glutathione levels. By boosting these levels, we could improve insulin resistance and promote better overall health. Glutathione helps to regulate the body’s response to insulin, helping to ensure that glucose is properly used for energy rather than accumulating in the blood ⁹.

5. Reduces Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease, a condition that affects the central nervous system, may be alleviated by maintaining glutathione levels. While more research is needed, some studies suggest that glutathione could help reduce symptoms and improve the quality of life for individuals with this disease. This could be due to glutathione’s ability to protect brain cells from oxidative damage, potentially slowing the progression of neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease ¹⁰.

6. Reduces Damage from Ulcerative Colitis

Like other inflammatory diseases, ulcerative colitis is linked to oxidative damage and stress. Glutathione supplementation could potentially improve some of the damage caused by this condition. By reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the colon, glutathione may help to alleviate some of the symptoms of ulcerative colitis and improve gut health ¹¹.

7. May Aid in Treating Autism Spectrum Disorders

Some evidence suggests that children with autism have lower levels of glutathione than neurotypical children. Glutathione supplements or injections might reduce some effects of autism, but more research is needed to confirm these findings. This could be due to glutathione’s role in protecting brain cells from oxidative damage, potentially improving neurological function in children with autism ¹².

8. Improves Mobility in Peripheral Artery Disease

Peripheral artery disease, a condition where the peripheral arteries become clogged by plaque, can be managed with the help of glutathione. It has been shown to improve circulation, allowing individuals to walk pain-free for longer distances. This is likely due to glutathione’s antioxidant properties, which can help to protect blood vessels from damage, improve blood flow, and reduce inflammation ¹³.

9. Helps Manage Uncontrolled Diabetes

Long-term high blood sugar is associated with reduced amounts of glutathione, leading to oxidative stress and tissue damage. Dietary supplementation with cysteine and glycine can boost glutathione levels, lowering oxidative stress and damage in people with uncontrolled diabetes. By protecting cells from the damaging effects of high blood sugar, glutathione can help to prevent complications of diabetes such as nerve damage and heart disease ¹⁴.

10. Reduces Respiratory Disease Symptoms

Glutathione, particularly in the form of N-acetylcysteine, a byproduct of glutathione, can help manage conditions such as asthma and cystic fibrosis. It works by thinning mucus and reducing inflammation. This can help to improve lung function and reduce symptoms in people with respiratory diseases. Additionally, by boosting the body’s antioxidant defences, glutathione may also help to protect the lungs from damage caused by oxidative stress ¹⁵.

How Glutathione Feels

Personal Experiences and Reports from Those Who Supplement with Glutathione

The experience of supplementing with glutathione can vary from person to person, largely depending on their health status and the reasons for supplementation. However, many people who supplement with glutathione report a variety of positive effects.

Some individuals note an increase in energy levels and improved physical performance. This is likely due to glutathione’s role in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, which can otherwise lead to fatigue and decreased physical capacity.

Others report improved skin health, including a brighter complexion and reduced signs of aging. This is not surprising given glutathione’s antioxidant properties and its role in detoxification, both of which can contribute to healthier skin.

Many people who supplement with glutathione for its cognitive benefits report improved mental clarity, better focus, and enhanced memory. These effects can be attributed to glutathione’s role in protecting brain cells from oxidative damage and its influence on neurotransmission.

It’s important to note that while these experiences are common, they are subjective and can vary widely. As with any supplement, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before starting a glutathione regimen.

Clinical Research on Glutathione

Glutathione for OCD

A study published in “Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging” in 2016 investigated the role of glutathione in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). The study found that glutathione levels in the posterior cingulate cortex were significantly lower in patients with OCD compared to healthy controls. This suggests that glutathione could potentially play a role in the pathophysiology of OCD. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings and to understand the potential therapeutic implications ¹⁶.

Glutathione for Alzheimer’s Disease

A study published in the “Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease” in 2019 found that glutathione levels were significantly decreased in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients compared to healthy controls. The study also found that the decrease in glutathione was associated with an increase in oxidative stress, which is thought to play a role in the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. The authors suggest that strategies to increase brain glutathione levels could potentially be beneficial in Alzheimer’s disease ¹⁷.

Glutathione to Reduce Hangovers

A study published in “Scientific Reports” in 2021 investigated the use of N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a precursor to glutathione, in the prevention of hangover symptoms. The study found no significant difference in the general distribution of total hangover scores between the NAC and placebo groups. However, a significant difference was found in the general distribution of total hangover difference scores based on gender, with female participants having improved hangover symptoms after NAC use. The authors suggest that NAC might have the potential to reduce hangover symptoms, particularly in females, but more research is needed to confirm these findings ¹⁸.

Recommended Dosage and Side Effects of Glutathione

Recommended Nootropic Dosage:

The recommended nootropic dosage for Reduced or Liposomal Glutathione for immune support is between 250 – 1,000 mg per day. Glutathione is not well-absorbed in your digestive system, so the liposomal form of glutathione is preferred ¹⁹. You can also increase your glutathione levels by supplementing with N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine (NAC), a direct precursor to glutathione ²⁰. NAC is easily digested and helps produce glutathione in your liver. The recommended nootropic dosage of NAC is 600 mg, taken three times per day.

Possible Side Effects:

Glutathione is non-toxic and is generally well-tolerated and safe. Side effects are rare but can include digestive cramping and bloating, and possible skin rash if you apply glutathione to your skin. If you have asthma, you should avoid supplementing with glutathione. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please check with your doctor before beginning glutathione supplementation.

Conclusion

Glutathione is a vital component of our cells, offering a multitude of health benefits. It combats oxidative stress, potentially slows cancer progression, improves insulin sensitivity, and reduces symptoms of various diseases. Its role in brain health is also significant, with research suggesting its potential in treating conditions like OCD and Alzheimer’s Disease, and even in reducing hangovers.

However, it’s important to remember that supplementation should be considered in the context of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new regimen, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

In essence, maintaining healthy glutathione levels could be a key factor in promoting your overall well-being. Whether it’s through diet, lifestyle changes, or supplementation, glutathione is a powerful ally in the quest for optimal health.

Buy Glutathione Online Review Comparison Table

References

1. Gould, R. L., & Pazdro, R. (2019). Impact of Supplementary Amino Acids, Micronutrients, and Overall Diet on Glutathione Homeostasis. Nutrients, 11(5), 1056.[↩]
2. Bansal, A., & Simon, M. C. (2018). Glutathione metabolism in cancer progression and treatment resistance. Journal of Cell Biology, 217(7), 2291–2298.[↩]
3. Potęga, A. (2022). Glutathione-Mediated Conjugation of Anticancer Drugs: An Overview of Reaction Mechanisms and Biological Significance for Drug Detoxification and Bioactivation. Molecules, 27(16), 5252.[↩]
4. Schulz, J. B., Lindenau, J., Seyfried, J., & Dichgans, J. (2000). Glutathione, oxidative stress and neurodegeneration. European Journal of Biochemistry, 267(16), 4904–4911.[↩]
5. Aoyama, K., & Nakaki, T. (2013). Impaired Glutathione Synthesis in Neurodegeneration. Toxicology, 311(1-2), 87-91.[↩]
6. Matuz-Mares, D., Riveros-Rosas, H., Vilchis-Landeros, M. M., & Vázquez-Meza, H. (2021). Glutathione Participation in the Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases. Antioxidants (Basel), 10(8), 1220.[↩]
7. Traverso, N., Ricciarelli, R., Nitti, M., Marengo, B., Furfaro, A. L., Pronzato, M. A., Marinari, U. M., & Domenicotti, C. (2013). Role of Glutathione in Cancer Progression and Chemoresistance. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2013, Article 972913.[↩]
8. Irie, M., Sohda, T., Anan, A., Fukunaga, A., Takata, K., Tanaka, T., Yokoyama, K., Morihara, D., Takeyama, Y., Shakado, S., & Sakisaka, S. (2016). Reduced Glutathione suppresses Oxidative Stress in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Euroasian Journal of Hepato-Gastroenterology, 6(1), 13–18.[↩]
9. Lutchmansingh, F. K., Hsu, J. W., Bennett, F. I., Badaloo, A. V., McFarlane-Anderson, N., Gordon-Strachan, G. M., Wright-Pascoe, R. A., Jahoor, F., & Boyne, M. S. (2018). Glutathione metabolism in type 2 diabetes and its relationship with microvascular complications and glycemia. PLoS ONE, 13(6), e0198626.[↩]
10. Percário, S., da Silva Barbosa, A., Varela, E. L. P., Gomes, A. R. Q., Ferreira, M. E. S., de Nazaré Araújo Moreira, T., & Dolabela, M. F. (2020). Oxidative Stress in Parkinson’s Disease: Potential Benefits of Antioxidant Supplementation. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2020, Article 2360872.[↩]
11. Holmes, E. W., Yong, S. L., Eiznhamer, D., & Keshavarzian, A. (1998). Glutathione content of colonic mucosa: evidence for oxidative damage in active ulcerative colitis. Digestive Diseases and Sciences, 43(5), 1088-1095.[↩]
12. Rose, S., Melnyk, S., Pavliv, O., Bai, S., Nick, T. G., Frye, R. E., & James, S. J. (2012). Evidence of oxidative damage and inflammation associated with low glutathione redox status in the autism brain. Translational Psychiatry, 2(7), e134.[↩]
13. Koutakis, P., Ismaeel, A., Farmer, P., Purcell, S., Smith, R. S., Eidson, J. L., & Bohannon, W. T. (2018). Oxidative stress and antioxidant treatment in patients with peripheral artery disease. Physiological Reports, 6(7), e13650.[↩]
14. Sekhar, R. V., McKay, S. V., Patel, S. G., Guthikonda, A. P., Reddy, V. T., Balasubramanyam, A., & Jahoor, F. (2011). Glutathione synthesis is diminished in patients with uncontrolled diabetes and restored by dietary supplementation with cysteine and glycine. Diabetes Care, 34(1), 162-167.[↩]
15. Cantin, A. M., White, T. B., Cross, C. E., Forman, H. J., Sokol, R. J., & Borowitz, D. (2007). Antioxidants in cystic fibrosis: Conclusions from the CF Antioxidant Workshop, Bethesda, Maryland, November 11-12, 2003. Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 42(1), 15-31.[↩]
16. Brennan, B. P., Jensen, J. E., Perriello, C., Pope, H. G., Jr., Jenike, M. A., Hudson, J. I., Rauch, S. L., & Kaufman, M. J. (2016). Lower posterior cingulate cortex glutathione levels in obsessive-compulsive disorder. Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, 1(2), 116-124.[↩]
17. Mandal, P. K., Shukla, D., Tripathi, M., & Ersland, L. (2019). Cognitive Improvement with Glutathione Supplement in Alzheimer’s Disease: A Way Forward. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, 68(2), 531-535.[↩]
18. Kim, D. J., Kim, W., Yoon, S. J., Choi, B. M., Kim, J. S., Go, H., … & Kim, Y. K. (2021). Effects of N-acetylcysteine on alcohol abstinence and alcohol-induced adverse effects in rats. Scientific Reports, 11, 3735.[↩]
19. Sinha, R., Sinha, I., Calcagnotto, A., Trushin, N., Haley, J. S., Schell, T. D., & Richie, J. P. (2018). Oral supplementation with liposomal glutathione elevates body stores of glutathione and markers of immune function. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 72(1), 105–111.[↩]
20. Atkuri, K. R., Mantovani, J. J., Herzenberg, L. A., & Herzenberg, L. A. (2007). N-acetylcysteine – a safe antidote for cysteine/glutathione deficiency. Current Opinion in Pharmacology, 7(4), 355–359.[↩]