Glutathione the “master anti-oxidant” powerfully dominates oxidants or “free radicals” and cleans them up from the body’s systems and keep oxidative stress low.

  • Glutathione recycles antioxidants C and E within the body.
  • Glutathione removes toxins from the body including persistent organic pollutants (POP’s), pesticides, solvents, and mycotoxins.
  • Glutathione stimulates production of immune cells including white blood cells, t-cells, and natural killer cells.
  • Sufficient levels within the cell are associated with health and longevity.

Glutathione deficiency:

  • Lack of energy
  • Joint and muscle aches and pains
  • Brain fog
  • Reduced immune function
  • Poor sleep
  • Elevated oxidative stress markers

Glutathione sufficiency:

  • Increase in energy and resilience
  • Improved cognitive function
  • Increased metabolism
  • Decreased allergy/asthma symptoms
  • Decreased headaches

How to increase glutathione levels?

  • Perhaps the best way to keep glutathione levels high is to decrease the toxic load that depletes glutothione in the first place. Reduce exposure to toxins in personal care products, pesticides, plastics, etc.
  • Provide other antioxidants the decrease oxidative stress such as alpha-lipoic acid, which can be found in red and organ meat, broccoli, tomatoes, spinach and brussels sprouts.
  • N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is a precursor or “booster” to glutathione and is found in the allium foods including onions, garlic, leeks, chives, scallions, and shallots.
  • Sulforaphane has been shown in studies to increase glutathione in the blood and brain. This compound is found in cruciferous vegetables including broccoli, broccoli sprouts, cauliflower, kale, brussels sprouts, watercress, and bok choy (use “hack and hold” method to retain sulforaphane when chopping).
  • Supplement with liposomal glutathione for maximum absorption and bioavailability. Look for a supplement with B-vitamin cofactors.
  • V. glutathione. It is important that co-factors are included that may otherwise be depleted in the process of synthesis. These may include selenium, zinc, copper, B-complex, B9, B12, magnesium, calcium, and vitamin C.

Conclusion:

Glutathione is the master antioxidant that is essential for health and vitality. Deficiency is associated with oxidative stress and lack of energy. Sufficiency is associated with resilience and increased energy. Aim to keep glutathione levels high by reducing toxic load, eating foods in the “allium family” or foods containing sulforaphane, or consider liposomal supplementation or I.V. infusion of glutathione or its precursor, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC).