What is Glutathione?
Glutathione is a potent free radical and reactive oxygen species scavenger. High concentrations of glutathione are found in nearly every cell in the body, in much the same levels as glucose, potassium, and cholesterol. The highest glutathione concentrations are in the liver, spleen, kidneys, eye lenses, erythrocytes, and leukocytes. Glutathione is the most important antioxidant in the liver, and it plays a critical role in detoxification. Essentially, glutathione is crucial for shielding cells from endogenous and exogenous reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, as well as dealing directly with the causes of oxidative stress such as mercury and pollutants.
What Issues Could Low Glutathione Cause?
Low glutathione may have a significant effect on human health. Deficiency or poor glutathione levels increase the body’s susceptibility to oxidative stress, particularly in the tissues and cell types of the tissues in which it is found in the highest concentrations.
Studies suggest that low glutathione can increase the risk of developing chronic illnesses such as cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and diseases of the cardiovascular, inflammatory, immune, metabolic systems, and cystic fibrosis.
In relation to the immune system, glutathione deficiency may impair macrophage and T-cell function in relation to the immune system.
For this reason, maintenance of adequate glutathione levels may enhance immunocompetence, protect the body from numerous chronic diseases, and improve the ability to recover from illness or physical stress.
- Neutralizing harmful free radicals
- Acting as a cofactor for several antioxidant enzymes
- Regenerating vitamins C and E
- Neutralizing free radicals produced by Phase I liver metabolism of chemical toxins, including formaldehyde, acetaminophen, benzpyrene, and many other compounds
- Participating in Phase I and Phase II detoxification reactions in the liver
- Adhering to toxins and heavy metals (including mercury) before carrying them out of the body
- Regulating cellular proliferation and apoptosis
- Participating in mitochondrial function and the maintenance of mitochondrial DNA
- Assists MTHFR gene mutation (Most tissues are dependent on the transport and cellular uptake of cysteine for glutathione synthesis)
Conditions Improved with GSH Supplementation
- Hepatitis, fatty liver, non alcoholic liver cirrhosis
- High cholesterol
- Eye problems – cataracts, poor vision
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- All inflammatory conditions will benefit from glutathione as it helps to reduce toxicity = lowers inflammation.
- Heart disease, stroke
- Fibromyalgia
- Cystic fibrosis
- All skin issues – eczema, psoriasis
- Arthritis
For more information about GSH, watch this video by Anna Peters, a wellness consultant and genetic testing expert who has been recommending this supplement for a long time with amazing results.
Additional Information
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/glutathione
