Glutathione is an antioxidant substance found naturally in every cell in the body. It is produced by the liver and nerve cells in the central nervous system. It is composed of 3 essential amino acids such as glycine, L-cysteine and L-glutamate. Glutathione helps to metabolize toxins, break down free radicals and support the immune system.
Glutathione has several roles in the body, including antioxidant effects. Low levels of glutathione in the body are associated with many chronic conditions and diseases.
What are the Benefits of Glutathione?
Glutathione therapy may be recommended to reduce the effects of aging, reduce alcohol use, treat liver diseases, and control chronic diseases, including heart and neurological diseases. Although glutathione is involved in the treatment of many diseases, it has no proven effect against diseases. In addition, the benefits of glutathione may include the following:
Reducing Oxidative Stress
The severity of oxidative stress underlies many diseases and can worsen existing diseases. These diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, peripheral artery disease, cancer and diabetes. For this reason, the antioxidant property of glutathione reduces oxidative stress and helps to reduce the effect of such diseases.
Reducing Cell Level Damage in Fatty Liver
In the case of glutathione deficiency, liver damage can increase and liver cells can die. This can lead to fatty liver disease, which is more severe in alcoholics but is also seen in non-alcoholics. The most effective glutathione supplementation method in patients with fatty liver disease is serum glutathione therapy.
Improvement in Insulin Resistance
With aging, glutathione levels and glutathione synthesis in the body decrease. As a result of some studies, low glutathione levels have been associated with decreased fat burning and increased fat storage. Glutathione supplementation may improve insulin resistance and fat burning.
Alleviating Peripheral Artery Symptoms
Glutathione supplements taken under expert supervision can supplement the deficiency in the body, improve blood circulation in the vessels and reduce the pain caused by peripheral arterial disease.
Soothing and Reducing Parkinson's Disease Symptoms
Parkinson's disease affects the central nervous system, causing slowed movements, tremors and cognitive impairment. There is no cure for the disease. However, it may be possible to alleviate and control Parkinson's symptoms with glutathione supplements.
Strengthening the Immune System
Chronic inflammation, which can develop with autoimmune diseases, can lead to increased levels of oxidative stress. Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and celiac disease are among the common autoimmune diseases that cause this condition. Glutathione may be effective in reducing oxidative stress by boosting the immune response in the body. Glutathione helps eliminate free radicals in the body and protects the mitochondria, one of the most important organelles of the cell.
Reducing the Effects of Diabetes
High blood glucose levels that persist for many years are closely linked to reduced levels of glutathione in the body. As a result of glutathione deficiency, oxidative stress increases and tissues become vulnerable to damage. Glutathione supplements are therefore thought to reduce the effects of diabetes and aid recovery.
Improving and Reducing Symptoms in Respiratory Diseases
N-acetylcysteine, one of the by-products of glutathione, is frequently used in the treatment of respiratory diseases such as asthma, COPD and cystic fibrosis. N-acetylcysteine has functions such as thinning and fluidizing mucus. With the increase in the fluidity of the mucus, the narrowing of the airways decreases and there is a significant improvement in respiratory diseases.
Which Diseases is Glutathione Good for?
Although glutathione is included in the treatment plan of many diseases, it has no proven effect on diseases. However, glutathione treatment is also recommended in the treatment of many diseases. Diseases that are thought to benefit from glutathione are as follows:
- Parkinson's,
- Vascular occlusion,
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Heart diseases
- Liver diseases,
- Disorders caused by alcohol consumption.
Which Foods Contain Glutathione?
Glutathione contains a large proportion of sulfur along with amino acids. Consuming foods high in sulfur can contribute to the natural synthesis of glutathione in the body. Some foods rich in sulfur are:
- Onions,
- Garlic
- Legumes
- Cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower and broccoli,
- Low-fat protein sources such as chicken and fish.
Other foods that have the potential to increase glutathione levels may include flaxseed, milk protein, potatoes, peppers, carrots, avocados, spinach and melon.
What are the Side Effects and Risks of Glutathione?
Taking glutathione naturally and supplementing it with organic foods does not pose a risk in most cases. However, these supplements may not be suitable for everyone, so it is important to take them under expert supervision. Since the level of glutathione in the body cannot be precisely measured, the effects in people with low glutathione levels have not been clearly demonstrated.
To prevent low glutathione levels or to control the chronic disease process, glutathione supplementation should be planned by a qualified physician. However, it is considered that the use of glutathione supplements may cause allergic reactions with symptoms such as cramping, swelling or rash.