What is Glutathione and which are its significant health benefits?

What is Glutathione?

Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that the cells of the human body naturally produce.

It consists of three amino acids cysteine, glutamate, and glycine.

What is Glutathione’s role in the human body?

According to MedicalNewsToday:

Glutathione has many vital functions, including:

• making DNA, the building blocks of proteins and cells
• supporting immune function
• forming sperm cells
• breaking down some free radicals
• helping certain enzymes function
• regenerating vitamins C and E
• transporting mercury out of the brain
• helping the liver and gallbladder deal with fats
• assisting regular cell death (a process known as apoptosis)

Aging brings with it a decrease in the concentration of glutathione in the body. Most likely, the body can no longer synthesize it naturally from food sources.

Low levels of glutathione in the body have been linked to:

– neuroinflammation;

– neurodegeneration;

– infection;

– cancer;

– Alzheimer’s disease,

-Parkinson’s disease,

– HIV,

– cystic fibrosis,

– periodontitis,

– diabetes,

– schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder, among others

 However, while glutathione levels are often reported to be low in neurodegenerative diseases, causality has not been directly attributed to glutathione.

Depletion of glutathione is also a part of the aging process.

Food that might boost the production in the human body’s

Food rich in sulfur and amino acids helps the body increase the production of glutathione

-garlic

-onions

-meat

-broccoli

-asparagus

-spinach

-avocados

Dietary supplements that are also involved in glutathione synthesis and help are:

• Curcumin
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• N-acetylcysteine
• Selenium
• Silymarin

 Supplementation of glutathione

It can be administered:
-oral
-injectable: intramuscular or intravenous
-inhalation

The oral form of administration appears to be less effective than the others.

Side effects

Side effects

Like any other supplement or medicine, glutathione might cause some side effects or interact with other medicines.

-allergic reactions

-might trigger asthma attacks

-might lower the zinc levels

Always consult your doctor before you take any supplements or herbal remedies.

Summary:

Glutathione is a supplement that can help maintain good health and complete treatment for certain diseases. Always seek medical advice.