Benefits of consuming glutathione as a supplement

Posted by Suyash on September 2nd, 2022

Glutathione is an antioxidant produced inside cells. It is mainly composed of three amino acids, glutamine, glycine and cysteine. Levels of glutathione in the body can be reduced by many factors such as poor diet, environmental toxins, and stress. His values ​​also diminish with age. In addition to being naturally produced in the body, glutathione can be administered intravenously, topically, or as an inhalant. It can also be used as an oral supplement in the form of capsules and liquids.

Benefits of taking glutathione 

1. Reduces oxidative stress 

Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the body's ability to repel them. Excessive oxidative stress can signal some illnesses. These include diabetes, cancer and rheumatoid arthritis. Glutathione helps prevent the effects of oxidative stress, which in turn can reduce illness. According to researchers, it is

Observed that glutathione deficiency leads to increased levels of oxidative stress, which can lead to cancer. Elevated glutathione levels have also been shown to increase cancer cells' antioxidant levels and resistance to oxidative stress.

2. May improve psoriasis 

A small study showed that oral administration of whey protein improved psoriasis with or without additional treatment. According to some clinical trials, whey protein has been shown to increase glutathione levels in the body. Study participants received 20 grams daily as an oral supplement for 3 months. Researchers have shown that further research is needed. 

3. Improves insulin resistance in the elderly 

As people grow older, they produce less glutathione. Researchers at Baylor School of Medicine combined animal and human studies to investigate the role of glutathione in weight management and insulin resistance in the elderly. Research results have shown that low glutathione levels are associated with low-fat burning and high-fat storage in the body. Elderly subjects added cysteine ​​and glycine to their diet to increase glutathione levels. Glutathione levels increased within 2 weeks, improving insulin resistance and fat burning.

4. Increase mobility in people with peripheral arterial disease 

Peripheral artery disease occurs when the peripheral arteries become clogged with plaque. It happens most often on the feet. One study reported that glutathione improves blood flow and enhances the ability of study participants to walk long distances painlessly. Participants who received glutathione instead of saline placebo were given intravenously twice daily for 5 days, after which mobility was assessed.

5. Relieves the symptoms of Parkinson's disease 

Parkinson's disease affects the central nervous system and is defined by symptoms such as tremor. There is currently no cure. Previous studies have reported the beneficial effects of intravenous glutathione on symptoms such as tremor and stiffness. More research is needed, but this case report suggests that glutathione may help reduce symptoms and improve the quality of life of people in that condition.

6. May help fight autoimmune diseases 

Patients who are suffering from autoimmune disease, face chronic inflammation which eventually leads to increased oxidative stress. These disorders include rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease, and lupus. According to one study, glutathione helps reduce oxidative stress by stimulating or reducing the body's immune response. Autoimmune diseases attack the mitochondria of certain cells. Glutathione protects cellular mitochondria by eliminating free radicals.

7. May help suffering from autism by reducing oxidative damage

Several studies, including clinical studies, reported that children with autism have higher levels of oxidative damage in the brain and lower levels of glutathione. This made children with autism more susceptible to neurological damage from element mercury. An 8-week clinical trial in children aged 3 to 13 years used oral or transdermal glutathione. Changes in autism symptoms were not evaluated as part of the study, but children in both groups showed improved levels of cysteine, plasma sulphate, and whole blood glutathione.

8. May reduce the effects of uncontrolled diabetes 

Long-term hyperglycemia is associated with decreased glutathione levels. This further leads to oxidative stress and tissue damage of diabetics. One study found that supplementation with cysteine ​​and glycine increased glutathione levels along with reducing oxidative stress and damage in uncontrolled diabetics despite hyperglycemia.

9. May reduce the symptoms of respiratory illness 

N-Acetylcysteine ​​is a drug used to treat symptoms such as asthma and cystic fibrosis. As an inhaler, it helps thin sputum and makes it more pasty. It also reduces inflammation. N-Acetylcysteine ​​is a by-product of glutathione. 

Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant made by the cells of the body. Its levels decrease as a result of ageing, stress and exposure to toxins. Increasing glutathione has many health benefits, including reduced oxidative stress that directly has a positive impact on skin too. If you are looking for glutathione supplements, then you can rely on sources like Plix, Setu etc.