Glutathione
Glutathione, commonly abbreviated as GSH, is a vital antioxidant in every cell of the human body. It is a small molecule comprising three amino acids: cysteine, glutamate, and glycine. It is critical in protecting cells from oxidative stress, detoxifying harmful substances and maintaining overall cellular health.[1]
Understanding the benefits of glutathione, such as its role in immune function and detoxification, can help you determine if you need to increase your daily levels. Over time, factors like aging, stress and exposure to toxins can deplete glutathione levels.[2] Supplementation and better food choices are essential for maintaining optimal levels in your body.
Read on for a comprehensive guide on what is glutathione, what glutathione is good for and what to avoid when incorporating it into your health regimen.
What Is Glutathione?
Your body naturally produces glutathione, but there are still reasons why you may not be getting enough. Factors like poor diet, pollution, toxins, medications, stress and aging can all deplete glutathione levels. Thankfully, it’s easy to boost your daily dose of glutathione.
Eating glutathione foods rich in sulfur, like garlic, onions and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts and kale can help. You can also try supplements like N-acetylcysteine. N-acetylcysteine, also known as NAC, is a powerful supplement that is known for its ability to boost glutathione levels in the body.[3] As a precursor to glutathione, NAC helps increase the production of this essential antioxidant.
To support your body’s antioxidant defenses even more, try combining NAC supplements with a diet rich in other glutathione-supporting nutrients, such as selenium, found in Brazil nuts, and vitamins C and E, found in fruits and vegetables. By prioritizing nutrient-dense foods and targeted supplementation, you’re on the right track to optimizing your mental and physical performance.
And if you need gym motivation, regular exercise also stimulates the body’s antioxidant defenses, including glutathione production.[4] Lastly, getting enough sleep and managing stress can significantly impact your body’s ability to produce glutathione.[5]
Glutathione Benefits
Antioxidant
Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that helps combat oxidative stress.[6] It neutralizes free radicals, which can damage cells and contribute to aging and health conditions. Glutathione helps reduce cellular damage and supports immune function, detoxification processes, and overall health maintenance.
Skin Health
By reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, glutathione can contribute to healthier skin and may reduce the signs of aging.[7] Glutathione is a popular ingredient in skin care products for reducing hyperpigmentation and enhancing overall skin radiance.[8]
Athletic Performance
Glutathione can enhance athletic performance by reducing muscle damage and fatigue and improving recovery times.[9] Its role in detoxification also helps flush out metabolic wastes more efficiently so that athletes can sustain higher levels of performance for longer periods. Glutathione’s antioxidant properties aid in reducing the oxidative stress that accumulates during intense physical activity, preserving muscle function and endurance.
Cognitive Function
Glutathione may help improve memory and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.[10]
The antioxidant reduces oxidative damage in brain cells, contributing to healthier brain function. By enhancing the detoxification pathways in the brain, glutathione supports the removal of toxins that can contribute to cognitive decline.
The Science-Backed Benefits of Glutathione
Glutathione may play an important role in heart health, according to a recent scientific study.[11]
Patients undergoing primary angioplasty for heart attacks were given glutathione infusions immediately before and after the procedure. Results showed that glutathione significantly reduced markers of inflammation and oxidative stress, compared to a placebo. This reduction in inflammation and oxidative damage was associated with better heart function and smaller heart size during follow-up. The study suggests that early and continuous administration of glutathione during a heart attack may protect the heart from damage and improve recovery.
Another science-backed benefit of glutathione points to improved athletic performance.[12] This study explored how a combination of L-citrulline and glutathione affects aerobic exercise performance and blood flow in athletic men. Participants were given either the supplement blend or a placebo and tested for exercise capacity and vascular response. Results showed that those who took the supplement had significantly improved blood flow after intense exercise, compared to those who took the placebo. The study suggests that taking L-citrulline with glutathione could boost exercise performance by enhancing blood flow and increasing vital amino acids.
And finally, increasing glutathione levels could significantly help manage Alzheimer’s symptoms.[13] The study tested a treatment called Combined Metabolic Activators (CMA) on Alzheimer’s patients, focusing on the benefits of glutathione, a key ingredient. This treatment aimed to improve brain health by boosting glutathione levels, which help reduce cell damage. Results showed that patients taking CMA had better cognitive functions and higher levels of proteins related to glutathione in their blood.
The Bulletproof Approach to Glutathione
Glutathione is essential in maintaining optimal health by providing powerful antioxidant protection and supporting detoxification. At Bulletproof, we encourage you to get most of your nutrients from clean, healthy foods that align with your dietary needs. However, supplementation can come in handy to fill in the gaps. Modern stressors and environmental toxins can challenge your body’s glutathione reserves.
Spotlight on Glutathione
To increase your glutathione levels, try high-sulfur foods such as grass-fed meats and wild-caught fish, which are rich in the amino acids critical for glutathione production. Avocados and asparagus support glutathione levels and fit within the Bulletproof diet.
High-quality glutathione supplements can also help maximize your body’s natural detoxification capabilities and strengthen your immune system. We recommend trying Glutathione Force to detoxify your body from the everyday stresses of life.
Factors like lack of sleep or over-indulging can increase the presence of free radicals, accelerating your aging process. Glutathione works diligently to combat these free radicals, supporting liver detoxification[14] while boosting immune function[15] and promoting healthier skin. The proprietary liposomal delivery system used in Glutathione Force enhances the body’s ability to absorb glutathione more efficiently, ensuring that you receive maximum benefits.
Our Supplement Testing Standards
At Bulletproof, we take great pride in our supplement testing standards to ensure our products’ highest quality, safety and efficacy. We carefully monitor and control every step, from the initial sourcing of ingredients to the final product. We start by selecting ingredients backed by the latest research published in peer-reviewed journals. Then, we use scientifically proven methods to test their efficacy. We work with accredited third-party labs to conduct detailed potency tests, ensuring that the active components are at efficacious levels.
Our commitment to quality continues beyond there. We adhere strictly to FDA regulations concerning our supplements’ purity, strength, and composition. Each batch undergoes a four-layer testing process. This process includes tests for identity (to confirm the ingredients are correct and not diluted), purity (to ensure there are no harmful contaminants), strength (to verify the right amount of active ingredients), and composition (to ensure the product matches label specifications).
These comprehensive testing procedures guarantee that our supplements are safe and free from contaminants and effective in delivering the health benefits we promise.
Learn More About Glutathione
Glutathione Articles
FAQs
Glutathione supplements are generally considered safe for most people, but some side effects can occur. Commonly reported issues include bloating, cramps, and allergic reactions in those with sensitivities. If it is taken long-term, some people may experience lower zinc levels[16] and potentially harmful effects on the nervous system. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen to ensure it’s safe based on your health history and current conditions.
When taking glutathione supplements, it’s essential to be mindful of a few things. First, avoid taking it while drinking alcohol, as alcohol can reduce its effectiveness and further stress your liver. It’s also wise to steer clear of acetaminophen (Tylenol) and other medications that could strain liver function. Ideally, consult with a healthcare provider before combining glutathione with any other supplements or medications to prevent potential interactions.
You can take glutathione in several forms, depending on your needs and preferences. Most people take it orally in capsules or tablets, which is convenient but may offer varied absorption rates. For more direct absorption, glutathione is also available as an intravenous injection, which can be administered in clinical settings. Finally, you can also get glutathione in skin topical forms, such as creams and lotions, and as an inhalant for respiratory conditions. However, one should only use these methods under medical guidance.
Glutathione is crucial in combating oxidative stress by neutralizing harmful free radicals in the body. As a potent antioxidant, it helps prevent the damage that free radicals can cause to cells and tissues, a critical factor in aging and many health conditions. By maintaining adequate glutathione levels, your body can effectively manage and mitigate some oxidative stress, thereby promoting cellular health and longevity. Additionally, glutathione recycles other antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, enhancing the body’s overall defense system against oxidative damage.
When choosing the best glutathione supplement, look for products from reputable manufacturers that use high-quality ingredients and adhere to strict safety standards. For added trust and assurance, check if the supplement has undergone third-party testing to ensure its purity and potency. Then, consider the available form of glutathione. Liposomal or acetylated forms are often more effective than others due to better absorption rates than standard oral forms. Lastly, user reviews and testimonials can help gauge the supplement’s effectiveness.