GLUTATHIONE: THE BODY'S MASTER ANTIOXIDANT & SO MUCH MORE
The importance of glutathione in the body cannot be overstated.
This naturally occurring molecule is present in human beings, animals, and plants. Referred to as the body’s “master antioxidant,” glutathione plays a vital role in activating enzymes, detoxifying, protecting against oxidative stress, enhancing immunity, and more.
Comprising three amino acids—cysteine, glutamate, and glycine—glutathione is a tripeptide molecule. The body naturally produces it, and all cells, tissues, and organs contain this antioxidant.
BENEFITS
Reduces oxidative stress: Protects cells from damage caused by free radicals and reactive oxygen species, which are known to induce oxidative stress leading to chronic diseases.
Detoxification: Plays a critical role in the body’s detoxification process. It forms bonds with toxins, facilitating their elimination and protecting the body from potential damage.
Increases energy: Mitochondria, the cellular powerhouses, are responsible for energy production. Glutathione safeguards mitochondria from free radicals and oxidative damage, ensuring they function optimally and produce sufficient energy.
Immunity: Essential for the proper functioning of the immune system, contributing to overall immune health.
Recovery: Potential to promote faster recovery from COVID and significantly alleviate symptoms of long COVID.
Anti-Inflammatory: Exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, effectively reducing inflammation in the body. This property plays a role in preventing chronic diseases such as arthritis and heart disease.
Diabetes: May contribute to reducing insulin resistance, particularly in the older population.
Cellular Repair: Actively participates in tissue repair and regeneration, promoting overall cellular health.
Liver: Known to reduce cell damage in non-alcoholic liver disease, supporting liver health.
Parkinson’s: Research suggests that glutathione may reduce symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
Skin Health: Improves skin health by mitigating damage caused by UV radiation and environmental toxins. This protective effect can counteract skin aging and reduce the risk of skin cancer. Additionally, it contributes to lightening skin tone and enhancing overall skin health.
HOW GLUTATHIONE LEVELS DROP
- Aging: Levels naturally decline with age.
- Poor diet: Levels fall by a diet low in sulfur-containing foods, vitamins, and minerals.
- Chronic stress: Levels decrease with prolonged stress can lead to a decrease.
- Infections and illnesses: Infections and illnesses, which can cause inflammation and oxidative stress, contribute to the reduction of glutathione levels in the body.
- Environmental toxins: Levels in the body can be depleted through exposure to environmental toxins, including air pollution, pesticides, and heavy metals.
- Medications: Certain medications, such as chemotherapy drugs and some antibiotics, have the potential to reduce glutathione levels in the body.
- Alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption can deplete glutathione levels in the liver.
3 EFFECTIVE WAYS OF SUPPLEMENTING
At Alive IV and Wellness, we incorporate glutathione into our approach to health and wellness in three different ways, tailoring its use to the specific needs of each individual.
Given the potent nature of glutathione as a nutrient, we highly recommend it as an add-on to all of our IVs, particularly for individuals dealing with more complex health issues.
- Glutathione IV infusion delivers a substantial dose directly into the bloodstream, reaching cells and tissues rapidly. This can be administered as a stand-alone IV or following any other IV, with a duration ranging from 20 to 60 minutes.
- Glutathione push is the preferred method, taking only 10-15 minutes. Typically done after a separate IV infusion, a large syringe is attached to the existing IV tube, and the glutathione is slowly “pushed” into the vein.
- Glutathione intramuscular injection, lasting 1-2 minutes, involves a smaller dose compared to glutathione IV or push.
