This substance has truly unique properties:
- Reacts with free radicals, converting them from destructive substances into normal metabolic products;
- Neutralizes poisons and toxins, removes them from the body;
- Capable of restoring antioxidants - vitamins A, E and C;
- Participates in the transmission of nerve impulses and is able to improve the condition of people suffering from Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases;
- Acts as a protective buffer for brain cells - helps maintain a sound mind and memory even in old age;
- Participates in immune defense processes, binding antigen-antibody complexes and promoting their destruction by killer cells.
Scientists also note the connection of glutathione with some dangerous diseases. Thus, with oncology, liver and pancreas diseases, its level in the blood decreases critically. In part, this is due to the active course of destructive, oxidative processes in the body. Therefore, recently it has been administered intravenously along with the main course of therapy.
Chemical and biological properties of glutathione
From a chemical point of view, there is nothing complicated about glutathione - it is an ordinary tripeptide, of which quite a few are formed as a result of the breakdown of proteins. But from a biological point of view, it is completely special:
- Glutathione is one of the few substances with a double sulfide group. Sulfur atoms connected to each other form a biological “Velcro” that recognizes and captures all toxins and under-oxidized metabolic products, instantly neutralizing their effect;
- Biochemistry divides substances into two groups: some have oxidizing properties, others have reducing properties. Glutathione is unique in its ability to engage in both types of reactions. Thus, interacting with a free radical, it easily gives up an electron and extinguishes its harmful effect. Immediately after this, it restores its structure by changes within the molecule without causing harm to the body;
- Traditionally, antioxidants - vitamins C, E and others lose their chemical activity after interacting with a free radical. Glutathione restores them and re-incorporates them into chemical processes.
But the most surprising thing is that glutathione is not an essential substance. On the contrary, its main share is synthesized by our cells from amino acids supplied with food. Thus, it is always present in the body, and its level directly depends on a person’s lifestyle, quality of nutrition and physical activity. Age also matters. After 20 years, its production gradually decreases and reaches a critical level by 35-40 years - at this time signs of aging become noticeable.
Avoid drinking excess alcohol
It is not surprising that many adverse health effects are associated with chronic and excessive alcohol consumption.
Alcoholism is commonly associated with diseases such as liver cirrhosis, brain damage and pancreatitis.
Although it is not as well known, lung damage is also an adverse effect of alcoholism. This is likely due to depletion of glutathione levels in the lungs.
The small airways of the lungs require glutathione to function properly. In fact, healthy lungs have up to 1,000 times more glutathione than other parts of the body ().
Depletion of glutathione levels in the lungs of alcoholics is most likely due to oxidative stress caused by chronic alcohol consumption ().
Studies have found an 80-90% reduction in glutathione levels in the lungs in those who regularly consume excess amounts of alcohol ().
Therefore, limiting your alcohol intake can help you maintain healthy glutathione levels.
Summary:
Alcoholism reduces glutathione levels throughout the body, especially in the lungs. People who regularly consume excessive amounts of alcohol may have an 80-90% reduction in glutathione levels.
Animal products
Dietary glutathione is found in large quantities in fresh, raw meats and in moderate quantities in dairy products and eggs. These foods are rich in whey protein, which contains alpha-lactalbumin, which is rich in sulfur-containing amino acids. These products optimize the use of glutathione in the body. Cooking and storing food for long periods of time reduces the glutathione content of these foods. However, the levels of glutathione in these foods are high enough that consuming these foods after cooking and processing provides the body with sufficient amounts of glutathione.
Get enough sleep
A good night's rest is essential for overall health. Interestingly, prolonged lack of sleep can cause oxidative stress and even hormone imbalance ().
Additionally, studies have shown that chronic lack of sleep can reduce glutathione levels.
For example, a study of glutathione levels in 30 healthy people and 30 people with insomnia found that glutathione peroxidase activity was significantly lower in patients with insomnia ().
Multiple animal studies have also shown that sleep deprivation causes a decrease in glutathione levels (, , ).
Therefore, getting enough sleep each night can help maintain or increase your levels of this antioxidant.
Summary:
Chronic lack of sleep can lead to low glutathione levels. Conversely, getting enough sleep regularly can help increase or maintain sleep levels.
Regular physical activity
Regular physical activity has long been recommended by doctors and health experts. It's no surprise that exercise is good for both your physical and mental health.
Recent research suggests that physical activity is also beneficial for maintaining or increasing levels of antioxidants, especially glutathione.
Combining cardio with strength training increases glutathione levels compared to cardio or strength training alone ().
However, athletes who train vigorously without proper nutrition and rest may be at risk for decreased glutathione production ().
Therefore, be sure to incorporate physical activity into your daily routine gradually and wisely.
Summary:
Regular physical activity, particularly cardio and strength training, can help increase glutathione levels. However, strenuous training without a balanced diet and proper rest can lead to glutathione deficiency.
Milk thistle and caraway
Milk thistle is an excellent source of an antioxidant compound called silymarin. Silymarin helps prevent glutathione depletion in the liver. Glutathione is needed by the liver to detoxify harmful substances. If the liver is damaged, glutathione concentrations are significantly reduced. In turn, the liver becomes more susceptible to further damage, making glutathione a vital element for liver health. Cumin also has the ability to increase glutathione levels. Cumin acts as a binding agent, increasing glutamate-cysteine complexes during gene expression.
Antioxidant protection of the body
This is a fight between antioxidants and an army of toxins and free radicals. In fact, free radicals are important participants in the immune and detoxification systems, they are necessary elements of all processes and biochemical reactions in the body. Their excess amount is dangerous - this is what leads to oxidative stress and underlies many diseases. It is very important that there are more antioxidants than free radicals.
Superoxide dismutase and catalase are the first to fight free radicals. They neutralize highly toxic radicals and peroxides. Manganese, zinc and copper are important for the normal functioning of these enzymes. Be sure to keep an eye on these minerals!
After superoxide dismutase and catalase, glutathione and enzymes that depend on it begin to neutralize free radicals.
Glutathione is synthesized in the liver by 95%. Then it goes into the blood plasma and goes to all cells of the body.
The more stressed we are, the more glutathione we need. The higher the level of intoxication, the more glutathione is needed. Detoxification of the body is highly dependent on liver function and glutathione stores.
Our detoxification systems are designed to neutralize endogenous toxins. Such a number of exogenous toxins that enter our body was not provided for by evolution, so almost all of us have a deficiency of glutathione.
2.What is special about glutathione drips?
In tablet form, glutathione is practically not absorbed by the body. It is presented on the foreign market in liposomal form, but so far its production is not very active, so it sells out quickly and is problematic to obtain.
The liposomal form is more bioavailable to the body, but it is not yet on the Russian market. Intramuscular injections of glutathione are more effective than tablets. But the most effective way to use the drug is through droppers with glutathione, or at least through an injection into a vein.
In practice, it is droppers with glutathione that provide the best absorption and digestibility, which is why intravenous use is the most effective.
