As part of our ever-evolving quest to understand the human body’s relationship with longevity and wellness, we’re delving into glutathione, what scientists refer to as the “master antioxidant.”

Sometimes referred to as GSH, glutathione is found naturally in every cell. Three amino acids make up glutathione:

• Glutamic Acid
• Cysteine
• Glycine

Glutathione has many important purposes, including:

• Supporting immune function
• Assisting in DNA synthesis
• Reducing oxidative stress
• Enhancing the function of certain enzymes
• Regenerating vitamins C and E
• Aiding in apoptosis (regular cell death)
• Supporting the fat metabolism in the liver and gallbladder

Cellular processes that depend on glutathione include:

• Tissue building and repair
• Harmful substance detoxification, including transporting mercury from the brain
• Vital chemical and protein production the body needs
• Regulation of cell proliferation and cell cycle
• Forming sperm cells

The body depends on glutathione as an essential antioxidant critical to cellular functioning and reducing oxidative stress. For this reason, we offer a glutathione supplement as part of our extensive line of products supporting longevity and overall wellness.

Experts have termed glutathione the “master antioxidant” because of its ability to neutralize free radicals—the molecules that damage cells. Free radicals are major contributors to oxidative stress, a key factor leading to multiple disease states.

Oxidative stress contributes to:

• Pulmonary diseases, such as asthma or COPD
• Neurodegenerative diseases, like Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s diseases
• Autoimmune diseases
• Cardiovascular diseases
• Liver disease
• Cystic fibrosis
• And more…

When glutathione declines, a person’s susceptibility to chronic diseases, like the above, and other age-related conditions increases. Things like poor nutrition, infection, stress, poor sleep, and natural aging are all factors that diminish glutathione. By replenishing glutathione, we’re able to aid the body in maintaining cellular balance, fight against harmful free radicals, and keep oxidative stress to a minimum.

You may be wondering if it’s possible to increase glutathione levels naturally. The answer is yes. There are a few ways in which glutathione levels can be improved within the body.

Diet

Nutrition has a foremost impact on our ability to maintain homeostasis, including keeping glutathione levels optimal. Specific foods boosting glutathione are:

• Sulfur-rich amino acids: poultry, meat, fish, soybeans, and cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage.
• Dairy and whey protein products, especially if they contain beta-casein.
• Glutathione-rich foods, like asparagus, avocados, okra, and spinach.
• Selenium rich foods: brown rice, Brazil nuts, beef, chicken, and fish.

Exercise regularly

Moderate exercise can help increase glutathione levels. Combining cardio with circuit weights three times a week for a minimum of 40 minutes each time is an ideal target.

Limit alcohol

Overworking your liver and other tissues by drinking alcohol to excess can reduce glutathione in your system. Avoiding excessive alcohol consumption keeps from depleting glutathione levels.

Enact a good sleep routine

A sleep regimen with a goal of 7-9 hours of quality sleep can maintain even glutathione levels and aids in the DNA repair process at the cellular level, one of glutathione’s core functions.

Supplement Glutathione

Supplementing with glutathione injections may be the most effective way to increase GSH in your system. Injections:

• Are more immediately bioavailable for absorption because they enter the bloodstream
• Maximize the supplement’s detoxifying and protective capabilities for the heart, lungs, muscles, and brain
• Have a higher absorption over oral supplements by bypassing the digestive system.
• Are more effective for higher dosages.

People seeking benefits from glutathione for immune therapy, injections also provide an immediate boost for inflammation reduction and overall immune health.

Antioxidant Support

Glutathione reduces oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals, which protects cellular processes and slows biological aging.

Detoxification

The glutathione mechanism of detoxification is a complex, multifaceted system with interdependent components. This detox occurs at several different levels, including the liver, where glutathione reduces peroxides and heavy metals as well as free radicals that contribute to chronic illnesses, including cancer.

Immune System Optimization

Glutathione strengthens the immune system and its response capabilities by enhancing white blood cell activity. In addition, chronic inflammation (inflammaging), which is a significant factor in the aging process, can be reduced by glutathione.

Inflammation is a vital protection mechanism that signals when we’re experiencing injury or infection that may require treatment. But chronic inflammation can contribute to premature aging due to dysfunctional mitochondria, which produces oxidative stress. Glutathione reduces oxidative stress, thereby improving cellular function and reducing inflammation overall.

Mitochondrial Health

The mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell, responsible for the cell’s energy production. Mitochondrial dysfunction is one of the hallmarks of aging, and addressing it is one way to improve longevity. Glutathione is crucial to maintaining the mitochondrial redox environment necessary for cellular health and energy production. Glutathione also modifies proteins to protect their function and reduce oxidative damage.

Skin Health and Anti-Aging

Antioxidants like glutathione preserve collagen, a foundational protein within the skin that maintains its structure and elasticity. Glutathione also inhibits melanin production, which reduces hyperpigmentation and maintains skin’s clarity and youthful glow.

Neurological Health

Oxidative stress is a major contributor to neurodegenerative diseases, like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and others. Glutathione protects brain cells from damage due to oxidative stress and helps maintain glutathione homeostasis, which in turn reduces the risk of these neurological diseases. Oxidative stress contributes to cognitive decline, and studies show glutathione reduces oxidative stress and improves mitochondrial function.

Cardiovascular Health

Glutathione improves vascular function through reduced oxidative stress as well as lowering cardiovascular disease risk through reducing inflammation. Both studies cite the importance of antioxidants reducing oxidative stress. It’s further evidence why scientists call glutathione one of the most powerful antioxidants.

Cancer Prevention

One of glutathione’s most vital functions is DNA repair. Through this process, it protects cells from mutations, which are often the source of cancerous cell growth. This is how glutathione reduces cancer risk. GSH also eliminates carcinogens through its neutralization of free radicals as a form of cancer prevention.

Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant with a multitude of benefits that aid in the health and longevity of the body at the cellular level. Our customers report feeling stronger, more focused and alert throughout their day, and have experienced faster recovery after exercise than without their glutathione supplement.

The vast and powerful benefits of glutathione have made adding glutathione injections to our roster of longevity products a choice we’re proud to have made. For more information about adding glutathione to your health and wellness regimen, visit our glutathione injection supplement product page to get started!