What Is Glutathione and why do we need it?
WHAT IS GLUTATHIONE & WHY DO WE NEED IT?
Glutathione is considered the mother of all antioxidants. Naturally produced in our bodies, its function is to cleanse free radicals and toxins. Effectively “recharging” us from within. However, as we age our glutathione levels fall considerably, making our bodies extremely susceptible to breakdown, disease and ultimately ageing.
The average 45-year-old has already experienced a 50% decrease in glutathione levels, theorized to be because as we age, our body simply can’t create as much. Though the reason for this is unclear, the effect is obvious - lower glutathione levels appear to go hand-in-hand with poorer health & ageing. Not only does glutathione reduce with age, but we now that vigorous physical exercise can reduce glutathione levels as well, hence athletes in particular benefit from early replacement & supplementation.
IT DRAMATICALLY REDUCES OXIDATIVE STRESS
Glutathione is well known for its ability to prevent oxidative stress in body tissues, proving markedly superior to other antioxidants as it instantly neutralises a wide range of free radicals by either directly binding to them or blocking their uptake, effectively acting as a guardian & gatekeeper to cellular health.
IT ENHANCS IMMUNITY
Glutathione is essential for the immune system, increasing or decreasing inflammation by guiding white blood cells as needed by your body, effectively shepherding your immune cells, restricting negative cytokines (proteins which send signals disrupting healthy inflammatory responses).
The process of inflammation is far more ever-present than you may realise, not only activating in times of illness but even on a minute by minute basis. Especially in the context of exercise, due to the micro-tears caused in muscles during all forms of exercise.
Because of this, glutathione is even more important for those who undertake regular exercise. Glutathione guides the immune & inflammatory system, helping prevent infection & illnesses, and expediating recovery. As such, Athletes can be more susceptible to illnesses due to a dysregulated immune system - glutathione governs this process by directing the actions of specific subsets of white blood cells, to fight off pathogens.
FAT BURNING EFFECT
New research has demonstrated that glutathione plays a direct role in weight management and insulin resistance, something we feel more as we age in part due to the lower presence of Glutathione. With studies demonstrating that low glutathione levels were associated with higher body fat %’s and reduced calorie burn at rest.
INCREASED MUSCULAR STRENGTH & ENDURANCE
During all forms of exercise, glutathione is rapidly used by our bodily tissues. As such the greater the duration or intensity of activity, the greater the depletion of our glutathione stores. Reducing our ability to handle oxidative stress and making its effects far more widespread. Causing issues ranging from: reduced immunity to muscle injury, DOMS, joint pain, weakness, brain-fog and loss of physical strength.
As levels deplete, recovery from exercise takes longer each time, leading to greater stiffness, post workout pain and eventually injury & the need to reduce or stop exercise altogether.
Supplementation with glutathione either as daily liposomal formulations, IM shots or IV drips, is an effective solution to help combat the accumulation of oxidative stress - allowing your body to fully recover between sessions.
IMPROVED ENERGY AND SENSE OF WELLBEING
Glutathione supplementation gives a profound energy boost, eradicating toxins & turbo-charging your immune system. Low glutathione has a close relationship with NAD and ATP, so achieving the right balance of the three is the optimum way to maintain inner body wellness, cellular health and delay the tangible signs and symptoms of ageing.
FURTHER BENEFITS
Aside from the above glutathione has demonstrated clear anti-ageing properties - improving insulin resistance, maintaining cardiovascular health, organ health, reducing the burden of auto-immune diseases & the symptoms of neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s and Multiple Sclerosis. Aside from this it is essential in nutrient metabolism, liver detoxification, mood, athletic performance & helps release & break down stored body fat.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF TAKING GLUTATHIONE?
Long term glutathione supplementation has been shown to have links with lower zinc levels, so it is advisable to regularly check zinc levels and supplement alongside glutathione as needed. As with most things, if you have any allergic type response you MUST not continue to take it.
Glutathione is not advised during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, as there is simply not enough data to determine if it has any impact on unborn or breast-feeding babies.
Dr A Sandhu
Lifestyle & Wellness Doctor
CEO of UKALM
