What is Glutathione?

A bowl of broccoli. Glutathione purpose is to protect cells from oxidative stress and damage, mainly via its antioxidant properties.

Although no one has quite discovered an answer to the aging process, the quest for the fountain of youth continues to be pursued by many. The rise of nutritional supplements on the market directly reflects the increasing desire of consumers to appear and feel younger. Many of these supplements are used to support energy, vitality, and beauty, yet most of them fail to realize the one important youth-supporting compound available in each and every one of us — glutathione.

The Ultimate Antioxidant

The body is extremely intelligent and will do almost anything to maintain its health and wellbeing. Following an onslaught of oxidation, the body immediately steps in to protect its defenses. It produces glutathione, an antioxidant that comes in to neutralize free radicals. Amazingly, the toxins we are exposed to on a daily basis may drastically reduce the amount of glutathione our liver synthesizes. Our liver is the main detoxifying organ in the body and can become bogged down with everyday toxins, preventing the body from producing adequate amounts of glutathione. This is why regular cleansing, especially in today’s world, is so important.

What Does Glutathione Do?

The main action of glutathione is that of protecting cells from oxidative stress and damage, mainly via its antioxidant properties. The magic of glutathione also lies in its sulfur compounds. Researchers report that people who have lower levels of glutathione have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. [1] Low levels of glutathione have also been found in patients with autism spectrum disorder. [2] No matter our age, every element of our health depends on the body’s ability to produce glutathione. It supports heart health and cognitive function, encourages healthy skin, strengthens immune defenses, and has been noted to increase strength and endurance. [3] [4] Regardless of these awesome benefits, the anti-aging properties of glutathione is something that has recently caught the eye of researchers.

Glutathione and Aging

Individuals with high glutathione levels tend to enjoy better health, greater energy, and a higher metabolism. A lot of what we call “aging” results from decreased cellular and organ function. As the body gets older, glutathione levels typically decrease. This can result in an increased susceptibility to metabolic stress, a factor that greatly accelerates the aging process. [5] Finding ways of increasing glutathione levels may be an excellent way to support health in the long run while possibly delaying the effects of aging.

Naturally Increase Glutathione

It is best to supplement with glutathione precursors to increase glutathione levels in the body. Eating sulfur-rich foods like onions, cruciferous vegetables (broccoli and cauliflower), spinach, and kale may be helpful for providing a starting point for the body to produce more glutathione. [6] Consuming bioactive whey protein, if you're not vegan, appears to provide amino acids essential to glutathione synthesis. [7] [8] Regular exercise also stimulates glutathione production.

References (8)
  1. Shimizu H1, Kiyohara Y, Kato I, Kitazono T, Tanizaki Y, Kubo M, Ueno H, Ibayashi S, Fujishima M, Iida M. Relationship between plasma glutathione levels and cardiovascular disease in a defined population: the Hisayama study. Stroke. 2004 Sep;35(9):2072-7.
  2. Alabdali A, Al-Ayadhi L, El-Ansary A1. A key role for an impaired detoxification mechanism in the etiology and severity of autism spectrum disorders. Behav Brain Funct. 2014 Apr 28;10(1):14. doi: 10.1186/1744-9081-10-14.
  3. Lands LC1, Grey VL, Smountas AA. Effect of supplementation with a cysteine donor on muscular performance. J Appl Physiol (1985). 1999 Oct;87(4):1381-5.
  4. Nyberg M1, Mortensen SP2, Cabo H3, Gomez-Cabrera MC3, Via J3, Hellsten Y4. Roles of sedentary aging and lifelong physical activity in exchange of glutathione across exercising human skeletal muscle. Free Radic Biol Med. 2014 May 22;73C:166-173. doi: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2014.05.008.
  5. Maher P. The effects of stress and aging on glutathione metabolism. Ageing Research Reviews. 2005 May;4(2):288-314.
  6. Chen MF, Chen LT, Boyce HW Jr. Cruciferous vegetables and glutathione: their effects on colon mucosal glutathione level and colon tumor development in rats induced by DMH. Nutrition and Cancer. 1995;23(1):77-83.
  7. Bounous G, Gold P. The biological activity of undenatured dietary whey proteins: role of glutathione. Clinical & Investigative Medicine. 1991 August;14(4):296-309.
  8. Kent KD, Harper WJ, Bomser JA. Effect of whey protein isolate on intracellular glutathione and oxidant-induced cell death in human prostate epilthelial cells. Toxicology in Vitro. 2003 February;17(1):27-33.

†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.


Top
Dr. Edward Group, DC
FOUNDER | HEALER | ADVOCATE

Dr. Group, DC is a healer and alternative health advocate, and an industry leader and innovator in the field of natural health who is dedicated to helping others. He is a registered doctor of chiropractic (DC), a naturopathic practitioner (NP), and proud alum of Harvard Business School and MIT Sloan School of Management. Dr. Group, DC is the founder of Global Healing – a mission and vision he has shared through best-selling books and frequent media appearances. He aims to spread his message of positivity, hope, and wellness throughout the world.

Related Posts
5 Ways to Reduce Waste In Your Wellness Routine
Wellness should never come at the cost of the earth. Yet, many modern wellness products come wrapped in layers of plastic, filled with synthetic additives, and designed for convenience over...
Your Body Is the Medicine: An Overview of Self-Healing
This post is an introduction to Your Body Is the Medicine – a Global Healing series that dives into eight self-healing systems, how they work, and what you can do...
Inflammation: Why It Happens and How to Turn It Into Healing Power
Inflammation is your body's natural way of defending and healing itself. When you get a cut, twist an ankle, or fight off an infection, your immune system responds with inflammation...
How Your Digestive System Affects Whole-Body Health
Every day, your digestive system works tirelessly to break down your food, absorb essential nutrients, and eliminate waste. But its role goes far beyond that – it's intricately connected to...
The Overactive Immune System: Strategies for Restoring Natural Function
Have you ever felt like your body is working against you? Maybe it's recurring colds, lingering fatigue, or persistent signs of inflammation. These frustrating symptoms aren't random – they're your...
Neuroplasticity: Wire Your Mind for Healing
Every second, billions of neurons, or nerve cells, communicate so you can think, breathe, move, see, smell, taste, feel... Your nervous system essentially shapes your existence – the way you...
Back to blog