What is Glutathione? What Are the Benefits of Glutathione?
Glutathione is an antioxidant substance that occurs naturally in the human body. The structure of glutathione, which is produced in nerve cells and liver cells in the central nervous system, is composed of 3 basic amino acids. Glycine, L-cysteine and L-glutamate are amino acids in the structure of glutathione. Glutathione is involved in the metabolism of toxic substances and drugs, scavenging free radicals in the body and strengthening the immune system.
Contents
What Are the Benefits of Glutathione?
Which Diseases Is Glutathione Good For?
What Foods Contain Glutathione?
What Should Glutathione Level Be?
What Are the Side Effects and Risks of Glutathione?
Glutathione Therapy and Benefits of Glutathione Therapy
What Are the Benefits of Glutathione?
Glutathione level in the body may decrease under the influence of factors such as insufficient and irregular nutrition, exposure to environmental toxic substances and stress. With advancing age, a decrease in glutathione level is expected. Glutathione is naturally synthesized in the body and can be taken into the body as an external supplement. Glutathione is available in capsule, liquid, inhaled, topical, and intravenous (serum) forms. In some cases, serum glutathione therapy may give more effective results than oral glutathione therapy. Glutathione therapy can be recommended to reduce the effects of aging, reduce alcohol use, treat liver diseases, and control chronic diseases, including heart and neurological diseases. Although glutathione is included in the treatment plan of many diseases, it has no proven effects on diseases.
Which Diseases Is Glutathione Good For?
Although glutathione is included in the treatment plan of many diseases, it has no proven effects on diseases. However, glutathione therapy is also recommended in the treatment of many diseases. Below are the diseases that glutathione is good for:
REDUCING OXIDATIVE STRESS
Oxidative stress occurs due to increased formation of free radicals in the body and imbalances in the body’s mechanism of dealing with free radicals. The seriousness of oxidative stress forms the basis for many diseases and may cause worsening of existing diseases. These diseases are mainly diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, cancer and rheumatoid arthritis. With its powerful antioxidant properties, glutathione can help reduce the effects of oxidative stress and alleviate the symptoms of diseases. Since glutathione deficiency will increase the level of oxidative stress, it may prepare a suitable environment for cancer development.
REDUCTION OF CELL LEVEL DAMAGE IN FAT LIVER
In glutathione deficiency, the severity of damage to liver cells may increase and liver cells may die. This situation can cause fatty liver, being more severe in alcoholics, but also in non-alcoholics. There are studies showing that glutathione improves blood protein, enzyme and bilirubin levels in patients with chronic fatty liver. The most effective supplementation method of glutathione in patients with fatty liver is serum glutathione therapy.
IMPROVEMENT OF INSULIN RESISTANCE IN AGED INDIVIDUALS
With aging, the glutathione level and glutathione synthesis in the body decrease. In some studies, low glutathione levels have been associated with decreased fat burning and increased fat storage. Supplementation of glycine and cysteine amino acids along with glutathione supplements can improve insulin resistance and increase fat burning.
RELIEVING SYMPTOMS IN INDIVIDUALS WITH PERIPHERAL ARTERY DISEASE
Peripheral arterial disease, which occurs with plaque formation and occlusion in peripheral arteries, is most commonly seen in the legs. With the completion of glutathione deficiency in the body with glutathione supplements, it has been observed that the circulation in the veins improves and the severity of the pain that occurs while walking is reduced.
SOOTHING AND REDUCING THE SYMPTOMS OF PARKINSON’S DISEASE
In Parkinson’s disease, the central nervous system is affected and signs such as slowed movements, tremors and cognitive disorders are often observed. There is no known definitive treatment for Parkinson’s. However, alleviating and controlling Parkinson’s symptoms in the future may be possible with glutathione supplements.
INCREASING IN IMMUNITY SYSTEM ACTIVITY AND STRENGTHENING IMMUNITY AGAINST AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES
Chronic inflammation, which may occur in association with autoimmune diseases, may lead to an increase in the level of oxidative stress. Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and celiac disease are among the most common autoimmune diseases that cause this condition. Glutathione may be effective in reducing oxidative stress by strengthening the immune response in the body. Glutathione ensures the elimination of free radicals in the body and protects the mitochondria, one of the most important organelles of the cell.
REDUCING OXIDATIVE DAMAGE IN CHILDREN WITH AUTISM
Since the oxidative stress level in the brain cells of children with autism may be higher than in other individuals, their glutathione levels may also be found to be lower. No proven benefit of glutathione therapy in children with autism has yet been found.
REDUCING THE ADVERSE EFFECTS OF UNCONTROLLED DIABETES
High blood sugar levels for many years are closely related to the decrease in glutathione levels in the body. Glutathione deficiency increases oxidative stress, making tissues vulnerable to damage and further increases the negative effect of diabetes on tissues. It has been thought that dietary supplements containing cysteine, glycine and glutathione may help recovery in diabetes patients.
IMPROVEMENT AND REDUCTION OF SYMPTOMS OF RESPIRATORY TRACT DISEASES
N-acetylcysteine, one of the by-products of glutathione, is frequently preferred for the treatment of respiratory system diseases such as asthma, COPD and cystic fibrosis. N-acetylcysteine has functions such as thinning the mucus structure and making the mucus more fluid. With the increased fluidity of mucus, the narrowing of the respiratory tract is reduced and a significant improvement is achieved in respiratory tract diseases.
What Foods Contain Glutathione?
Glutathione contains sulfur along with amino acids to a large extent. Consumption of foods high in sulfur can contribute to the natural synthesis of glutathione in the body. Some foods rich in sulfur
Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli and cruciferous vegetables
garlic and onion
Legumes
It can be listed as low-fat protein sources such as chicken and fish.
What Should Glutathione Level Be?
Examples of other nutritional ingredients that have the potential to increase glutathione levels are flaxseed, milk protein, potatoes, peppers, carrots, avocados, spinach, and melons. It may also be possible to combine with other supplements to increase glutathione levels. Selenium, vitamin C12 and N-acetylcysteine are similar ingredients that can be fortified with glutathione. Although there is not enough scientific evidence for appropriate glutathione doses, appropriate doses for individuals may vary according to many factors depending on age, gender and medical history. Processes such as cooking and pasteurization in foods containing glutathione can disrupt the structure of glutathione. Since glutathione can be adversely affected by insomnia, adequate and balanced sleep can significantly increase the glutathione level.
What Are the Side Effects and Risks of Glutathione?
Naturally ingesting glutathione and supplementing it with organic foods generally do not pose any risks. In addition, natural or artificial glutathione supplementation may not be suitable for every individual. Glutathione supplementation is not always necessary. Since the glutathione level in the body cannot be measured exactly, the effects in people with low glutathione levels have not been clearly demonstrated. Glutathione supplementation should be planned by a specialist doctor in order to prevent low levels of glutathione or to control the chronic disease process. Possible recorded side effects of glutathione are as follows:
Abdominal bloating, cramps and indigestion
Shortness of breath due to constriction and contraction of the bronchi
Allergic reactions, which may result in widespread or localized rashes.
Glutathione Therapy and Benefits of Glutathione Therapy
Glutathione is a very powerful antioxidant and it is very important in terms of being naturally synthesized and found in the body. While a decrease in glutathione levels can cause some health problems, high glutathione levels are often not necessary and may pose some risks. Glutathione supplements are not recommended for pregnant women and nursing mothers. As there is a risk of causing respiratory problems, asthma patients and those with an allergic body should also be careful in their glutathione intake. Long-term and high amounts of glutathione supplements can lead to a decrease in zinc levels. In order to plan an accurate and effective treatment, it is recommended not to interrupt routine health checks and not to use over-the-counter drugs or supplements. For the administration of glutathione, the advice of specialist physicians should be followed.
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