What is Glutathione and How does it Work?

What is glutathione?

Glutathione is a naturally occurring antioxidant  that’s found in every single cell of the body and has multiple important functions. Comprised of three amino acids, it creates DNA, supports immune function, and breaks down free radicals that are created by oxidative stress. With such a wide range of functions, glutathione has been touted as a cornerstone for preventing early aging, insulin resistance, and even cancer.

How does glutathione impact our health?

Many of the positive health benefits of glutathione are connected to its ability to avert the impacts of oxidative stress in our bodies. Oxidative stress occurs when the body produces too many free radicals for it to fight off, and is a precursor to conditions and diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and arthritis. The process can be caused by stress, a poor diet (including excess sugar consumption), environmental factors like pollution, and a sedentary lifestyle. 

Glutathione fights oxidative stress by processing the removal of an excess of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which cause DNA damage to the cells. According to recent studies, when taken as a supplement, glutathione can also reduce symptoms of Parkinson's disease, reduce damage in fatty liver disease, and improve insulin resistance. 

Glutathione and aging

Unfortunately, while our body produces its own glutathione, our glutathione levels reduce significantly as we age. This can lead to increased inflammation, insulin resistance, and a higher likelihood of the diseases that glutathione wards off. 

You can increase your glutathione levels through what you eat, both by maintaining a healthy diet and increasing your intake of certain foods. Avocado, spinach, asparagus, and okra are great natural sources of glutathione, as well as sulfur rich foods like brussel sprouts, mustard greens, garlic, and shallots. Increasing your intake of vitamin C can also help preserve your glutathione levels, as vitamin C has many of the same antioxidant properties as glutathione. Recent studies have shown that vitamin C can increase glutathione levels, and even act as a “substitute” antioxidant to preserve your body’s store of glutathione. Sleep and regular exercise are also essential to maintaining glutathione levels.

Supplements designed to boost glutathione levels are also available. N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) is an amino acid and a precursor to glutathione, along with glutamine and glycine. When taken as a supplement, NAC helps replenish and boost glutathione levels in your body, healing inflammation and supporting overall detoxification. 

If you’d rather not have to remember another daily supplement, you can simplify your routine by getting regular glutathione injections or IV therapy. Glutathione injections should be administered once a week by a licensed clinician, and you should expect to see results after 4 weeks. IV therapy offers more immediate effects, as glutathione is delivered directly to the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system. Modern Age’s glutathione drip also includes vitamin C for an added dose of stress fighting antioxidants. 

Only one piece of the puzzle

Glutathione levels are an essential marker of your health, but they’re just one piece of a larger puzzle that can impact the quality of your life as you age. Take a step back with Modern Age’s Aging Wellness Assessment. Our signature assessment measures 55 key biomarkers associated with aging (including glutathione), bone density, cognitive function, and metabolic age. Once you have your results, you’ll work 1:1 with a licensed clinician to create a personalized plan for your health. Unsure where to start? Book a free consultation on our website.