Glutathione is a less known but very potent antioxidant produced in cells. It’s composed largely of three amino acids: glutamine, glycine, and cysteine.

Glutathione levels in the body reduce with AGE. Also due to poor nutrition, environmental toxins, and STRESS.

Its main role is to defend against the damage caused by free radicals, chemicals and inflammation. Which means it helps fight against ageing, disease, cancer and autoimmune issues. 

So how can you get the body to generate enough and what’s the best one to take?

• Glutathione plays a major role in offsetting oxidative stress. That’s the thing that ages us and causes disease; it’s where our cells are attacked by free radicals which destroy DNA and skin proteins.
• It helps to prevent that oxidative stress by neutralising harmful hydrogen peroxide atoms; other antioxidants rely on glutathione for their function which means that vitamin C, alpha-lipoic acid and vitamin E all rely on the body having enough glutathione to function. Run out of it and you render all these other vital elements void. 
• It also plays a major role in detoxifying chemicals in the liver via a series of enzymes which transform hormones and chemicals into water-soluble elements that can be excreted through the intestines, kidneys and skin.

 How to generate more glutathione

•  It can be found in fruits and veggies such as asparagus, peppers, onions, broccoli, apples and bananas. 
• To increase your levels, you want to be consuming food rich in selenium and alpha-lipoic acid – both of which help the body to produce glutathione. 
• Tuna, beef and dairy are high in selenium, while vegan diets can be high in alpha-lipoic acid found in spinach, tomatoes and peas. 
• Almonds also contain a stack of vitamins and minerals which help the body to build the mineral too.
•  You can buy it in supplement form but they’re often poorly absorbed because the amino acid blocks get degraded in the stomach before reaching the cells. So you might be better off getting it from natural sources. 

So if it’s so readily available, why would our levels ever be depleted? 

While chronically low levels of glutathione can lead to cell damage and chronic disease, increased levels might prevent illnesses and upping production is often the treatment for many chronic diseases. One of the things that often destroys levels is environmental toxins. Pollution, toxic material, stress and sugar are all things that work against our glutathione production. 

Dr Maren, writing for MindBodyGreen recommends doing the following: 

• Use a high-quality water filter for drinking
•  Open windows regularly to purge stale air 
• Invest in a non-toxic organic mattress and bedding 
• Keep dust to a minimum 
• Avoid toxic cleaning products and weed/pest killers 
• Swap out plastic for glass 
• Avoid nonstick pots and pans 
• Buy organic non-GMO foods Avoid sugar, excessive alcohol, and refined or processed carbohydrates 
• Turn off wifi at night 
• Manage stress Get moderate exercise and make movement a part of your daily routine 
• Eat garlic, onions, and other alliums daily Eat broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, and other cruciferous vegetables daily
•  Eat glycine-rich foods, like gelatin, collagen and bone broth 
• Eat plenty of healthy fats (avocados, extra virgin olive oil, nuts, sardines)

What is Liposomal Glutathione? 

Because most oral glutathione breaks down in the stomach before reaching cells, Dr. Christopher Shade, CEO and Founder of Quicksilver Scientific, developed Liposomal Glutathione. Liposomes protect the core ingredients from the digestive system and increase their uptake and transport. Liposomal Glutathione is a highly effective way to supplement glutathione.

Glutathione and cortisol

Glutathione and cortisol are important substances in the body, but they have different roles and functions. Glutathione is an antioxidant that plays a critical role in protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals and oxidative stress. It also participates in the detoxification of harmful substances in the body and supports a healthy immune system.

Cortisol, on the other hand, is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands in response to stress. It plays a key role in the body’s stress response system, helping to regulate blood sugar, blood pressure and the immune system.

Q & A

• Is glutathione good for hormonal imbalance?

Although it is not typically thought of as a supplement that regulates hormones, some studies indicate that it may indirectly regulate hormones by lowering oxidative stress and inflammation, which are two things that can lead to hormonal imbalances.

• Can glutathione help balance hormones?

Glutathione may help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation in the body, which could be beneficial for women with conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) that are characterized by insulin resistance and hormonal imbalances.

• Is glutathione a hormone?

Glutathione is not a hormone. It is a molecule that is naturally produced by the body and plays a critical role in the body’s natural detoxification processes. Glutathione and hormones can be mixed sometimes, but they are not the same.

• Does glutathione affect hormones?

While glutathione is not a hormone and does not directly affect hormone production or regulation, it can indirectly affect hormone balance by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, which are factors that can contribute to hormonal imbalances.

• Does glutathione increase estrogen?

As an antioxidant, glutathione may help to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which are factors that can contribute to hormonal imbalances, including excess estrogen levels.

• Does glutathione help with menopause? Can glutathione affect menstrual cycle?

As the previous answer, glutathione is an antioxidant which can contribute to hormonal imbalances, menstrual irregularities and menopausal symptoms.

Credit: @metro.co.uk , @healthline. @quicksilverscientific