What is Glutathione?

Glutathione is a potent nutrient known for its strong antioxidant and detoxification properties. Every cell of our body produces glutathione naturally, and when levels are optimal, our cells are able to combat oxidative stress and detoxify efficiently. However, natural production often cannot keep up with demand and we are left with inadequate glutathione for our body’s needs. 

Administered intravenously, glutathione levels are rapidly restored and become immediately available for use within our cells. Intravenous glutathione is generally given alongside a multi-nutrient formula containing complementary antioxidant nutrients (Vitamin C, Selenium, Zinc, and more) that recycle glutathione for repeated use. The benefit of glutathione is multiplied this way, extracting more from the treatment while also replenishing other nutrients that may similarly be depleted.

Properties of Glutathione

Glutathione is the body’s most potent antioxidant, protecting our cells from harmful free radicals rendering them inactive and harmless. This property alone provides a powerful defence against aging and disease.

Detoxification through the liver also relies on glutathione to efficiently bind and carry waste out from the body. Without glutathione this process slows considerably, and we more readily accumulate harmful toxic chemicals. Again, improving detoxification strongly protects against aging and disease. 

A variety of other cellular functions rely on glutathione including cell-cycle regulation and appropriate cellular recycling (apoptosis), protein folding, and much more.

How do we become depleted of Glutathione?

The following circumstances results in a high demand for glutathione and can rapidly deplete its levels due to oxidative stress and increased strain on our detoxification systems:

– Exposure to air pollution

– Toxic environmental chemicals

– Mold and mycotoxins

– Medications

– High stress

– Infections

These factors are largely unavoidable in modern life leaving our cells vulnerable to oxidative free radicals and overwhelming our liver. Combined with a diet that may be potentially lacking in nutrients needed for our natural glutathione production, depletion becomes inevitable.

Why do we recommend Glutathione?

Above we describe glutathione’s general protective properties, but there are also specific situations and conditions where glutathione is required therapeutically. 

Chronic Disease

Due to the major contribution of toxicity to chronic illness, glutathione is included in the strategy to help the liver process accumulated toxins and unburden the body from their detrimental effects.

Immune Regulation (in Autoimmune Disease or Weak Immunity)

Glutathione is a very helpful immune regulator, meaning it balances the activity of the immune system between the opposing Th1 (cytotoxic) and Th2 (antibody mediated) immune activities. This is important to calm the effects of Autoimmune Diseases (including Lupus, MS, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Scleroderma, Ankylosing spondylitis, etc.) where glutathione is undoubtably helpful. 

Acute Infection

Various intravenous treatments are useful with an acute infection, including High Dose Vitamin C, but Glutathione is also worth consideration in certain cases of acute infections. It can quench inflammation resulting from a “cytokine storm” (as seen with covid), decrease oxidative stress brought on by viruses, and protect the vulnerable lungs from inflammation.

Aging Gracefully

Aging gracefully means to maintain our physical and mental abilities as we get older, while also resisting the onset of disease. Glutathione helps to maintain critical cellular energy levels to strengthen our inner health, but also our outer appearance. Glutathione is well known to benefit the health and vibrancy of our skin.

To further slow the processes of aging, we often recommend glutathione alongside Intravenous NAD+, a potent stimulator of healthy metabolism. Appropriate supplementation, dietary, and lifestyle adjustments are recommended as well – the combination being extremely powerful in improving our health-span and lifespan.

Healthy Skin

Healthy skin comes from cells having the ability to heal and regenerate. Glutathione plays a key role in cellular turnover and antioxidant protection in the skin. Glutathione not only decreases melanin (pigmentation) for a skin lightening effect but can also decrease wrinkles and enhance skin elasticity. It can be particularly helpful in acne and psoriasis, but overall contributes to healthier looking and smoother skin.

Liver Disease

Glutathione has a long history in the treatment of liver diseases. Its protective nature toward liver cells has been well documented as well as its integral role in the detoxification system.  It both helps give the liver the nutrients it needs to do its job effectively AND helps to restore the function of damaged hepatocytes (liver cells). When liver support is the goal, Glutathione is often administered intravenously with Phos choline.

Detoxification

Glutathione binds to toxic chemicals allowing their transport through the liver and out of the body, making it crucial in detoxification. We are constantly being bombarded with toxic chemicals in our daily lives and without sufficient glutathione, detoxification will be compromised, setting us up for chronic issues and declining health.

Mental and Neurological Health

Glutathione can have a strong impact on the brain’s function. It has the ability to reduce neuro-inflammation which helps relieve the cognitive symptoms of conditions such as Lyme, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and even post-concussion syndrome. It has shown benefit in mental health as well (depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, etc.), again, in part by reducing neuro-inflammation.