Although the body creates glutathione on its own, you can help it. It is part of many reactions in the body

How glutathione works in the body

It is a tripeptide – that is, it is made up of three amino acids – cysteine, glycine and glutamic acid. It is formed in the liver. And is part of many reactions in the body. It acts as a coenzyme (a substance that promotes the action) of the enzymes glutathione reductase and glutathione peroxidase. It converts the body’s toxic hydrogen peroxide into harmless substances – water and oxygen. It helps the formation of disulfide bridges in many proteins and hormones. It is important in the synthesis and repair of nucleic acids, synthesis (formation) of proteins, removal of toxins from the body, activation of enzymes, maintenance of acid-base balance, protection against oxidative stress. Last but not least, it is an important part of the metabolism (detoxification) of foreign harmful substances in the body (xenobiotics), participates in the formation of bile, acts as a neuromodulator and neurotransmitter. It plays an important role in regulating the number and functionality of erythrocytes and leukocytes.

What does a reduced level of glutathione in the body mean

Decreased levels in the body are associated with higher levels of oxidative stress. Free radicals (oxidative stress) are known to lead to faster aging and related disorders.

What lowers glutathione levels:

• Age ( its production decreases with age).
• A heavy load of toxins, free radicals and stress (then our body is unable to recycle glutathione at the necessary level)
• Poor lifestyle – lack of exercise, inappropriate eating habits, excess of simple sugars and toxic substances
• Prolonged physical stress
• Environmental pollution
• Smoking

How to increase glutathione content in the body

Glutathione is found in meat, fruits and vegetables (especially those containing sulfur – i.e. broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, garlic, onions, kale,…), brewer’s yeast and legumes. Regular aerobic exercise also increases glutathione levels, which also strengthens our immune system. The function of glutathione is supported by vitamins C and E, selenium, fish oil and milk thistle.

Recommended daily dose

The oral daily dose (in terms of a food supplement) ranges from 50 -1000 mg. However, bioavailability from the digestive tract is not high. A mixture of all three of the above amino acids in the appropriate ratio is effective when given fasting.

Glutathione is also registered as a medicine in some countries. In therapeutic doses, administration intravenously or intramuscularly has proven successful. It is primarily used to reduce the toxicity that accompanies anti-cancer treatment with cisplatin.

In inhaled (aerosol) form, glutathione is administered in the treatment of lung disease.

The Importance of Glutathione for the Human Body

Glutathione is an important part of the human body and is involved in the functions of antioxidant enzymes and the metabolism of xenobiotics. The presence of this compound in the body can help fight against oxidative stress and may be beneficial to the cardiovascular system.

Methylation

The human body methylates its glutathione through a series of metabolic reactions. This process is critical to a number of physiological processes. It also plays a significant role in detoxification, which is vital to maintaining optimal health.

Glutathione is an antioxidant that helps protect our cells from free radicals. A molecule of glutathione is found in every cell of the human body. These molecules are important for regulating the functions of proteins and transcription factors. In addition to antioxidant benefits, glutathione is also involved in removing carcinogens and other harmful compounds from the body.

Protects cells

Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that plays a critical role in cellular health. It protects mitochondria and lipids from damage, including oxidative stress. The immune system uses it to fight infections. In addition, it helps to prevent heart attacks. Having an adequate level of glutathione can also protect the brain from aging and neurodegenerative diseases.

Glutathione is a simple protein that is naturally produced by cells in the human body. It consists of three amino acids. Once produced, it can be stored and recycled for use in the cell. Deficiency of this antioxidant can cause many health problems, especially in patients with autoimmune disorders. Increasing the body’s levels of glutathione may be a way to treat these conditions.

Reduces oxidative substances in the body

Oxidation is a natural process in the human body, but excess oxidation can be harmful. It is necessary for healthy metabolic processes, but too much oxidation can lead to disease and inflammation. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent and treat oxidative stress.

To reduce oxidative substances in the human body, you need to avoid certain foods and drinks that are known to increase free radicals. Alcohol and sugar are two examples.

Another common cause of oxidative stress is hyperglycemia. When you eat something that is high in glucose, your body breaks it down in order to release energy. This triggers a chain of reactions that leads to the generation of more ROS. The increased levels of ROS in the blood can cause inflammation and damage to proteins and DNA.

It’s a cofactor of antioxidant enzymes

Glutathione is a potent antioxidant that protects the body from free radicals. It is one of the three main cofactors for antioxidant enzymes in the human body. The other two are superoxide dismutase and catalase.

Unlike other antioxidants, glutathione is synthesized in the body. Moreover, glutathione is found in all cells of the body. This is due to the fact that the body produces a large amount of it. However, the production of it decreases as we age. As a result, the ratio of reduced to oxidized glutathione is used as a measure of cellular toxicity.

Low serum glutathione leads to COPD

Glutathione is an important antioxidant that fights free radicals. Lung diseases such as COPD may cause glutathione levels to be low. Consequently, the lungs suffer from abnormalities that affect their ability to function properly.

Lungs are vulnerable to free radicals, which damage DNA and lipids, and inhibit the production of elastin, a protein that keeps the lungs flexible. In addition, they can cause a buildup of plaque in the arteries. This blockage can lead to difficulty breathing.

Several lung diseases have been linked to an increase in oxidant production. For example, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is the third leading cause of death in the United States. The condition causes respiratory symptoms such as coughing and shortness of breath.

It helps excrete mercury

Glutathione is an important antioxidant that helps to excrete mercury in the human body. However, when circulating glutathione levels become depleted, mercury accumulates and can cause oxidative stress.

Mercury toxicity has been linked to cardiac arrhythmias, thrombosis, hypertension, and other disorders. Mercury-induced oxidative stress can be caused by several mechanisms, including the catalytic depletion of the cellular glutathione pool.

In addition to promoting lipid peroxidation, mercury also inactivates enzymes. This has been shown in laboratory studies and in animal models. The resulting oxidative stress is illustrated by a decrease in the ratio of glutathione to glutathione disulfide. It can be further demonstrated by the occurrence of other oxidative stress indicators.