What is Glutathione, Its Benefits, and Treatments?

With glutathione therapy, the antioxidant capacity of our body is increased, making us more resistant to diseases.

What is Glutathione, and What Are Its Benefits?

Glutathione, the primary antioxidant that our body produces naturally, plays a crucial role in preventing aging, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, dementia, and many other illnesses. In fact, when the amount of glutathione in our body decreases, it becomes more difficult to protect against diseases.

As the main antioxidant in our body, glutathione captures groups of molecules (free radicals) that can damage our cells and even our DNA, transporting them to the liver where it renews itself and returns to its function. Thanks to this process, all the cells in our body can function healthily. It is especially important for the regular operation of dysfunctional mitochondria, helping to remove toxins and playing a vital role in energy production and expenditure in cells. We need the naturally produced “glutathione” in our bodies to protect against diseases and lead a healthy life.

Which Diseases Does Glutathione Therapy Help?

Aging
Cancer
Cardiovascular diseases
Dementia
Many chronic/degenerative diseases

Causes of Glutathione Deficiency

Glutathione is an antioxidant whose production and quantity decrease with aging. The following factors are among the significant reasons that reduce glutathione production:

Unhealthy and inadequate nutrition
Stress
Accumulated toxins in our body
Heavy metals
Artificial sweeteners
Pesticides present in food
Kitchen materials (such as Teflon pans)
Cleaning products (detergents, fabric softeners, etc.)

How to Increase Glutathione Levels?

Numerous studies show that glutathione reduces muscle damage, shortens recovery time, and increases muscle production. This molecule, largely composed of three amino acids, helps protect us from the toxic effects of heavy metals (such as copper, zinc, silver, and mercury) that can harm our bodies, thereby supporting a strong immune system. Therefore, it is extremely important for the glutathione levels in our body to be adequate. So how can we achieve this?

In recent years, skin AGE measurement can be performed with specially developed ultrasonic devices as an indicator of increased oxidative damage.
The antioxidant capacity can be evaluated by looking at the enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase.
Glutathione levels can be increased through intravenous glutathione, multivitamin, and alpha-lipoic acid (with doses and frequency varying by individual).

Ways to Increase Glutathione Levels

Through Nutrition
There are many healthy foods that increase the production of glutathione in our bodies. Garlic, onions, broccoli, cruciferous vegetables, watercress, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and turnips are among them.

By Supporting the Elimination of Harmful Substances
Folate, B6, and B12 vitamin supplements can help increase glutathione levels by supporting the elimination of certain substances that can emerge in the body and potentially cause harm.

By Strengthening Liver Functions
Milk thistle (silymarin) and α-lipoic acid, recognized for their liver-cleansing, protective, and regenerative properties, raise glutathione levels. Vitamin C increases glutathione levels in red blood cells and lymphocytes, while vitamin E (in mixed tocopherol form) is an important antioxidant that works alongside glutathione, aiding in its recycling (with vitamin C).

By Engaging in Regular Exercise
Physical activity promotes an increase in glutathione levels. Intense exercise for 30 minutes a day, at least three times a week, enhances the body's antioxidant defense.

By Administering Glutathione Orally or Intravenously
Intravenous glutathione is applied in cases of severe glutathione deficiency, such as cancer treatment and HIV/AIDS treatment, or in individuals who cannot produce adequate glutathione due to genetic mutations or other reasons. It is administered regularly based on the patient's medical condition, either weekly or daily. The procedure is painless and typically completed within 10-15 minutes.

What Are the Benefits of Glutathione Therapy?

Intravenous glutathione therapy has found a common clinical application in Europe and the US, drawing attention with its results:

It supports and strengthens the immune system.
It delays aging with cellular rejuvenation (anti-aging effect).
It detoxifies the body.
It protects against cancer with its tumor-preventive effect.
It significantly improves the quality of life for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
It prevents skin wrinkles and promotes lightening of skin color.
It reduces side effects in patients undergoing radiotherapy.
It positively impacts musculoskeletal structure and function in older adults and/or those with rheumatic diseases.
It supports joint function and structure in athletes and individuals with arthritis.
It provides quick and significant improvement in patients with complaints of chronic fatigue, tiredness, and easy exhaustion.
It is used as an adjunct therapy to help prevent the progression of many chronic diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes, and thyroid disease.
It brings significant improvements in functional capacity and quality of life for patients with chronic organ failure (heart, lung, liver, and kidney insufficiencies).

Last Updated Date: 01 March 2023

Publication Date: 01 March 2023