Glutathione (pronounced glue-ta-thigh-own) has been described) as “The Mother of All Antioxidants” and is a very hot topic now in the natural health world.
Glutathione (GSH) is a natural protein that our body produces in every single cell, it consists of three key amino acids – cysteine, glycine, and glutamine. The highest levels of GSH are found in our heart, muscle tissues and the liver.
In the body, natural GSH is key to supporting the process of how the body removes or deals with toxins as part of normal day to day function. GSH binds with toxins, making them easier to excrete through the liver. It’s especially good at holding hands with heavy metals to support removing them from the body, as part of the body’s natural heavy metal detox process. GSH also supports the immune system to stay healthy and fighting fit.
What are the benefits of glutathione?
- A healthy and robust immune system
- Positive brain ageing, for healthy brain function and mental focus
- Healthy heart and blood vessels
- Healthy male fertility
- Healthy pregnancy
- Eye health, especially as we age
- Healthy and efficient heavy metal detoxification
Additionally, GSH also protects cells from free radicals that cause oxidation damage which is the process that drives the normal process of ageing. GSH is very good at regenerating other antioxidants like Vitamins C and E, recycling them, and setting them free to continue their good work in the body.
As we get older our normal rate of GSH production in cells declines naturally at an average rate of 10% per decade from age 20 onwards. We’re also more prone to declining GSH due to our increasing day-to-day exposure to these things:
- Ongoing ills and chills
- Ongoing stress
- Injuries or recovery from surgery
- Environmental toxins and pollution
- The artificial sweetener Aspartame (we don’t stock products that contain this, thanks to our strict ingredient standards).
- Frequent use of antibiotics
- Higher levels of radiation therapy and X-rays
- Pesticides and herbicides
- Cleaning chemicals in conventional household products (laundry powders, dishwashing powders, air fresheners, mothballs, bleach)
- Nitrates and other food preservatives (especially food like salami, hams or other cured and processed meats)
- Smoking
- Alcohol consumption
- Poor diet
- Light pollution at night (E.g., light from mobile phones and street lights suppress melatonin production at night and in turn, glutathione levels.)
Signs of glutathione deficiency:
- Brain fogginess
- Tiredness
- Joint stiffness Dry skin
- Restlessness
- Low mood
- Coming down with ills and chills more often
Foods that help our natural GSH production
- Sulphur rich, cruciferous vegetables including broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, watercress, radish and turnips.
- Folate rich foods like chickpeas, pinto beans, lentils, spinach, asparagus, black eyed peas, avocado and beetroot.
- Selenium rich foods which contain powerful antioxidants – Brazil nuts, sardines, grass fed beef and turkey, eggs, chicken and spinach.
The inclusion of gentle exercise as part of a regular daily and weekly routine also helps us replenish our natural GSH production.
What is glutathione used for?
Athletes take glutathione to support healthy muscle function and post workout recovery. People of all genders take it to support healthy reproductive function. Others like it because it supports healthy liver function and detoxification. It also supports positive ageing, particularly for brain and eye health.
What does glutathione do for your skin?
Being an antioxidant and detox supporter, GSH is great for healthy skin. Because it plays a part in protecting against free radical damage which is the main driver of natural ageing, a glutathione supplement is an excellent option for anyone wanting support for clear, healthy, plumped and smooth looking skin.
BioBalance Liposomal Glutathione provides the potent antioxidant glutathione using liposomal delivery for advanced bioavailability, so the body can easily absorb it, check it out here.