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What are the Benefits of Glutathione?

Dulce Corazon
Dulce Corazon

There are many potential benefits of glutathione and among the chief advantages of this protein is its ability to boost the immune system, making the individual less prone to develop illnesses. Patients who have liver diseases, increased cholesterol levels, heart problems, and those who have just undergone surgery have greatly benefited from the effects of increased glutathione levels in the body. Elderly individuals, with diseases such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease have also experienced the benefits of glutathione.

Many side effects of chemotherapy such as vomiting, diarrhea, hair loss and depletion of white blood cells in cancer patients are also lessened with glutathione. Glutathione is also well known for its ability to detoxify the body from all potential toxins such as those that are brought about by too much alcohol ingestion, cigarette smoking, pollution, and drugs. Glutathione is also responsible for providing the cells their much needed energy in order to function optimally.

Peaches contain glutathione.
Peaches contain glutathione.

Glutathione is a very important protein produced within the body and is considered the body’s major antioxidant. Antioxidants promote good health in an individual because they have the ability to remove free radicals, which can accumulate within the body and eventually cause disease. Free radicals are formed from certain processes going on inside the body. Considered as the master of all antioxidants, glutathione is found in all types of body cells, including the cells responsible for protecting the body against foreign substances. One of the most outstanding benefits of glutathione is that it is centrally located inside the cell itself and from there it can neutralize the toxins within the cell.

Avocados are a good source of glutathione.
Avocados are a good source of glutathione.

Low levels of glutathione in the body will result in a relatively weak immune system, respiratory problems, faster aging process, and compromised liver function. There is a need therefore, to increase the levels of glutathione inside the cells. It is possible to get benefits of glutathione from fresh fruits such as avocados, watermelons, grapefruits, peaches, oranges, and strawberries. Glutathione is also found in vegetables, including cauliflower, broccoli, parsley, and cabbage, as well as in lean meats, whole grain, poultry products and wheat germ.

Cauliflower contains glutathlone.
Cauliflower contains glutathlone.

Taking glutathione supplements in pill form does not usually increase glutathione levels because once it is ingested, the benefits of glutathione are lost as the pill undergoes digestion and does not usually reach the cellular level. Some doctors recommend that it be taken intravenously so that the digestive process will no longer be a concern. For people who eat balanced meals and who receive good nutrition, glutathione levels in the body should not be a problem.

Discussion Comments

burcinc

It's true that glutathione loses its effect when it comes into contact with stomach acid. But that doesn't mean that it's necessary to take it intravenously. There are also sublingual glutathione tablets. They dissolve under the tongue and enter the bloodstream that way.

I don't eat a very balanced diet and I have a stressful job. I know when toxins are building up in my system because I develop fatigue and my skin looks awful. Glutathione supplement and plenty of water resolve these symptoms for me. I just feel healthier, more energetic. And my skin looks much better.

bluedolphin

@fBoyle-- I tried glutathione for this purpose last week. I too heard that it reduces side effects. I took the supplement before I drank and I certainly noticed a difference.

I felt like the effects of alcohol wore off more quickly. Usually, I spend the whole next day recuperating from the fatigue and nausea. But when I took glutathione, I was feeling fine the next morning. I didn't develop fatigue at all.

I think glutathione helps the liver work better and gets the alcohol out of the system faster. So it reduces the hangover effects. I realize that the ideal thing to do is to not drink in the first place. But if you are sensitive to alcohol like me and can't avoid drinking due to a social event or something, glutathione will definitely help. I'm not a doctor though, so please ask your doctor first. Everyone responds to supplements and medicines a little differently.

fBoyle

I've heard that glutathione supplements reduce the side effects of alcohol. Is this true? Has anyone used glutathione for this purpose? If it works, how do I use it?

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    • Peaches contain glutathione.
      By: Anna Kucherova
      Peaches contain glutathione.
    • Avocados are a good source of glutathione.
      By: Richard Villalon
      Avocados are a good source of glutathione.
    • Cauliflower contains glutathlone.
      By: ExQuisine
      Cauliflower contains glutathlone.
    • Glutathione can detoxify the body of toxins from cigarettes.
      By: Mr Korn Flakes
      Glutathione can detoxify the body of toxins from cigarettes.