Glutathione Benefits for Your Health and Body

Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that has gained a lot of popularity in the world of health and medicines. But what exactly is glutathione and does it actually affect the body?

Let us find out.

What is glutathione?

Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant found in every cell in the body. It is made up of three types of molecules known as amino acids. These amino acids combine in different patterns to make all the proteins in the body. What makes glutathione unique is that it is produced in the body, in the liver which is not the case for most antioxidants.

Glutathione performs the following functions in the body-

•         Making DNA, building blocks of proteins and cells
•         Supports the immune system
•         Breaking down free radicals
•         Helping certain enzyme functions
•         Regenerating Vitamins C and E
•         Helping the liver and gallbladder deal with fats

Besides these, there are various other benefits of Glutathione in the body and sometimes taking supplements helps.

What are the benefits of glutathione?

1.       Antioxidant activity

As an antioxidant, glutathione helps to encounter free radicals which may contribute to aging and other diseases. By breaking these, glutathione helps protect the body from their damaging effects. Glutathione is a very powerful antioxidant as it is found in every cell in the body.

2.       Prevents cell damage in the liver

Liver related diseases like hepatitis, alcohol abuse and fatty liver, they damage the cells in the liver. Clinical trials have proven that glutathione helps in treating non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases on account of its antioxidant properties. Studies have also shown that orally administered glutathione has positive effects on people especially with non alcoholic fatty liver diseases.

3.       Improves Insulin sensitivity

Insulin production in the body helps movement of glucose (sugar) from the blood and into the cells for energy. Hence, insulin resistance can lead to two types of diabetes. Diabetes has been a common disease engulfing so many these days. People with lower insulin resistance also have lower glutathione levels, taking glutathione supplements can help in such cases.

4.       Reduction in symptoms of Parkinson’s disease

What is Parkinson’s disease? It is a movement disorder that affects the nervous system. It’s symptoms occur due to low dopamine levels in the brain.

According to researchers, there has been evidence that maintaining glutathione levels may also help with the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

5.       As a treatment for autism spectrum disorders

There is evidence that children with autism have lower glutathione levels as compared to the rest. Research conducted in the year 2011 has shown that oral glutathione supplements or injections do help improve cysteine, plasma sulphate and the overall- blood glutathione levels.

6.       Helps in fighting autoimmune diseases

The increase in autoimmune diseases can lead to an increase in oxidative stress. Diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease and lupus.Therefore, studies have shown that glutathione helps reduce the body's immunological response. Since the autoimmune diseases attack the mitochondria cells, glutathione works to protect cell mitochondria by eliminating the free radicals

7.       Aids in reduction of respiratory disease symptoms

N-acetylcysteine is a byproduct of glutathione. N- acetylcysteine is a medication used in the treatment of respiratory diseases like asthma and cystic fibrosis.

8.       Helps people suffering from peripheral artery diseases

This disease is caused when the peripheral arteries become clogged by plaque. It usually happens in the legs. A study has shown that glutathione has helped improve circulation thus aiding movement of the legs pain-free. Glutathione indeed helped them in their mobility.

We now have come to terms with the fact that glutathione is in fact a very strong antioxidant that the body uses every day for various functions. Researches have shown that deficiency of this can result in many health related problems. Talk to your doctor now and take supplements for glutathione now that are safe and effective.