Glutathione Deficiency: Signs and symptoms

Glutathione is an important  antioxidant present in the cells of the human body. It is a substance made from three amino acids: cysteine, glutamate, and glycine. It plays a pivotal role in combating free radicals and performing vital metabolic reactions in your body. Known as the body’s “master antioxidant,” glutathione, directly inactivates dangerous molecules and detoxifies the chemicals that are responsible for aging, DNA damage, and oxidation of cells. Hence glutathione benefits the skin, especially by keeping it young and glowing.

Since it is such an important element of our body, glutathione deficiency causes a lot of health issues. The level of glutathione in your body naturally drops as you age. However, there could be Extreme low levels of this antioxidant due to-

• Poor diet 
• A lack of exercise 
• Chronic diseases like diabetes and sleep apnea
• A weaker immune system
• Infection
• Stress, etc.

Glutathione Deficiency Warning Signs

 A lower level of glutathione can contribute to a variety of adverse health effects, which may act as warning signs for the body’s declining health status. These symptoms include:

• Constant tiredness
• Lack of energy
• Body Aches and pains 
• Sore joints or muscles 
• Foggy brain
• Low Immunity
• Poor sleep
• Loss of skin elasticity and youthfulness

If you are facing any such issues or symptoms, you must get yourself checked for a possible glutathione deficiency. A low level of glutathione is measured through specialized blood tests like "RBC Glutathione," which test levels of glutathione in red blood cells (RBCs). Your doctor can order this blood test, to use it as a baseline level to take measures of correcting this deficiency by increasing your levels and protecting your cells and body from unnecessary damage and aging.

Glutathione deficiency treatment

There are many ways to treat this deficiency and make sure that your body has the levels of glutathione it needs. Following are the ways you can get glutathione-

• By eating a balanced diet containing sulfuric foods such as broccoli, garlic, and onions.
• Getting enough physical activity on a regular basis.
• Eliminating alcohol or consuming it only in moderation.
• Getting enough sleep. 
• Taking certain supplements, like milk thistle, whey protein, N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC), or turmeric, to boost and maintain your levels, as well.
• Receiving intravenous (IV) infusions of glutathione in case of very low levels.

Intravenous glutathione can boost energy, well-being, and alertness for a period of one to several days. However, oral supplements with appropriately high doses  can also serve as a very effective alternative. Make sure that you don't use glutathione in its "powder" capsule form, however.

Always maintain a good and stress free lifestyle to ensure you never run out of your body’s fuels in the form of nutrients that are essential for your healthy survival and living.