Why reduced glutathione

Direct attack by free radicals and other oxidative agents can also deplete GSH. The homeostatic glutathione redox cycle attempts to keep GSH repleted as it is being consumed. The liver is the largest GSH reservoir.

GSH is carried in the bile to the intestinal luminal compartment. Epithelial tissues of the kidney tubules, intestinal lining and lung have substantial P activity and modest capacity to export GSH.

GSH equivalents circulate in the blood predominantly as cystine, the oxidized and more stable form of cysteine. Cells import cystine from the blood, reconvert it to cysteine likely using ascorbate as cofactor , and from it synthesize GSH.

Conversely, inside the cell, GSH helps re-reduce oxidized forms of other antioxidants such as ascorbate and alpha-tocopherol. GSH is an extremely important cell protectant. It directly quenches reactive hydroxyl free radicals, other oxygen-centered free radicals, and radical centers on DNA and other biomolecules. GSH is a primary protectant of skin, lens, cornea, and retina against radiation damage and other biochemical foundations of P detoxification in the liver, kidneys, lungs, intestinal, epithelia and other organs.

GSH is the essential cofactor for many enzymes that require thiol-reducing equivalents, and helps keep redox-sensitive active sites on enzyme in the necessary reduced state. It is known as the master antioxidant in the body. It has two forms: one is in an oxidized state and the other in a reduced state.

The reduced form GSH is the active state that is able to neutralize free radicals in the body. Liposomal glutathione refers to glutathione that has undergone a special process that encapsulates the glutathione molecule inside of a lipid. Doing this protects the glutathione and dramatically improves absorption. Natural glutathione is primarily made inside our cells. However, a small amount of glutathione is available from foods such as spinach, avocado, and asparagus.

Cruciferous vegetables and other sulfur-containing foods can help boost glutathione production slightly. However, a high-quality liposomal glutathione supplement is the best way to increase glutathione within the body.

An imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants can cause oxidative stress. Glutathione also helps by recycling other antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E. Since glutathione contains cysteine, it also plays a role in transporting this amino acid throughout the body for different metabolic functions. Supporting a healthy detoxification process of both endogenous and environmental toxins is another critical function of glutathione in the body.

Because of its role in detoxification, high concentrations of glutathione naturally exist in the liver. Hepatocytes can have as much as ten times the amount of reduced or active glutathione GSH than other cells. Epithelial cells in the lining of the lung secrete glutathione which helps with gas exchange. The mitochondria are the producers of cellular energy, or ATP in the body. Glutathione, in its role as an antioxidant, supports healthy mitochondrial function.

One of the other functions not as well known about glutathione is its role in promoting healthy natural killer cell function. A recently published research study demonstrated that liposomal glutathione had a profound effect on natural killer cell function the front line of the immune system 5.

Due to its critical roles in the body, glutathione is an essential nutrient for all of us. Glutathione levels also decrease as we age, with the largest decline taking place in the brain.

Multiple options exist for supplementing glutathione. These range from IV intravenous glutathione to different oral forms of glutathione to transdermal. Clinical research using IV glutathione has shown good elevation in levels, but when the IV treatments stopped, glutathione decreased back to baseline levels.

Initial research with oral glutathione, not in the liposomal form, did not show elevations in glutathione levels or decreases in oxidative stress markers. Studies with transdermal forms did not show elevations of reduced glutathione either.

Methylation is critical for human survival. For example, it as like an electrical switch that turns genes on and off. Additionally, methylation is also integral to how we function every second of the day. It regulates neurotransmitters, brain function, mood, energy, and hormone levels. It is fair to say that methylation is almost synonymous with physical function.

See figure below showing the methylation and transsulfuration pathways. Glutathione production starts with the amino acid cysteine. As noted above, the usual cysteine source comes from homocysteine, a significant product of the methylation cycle. So making glutathione depends on a well functioning methylation cycle that provides enough homocysteine. In that case, the process backs up, and homocysteine levels accumulate, putting additional strain on the methylation cycle to remove it.

High homocysteine levels are problematic because they have been linked to heart disease and atherosclerosis. One such enzyme is cystathionine beta-synthase CBS , which catalyzes the first and most important rate-limiting step in trans-sulfuration from homocysteine to cystathionine. Individuals with CBS mutations will be slow to make glutathione.

By now, you may have heard of the most famous enzymes—MTHFR and MTR— regulating the speed of the methylation cycle as physicians are directly now ordering more and more genetic testing. These enzymes control the methylation cycle speed and efficiency, determine homocysteine levels, and indirectly affect glutathione production.

Methylation is a critical process—as well as a complicated one. The key to remember is that low methylation equals low glutathione and that low glutathione slows methylation. They are interdependent. The solution? Maintain normal glutathione levels, and all will be good.

Tough stuff, right? But before you run for the hills, take comfort in the fact that there are a few simple steps you can take to restore and replenish your glutathione levels, starting first and foremost with diet.

A handful of foods naturally contain glutathione, including asparagus, avocado, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, spinach, broccoli, garlic, chives, tomatoes, cucumber, almonds, and walnuts. However, various factors can affect the levels of this vital nutrient, including storage and cooking. Cooking these foods can reduce their glutathione content by 30 to 60 percent. Fortunately, you can eat other foods that provide the building blocks needed to boost your glutathione levels naturally.

These foods are rich in the precursors to glutathione, namely cysteine and other sulfur-containing foods and selenium. When looking to boost dietary glutathione, focus on the following:. GSH is very sulfuric, so you need a protein-rich in amino acids like cysteine, glutamate, and glycine. Whey protein contains gamma-glutamylcysteine, which is glutamine bound to cysteine. Because this combination bypasses the first and rate-limiting step to produce glutathione in your cells, it is vital in supporting higher glutathione levels through diet.

Allium is a family genus of plants rich in sulfur, a precursor for Glutathione synthesis. Allium foods include:. Cruciferous vegetables are packed with glucosinolates. These compounds give Brassica plants their distinctive sulfuric aroma. Great cruciferous foods include:. Alpha-lipoic acid regenerates and increases levels of glutathione within the body.

Selenium is a trace mineral that is part of the building blocks that make up antioxidant enzymes. It is also crucial to the production of glutathione. While diet is the best and preferred way to boost glutathione levels, there are various glutathione supplements available. However, you need to know the details and do your homework because glutathione is a finicky molecule, and not all forms are absorbable.

For example, glutathione can be taken orally in its basic powder form. It is still destroyed by digestive enzymes in the small intestine, which leaves it to the three amino acids. It is made up of—glycine, glutamine, and cysteine. This digestive cleaving process is so effective that nearly all of the plain glutathione you would take by mouth would never make it into circulation.

A better option for oral supplementation is to take liposomal glutathione on an empty stomach. Liposomes are microscopic spheres made of the same natural phospholipids that make up our cell membranes with an active ingredient like glutathione contained and protected in the sphere's center.

Liposomal formulations have been shown to increase GSH levels and absorption. Be sure to wait 45 minutes to allow for the absorption of liposomal glutathione before eating and drinking or taking other supplements.

Glutathione can also be taken as an inhaled form in a nebulizer. However, a physician needs to prescribe this form, which can then obtained from a compounding pharmacy.

Other forms of supplemental glutathione include transdermal, creams, and IV use. The intravenous IV form is the most efficient way to deliver glutathione, but is invasive and may also require a prescription and doctor's supervision. Additionally, you can use targeted nutrients to increase your body's natural production of glutathione indirectly. Glutathione supplementation has a few rare side effects, including abdominal cramps, bloating, loose stools, gas, and possible allergic reactions such as rash.

If you have asthma, avoid using inhaled GSH. Also, check with your doctor before taking glutathione if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Practices to Boost Glutathione. It is, quite possibly, the secret to lasting health and longevity. Take care to maintain and even boost your levels every day. This means eating a glutathione-rich diet, avoiding dietary saboteurs like processed foods and sugar, drinking 64 ounces of water a day, getting hours of sleep per night, reducing stress, and exercising at least five days a week.

Your body, your mind, and your cells will thank you. Order now and get free shipping in the United States! Featuring all the benefits of our liquid glutathione, our Liposomal Glutathione Softgels are great for travel and require no refrigeration. Pizzorno — Glutathione! Glutathione metabolism and its implications for health. Unveiling the mechanisms for decreased glutathione in individuals with HIV infection.

The emerging role of glutathione in Alzheimer's disease. Glutathione and infection. A clinical trial of glutathione supplementation in autism spectrum disorders. Glutathione for skin lightening: a regnant myth or evidence-based verity? Significance of glutathione in lung disease and implications for therapy. The role of the glutathione antioxidant system in gut barrier failure in a rodent model of experimental necrotizing enterocolitis.

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View cart. Aging Defense. Antioxidant Protection. Energy Production. Sound familiar? And speaking of depletion…. Depletion and Disease. Brain Health.