Health Benefits of Glutathione

Glutathione, also called the Master Antioxidant, is found in every cell of your body. It is a naturally occurring peptide, often concentrated in the liver, and consists of three important amino acids (cysteine, glutamate, and glycine) [1].

The natural aging process, poor diet, and other factors reduce its synthesis in your body. However, healthy glutathione levels can prevent health problems and provide energy, bright skin, a strong heart, and a sharp mind [2].

Read on to learn how glutathione benefits your health and where you can get it.

Master Antioxidant

Glutathione is the Master Antioxidant because it binds directly to oxidative compounds (free radicals) that damage DNA, cell membranes, and the process of making energy. The sulfur chemical group in glutathione binds and neutralizes all free radicals in the body. After they are gone, your immune system gets a huge boost [2,3].

In addition, glutathione helps boost immune cells and fights chronic inflammation [4,5]. Glutathione also enhances other antioxidants, including vitamins C and E, alpha lipoic acid, and coenzyme Q10.

Enhances Energy Levels

Mitochondria are the cellular "power plants." Every cell has mitochondria, which turn glucose, amino acids, and lipids into energy. Glutathione prevents mitochondrial damage caused by organic toxins, heavy metals, and free radicals created during normal metabolism. In this manner, glutathione is necessary for energy production [6].

Moreover, taking glutathione supplements prior to workouts can improve athletic performance [7].

Promotes Skin Health

Many people are looking for ways to get smooth, young-looking skin, regardless of whether they struggle with acne, dryness, wrinkles, or puffy eyes. According to scientific research, glutathione is an efficient solution [2].

It has been observed that glutathione can reduce wrinkles and promote skin suppleness in addition to reducing melanin (pigmentation) in the skin. By blocking tyrosinase, an enzyme involved in the formation of melanin, glutathione inhibits skin pigment production [8]. It has also been demonstrated that glutathione reduces psoriasis [9].

Enhances Methylation

The methylation cycle plays an essential role in your well-being. It controls brain function, neurotransmitters, mood, energy, and hormone levels. 

Methylation and glutathione levels are interdependent. Those with decreased glutathione levels have a dysfunctional methylation cycle [10]. Therefore, your natural systems sometimes require a glutathione boost from your food or supplementation.

Supports Brain Health

There is a direct correlation between glutathione levels and brain health. Accelerated neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, are characterized by high levels of oxidative damage to the brain and low amounts of active glutathione. According to scientific studies, glutathione can mitigate and slow the rate of brain tissue deterioration [11,12].

Promotes Heart Health

Heart attacks continue to be the principal cause of death in the United States. Glutathione's ability to counteract "lipid oxidation" (fat oxidation) is a little-known benefit that may help prevent heart attacks and other heart diseases [13].

Where You Can Get Glutathione

While food is the most natural approach to raising glutathione, supplements are available. Methyl Complete is a high-quality and effective oral supplement for increasing glutathione levels in your body. 

Methyl Complete also contains other ingredients like essential B vitamins, choline, trimethylglycine, and methionine to optimize your methylation cycle, energy production, growth, muscle development, and brain health, among other benefits.

The Bottom Line 

Glutathione is your mitochondria's white knight; it's the most powerful antioxidant in your body. Glutathione has many life-changing health benefits, including supporting healthy energy levels, skin, brain, immune system, heart health, and general well-being. Although glutathione occurs naturally in the body, consuming Methyl Complete effectively increases glutathione levels and improves overall health.

References 

1. National Center for Biotechnology Information (2022). PubChem Compound Summary for CID 124886, Glutathione. Retrieved November 16, 2022 from https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Glutathione.
2. Weschawalit, S., Thongthip, S., Phutrakool, P., & Asawanonda, P. (2017). Glutathione and its antiaging and antimelanogenic effects. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 10, 147-153. 
3. Deponte, M. (2017). The Incomplete Glutathione Puzzle: Just Guessing at Numbers and Figures? Antioxidants & Redox Signaling, 27(15), 1130-1161. 
4. Guerra, C., Morris, D., Sipin, A., Kung, S., Franklin, M., Gray, D., Tanzil, M., Guilford, F., Khasawneh, F. T., & Venketaraman, V. (2011). Glutathione and adaptive immune responses against Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in healthy and HIV infected individuals. PloS one, 6(12), e28378. 
5. Diotallevi, M., Checconi, P., Palamara, A. T., Celestino, I., Coppo, L., Holmgren, A., Abbas, K., Peyrot, F., Mengozzi, M., & Ghezzi, P. (2017). Glutathione Fine-Tunes the Innate Immune Response toward Antiviral Pathways in a Macrophage Cell Line Independently of Its Antioxidant Properties. Frontiers in immunology, 8, 1239. 
6. Enns, G. M., & Cowan, T. M. (2017). Glutathione as a Redox Biomarker in Mitochondrial Disease-Implications for Therapy. Journal of clinical medicine, 6(5), 50. 
7. Aoi, W., Ogaya, Y., Takami, M., Konishi, T., Sauchi, Y., Park, E. Y., Wada, S., Sato, K., & Higashi, A. (2015). Glutathione supplementation suppresses muscle fatigue induced by prolonged exercise via improved aerobic metabolism. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 12, 7. 
8. Sonthalia, S., Jha, A. K., Lallas, A., Jain, G., & Jakhar, D. (2018). Glutathione for skin lightening: a regnant myth or evidence-based verity?. Dermatology practical & conceptual, 8(1), 15–21. 
9. Prussick, R., Prussick, L., & Gutman, J. (2013). Psoriasis Improvement in Patients Using Glutathione-enhancing, Nondenatured Whey Protein Isolate: A Pilot Study. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 6(10), 23-26.
10. Understanding the Methylation Cycle and Its Effect on Health. https://doctordoni.com/2015/03/understanding-the-methylation-cycle-and-its-effect-on-health/
11. Saharan, S., & Mandal, P. K. (2014). The emerging role of glutathione in Alzheimer's disease. Journal of Alzheimer's disease: JAD, 40(3), 519–529.
12. Mischley, L. K., Lau, R. C., Shankland, E. G., Wilbur, T. K., & Padowski, J. M. (2017). Phase IIb Study of Intranasal Glutathione in Parkinson's Disease. Journal of Parkinson's disease, 7(2), 289–299. 
13. Leopold J. A. (2015). Antioxidants and coronary artery disease: from pathophysiology to preventive therapy. Coronary artery disease, 26(2), 176–183.