Glutathione: the body’s overachieving antioxidant
Glutathione is often called a master antioxidant, and for good reason. Before we get into what exactly glutathione is, let’s start with what are antioxidants? and why do we need them?
antioxidants are substances that protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Free radicals are unstable molecules that cause aging and chronic disease. Free radicals occur naturally in the body as a byproduct of your normal metabolic process, as well as by external substances such as stress, smoking, exposure to toxins, radiation, alcohol, fried foods, to name a few.
Antioxidants neutralize free radicals and protect cells from damage. In theory, free radicals cause cell damage which leads to aging → antioxidants neutralize free radicals → antioxidants=anti aging.
why is glutathione the master antioxidant?
Glutathione is a tripeptide, comprised of three amino acids - cysteine, glutamic acid, and glycine. It is found in every cell in the body. It is responsible for detoxification, regeneration of vitamin C and E, immune function, metabolizing of nutrients, and energy production. Glutathione supports utilization and recycling of other antioxidants.
as we age, glutathione levels decrease.
Along with aging, glutathione levels are also impacted by artificial sweeteners, alcohol, Tylenol, chemicals, overuse of antibiotics, sleep deprivation, radiation, chronic stress and poor diet. Low levels of glutathione in the body have been associated with an increased risk of Parkinson’s, diabetes, hepatitis, gut issues and cancer.
glutathione benefits
liver detoxification
improves insulin sensitivity
reduces oxidative stress and inflammation
regenerates vitamin C and E
supports the immune system
improves muscle strength and reduces recovery time
improves skin tone and texture, reduces appearance of wrinkles
protects against autoimmune diseases
decreases symptoms in those with chronic lyme disease
supports lung function
supports the gut microflora
IV glutathione
Glutathione at root infusions + wellness can be administered IV or IM. These routes allow for higher bioavailability when directly delivered into the bloodstream. There is no downtime after a glutathione drip or injection, though some may report soreness at the site of injection. Many people report feeling great and a burst of energy after a glutathione treatment. Optimal dosing for glutathione is 1 up to 3 times per week.
ready to get your glutathione boost?
sources
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Zhu Y, Carvey PM, Ling Z. Age-related changes in glutathione and glutathione-related enzymes in rat brain. Brain Res. 2006 May 23;1090(1):35-44. doi: 10.1016/j.brainres.2006.03.063. Epub 2006 May 2. PMID: 16647047; PMCID: PMC1868496.
Morris G, Maes M. Oxidative and Nitrosative Stress and Immune-Inflammatory Pathways in Patients with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME)/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). Curr Neuropharmacol. 2014 Mar;12(2):168-85. doi: 10.2174/1570159X11666131120224653. PMID: 24669210; PMCID: PMC3964747.
Perrone GG, Grant CM, Dawes IW. Genetic and environmental factors influencing glutathione homeostasis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Mol Biol Cell. 2005 Jan;16(1):218-30. doi: 10.1091/mbc.e04-07-0560. Epub 2004 Oct 27. PMID: 15509654; PMCID: PMC539166.