Glutathione therapy is the talk of the recent years. In fact, it was even touted as the medication to several diseases, from a simple skin condition to chronic ones. As a matter of fact, this is a general guide that gets into the facts, mechanisms, and safeness of glutathione therapy to help you understand this very powerful antioxidant.

 

What is glutathione?

Glutathione is the endogenous and exogenous tripeptide consisting of cysteine, glutamine and glycine. It is present in every organism though it widely contributes too many processes taking place in the body. Because glutathione has been referred to as the "master antioxidant," it can reduce oxidative stress through the neutralization of free radicals yet remain strong against the immune system. It further engages in detoxification processes that help offer the body the removal of harmful substances.

 

Functions of Glutathione

The antioxidant defense of glutathione is through neutralization of free radicals and reactive oxygen species that prevent damage to cells via oxidation.

  • Detoxification
  • Immune support
  • Protein synthesis and repair
  • Replenishment of Other Antioxidants

Levels of Glutathione

Although glutathione is endogenously synthesized by the body, its level might get lowered down in due course:

  • Aging
  • Diet
  • Chronic Diseases
  • Environmental Toxins
  • Stress

What is Glutathione Therapy?

Glutathione therapy is, therefore a treatment in which glutathione is administered through intravenous drip with an aim of enhancing glutathione content in the body. It is given in many forms including,


  • Intravenous: Glutathione is administered directly into the blood flow.
  • Oral Supplements: These are glutathione in capsule or tablet form, either themselves, or the precursors of glutathione, most often its constituent N-acetylcysteine, or NAC.
  • Topical Applications: Of these topical creams or serums, the vast majority contain glutathione and are used to lighten the skin and/or treat aging skin.

General Uses of Glutathione Therapy

  • Skin Health: Since glutathione can prevent melanin synthesis, glutathione has some applications for skin whitening treatments. However most people who are under glutathione therapy want to have lighter and more evenly-toned skin.
  • Detoxification: Glutathione therapy is also the reason for its popularity since, notably in people exposed to heavy metals and pesticides in their surroundings, it is immensely popular.
  • Management of Chronic Diseases: Several patients expressed that it has been helpful in managing the various symptoms of asthma, diabetes, and liver disease.
  • Anti-Ageing: As an antioxidant, it is believed to reduce the effects of aging with a reduction of oxidative stress and health of the cells.
  • Athletic Performance: To some athletes, glutathione is administered to boost its recovery process with lessening the oxidative stress triggered through exercises.

View More: 8 Ways to Increase Glutathione Levels Naturally


Mechanism of Action

 

1. Antioxidant Activity

The major mechanism whereby glutathione acts is through its antioxidant activity. It cancels free radicals as well as other reactive species thereby negating oxidation, which damages the cells. The antioxidant activity is highly related to securing cellular integrity and performance.

 

2. Detoxification pathways

It conjugates with the toxic as well as the harmful substances in a phenomenon called glutathione conjugation. Glutathione conjugation makes the toxins more water-soluble, and thus it enables its excretion either through urine or bile. Glutathione assists the body during the detoxification process that would decrease the noxious burden.

 

3. Immune Modulation

Therefore, the modulation of the body's immune response goes this very way. Its proliferation and activity are increased in the lymphocytes, such as T cells and NK cells, which play a big role in preventing infections and most importantly cancer. In this way, glutathione allows the body to have an evenly distributed response in terms of immunity.

 

4. Regulation of Cellular Processes

Glutathione plays an immense role in many cell functions such as synthesis and repair of proteins, DNA synthesis, and regulation of gene expression. It is indeed a very crucial contributor toward the maintenance of homeostasis within cells by participating in health and general well-being.

 

Safety and Side Effects

 

1. General Safety Profile

Glutathione is usually safe if taken properly. It occurs naturally in the body. However, side effects are rarely reported. The safety of glutathione therapy, however, strictly depends on the mode of administration and dose.

 

2. Possible Side Effects

Though rare, some may have the following side effects:

  • Allergic Reactions: Glutathione or part of it may cause allergic reactions to some patients, which present as rashes on the skin, itching, and even inability to breathe.
  • Gastrointestinal Disturbances: Oral supplements cause gastrointestinal upsets characterized by nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.
  • Injection Site Adverse Reactions: Patients who receive glutathione injections will be characterized by pain and swelling starting with redness at the injection site.

3. Warnings and Precautions

Consult a Health Care Provider: Reasonable to consult a health care provider before a course of glutathione therapy so that his need can be properly assessed and existing medications or health issues reviewed.

  • Dosage and Administration: Dose varies upon the indication for treatment, route of administration, and the clinical status of the patient.

Evidence for Glutathione Therapy

 

1. Skin Health

There have been various reviews about the effectiveness of glutathione in reversing diseases related to the health condition of the skin. Experts have indicated that glutathione minimizes melanin production; hence, it enables skin to appear white. A research article published by the Journal of Dermatology revealed that intravenous glutathione lowered the melanin levels present in the research subjects and even made them have a radiant appearance.

 

2. Detoxification

There is, therefore scientific support of the detoxification role glutathione plays as supplement studies have been seen to elevate excretion of heavy metals and toxins in a body. In a study carried out in Toxicology Letters, increased administration of glutathione led to the excretion of a larger proportion of lead since patients' levels of blood lead appreciably increased.

 

3. Chronic Disease Management

Treatment research studies suggested that glutathione is also promising for patients with chronic diseases. Respiratory Medicine published a clinical study wherein the supplement of glutathione improved pulmonary function and decreased inflammatory markers among asthma patients. An article in Diabetes Care wrote that supplementation of glutathione may potentially improve insulin sensitivity among type 2 diabetic patients.

 

4. Anti-Aging Effects

Antioxidant activity of glutathione can, at least in part, explain anti-aging effects. There are reports that show glutathione levels decline with advancing age. This supplement may, at least theoretically, alleviate the oxidative stress secondary to aging. Glutathione will be useful in longevity and has a suppressive effect on the diseases of age according to review in Ageing Research Reviews.

 

Conclusion

Glutathione therapy is seemingly very promising for its antioxidant, detoxifying, and immune-modulating functions, improving health and well-being. Even though it has seen wide application in the fields of skin health and chronic disease management, it is prudent to seek advice from a healthcare professional before any decision is taken on a specific need.


As much as is known about glutathione, the core remains its position in our body's defense system and ever-accumulating evidence points that it is going to be one of the important therapeutic agents that boost health outcomes.


Please book an appointment with the Best Dermatologist in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan through InstaCare, or call our helpline at 03171777509 to find a verified doctor for your disease