Signs of Glutathione Deficiency: Are You Getting Enough? - NL-094
Your body relies on an army of vitamins, minerals and antioxidant compounds, such as vitamin D, magnesium, CoQ10, vitamin C and resveratrol to accomplish many extraordinary feats. These substances enable the body to protect, repair, heal and nourish itself, and to process and eliminate metabolic waste and toxins.
Glutathione, also known as the “master anti-oxidant” is one such compound with incredible anti-oxidant and detox capabilities. It provides a strong anti-oxidant support and protects lipids, proteins and DNA of the cells from the oxidative damage inflicted by the free radicals. Where do these free radicals come from? Some free radicals are naturally produced during energy metabolism and immune response. In addition, UV exposure, pollution, smoking, chronic stress, persistent infections and unhealthy diet can lead to uncontrolled production of free radicals in the body, leading to chaos and disease.
Our body has evolved complex mechanisms to deal with and offset the effects of these free radicals. For example, our body makes some antioxidants, such as glutathione, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase on its own, as a way to counter and defuse the free radicals. As these substances are present within the cells, they are perfectly placed to step-in as a first line of defense against the oxidative damage, which is considered as the most efficient line of defense out of all the mechanisms that our body relies on to counteract the effects of free radicals. This is what makes glutathione a very special antioxidant. It also helps to recycle and reactivate other important antioxidants, which lends the body with additional reinforcements to minimize oxidative damage and inflammation.
Glutathione plays a key role in the detoxification process as it binds to the toxins, and makes them water-soluble, facilitating their elimination from the body. It also helps in maintaining a healthy immune system.
Signs of glutathione deficiency
Some of the glutathione ends up getting used in performing functions such as fighting free radicals, detoxification, DNA repair, and recycling other antioxidants. In addition, glutathione production decreases with age. Unhealthy diet is one of the main causes of glutathione deficiency as it not only causes nutritional deficiencies but it is also missing in specific nutrients that are required to produce glutathione in the body. Other factors that make the body run short on glutathione include excessive exposure to heavy metals, chemicals and pollutants, overuse of antibiotics and other drugs, heavy smoking and drinking, long-term stress, chronic disease, infections and magnesium deficiency.
Glutathione deficiency leads to impaired cellular functions due to increased oxidative stress and this could potentially lead to premature ageing, body-wide inflammation, poor immunity and increased risk of many diseases that are associated with ageing and inflammation. Low levels of glutathione also weakens the body’s natural ability to get rid of waste and toxins, causing excessive build-up of toxins and heavy metals. This situation can trigger hormonal imbalance, migraines, dry skin, skin disorders, poor energy levels, brain fog, depression, joint pain, allergies, and frequent colds.
Are you getting enough glutathione?
Brazil nuts, whey protein from grass-fed cows, sulphur-rich foods (onions, garlic, leeks and cruciferous vegetables), fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs, fish and meat are some good sources of glutathione from food. Micro-nutrients such as magnesium, zinc and many vitamins also play a role in the production of glutathione in the body. Therefore, keeping a check on nutritional deficiencies can also help you maintain a good level of glutathione that you need to be healthy.
You should also consider taking glutathione supplements, and in that respect liposomal glutathione supplements are a great choice. Liposomal supplements have higher bio-availability and are absorbed much more efficiently than the non-liposomal supplements, thus offering a better boost in glutathione levels. It may be difficult to remove or avoid the factors that cause glutathione deficiency but taking a high quality liposomal glutathione supplement is a good strategy to replenish the declining levels, whether due to age or other factors.
References:
- Detcheverry et al. Changes in levels of the antioxidant glutathione in brain and blood across the age span of healthy adults: A systematic review. NeuroImage: Clinical. 2023.
- Boris D Hristov. The Role of Glutathione Metabolism in Chronic Illness Development and Its Potential Use as a Novel Therapeutic Target. Cureus. 2022