Glutathione and the Liver

Glutathione is the primary antioxidant produced by the human body, also known as the ‘master antioxidant’ that acts as a defense against oxidative stress and a range of diseases from neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, cystic fibrosis, cancer, radiation such as UV that can potentially lead to cancer damaging DNA and the process of ageing. It plays a crucial role in protecting many cellular processes. Glutathione has an effect on every cell in the body.

216200 Glutathione (reduced) 200 mg 100 caps

Knowing how beneficial glutathione can be, it is important to know effective methods of maintaining healthy glutathione status in our cells. There are several ways to achieve this.

• Eat sulfur-rich foods. The ability of food to provide sulfur works very effectively in the support of glutathione production. Foods to consider include garlic, onions and cruciferous vegetables.
• N-acetyl-cysteine is actually used to treat people with liver failure from acetaminophen overdose. 600-1200 mg a day is generally a safe dose.
• Alpha lipoic acid is a potent antioxidant and has been found to be effective with the use of 600-1200 mg a day.
• Methylation support through the use of folate, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12. Methylation is of the utmost importance in allowing the body to continue to produce glutathione. The active, methylated forms of the vitamins are very efficient at supporting these pathways.
• Selenium will help the body to recycle and produce more glutathione. The RDA is 55 mcg per day, but many doctors recommend 100-200 mcg to their adult patients.
• Milk thistle (Silymarin) is an herb that has been used to help boost glutathione levels. Research suggests an appropriate amount to supplement is 420-600mg of Silymarin per day.
• Reduced glutathione refers to the non-oxidized stable form of glutathione. Generally, oral recommendations for this powerful supplement range from 400-500mg per day.

Glutathione is made by every cell within the human body. Its status can have a tremendous impact on our overall health with an effect on every cell within the human body. Glutathione is a powerhouse in liver health that can have a tremendous effect not only on long term health, but also in certain acute situations such as acetaminophen overdose, as mentioned earlier. Healthy levels will help to promote a balance of cytokines that will promote healthy liver function while helping to prevent the onset of chronic liver disease.

Tags: glutathione, antioxidant, sulfur-rich foods, cruciferous, N-acetyl-cysteine, alpha lipoic acid