Description

Glutathione, a major antioxidant in the lens, is found in foods such as onions, garlic, avocados, cruciferous vegetables, asparagus, and watermelon. This substance was discovered by J. de Rey-Paihade in 1888 from extracts of yeast and many animal tissues. Glutathione has been reported to be protective against damage to human RPE cells. Glutathione is manufactured in the liver after ingesting the appropriate amino acids and sulfur-containing foods.

Benefits

Glutathione is involved in the detoxification of both xenobiotic and endogenous compounds. In addition, Glutathione directly scavenges diverse oxidants: superoxide anion, hydroxyl radical, nitric oxide, and carbon radicals. Glutathione catalytically detoxifies hydroperoxides, peroxynitrites, and lipid peroxides. Glutathione protects cells from oxidants through the recycling of vitamins C and E. Another indication of the critical roles of Glutathione in health is that the accumulation of GSSG due to oxidative stress is directly toxic to cells, inducing apoptosis by activating the SAPK/MAPK pathway[1-2].

Attention

To ensure the best possible results from glutathione supplementation, it's best to find out the medication contraindications.

Avoiding alcohol and smoking when taking Glutathione is recommended. This behavior may lead to liver overload due to both alcohol and Glutathione being processed by way of the liver. Excessive alcohol consumption and smoking can burden the liver, compromising its potential to metabolize Glutathione and different important substances successfully. It also could cause oxidative stress as alcohol and smoking are thought to promote oxidative pressure, leading to the production of dangerous free radicals that may damage cells and tissues. The primary role of Glutathione as an antioxidant is to counteract oxidative strain, so its effectiveness can be compromised while alcohol is present. At the cellular level, alcohol and smoking might cause cellular damage. Alcohol consumption can contribute to cellular harm, which is the other of what glutathione targets to prevent. Simply put, smoking and drinking can counteract some of its health benefits.

To optimize the benefits of glutathione supplementation, it's advisable to restrict caffeine consumption or consume it carefully. Avoiding Caffeine while taking Glutathione is recommended. Some researchers have demonstrated that caffeine intake may lead to lessening the degrees of Glutathione within the body, diminishing its antioxidant properties and compromising cellular safety against oxidative stress. In addition, Caffeine potentially decreases its bioavailability and effectiveness, such as clashes with the absorption of vitamins.

Certain medications can deplete glutathione levels or interact with Glutathione, potentially lowering its effectiveness. The medication interactions should be attention. Glutathione supplements may interact with certain medications, altering their effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects. Glutathione's role in supporting the immune system may interact with drugs that also impact the immune response.

Not eating or eating less processed and fried foods is beneficial when taking Glutathione due to the following reasons. Processed ingredients can also contain dangerous components, preservatives, and chemical substances, which could interfere with Glutathione's antioxidant properties and overall effectiveness.

References

[1] Ohlenschlaeger, Gerhard . "Glutathione derivatives and their use in medicine.", LV5793A4. 1997.

[2] Joseph Pizzorno. "Glutathione!" Integr Med (Encinitas) 13.1(2014): 8–12.