Glutathione: 7 Amazing Health Benefits of the "Master Antioxidant"

Most of us have at least heard of antioxidants — special substances that promote cellular health by counteracting the effects of harmful molecules called free radicals. There are hundreds of antioxidants, including common vitamins like A, C, and E. 

But among all these substances, only one is known as the “master” antioxidant: glutathione, a powerful substance that’s widely involved in a broad array of biological processes and deeply involved in maintaining health and wellness.

At beYOU bioidenticals, our team offers an array of antioxidant treatments, including glutathione supplementation, to help you maintain your health and wellness. Here, learn seven ways this powerful antioxidant could help you maintain your health, especially as you get older.

1. Detoxes your cells

Throughout an average day, our cells get exposed to toxins and waste through the foods we eat, our environment, and even basic cellular processes. Glutathione helps clear away toxins and waste products by binding to heavy metals and other harmful substances, flushing them out of the body.

By supporting detoxification, glutathione protects organs and tissues from long-term damage. This function is essential for anyone exposed to indoor or outdoor pollution, chemicals, smoke, alcohol, and even certain medications.

3. Reduces oxidative stress

Oxidative stress happens when unstable molecules called free radicals outnumber protective antioxidant molecules in the body. This overabundance of free radicals is a major contributor to many diseases, including heart disease and cancer, and it also plays a significant role in age-related changes and illnesses.

Glutathione reduces oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals, helping protect cells and tissues from damage. By reducing oxidative stress, glutathione supports long-term health, preventing damage and slowing down the aging process at the cellular level.

2. Boosts immunity

Antioxidants play a crucial role in maintaining a robust immune system and promoting a healthy immune response. Specifically, glutathione supports the activity of disease-fighting cells. It helps reduce inflammation, both of which are essential for warding off infections and keeping your immune system as responsive and robust as possible.

4. Supports brain health

Your brain requires oxygen to support its many functions and to prevent cellular damage that can lead to cognitive decline. Glutathione helps protect the brain and nerve pathways it contains by reducing inflammation, and helps your brain eliminate toxins and waste byproducts that can interfere with neural activity.

Research also suggests glutathione may play a role in treating several neurological conditions, including Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis. Optimizing glutathione levels also supports optimal day-to-day functions involving memory, reasoning, and overall cognitive health.

5. Improves insulin resistance

Insulin resistance makes it harder for your body to utilize glucose (blood sugar) as a source of energy, leading to weight gain and increasing the risk of diabetes. Glutathione helps reduce insulin sensitivity by lowering oxidative stress, a primary trigger of poor insulin response.

6. Promotes a healthy liver

Your liver plays a role in detoxifying your blood, which promotes better health throughout your body. Glutathione protects liver cells from damage caused by alcohol, drugs, and environmental toxins, and it also helps your liver grow new cells and regenerate healthy liver tissue.

7. Supports healthy aging

As we get older, our levels of glutathione decrease, making us prone to age-related diseases. Low levels of glutathione can also make it difficult for us to recover from illnesses and injuries as we age. 

Glutathione improves our response to cellular damage and inflammation as we age. In addition, optimal levels of glutathione can help us increase our energy levels, fight off diseases, and ward off mental decline commonly associated with the aging process.

Learn how glutathione can help you

Glutathione offers a myriad of health benefits, but it’s not ideal for everyone. To learn more about glutathione supplementation or other antioxidant therapies we offer, request an appointment with the beYOU bioidenticals team in Leawood, Kansas, today.