Glutathione.
This week we’ll explore glutathione; a very effective antioxidant and part of our “Athletic Performance and Recovery infusions” at First Coast Wellness Infusions and Ketamine Clinic.
Glutathione is often referred to as the master antioxidant . It functions as an intracellular antioxidant; scavenging up free radicals inside the cells of the body. Glutathione is also a chelator of lead, mercury, cadmium and arsenic. Glutathione is also a phase 2 detoxifier which means it reacts with toxic substance in the body to render them less toxic. It is known to decrease oxidative stress in the body and give a more youthful appearance to your skin. Because glutathione easily gets inside of our cells it can help prevent oxidative damage to our DNA.
Many of the characteristics of aging like wrinkles and liver spots are associated with decreased natural levels of glutathione. Even diseases associated with aging such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s are associated with low levels of glutathione. NOW, that is not to say that low levels of glutathione cause these diseases nor will glutathione cure these conditions, but there are studies that demonstrate that taking glutathione on a regular basis can help decrease the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
So, what is a free radical? Well, we hear a lot about free radicals in the media and how bad they are for our overall health. But we don’t always hear about what they are and how they work.
A free radical is a substance that most often contains an oxygen atom that has an unpaired electron. Now, in the world of chemistry unpaired electrons are associated with very reactive substances. Electrons like to exist in pairs. When a molecular orbital of a compound has unpaired electrons it tries to either pair it or get rid of it. So, it will either pull an electron from a normally stable compound like an enzyme or force that compound to take its unpaired electron; thus damaging that substance and altering its normal function.
Usually what happens is that the highly reactive free radical give off that unstable oxygen with its unpaired electron to another chemical thus oxidizing it. This is why it’s referred to as oxidative stress. It is similar to the rusting of metals like iron. So it simply rusts the chemicals in our bodies. In our youth we have plenty of glutathione to clean up these free radicals and prevent them from “rusting” us from the inside out. As we grow older, studies have shown that we have reduced levels of glutathione in our bodies. So it makes sense to supplement glutathione as we get older.
Even the foods that we eat contribute to the oxidative stress in our bodies. No matter how “healthy” or “organic” our diets are; the process of breaking down nutrients and utilizing them creates free radicals in our bodies. That is why most of what we ingest is sent straight to our liver to be detoxified. The liver is where much of our glutathione can be found. But, as I mentioned glutathione levels decrease as we grow older.
Low glutathione levels have been associated with decreased cognitive function. Some of the benefits of high glutathione levels are, decreased signs of aging and improved skin elasticity better cognitive function, protection from alcohol related liver damage, faster recovery from exercise related muscle damage.
If you have any questions about glutathione or any of the intravenous infusions we offer, feel free to email us or call.
PH: 855-258-0325
firstcoastwellnessinfusions.com
Thank you.
First Coast Wellness Infusions and Ketamine Clinic LLC
-Weschawalit S, et.al. Glutathione and its anti-aging and its anti-melanogenic effects. Clinical Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2017; 10: 147-153
-Lang CA, Et.al. High glutathione levels accompany excellent physical and mental health in women ages 60 -103 years. J Lab Clin Med. 2002; 140(6): 413-7.
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