Glutathione Quick Facts

Inside the body, there is a small molecule substance known as "the mother of antioxidants" - glutathione. You may not have heard of it, but it works silently within each cell and protects our health.

What is glutathione?

Glutathione (GSH) is a small molecule peptide composed of three amino acids - glutamic acid, cysteine and glycine.

It is present in almost every cell of the human body, with the highest concentration in the liver, as one of its most important functions is to assist the liver in detoxification.

Where does glutathione come from?

1. Synthesis within body

The human body can synthesize glutathione on its own.

The main raw materials are three amino acids.

Among them, cysteine is the limiting factor because its content in food is relatively low.

2. Food Synthesis

Although glutathione in food is not easily absorbed directly, consuming foods rich in precursor substances can help the body synthesize it:

such as sulfur-containing vegetables: broccoli, garlic, onion, cabbage, spinach, asparagus;

high-quality proteins: fish, lean meat, eggs; fruits: avocados, etc.

3. Supplemental form

There are oral supplements available on the market, but their bioavailability is limited.

A more effective approach might be to supplement their precursor substances, such as N-acetylcysteine (NAC), alpha-lipoic acid, etc.

What are functions of glutathione?

1. Super Antioxidant

Glutathione is the most important endogenous antioxidant in the human body.

It can neutralize free radicals and prevent oxidative stress from causing damage to cells.

Unlike other antioxidants such as vitamin C and E, it can regenerate these antioxidants, forming a powerful antioxidant network.

2. main liver detoxification agent

In the liver, glutathione directly participates in the second-phase detoxification reaction, binding to toxins to increase their water solubility, thereby facilitating their easier excretion from the body.

From environmental pollutants to drug metabolites, glutathione is helping our bodies eliminate these harmful substances.

3. Immunomodulators

Glutathione can enhance the functions of immune cells, particularly the activity of T lymphocytes and natural killer cells, helping the body resist infections and diseases.

Which factors will consume glutathione?

• 1. Aging: After the age of 20, the level of glutathione begins to naturally decrease.

• 2. Chronic Stress: Long-term stress accelerates the depletion of glutathione

• 3. Environmental Pollution: Exposure to toxins increases the demand for detoxification.

• 4. Unhealthy diet: Processed foods, excessive alcohol consumption, depletion of glutathione

• 5. Certain drugs: For example, excessive use of acetaminophen (paracetamol) can significantly deplete glutathione.

How to support level of glutathione in body?

• 1. Dietary adjustment: Increase the intake of cruciferous vegetables and sulfur-containing foods

• 2. Regular exercise: Moderate aerobic exercise can increase glutathione levels.

• 3. Adequate sleep: During deep sleep, the body repairs and synthesizes glutathione.

• 4. Stress Management: Deep breathing, maintaining optimism, etc. help reduce glutathione consumption.

• 5. Avoid toxins: Reduce exposure to environmental pollution and toxic chemicals