These days, most people interested in achieving optimal health can tell you a lot about how the body works. They’ve read, they’ve listened, they’ve searched the internet, and come back fairly knowledgeable about physiology. But even the most dedicated health sleuths hardly know a thing about glutathione, even though it’s one of the most important substances our bodies make. Thankfully, though, word is getting out about the critical role this “master antioxidant” plays in preventing disease, ridding the body of toxins, slowing down the aging process—and much more.

Like all antioxidants, glutathione (GSH for short) stops erratic oxygen molecules called free radicals from doing damage to cells. But beyond that, it also assists other antioxidants as they do their jobs (the reason it’s called the master antioxidant) and it has the ability to recycle itself so that it doesn’t get used up in the same way that other antioxidants do.

Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean we all have an endless supply of glutathione. Even though we synthesize it ourselves by combining three amino acids, production tends to slow down with age and GSH gets used up quicker when it has to work hard to protect the body not only from daily life stressors, but also from toxins found in air, water, food, and everyday products.

In my book, The Glutathione Revolution: Fight Disease, Slow Aging, and Increase Energy with the Master Antioxidant, I outline the many ways people can raise their GSH levels, but what I most want people to understand about this little-known antioxidant is just how vital it is to every cellular function in the body. Here, in fact, are six superhero feats performed by glutathione, every day.

1) Prevents disease from getting a foothold. One way that free radicals set the stage for disease is by doing damage to DNA, thereby allowing maladies like cancer to develop. Cellular damage by free radicals is also known to play a role in things like clogged arteries and inflammation. As an indispensable antioxidant, glutathione helps prevent harm to the cells and the DNA within them. Research shows that a number of conditions—from autoimmune diseases to autism to cardiovascular disease and diabetes—are associated with low levels of glutathione.^1-3

2) Builds and protects the immune system. Another way glutathione helps people stay healthy is by bolstering the immune system. Active glutathione has been shown to stimulate and support natural killer (NK) and T cells, the front-line infection fighters inside the body.⁴ When equipped with GSH, these cells are able to produce more virus- and bacteria-battling substances, helping stave off illness.

3) Acts as chief detoxifier. With steadily increasing numbers of chemicals and heavy metals in the environment (plus those we unknowingly ingest through food and water), it’s more important than ever for the body’s natural detoxification system to be in tip-top shape. Once the liver breaks down harmful substances, it’s glutathione’s job to bind to the toxins, neutralize them, then push them out the door (they end up where all the body’s waste products do—in the toilet).

4) Slows down aging. Telomeres—most often described as caps composed of DNA and protein that sit on the ends of chromosomes—play an integral role in keeping cells young and healthy. As years go by and cells divide, telomeres become shorter. When they get small enough, they tell their cells to stop dividing, hampering the body’s ability to regenerate and refresh itself and thus weakening the structures of the body—otherwise known as aging. Glutathione’s role here is to aid in the function of an enzyme that delays and can even prevent the shrinkage of telomeres.

5) Protects the brain. Glutathione is one of the weapons the brain uses to guard against the kind of oxidative damage to DNA and proteins that has been found in patients with Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative conditions. And there seems to be a relationship between low GSH levels and brain disease. Studies have found that people with Alzheimer’s and even mild cognitive impairment have significantly lower GSH in both the hippocampus and frontal cortex areas of the brain as compared to healthy people of the same age.^5,6

6) Keeps skin younger-looking. One of the enemies of skin is free radicals, and when free radicals are the enemy, glutathione is the friend. GSH helps prevent these rogue molecules from breaking down collagen and elastin (they give the skin structure and bounce) and can help reduce sun damage.⁷ Natural stores of glutathione help on this score, but topical glutathione provides extra benefits; it’s been shown to address a wide array of skin issues including acne, wrinkles, elasticity, lightening of sunspots, sunburns, rashes, eczema, and much more.^8,9

The body is a complex machine dependent on thousands of different components, but one thing we know for sure is that it can’t operate in high gear without glutathione.

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About the Author: Dr. Nayan Patel is an internationally recognized expert, consultant, and lecturer on glutathione, and has been a respected pharmacist for 22 years. After studying mechanical engineering and chemistry at California State University, Fullerton, Patel received his PharmD degree from the USC School of Pharmacy, where he now serves as an adjunct faculty member. Patel has traveled the world educating practitioners on advanced biochemistry and anti-aging science, and is a member of the International Academy of Compounding Pharmacists. He lives with his family in Southern California.

References

1. Chang, D., et al. Evaluation of oxidative stress in colorectal cancer patients.PMID: 18837290
2. Carlo, MD, et al. Increased oxidative stress with aging reduces chondrocyte survival: correlation with intracellular glutathione levels. Arthritis Rheum. 2003 Dec;48(12):3419-30. PMID: 14673993
3. Schulz JB, et al. Glutathione, oxidative stress and neurodegeneration. Eur J Biochem. 2000 Aug;267(16):4904-11. PMID: 10931172
4. Millman, A., et al. Natural Killer Cells, Glutathione, Cytokines, and Innate
5. Immunity Against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Journal of Interferon & Cytokine Research 28:153–165 (2008)
6. Adams, JD, et al. Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease. Brain Levels of Glutathione, Glutathione Disulfide, and Vitamin E. Molecular and Chemical Neuropathology 14 (June 1991): 213–226.
7. Aoyama, K., et al. Impaired Glutathione Synthesis in Neurodegeneration. International Journal of Molecular Sciences 14, no. 10 (October 1, 2013): 21021–21044.
8. Connor, MJ, et al. Depletion of Cutaneous Glutathione by Ultraviolet Radiation. Photochemistry and Photobiology 46, no. 2 (August 1987): 239–45.
9. Poljšak, B., et al. Intrinsic Skin Aging: The Role of Oxidative Stress. Acta Dermatovenerologica Alpina, Pannonica, et Adriatica 21, no. 2 (January 1, 2012): 33–36.
10. Watanabe, F., et al. Skin-Whitening and Skin-Condition-Improving Effects of Topical Oxidized Glutathione: A Double-Blind and Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial in Healthy Women. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology 7 (January 1, 2014): 267–274.