Depletion Of Glutathione: Factors that Cause it

Glutathione. Chances are you’ve heard about it, but do you know what it is?

The naturally occurring Master Antioxidant is a tripeptide composed of three amino acids: cysteine, glutamic acid, and glycine. It powerfully battles free radicals to maintain cellular health – protecting cells’ overall well-being for optimal functioning.

Without good cell health, you can’t have good health. 

Making sure there is not Depletion of Glutathione is essential and VITAL to make this happen.

What Causes Depletion of Glutathione

1. Aging – Naturally, as we age, less Glutathione is produced. Why? Those precursor amino acids cysteine, glutamic acid, and glycine needed for Glutathione synthesis are less readily available as we age.

2. Oxidative Stress-  Free radicals are all around us – environmental factors like pesticides, alcohol, sun exposure, additives, and the list goes on. Surprisingly, our body’s primary source of free radicals is unstable oxygen molecules produced through chemical reactions that produce energy! Free radicals will snatch electrons from other molecules, called oxidation, which leaves those molecules stressed and unstable. Glutathione detoxifies these harmful free radicals so that the body can find homeostasis and prevent damaging oxidative stress. When there is an overload of free radicals, natural Glutathione production gets depleted, losing its “fighting power.”

Why we need to care about Depletion of Glutathione:

When Glutathione is not plentifully available to battle against free radicals and fight off oxidative stress, the unstable molecules that produce oxidative stress are the beginning of chronic and degenerative diseases, lower energy, and even wrinkles!

The body can be affected in multiple ways, like these:

• Neurodegenerative Disease. The chances of battling Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, ALS, and Huntington’s Disease increase dramatically as we age. The cause of these diseases is a combination of genetics and environment, and importantly, the relationship between GSH depletion and neurodegenerative disease has been linked in many studies. Glutathione’s detoxifying power plays a significant role in protecting brain health from oxidative stress – specifically, the link between low levels of Glutathione to brain issues, as evidenced in a study, which concluded that “Increased oxidative stress reflected by decreased glutathione was associated with a decline in executive function in a healthy population.”
• Mental Health. There has long been a connection in studies between Glutathione and its role in protecting the brain and central nervous system from oxidative stress – like mood modulation, anxiety, and depression. A recent August 2023 study stated, “Reduced levels of Glutathione in the brain increase its vulnerability to oxidative stress and may be associated with the development and progression of several psychiatric disorders.” This connection is validated as more research is being done –  a hopeful development for the many who struggle with mental health. 
• Overall Energy and Vibrancy. Glutathione helps mitochondrial health and function. Mitochondria are the powerhouse cells in the body that produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the body’s primary energy currency. Fatty acids must be broken down to generate ATP, a necessary process that needs to run efficiently for energy production in the body to be efficient as well. Glutathione is essential in promoting fatty acid metabolism, significantly influencing energy production. 

There is no wonder why the whole body is affected by Glutathione levels; the question becomes- 

What can you do to stop Depletion of Glutathione?

A lot. Eat a diet rich in Glutathione-boosting foods. Make a plan to lessen stress in your life. Commit to moderate exercise and good lifestyle choices. 

You can also supplement Glutathione. Glutathione is a relatively large molecule, so optimizing Glutathione delivery and absorption can be challenging. Oral supplements are one form of Glutathione; however, efficacy can be questioned since the digestive system can break down the Glutathione before it reaches the bloodstream.  IV Glutathione is another supplement option as it bypasses the digestion system. However, the length of efficacy is unclear. 

Dr. Nayan Patel has studied Glutathione for over 20 years. His understanding of the profound positive effect that it can have on overall health led to his development of a topical form called Glutaryl, with the highest efficacy of Glutathione. This is due to a patented subcutaneous Auro GSH™ Antioxidant Delivery System, a first-of-its-kind technology that optimizes antioxidant absorption and efficacy. The protocol of four sprays daily can be the difference in better health and vitality. Glutaryl is proven, with a recent pilot study finding that Glutaryl improves immune function.

Focus on your actions to ensure that Glutathione is on your side. From lifestyle choices to Glutaryl, there are many ways to improve levels. Start today!