Gautama Buddha spent his lifetime in the search for truth and meaning of life. Many of us are also cruising the same ship as we need to know about the realities of life. We encounter many realities in life but seldom do we have something true and genuine. In this world where crimes and vices are increasing exponentially, getting to know about the 411 of anything is almost impossible. But don’t worry, as today we shall unravel the truth, the 411 on glutathione.
What Is Glutathione?
Glutathione is a famous compound that has gained popularity as a supplemental compound that imparts numerous health benefits. Do you know that this compound does exist naturally?
The popular antioxidant is composed of three amino acids, namely glutamine, cysteine, and glycine. It is present in the human body (produced by cells) and necessary for optional working. It has been shown to decrease with increasing age.
Researchers have noted that IV infusion of glutathione can lead to strong antioxidant effects inside the body and many more health benefits. It is available in natural foods such as spinach, avocado, and okra. However, due to poor absorption in the gut, glutathione is preferred to be administered as IV solutions.
Lower Levels Of Glutathione In The Body
If you are stressed, suffer from malnutrition, or have become a powerhouse of stress, there is an excellent chance that your plasma glutathione levels will take a nosedive. This fall of glutathione is a big thing to worry my friend!
A fall in glutathione levels of the body can make your body go bonkers. Following is a list of the adverse effects that appear as a result of lower than normal glutathione levels:
Increased Chances Of Infection
An abnormal reduction in glutathione levels is linked to a greater propensity to acquiring infections. Researchers found in a study that lower levels of GSH (glutathione) lead to increased susceptibility towards Tuberculosis infection.
Aggravation Of COVID-19 Infection
The novel coronavirus has taken aback every human being on this planet. The lethal virus causes a severe respiratory illness, i.e., SARS-CoV-2. Hundreds of thousands have succumbed to death due to this virus while millions are fighting for breath.
According to a 2020 study, you are more likely to end up in a coffin due to COVID-19 infection if you have an endogenous deficiency of glutathione. This comprehensive study concludes that low glutathione levels in the body may lead to more severe manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 and high-risk cases, even death.
Benefits Of IV Glutathione Therapy
We are going to tell you all the complete truth about glutathione. This powerful antioxidant peptide imparts plenty of health benefits, some of which are mentioned below:
- Boosts Immunity
A significant boost in immunity is the dire need of the hour. Everybody is concerned about their body’s defense system amidst the coronavirus pandemic. Glutathione supplementation is linked to boosts in immunity. According to a randomized controlled trial, a rise in glutathione levels is directly related to improvements in immune function.
Another pilot study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition states that glutathione therapy reduces oxidative stress markers and leads to evident elevations in markers of immune function.
In addition to the hike in immune cells, this very IV therapy can play an essential role in the host-inflammatory immune response. Due to this property of glutathione, it is now being considered an alternative therapy for COVID-19 management. According to a 2020 study, glutathione supplementation can be used as adjunctive therapy in COVID-19 treatment owing to the superb antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting effects.
It also helps against auto-immune disorders by reducing the body’s immunological response.
- Blows Away Coronavirus
While glutathione helps make your immune system strong against intruders, it also tranquilizes the hyper response harmful to the body. According to a 2020 review, glutathione therapy prevents severe inflammatory responses triggered by COVID-19 infection.
After gaining entry into the body, the virus triggers a lethal cytokine storm that leads to respiratory distress and eventually death. IV infusion of glutathione reduces inflammation and oxidizes Reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby improving symptoms in COVID-19 patients.
Another report proves that glutathione prevents the typical ”cytokine storm syndrome” present in corona patients and relieves dyspnea.
A pilot study concludes that severe cases of COVID-19 hospitalized in ICU show high levels of oxidative stress. Glutathione therapy reduces inflammatory biomarkers and helps alleviate symptoms.
- Reduces Inflammation
The miraculous peptide does not directly impact inflammation. However, the anti-inflammatory effect seen with GSH is through inhibition of the ACE enzyme in the body. According to a study, anti-inflammatory effect is achieved by:
- Inhibition of ACE
- Reduction in reactive oxygen species (ROS)
- Reduction of NF-kB activation
Another study claims that this peptide is responsible for inhibiting the release of pro-inflammatory cells. Glutathione reduces inflammation in cases of lung injury, research suggests.
As per a 2020 study carried out on mice, administration of glutathione successfully ameliorates oxidative stress and leads to reductions in inflammation.
- Imparts Anti-Cancer Effect
One of the most significant health benefits imparted by IV glutathione supplementation is the anti-cancer effect. Many patients suffering from cancer report lower than normal glutathione levels, thus, indicating that glutathione proves to be resistant against tumor development.
In a study, scientists found that a protective role is played by glutathione supplementation in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Another study supports the view that high glutathione levels allow normal cells of the body to survive cancer therapies.
As per a review, GSH inhibits cancer production (carcinogenesis) in your body. Therefore, to keep yourself safe from the risk of cancer development, try some IV glutathione therapy.
- Detoxifies The Body
With IV glutathione therapy, say goodbye to oxidative stress. This peptide is widely known for the superb antioxidant properties. According to a study, glutathione infusion protects your body against the harmful effects of reactive oxygen species. The compound is effective in metabolic syndrome and also helps keep cardiovascular diseases and diabetes at bay.
By carrying out detoxification of the body, glutathione is potent in managing diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. According to a study, glutathione supplementation lowers oxidative stress and alleviates damage in patients who have uncontrolled diabetes.
- Improves Skin Complexion And Acts As Anti-Aging Agent
Women shall love glutathione therapy after they get to know its benefits on hyperpigmented skin. According to one study, there is less evidence that IV GSH therapy leads to skin lightening, while other studies promote its use for the purpose.
As per another study, a combination of glutathione with anthocyanins can prove beneficial for external beam radiation. Therefore, the combo can be used as an alternative for skincare during breast irradiation.
Researchers concluded in a randomized controlled trial that 250mg/d supplementation of glutathione leads to antiaging and anti-melanogenic effects. The participants of the trial well tolerated the dosage.
- Aids In Weight Loss
IV infusion of glutathione can be a beneficial step for those enduring to shed some kilos. It is believed that low levels of glutathione are linked to slow fat burning of the body. Therefore, supplementation aids in the fat-burning capacity of the body leading to rapid and efficient weight loss.
- Flushes Out Stress And Enhances Sleep
Glutathione therapy may help you in reducing anxiety and stress too. With significant reductions in stress levels, there is an excellent chance that you can sleep better.
In fact, studies suggest that glutathione supplementation is linked to improvements in sleep. This study carried out on rabbits shows that oxidized glutathione promotes sleep.
Side Effects Of IV Glutathione Therapy
When we say we will tell you the truth, we mean it. Though IV glutathione therapy is a wonderful therapeutic product, there still are some side effects associated. The therapy is generally well tolerated by most of the receivers. However, some people may suffer from the following adverse effects:
- A common side effect of IV glutathione is breathing difficulties seen only in very few patients. This response is attributed to bronchial constriction following glutathione administration.
- You may experience abdominal cramps and bloating after oral intake of the peptide.
- An allergic rash may appear after intake.
Conclusion
Glutathione is a natural peptide that is composed of three important amino acids. It exists naturally in the body, but the levels decline with age and stress. The fall of GSH levels can make you more prone to infections and aggravation of COVID-19 symptoms.
The 411 on glutathione is that it boosts immunity while protecting you against inflammation from respiratory viruses (such as novel coronavirus). It detoxifies your body, removes anxiety, aids in weight loss, helps you combat cancer, lightens your skin, and, best of all, it lets you sleep better.
Therefore, to attain complete overall health, you should give IV glutathione therapy a try.