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The Benefits and Side Effects of Glutathione: Is It Safe to Take?
Glutathione is one of the most critical molecules in the human body. It is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage.
Accordingly, it comprises three amino acids: glutamine, glycine, and cysteine. However, several factors may reduce glutathione levels, including poor nutrition, environmental toxins, and stress.
Many people are now taking glutathione supplements to boost their levels. However, before you start taking glutathione supplements, it’s essential to understand the benefits and side effects. In this article, we will look at the benefits of Glutathione to the body and the side effects of taking glutathione supplements.
What is Glutathione?
The Overview
Glutathione is a substance produced in cells. It comprises three amino acids: glutamine, glycine, and cysteine. And as mentioned earlier, glutathione levels in the body may be reduced by several factors, including poor nutrition, environmental toxins, and stress.
Unfortunately, many people intake glutathione supplements without proper research, which can harm their health.
Source of Glutathione
There are different types of glutathione sources. The most natural is found in some foods, including meats, fruits, and vegetables. It’s also available in supplemental form.
Glutathione is also sourced in the form of a supplement. And these supplements are available in various forms, including pills, powders, and injections. The most common way to take Glutathione is orally (by mouth).
Glutathione supplements are also sometimes given intravenously (by IV). IV glutathione is often used as a beauty treatment, and Glutathione IV therapy is said to help lighten skin, improve energy levels, and detoxify the body
Glutathione Deficiency
Glutathione Deficiency happens when the body doesn’t have enough Glutathione. The nutrient is essential for many functions in the body, including immune system function and detoxification.
A Glutathione deficiency can lead to several health problems, including neurological disorders and cancer. Certain medications, such as acetaminophen, may also reduce glutathione levels.
Moreover, it has been linked to several diseases and conditions, including Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Fortunately, a Glutathione deficiency can be treated with supplements, diet, and lifestyle changes. If you want to know your glutathione level, it can be measured with a blood test.
Glutathione Benefits and Side Effects
Health Benefits of Glutathione
Glutathione has many potential health benefits. Some research suggests that it may help treat or prevent certain diseases and conditions, including:
- Parkinson’s disease
- Cancer
- heart disease
- diabetes
Aside from this, there are other health benefits of Glutathione.
Reduces Oxidative Stress
Glutathione is a potent antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage. It neutralizes free radicals and prevents oxidative stress, which has been linked to several chronic diseases.
And because of this, Glutathione has been shown to boost immune system function and detoxification.
Improves Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a condition that causes the skin to become red, inflamed, and scaly. Glutathione has been shown to improve psoriasis symptoms by reducing inflammation and skin cell turnover.
Moreover, Glutathione is used as a skin-lightening agent to treat uneven skin tone and pigmentation, which can be an anti-aging agent.
May improve fertility
Glutathione has also been shown to improve sperm quality and motility and may help treat certain types of infertility. This is because, as an antioxidant, Glutathione protects sperm cells from damage.
May Help Treat Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that leads to memory loss and cognitive decline. And Glutathione has been shown to protect brain cells from damage and improve cognitive function in people with Alzheimer’s.
Help Fight Against Autoimmune Disease
Glutathione also has been proven to help fight autoimmune disease by reducing inflammation and boosting immune system function. Autoimmune diseases occur when the body’s immune system attacks healthy cells.
Reduces respiratory disease symptoms
Another benefit of Glutathione is that it has been shown to reduce symptoms of respiratory diseases, such as asthma and COPD, by reducing inflammation.
Improves insulin resistance in older individuals
Insulin resistance is a condition in which the body does not correctly respond to insulin. And it was proven that Glutathione had been shown to improve insulin resistance in older adults, which may help prevent type II diabetes.
What are the Side Effects of Glutathione?
On the other hand, although Glutathione is generally safe and well-tolerated, there are a few potential side effects to be aware of, including:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Skin rash
Aside from these, a person can also experience the following.
Asthma Attack
An asthma attack is a sudden onset of symptoms that can be life-threatening. Glutathione has been shown to trigger asthma attacks in some people, so you must speak with your doctor before taking glutathione supplements.
High Blood Pressure
Glutathione has also been shown to raise blood pressure in some people. So, if you have high blood pressure, speak with your doctor before taking any glutathione.
Kidney Damage
Accordingly, if you have kidney disease or are at risk for kidney disease, Glutathione can cause more damage. This is because Glutathione is broken down by the kidneys and excreted in the urine.
Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions to Glutathione are rare but possible. If you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as swelling, rash, or difficulty breathing while taking glutathione supplements, seek medical attention immediately.
To avoid this, be careful of the supplements you buy online and always check with a doctor first to ensure that the supplement is right for you.
Bloating and Cramps
A person can experience bloating and cramps when taking glutathione supplements. To avoid these side effects, start with a low dose and increase gradually as needed.
Zinc Deficiency
Glutathione supplements can also cause zinc deficiency. To avoid this, take a zinc supplement or eat foods rich in zinc, such as oysters, beef, and pumpkin seeds.
Pregnancy Complications
Lastly, glutathione supplements should be avoided during pregnancy as they can increase the risk of complications, such as miscarriage and congenital disabilities.
Interactions with Medications
Glutathione can interact with certain medications, including:
- Immunosuppressants: According to studies, Glutathione can boost immune system function. However, if you take immunosuppressant medicines, speak with your doctor before taking glutathione supplements.
- Antibiotics: Glutathione can increase the effectiveness of some antibiotics. It might increase effectiveness if you are taking antibiotics, but it is better to speak with your doctor before taking glutathione supplements.
- Chemotherapy: Glutathione can also increase the effectiveness of some chemotherapy drugs. Just make sure not to self-medicate and ask for help from professionals.
FAQs
Q: What are the benefits of Glutathione?
A: Glutathione has many potential benefits, including reducing inflammation, boosting immune system function, and improving insulin resistance.
Q: What are the side effects of Glutathione?
A: Although Glutathione is generally safe and well-tolerated, there are a few potential side effects, including headache, nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, and skin rash.
Q: Is Glutathione safe for pregnant women?
A: Glutathione supplements should be avoided during pregnancy as they can increase the risk of complications, such as miscarriage and congenital disabilities.
Q: What medications does Glutathione interact with?
A: Glutathione can interact with certain medications, including immunosuppressants, antibiotics, and chemotherapy.
Conclusion
Glutathione is a safe and well-tolerated supplement with many potential benefits. However, there are a few side effects and interactions to be aware of. So, if you have concerns, speak with your doctor before taking glutathione supplements.
