7 Ways To Boost Glutathione And Support Detoxification

Firstly, what is glutathione? In simple terms, glutathione is the body’s most powerful antioxidant that is capable of protecting cells from oxidative stress, free radicals, infection and disease. Its many functions include: reducing inflammation, helping the liver to detoxify waste, protecting against environmental toxins, and boosting immune system function.

While healthy, young people have an abundant supply of glutathione, these levels begin to decline at around age 45, due to stress, illness and injury taking its toll.

Low levels of glutathione are linked to:

Cancer
Diabetes
Immune diseases (HIV, autoimmune disease)
Cardiovascular diseases (hypertension, myocardial infarction)
Neurodegenerative disorders (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Dementia)
Autism
Arthritis
Pulmonary disease (COPD, asthma and acute respiratory distress syndrome)
Chronic age-related diseases (cataracts, macular degeneration, hearing impairment, and glaucoma)
Liver disease
Cystic fibrosis

Factors that can deplete glutathione:

Infections
Injury
Stress
Heavy metal exposure
Pesticides
GMO foods
Radiation
Prescription and OTC Medications

Ways to boost glutathione levels:

Eat sulphur-rich foods
It is essential to consume foods with adequate sulphur content as sulphur binds to toxins and free radicals, allowing them to be safely eliminated from the body. Studies have shown that eating sulphur-rich foods can increase glutathione and reduce oxidative stress. Foods that are rich in sulphur-containing cysteine include garlic, onions, eggs and cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, Brussels sprouts and Bok choy. Sulphur is required for phase 2 detoxification pathways in the liver, which are often too slow compared to phase 1. The ingredients in Livatone Plus support phase 1 and phase 2 detoxification pathways.
Take whey protein
Organic grass-fed whey protein replenishes glutathione by boosting cysteine, which is one of the major building blocks of glutathione. Synd-X protein powder contains grass-fed whey protein and is extremely low in carb and high in protein.
Get physical
Aerobic exercises that get your heart rate up such as walking, running, dancing, jogging and cycling can elevate glutathione. Research indicates that doing a combination of cardio and strength training is most effective for building up glutathione stores. In saying this, be wary of overtraining as this can actually reduce glutathione levels.
Consume foods rich in vitamin C and E
Vitamin C helps to raise levels of glutathione in red blood cells and lymphocytes, and vitamin E protects enzymes that protect glutathione. Good sources of vitamin C include oranges, red capsicums and kale, while vitamin E can be found in almonds, spinach and sweet potato.
Source some Selenium
Selenium is a powerful antioxidant and is needed for your body to produce glutathione. Good sources of selenium include Brazil nuts, sardines, grass-fed beef and chicken. Selenium and n-acetyl cysteine (NAC) are an optimal combination for boosting glutathione production. Glutathione helps reduce inflammation in the body.
Try Milk Thistle
For centuries, milk thistle has been touted as a powerful liver healing herb and detoxifier. Silymarin is the active component of Milk thistle which not only is anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic but also increases glutathione levels. The recommended adult dosage of milk thistle in terms of liver protection is 420 mg/day. You will get this dose from Livatone Plus.
Get adequate sleep
Maintaining good sleep hygiene is essential for many things such as rest and repair, weight maintenance and healthy ageing, but is also good for increasing glutathione levels. Therefore, not getting enough sleep can decrease glutathione. A study reported that glutathione content was decreased in the liver by 23-36% by 5 and 10 days of sleep deprivation. Magnesium is a powerful mineral which relieves sleeplessness and restless sleep. For more information, see Dr Cabot’s book ‘Tired of Not Sleeping’.
Relax
It is critical to find ways to relax and destress such as practicing yoga, deep breathing exercises or meditation. Stress is not good for anything and can exacerbate any health issue. Using stress reduction techniques such as the ones previously mentioned help to protect precious glutathione stores. Individuals who practice meditation have 20% higher levels of glutathione! Magnesium supports relaxation and relieves symptoms of stress.