Glutathione is the master antioxidant, an important defense against diseases, toxins, viruses, pollutants, radiation and oxidative stress. It is the most important antioxident produced by all the cells in our body. It is the only antioxidant which can recycle itself. As we age our glutathione levels decrease. It is also decreased with injury, wrong foods, illness and heavy exercise. It reduces oxidative stress to our immune system thereby allowing our immune system to attack cancers, viruses, bacteria and fungi. It protects our DNA in the cell nucleus as well as mitochondrial DNA. Without glutathione the amino acids cannot be taken into the cells. It is also the primary detoxifier of heavy metals to which we are constantly exposed. Low glutathione levels are linked to diseases such as Cancer, Multiple Sclerosis, AIDS, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Atherosclerosis, pregnancy complications, male infertility and Cataracts. A Glutathione deficiency can cause a lack of coordination, mental disorders, tremors, and difficulty maintaining balance. Glutathione is continuously defending our body against attacks from disease, toxins, poisons, viruses, pollutants, radiation and oxidative stress. Without Glutathione our liver would soon become overwhelmed with the accumulation of toxins, resulting in organ failure and death.
Recently all the data is pointing to the very significant role of
glutathione and antiaging. For decades we knew that caloric
restriction increased the longevity of variety of animals. Now most
research point to reduction of methionine in the diet as the most
important factor in antiaging. Methionine reduction in the
diet has lead to increased glutathione levels in the body which in
turn lead to longevity and weight loss. Therefore intravenous
glutathione can be used for longevity in addition to skin whitening.
You may or may not have heard of glutathione, even though over tens
of thousands of medical articles have highlighted its importance.
Optimizing glutathione levels will shortly join the list of factors
known by everyone to have an impact on our health and well-being.
Glutathione is a small protein produced naturally in every cell of
our body. It is made up of three protein building blocks, called
amino acids. These are cysteine, glyceine, & glutamic acid. Your
body produces glutathione inside every cell of your body, or that
cell would quickly die. The levels of glutathione produced
naturally, is enough to keep the body working optimally under
'normal' conditions. Increasing levels of environmental pollutants
and prolonged exposure to stress are depleting your body's stores of
glutathione increasingly fast.
The level of Glutathione in our cells is predictive of how long we
will live. We need this miraculous antioxidant to survive, and
without it, our liver would soon become overwhelmed with the
accumulation of toxins, resulting in organ failure and death.
Glutathione is manufactured by every one of our trillions of cells
and is one of the most important healing and cleansing agents. Low
glutathione levels are linked to diseases such as Cancer, Multiple
Sclerosis, AIDS, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Atherosclerosis,
pregnancy complications, male infertility and Cataracts. The liver
uses glutathione to process alcohol, caffeine, medications, nicotine
and among other substances and remove them from the blood. It also
helps in the filtering of alcohol and other toxic substances from
the blood. It helps in the processing of drugs and medications
absorbed through the digestive system, enabling the body to use them
effectively and ultimately dispose of them. Reduced glutathione
plays a critical role in the cellular detoxification processes
including the metabolism of peroxides, the conjugation with
electrophils and the scavenging of the free radicals. The relevance
of glutathione in ethanol metabolism consists mainly in compensating
for alcohol-related oxidative stress. Glutathione acts as a
detoxifying agent by combining with undesirable substances and
ridding the body of them through urine and bile.
White blood cells are the body's major defense system. They need
glutathione in order to optimize their function. By raising the
levels of GSH glutathione, the body's master's antioxidant, the body
can produce more white blood cells. Glutathione depletion will
eventually exhaust any ability of the white blood cells to keep
fighting, which means: You loose the battle.
The presence of glutathione is required to maintain the normal
function of the immune system. It is known to play a critical role
in the multiplication of lymphocytes (the cells that mediate
specific immunity), which occurs in the development of an effective
immune response.
Utilization of Glutathione GSH. Research has shown that individuals
who have low levels of glutathione are susceptible to chronic
illness. Research shows that GSH levels (glutathione) decline by 8%
to 12% per decade, beginning at the age of 20. Levels of glutathione
are further reduced by continual stress upon the immune system such
as illness, infection, and environmental toxins. As we now know, a
lowered immune system can bring about illness and disease. This is a
ferocious cycle. While you need glutathione for a productive immune
system, a weakened immune system hampers the production of
glutathione. Supplements containing Glutathione can increase the
glutathione level in the body to a small extent. But 80
percent of the ingested glutathione is destroyed by the digestive
system and injections are required to obtain a significant elevation
of the glutathione level in the blood.
Glutathione binds itself to toxins in the body transforming them
into a form that can be easily collected and extracted. Glutathione
has also shown promise when used in connection with some forms of
cancer. In both preliminary research and test tube and animal
studies, glutathione has shown to exhibit anti-cancer effects.
Higher glutathione levels have also been found in older adults with
exceptionally good health.
Low levels of glutathione (along with low levels of vitamin E and
selenium) may be a factor in the genesis of thyroid disease.
Excessive intake of sugars and starches may reduce glutathione and
thereby damage the thyroid gland. In this study of patients with
type 2 diabetes, blood levels of two vital nutrients - glutathione
and vitamin E - were found to increase when glucose levels dropped
and blood sugar became better controlled.
Glutathione Intravenous with Vitamin C: Best Skin Whitening
Procedure
Glutathione IV injection taken along with Vitamin C is the most
effective and the best skin whitening procedure. You get a much
younger looking fairer skin with an amazing glow. Glutathione
actually reduces melanin stimulation and pigmentation of the skin
leading to white skin tone or color. It also changes Melanin into a
beautiful pink-yellow pheomalanin. Effects of skin whitening
depend on how much pigmentation is there on the skin. You can see
visible changes in the skin tone after the third or fourth session
of IV Glutathione injection in a darker person.
What is Glutathione Injection?
Glutathione IV is an anti-oxidant naturally present in our body at
the time we are born. However, as we grow older the supply of
Glutathione reduces as it is used up by our body in cell metabolism.
The usage of Glutathione IV injection rejuvenates these cells in our
body. This leads to a noticeably fairer complexion, firm and
youthful skin. It also aids liver cells to regenerate from damages
that are caused by prolonged alcohol abuse or intake of fatty food.
Glutathione IV injection or orally?
Glutathione IV injections are better and more effective compared to
taking it orally. If you take Glutathione orally, the drug is broken
down by stomach acids and just 20 percent of the active part of the
drug is absorbed by the body. Compared to oral intake, Glutathione
Injections take though injections tend to be far more effective as
100 percent of it is absorbed automatically.
Glutathione needs Vitamin C for better and more long-lasting action.
When taken along with Vitamin C, Glutathione can make the skin
considerable fairer, firmer and much younger looking.
What are the side effects of Glutathione IV with Vitamin C?
Do not self-administer Glutathione IV injections on your
own. This is strictly the work of a professional. Administration of
Glutathione IV injection by a trained professional like a doctor is
highly recommended. It is illegal for a lay person to prescribe
intravenous glutathione. It is a 100 percent safe process when given
by a doctor using sterile methods.
What do Magic Johnson and Suzanne Somers have in common?
Intravenous glutathione, that's what!
They both get glutathione injections weekly for $900 an injection! That is $3,600 a month for IV glutathione!
Yes, Suzanne Somers receives IV glutathione once a week! In fact,
she wrote about it in her book: Breakthrough:
Eight Steps to Wellness
This study evaluated blood glutathione levels in 33 subjects over the age of 60. Higher glutathione levels were associated with fewer number of illnesses and higher levels of self-rated health, lower cholesterol and lower body mass index and lower blood pressures. Those who had diagnoses of arthritis, diabetes or heart disease had at least marginally significant lower glutathione levels than those who were disease-free. Glutathione, together with age and measure of suppressed anger, accounted for 39% of the variance of an index of morbidity. Glutathione by itself accounted for 24% of the variance. The authors note that this study appears to be the first study showing an association of higher glutathione levels with higher levels of physical health in a community-based sample.
This study evaluated 67 patients with a myocardial infarction treated with recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rt-PA), of which 35 received glutathione at an intravenous bolus initially of 1800 mg followed by 20 ug/kg per minute for the next 24 hours. Intravenous glutathione appears to limit the adverse effects associated with reperfusion-induced oxidative stress. If confirmed, the authors feel that glutathione administration should be considered a natural free radical antagonist that has a high specificity and low toxicity in humans.
This study highlights the clinical fact that intravenous glutathione is a powerful way to treat many acute and chronic diseases that have oxidative damage as the cause. In my clinic, intravenous glutathione is a standard treatment for neurological diseases, cancer, cardiovascular diseases and diseases related to toxicology.
It is known that AIDS patients have low glutathione levels. The author states that N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) inhibits HIV replication and it may do so by replenishing intracellular glutathione. It has been suggested as a beneficial therapeutic agent in AIDS and though untested it may be of benefit in glutathione deficient AIDS patients who are undergoing radiotherapy. This may help prevent some of the unwanted side effects in tissue destruction due to radiation therapy.
Dr. Cathcart points out that very high dose vitamin C can reduce oxidized glutathione (GSSG) to GSH. Dr. Cathcart has treated over 250 HIV-positive patients since 1983 and has been found that with an increased severity in AIDS there is an increased bowel tolerance to ascorbate. The sickest individuals could tolerate between 100 to 200 gms/d in hourly dosages titrated to the point of diarrhea. He goes on to point out that high dose vitamin C can cause a slowing or reduction in the depletion of CD4 T-cells, reduced allergic reactions to antibiotics, reduction in lymphadenopathy and improvement in malaise. To achieve this he advocates to use vitamin C as intravenous sodium ascorbate without preservatives at ph of 7.0 in 60 gram dosages in 500 mls of Ringer's Lactate over three to four hours one to three times daily. Oral ascorbic acid was also given concurrently. Intravenous ascorbate does not produce diarrhea as does the hyperosmotic diarrhea induced by oral administration. Ascorbate is utilized as a free radical scavenger in these massive dosages when glutathione is exhausted and is effective in protecting glutathione levels therefore intravenous vitamion C should be considered a type of adjunctive glutathione therapy.
Glutathione therapy can reduce the toxicity of some chemo agents. In one study (Tedeschi), the toxicity of cisplatin, an effective drug in the treatment of solid tumors, was greatly reduced. It is proposed in this article that glutathione is a promising antidote. Glutathione is a safe compound that prevents cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity without affecting its antitumor activity. This would enhance the ability to use higher doses of cisplatin and improve efficacy against certain tumors. The advantage of the combination of glutathione with high doses of cisplatin was demonstrated by the impressive response rate in the treatment of ovarian cancer.
References
- Sechi G, M.D. "Reduced Intravenous Glutathione in the Treatment of Early Parkinson's Disease," Prog Neuro-Psychopharmacol & Biol Psychiat, 1996;20:1159-1170.
- Tedeschi M, et al Glutathione and Detoxification, Cancer Treatment Reviews, 1990;17:203-208.
- Witschi A, Reddy S, Stofer B, Lauterburg BH, "The Systemic Availability of Oral Glutathione," Eur J Clin Pharmacol, 1992;43:667-669
Medical Professionals on the Benefits of Glutathione
Dr. Earl Mindell - "We literally cannot survive without this
miraculous antioxidant" Glutathione (GSH) : Your Body's Most
Powerful Healing Agent
Patrick J.D. Bouic, Ph.D - "No other antioxidant is as important to
overall health as glutathione. It is the regenerator of immune cells
and the most valuable detoxifying agent in the body. Low levels are
associated with early aging and even death."
Dr. Allan Somersall, Ph.D., M.D. with Dr. Gustavo Bounous, M.D. -
"Without glutathione, other important antioxidants such as vitamins
C and E cannot do their job adequately to protect your body against
disease." Breakthrough in Cell Defense
Dr. Paul Cheney - "Glutathione has potent anti-viral properties - if
you raise the glutathione level you can stop the replication of most
any, at least, intracellular pathogen....but glutathione deficiency
produces a pro-viral effect."
Dr. Jimmy Gutman, MD - "Healthy people also benefit from elevated
glutathione levels through an enhanced ability to fight off toxins,
infectious disease, pre-cancerous cells and the aging process
itself. Many world-class athletes are discovering that
well-maintained glutathione levels give them the edge over their
competitors, bringing greater strength and endurance, decreased
recovery time from injury, less muscle pain and fatigue, and
muscle-promoting activity." Facts about Glutathione (PDF format)
"It is well known that aging is accompanied by a precipitous fall in
glutathione levels. Lower glutathione levels are implicated in many
diseases associated with aging, including cataracts, Alzheimer's
disease, Parkinson's, atherosclerosis and others." Journal of
Clinical Epidemiology 47: 1021-26 1994
"Low glutathione levels have been associated with neuro-degenerative
diseases such as MS (Multiple Sclerosis), ALS (Lou Gehrig's
disease), Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, among
others." The Lancet 344: 796-798, 1994
"Low glutathione levels correspond to poor survival in AIDS
patients. Much documentation demonstrates the role of enhanced
glutathione levels in AIDS." Proceedings of the National Academy of
Science, USA 94: 1967-72, 1997
"Raised glutathione levels fight the oxidation of circulating fats
in the bloodstream, including cholesterol, retarding the process of
plaque formation in the arteries - the underlying cause for most
heart disease and stroke". - Nutrition Reviews 54: 1-30, 1996
"Diabetics are prone to infections and circulatory problems leading
to heart disease, kidney failure and blindness. Glutathione protects
against the complications of diabetes" - Clinical Science 91:
575-582, 1996
"Doctors have used glutathione-promoting drugs to treat many lung
diseases including asthma, chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Newer
potential therapeutic roles can be found for cigarette smoke damage,
pulmonary fibrosis and other illnesses." - American Journal of
Medical Science 307: 119-127, 1994
"Glutathione protects the body from the inflammation of gastritis,
stomach ulcers, pancreatitis and inflammatory bowel disease
including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease." - Gut 42:
485-492, 1998
"The liver is the major storehouse for glutathione. Glutathione is
impaired in alcoholic hepatitis as well as in viral hepatitis A, B,
and C. Raised glutathione levels restore liver function." - American
Journal of Gasteroenterology 91: 2569-2573, 1996
"Glutathione detoxifies a variety of pollutants, carcinogens and
poisons, including many found in fuel exhaust and cigarette smoke.
It also retards damage from radiation exposure due to the eroding
ozone layer" . - Annual Reviews of Biochemistry 52: 711-760 1983
"Raised glutathione levels help increase strength and endurance.
Those interested in physical fitness can benefit from a definite
athletic edge." Journal of Applied Physiology 87: 1381-1385, 1999
"Strong muscular activity, such as that experienced by athletes,
generates oxyradicals [free radicals] leading to muscle fatigue and
poorer performance. Glutathione neutralizes these radicals". - Sport
Medicine 21: 213-238, 1996