According to recent statistics, the glutathione industry has grown exponentially, hitting a target of 195 million dollars in 2020, and it is estimated to grow by 7%, generating 197 million dollars by 2027.
Due to the wide applications of glutathione in multiple industries, including pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, foods, and cosmetics, market growth of glutathione will increase in the coming time frame.
Healthcare professionals have been using glutathione to treat several disorders. You may wonder how it works and, as a physician/healthcare professional, how you can apply glutathione clinically to treat your patients.
This article details the mechanism of action of glutathione, its clinical uses, recommended dose, and side effects of glutathione.
Background:
In 1929, an English biochemist Frederick Gowland Hopkins isolated glutathione from yeast for the first time at the University of Cambridge.
After his discovery, Vincent du Vigneaud, an American biochemist at Cornell Medical College, New York, was credited for synthesizing glutathione first in 1952.
In the same year, Dirk Brenner at the Luxembourg Institute of Health and coauthors reported that glutathione activates T cells’ energy metabolism.
Activation of T cells stimulates the immune response to fight off foreign invaders in the body. This unique discovery led to a variety of therapeutic benefits of glutathione.
What is Glutathione?
Glutathione is a tripeptide molecule consisting of cysteine, glycine, and glutamic acid. It is a naturally occurring protein present in all cells of the body in the same concentration as glucose, cholesterol, and potassium (5 millimolar).
It is a powerful endogenous antioxidant. Glutathione contains sulphur which gives a distinct sulphurous aroma.
Two sources maintain glutathione levels; de Novo production or the recycling of glutathione disulfide (an oxidized form of glutathione).
Due to its antioxidant properties, glutathione is known as the “Master antioxidant” or “The Mother of all antioxidants.”
How does Glutathione Work?
Glutathione protects cells from oxidative stress. Mitochondrial oxygen metabolism produces large numbers of free radicals, which damage the cell membranes of the cells leading to poor performance and death. Glutathione protects the cells from free radicals.
An enzyme glutathione peroxidase (GPx) interacts with glutathione and prevents oxidation of cell membranes. Glutathione also activates other antioxidants like vitamin E and vitamin C.
Therapeutic Benefits of Glutathione:
The list of disorders associated with glutathione deficiency reflects glutathione functions’ importance. The most well-known disorders associated with glutathione deficiency include neurological disorders ( Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s), cardiovascular diseases (hypertension, cholesterol oxidation, myocardial infarction), immune diseases (autoimmune disorders, HIV), cystic fibrosis, pulmonary disorders (asthma, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and COPD), and other age-related disorders. Age-related oxidation leads to cataracts, glaucoma, hearing impairment, and macular degeneration).
Moreover, glutathione functions have the same importance as telomerase activity in determining life span. Glutathione prevents body cells against damage caused by carcinogens. Glutathione depletion in the body can lead to obesity, inflammation, oxidative stress, adipocyte dysfunction, and several metabolic abnormalities.
Glutathione influences the performance of athletes. During sports, more reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species are produced, which deplete GSH stores.
Glutathione is also used to treat Parkinson’s disease, cystic fibrosis, and cancer. It is helpful in the treatment of the following disorders:
- Peripheral obstructive arterial disease
- COPD
- Preterm infants autism
- Exercise-induced fatigue
- Chronic otitis media
- Contrast-induced nephropathy
- Emphysema
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
- Lead exposure
- Nail biting
How to Assess Glutathione levels?
Glutathione levels can be measured in the red blood cells (RBCs) and plasma. The plasma testing of glutathione reports both oxidised and reduced forms of glutathione.
Standard glutathione levels in the blood and plasma are the following:
Cellular GSH concentration range: 1–10 mM
Plasma GSH levels range: 1–6 μM.
Sources of Glutathione:
Foods rich in sulphur can boost the natural production of glutathione in the body. These foods include:
- Allium vegetables (garlic, onion)
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Bok choy
- Brussels sprouts
- Legumes
- Eggs
- Nuts
- Fish and chicken
- Flaxseed
- Milk thistle
- Whey
- Guso seaweed
- FlaxseedG
Glutathione production is also related to sleep. Adequate and good quality sleep increases glutathione production. Insomnia negatively affects glutathione levels.
Side Effects of Glutathione Supplements:
Natural foods do not pose any side effects. Artificial supplements are not recommended. Always consult your doctor before taking glutathione supplements.
The following are the side effects which my be caused by glutathione supplements:
- Bloating
- Cramps
- Allergic reactions, including rash
- Difficult breathing
- Constriction of bronchioles
ANF glutathione device (AGL) does not have any side effects because it regulates the nervous system to increase the endogenous production of glutathione.
How Does the ANF Glutathione Device Help Healthcare Professionals?
ANF Glutathione device supports the body’s frequencies in the nervous system to regulate glutathione production.
ANF Glutathione Device helps treat oxidative stress, neurological disorders, obesity, and disorders affecting multiple organs.
ANF Therapy®️ is a holistic approach to alleviate pain and inflammation by activating the natural healing process. This therapy uses different frequency-emitting ANF devices that are applied directly to the body and activated by body heat. These devices help normalize neurological frequencies in the body to activate the natural healing process.
ANF glutathione device transmits unique frequencies. The nervous system picks up these frequencies to regulate glutathione production at cellular levels, which helps with various body functions.
How to Get Started with ANF Therapy®️ As a Healthcare Professional?
ANF Therapy®️ is an innovative therapy that does not use any drugs, needles, machines, or instruments.
You can treat several problems of your patients by applying ANF devices directly on the skin and initiating a self-healing and self-regulating process. ANF Therapy®️ yields faster results, enhances long-term patient outcomes, and amplifies patient satisfaction.
ANF Academy offers access to the FREE Pain Mastery Webinar to all healthcare professionals eager to grow both their knowledge and practice!
Take this quiz to find out if you are qualified to join:
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