We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
WiseGEEK

Advertiser Disclosure

Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.

How We Make Money

We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently from our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

What are the Benefits of Glutathione?

By Dulce Corazon
Updated May 17, 2024
Our promise to you
WiseGEEK is dedicated to creating trustworthy, high-quality content that always prioritizes transparency, integrity, and inclusivity above all else. Our ensure that our content creation and review process includes rigorous fact-checking, evidence-based, and continual updates to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

Editorial Standards

At WiseGEEK, we are committed to creating content that you can trust. Our editorial process is designed to ensure that every piece of content we publish is accurate, reliable, and informative.

Our team of experienced writers and editors follows a strict set of guidelines to ensure the highest quality content. We conduct thorough research, fact-check all information, and rely on credible sources to back up our claims. Our content is reviewed by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy and clarity.

We believe in transparency and maintain editorial independence from our advertisers. Our team does not receive direct compensation from advertisers, allowing us to create unbiased content that prioritizes your interests.

There are many potential benefits of glutathione and among the chief advantages of this protein is its ability to boost the immune system, making the individual less prone to develop illnesses. Patients who have liver diseases, increased cholesterol levels, heart problems, and those who have just undergone surgery have greatly benefited from the effects of increased glutathione levels in the body. Elderly individuals, with diseases such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease have also experienced the benefits of glutathione.

Many side effects of chemotherapy such as vomiting, diarrhea, hair loss and depletion of white blood cells in cancer patients are also lessened with glutathione. Glutathione is also well known for its ability to detoxify the body from all potential toxins such as those that are brought about by too much alcohol ingestion, cigarette smoking, pollution, and drugs. Glutathione is also responsible for providing the cells their much needed energy in order to function optimally.

Glutathione is a very important protein produced within the body and is considered the body’s major antioxidant. Antioxidants promote good health in an individual because they have the ability to remove free radicals, which can accumulate within the body and eventually cause disease. Free radicals are formed from certain processes going on inside the body. Considered as the master of all antioxidants, glutathione is found in all types of body cells, including the cells responsible for protecting the body against foreign substances. One of the most outstanding benefits of glutathione is that it is centrally located inside the cell itself and from there it can neutralize the toxins within the cell.

Low levels of glutathione in the body will result in a relatively weak immune system, respiratory problems, faster aging process, and compromised liver function. There is a need therefore, to increase the levels of glutathione inside the cells. It is possible to get benefits of glutathione from fresh fruits such as avocados, watermelons, grapefruits, peaches, oranges, and strawberries. Glutathione is also found in vegetables, including cauliflower, broccoli, parsley, and cabbage, as well as in lean meats, whole grain, poultry products and wheat germ.

Taking glutathione supplements in pill form does not usually increase glutathione levels because once it is ingested, the benefits of glutathione are lost as the pill undergoes digestion and does not usually reach the cellular level. Some doctors recommend that it be taken intravenously so that the digestive process will no longer be a concern. For people who eat balanced meals and who receive good nutrition, glutathione levels in the body should not be a problem.

WiseGEEK is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
See our Editorial Process Share Feedback

Related Articles

Discussion Comments

By burcinc — On Nov 23, 2014

It's true that glutathione loses its effect when it comes into contact with stomach acid. But that doesn't mean that it's necessary to take it intravenously. There are also sublingual glutathione tablets. They dissolve under the tongue and enter the bloodstream that way.

I don't eat a very balanced diet and I have a stressful job. I know when toxins are building up in my system because I develop fatigue and my skin looks awful. Glutathione supplement and plenty of water resolve these symptoms for me. I just feel healthier, more energetic. And my skin looks much better.

By bluedolphin — On Nov 22, 2014

@fBoyle-- I tried glutathione for this purpose last week. I too heard that it reduces side effects. I took the supplement before I drank and I certainly noticed a difference.

I felt like the effects of alcohol wore off more quickly. Usually, I spend the whole next day recuperating from the fatigue and nausea. But when I took glutathione, I was feeling fine the next morning. I didn't develop fatigue at all.

I think glutathione helps the liver work better and gets the alcohol out of the system faster. So it reduces the hangover effects. I realize that the ideal thing to do is to not drink in the first place. But if you are sensitive to alcohol like me and can't avoid drinking due to a social event or something, glutathione will definitely help. I'm not a doctor though, so please ask your doctor first. Everyone responds to supplements and medicines a little differently.

By fBoyle — On Nov 22, 2014

I've heard that glutathione supplements reduce the side effects of alcohol. Is this true? Has anyone used glutathione for this purpose? If it works, how do I use it?

WiseGEEK, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGEEK, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.