Do you know that glutathione (GSH) is a powerful antioxidant that’s found naturally in the body? But GSH can easily become depleted. Because of that fact, it’s often administered intravenously into your bloodstream to treat certain conditions. This is known as glutathione IV therapy.
Now, we’re not here to tell you whether or not GSH therapy is right for you — that’s a conversation for you to have with your doctor. But today we WILL share the facts about GSH IV therapy — so you can have a more informed dialogue with a medical professional, should you choose to do so.
Table of Contents
What is Glutathione?
Glutathione is an antioxidant that’s naturally produced in your body. It’s made up of three three amino acids:
- Cysteine
- L-glutamic acid
- Glycine
But stress, medications, aging, and bad health can deplete glutathione levels. This leaves you open to oxidative damage caused by reactive oxygen species (aka free radicals).1
Glutathione is referred to as the “mother of all antioxidants.” This is because of its sulfur content. Sulfur is a sticky molecule. So free radicals, heavy metals, and environmental toxins stick to it.2
Can Glutathione Supplementation Help?
Increasing your intake of vitamins and minerals from fruits and vegetables can help keep your glutathione levels strong. Reducing your exposure to toxins can help too.
But sometimes you need more help to get your glutathione levels on track.
Glutathione supplementation can activate natural glutathione production in the body. The first way to do this is via vitamin therapy or supplements.
The second way is to take actual glutathione supplements. Oral supplements have proven to be not as effective as intravenous therapy.3
If this is something you’re curious about, the best first steps are to do your research (that’s why we wrote this blog post), and to talk to a qualified medical professional.
Glutathione IV Therapy
Glutathione IV Therapy is the supplementation of glutathione through an intravenous drip.
It’s often recommended for:
- Supporting healthy iron levels
- Maintaining healthy blood flow
- Blood sugar management
- Supporting your body’s ability to detox naturally4
Glutathione IV Therapy appears to be the most successful delivery system for glutathione. This is because it enables glutathione to get straight into your bloodstream.
Reducing Oxidative Stress
Free radicals cause oxidative stress on the body. This can result in increased signs of aging and illness. We need antioxidants to fight off these free radicals. Glutathione, as a master antioxidant, can help to ward off this oxidative stress.5
Supporting Circulation
When the peripheral arteries become clogged by plaque, they become narrow. This reduces the blood flow to the limbs and can cause great pain and mobility issues.
But studies have shown that intravenous administration of glutathione may support healthy circulation. With patients able to increase their ability to walk pain-free for longer distances.6
The Skin and Glutathione
No clinical trials that have safely evaluated IV glutathione for skin bleaching. Which means there are no guidelines. The FDA also warns that there are no injectable products approved to lighten the skin.7
You should avoid any service offering skin bleaching using IV glutathione.
The Effects of Glutathione Therapy
The positive effects of glutathione on the body are being studied. Glutathione can reduce toxins and boost energy levels. And, the body’s immune response works best if your cells have a good balance of glutathione.8
If you’re considering IV Glutathione Therapy, speak to your doctor. They’ll be able to advise whether this form of treatment would be right for you.
Learn More:
Cholesterol in Eggs – Good or Bad?
6 Amazing Benefits of Avocado Oil
The Mediterranean “Longevity” Diet: Why It Works
Sources
1.https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/GLUTATHIONE
2.https://books.google.com/books?id=G24OAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA115&lpg=PA115&dq=sticky+sulfur+in+Glutathione?&source=bl&ots=kElO9XwHVc&sig=ACfU3U1ZoU1lcHpJKh9nJUFRfNtl74QhKg&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiY-9ru-dLiAhVVrZ4KHYx_C9M4ChDoATACegQICRAB#v=onepage&q=sticky%20sulfur%20in%20Glutathione%3F&f=false
3.https://www.acam.org/blogpost/1092863/ACAM-Integrative-Medicine-Blog?tag=glutathione
4.https://www.clinicaleducation.org/resources/reviews/oral-glutathione-equivalent-to-iv-therapy/
5.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3673338/
6.https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196(11)62019-3/abstract
7.https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/injectable-skin-lightening-and-skin-bleaching-products-may-be-unsafe
8.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11115795
