Glutathione: The Detoxifier That Comes From The Liver

Alcohol, particulate matter, pesticides - people are exposed to a variety of pollutants every day. The body's detoxification system takes care of getting rid of many of these substances. Dietary supplements such as liposomal glutathione can help.

Glutathione-S-transferases can be produced by all cells in the body. The liver mainly produces these enzymes. They ensure that the protein glutathione binds to harmful substances. This allows the substances to be disposed of and excreted via the kidneys.

Glutathione – One Of The Most Powerful Antioxidants

tien, which also include vitamins B2, C and E as well as selenium and zinc. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals. These are intermediate products of metabolism that are constantly being produced in every cell in the human body. Their production is favored by pollutants such as fine dust, pesticides or alcohol.

In addition to its antioxidant properties, glutathione has other abilities: it helps the body detoxify and strengthens the immune system. But the more detoxification and antioxidant work glutathione has to do, the more the blood level of the enzyme drops. According to some studies, diseases such as Alzheimer's, cancer or diabetes are promoted.

In Asparagus, Avocados And Walnuts

If you want to be sure whether there is enough glutathione in your body, you can do a blood test with your doctor. When the level is low, some plant-based foods and dietary supplements promise quick relief. There is a lot of glutathione in asparagus, avocados and walnuts, for example. But whether an external supply of glutathione has a positive effect on the body at all is a matter of controversial debate among physicians to this day.

One reason: In the digestive system, the enzyme is broken down into its individual parts so that the glutathione level cannot rise. However, food manufacturers claim that reduced liposomal glutathione can trick the digestive system.Because the glutathione in their products is encased in tiny liposomes, allowing it to get directly into the cells. Because liposomes are made of the same material as many body cells. And are thus particularly easily absorbed directly through the digestive tract.

Missing Variants As The Cause Of The Disease 

A study from 2015 could provide evidence of this, but only 54 adults took part. The study found that glutathione levels did increase with regular intake over six months. However, levels returned to baseline within a month when the supplement was discontinued.The study situation on direct health effects is contradictory.Because a lack of glutathione in the blood does not have to be the cause of serious illnesses. Rather, it could only be the fault of missing enzyme variants. 

Glutathione S-transferases come in three varieties - M1, T1 and P1. If two enzyme versions fail at the same time, one variant has to work alone. Consequence: The body can no longer detoxify certain substances in a timely manner. More free radicals then attack the cell surfaces and damage cells in the long term. The absence of individual enzyme variants can be determined with a special genetic examination of the blood. However, there is no therapy at the moment.