Why We’re Obsessed with Glutathione the ‘Super Antioxidant’

At Sage Integrative Medicine Clinic, we are passionate about the powerful effects of glutathione – also known as the “super antioxidant”. This powerful anti-aging compound is critical for the health of our cells and plays a key role in supporting a wide range of conditions, from chronic fatigue and immune disorders to neurological conditions.

As a naturopathic medical clinic in Edmonds, WA, we are committed to providing the best care for our patients’ physical and mental well-being. With our team of naturopathic doctors, we utilize a variety of strategies to treat and prevent disorders with our natural procedures of clinical nutrition and herbal medicine.

One such treatment offered by our naturopathic doctors in Edmonds, WA, is vitamin infusion therapy. This powerful treatment utilizes intravenous vitamin infusions to provide a direct source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants straight into the bloodstream. The benefits of these infusions are numerous, including increased energy levels, improved mental focus and clarity, enhanced immunity, and decreased recovery time from exercise.

To learn more about the various services offered at Sage Medicine Clinic — such as bioidentical hormone replacement therapy and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injectionscontact us today.

For more information about Glutathione, keep reading and watch the video below!

Looking for a vitamin that can boost your brain function, detoxify your liver and help elevate your immune system? Well, look no further. Let me introduce you to the super antioxidant, L-glutathione. This nutrient is what I would call a ‘super performer’, as its function within the body is far-reaching. I personally find that treatment with glutathione results in amazing brain clarity, focus, and a feeling of wellness and energy. This makes it a personal go-to when I am feeling lower energy, stressed, or in need of a brain boost. As you’ll see in our video overview of glutathione, this vitamin is one of our all-time favorites and one that I would highly recommend incorporating into your daily vitamin regimen. Let me explain why.

I first came across glutathione in Dr. David Perlmutter’s work, a top neurologist and researcher, in the treatment and support of Parkinson’s disease. What he found is that when he treated patients with IV glutathione, the symptoms of Parkinson’s (tremors, difficulty walking, impaired speech) were significantly reduced or completely eliminated for a short period of time (typically hours). This shows the power of glutathione to cross the blood-brain barrier and contribute to the healing of the brain cells and their mitochondria (power generators of the cells). While you also need to work on significant detoxification and healing in Parkinson’s as it is a more significant and complicated disease, glutathione proved to be a strong supporter of healing in this condition.

The use of glutathione in medicine expanded from here to be used in the healing of other neurological conditions, liver impairment, lung disorders (think lung inflammation from pneumonia), and immune disorders. We will add either daily oral glutathione or IV glutathione for treatment and healing of a range of conditions, such as chronic mononucleosis, liver detoxification issues, reduced clarity and/or focus, memory loss/change, reduced cellular immunity, chronic fatigue, chronic exposure to toxins, respiratory illnesses, lung damage, autoimmunity, neurological conditions, heavy metal toxicity, and lastly mold toxicity.

Here is an overview of the critical roles of glutathione in the body:

  1. Direct chemical neutralization of singlet oxygen, hydroxyl radicals, and superoxide radicals
  2. Cofactor for several antioxidant enzymes
  3. Regeneration of vitamins C and E
  4. Neutralization of free radicals produced by Phase I liver metabolism of chemical toxins
  5. One of approximately 7 liver Phase II reactions, which conjugate the activated intermediates produced by Phase I to make them water soluble for excretion by the kidneys
  6. Transportation of mercury (and other heavy metals) out of cells and the brain
  7. Regulation of cellular proliferation and apoptosis
  8. Vital to mitochondrial function and maintenance of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)

 

Beyond taking glutathione orally in supplement form, you can also boost your levels by increasing your dark leafy greens, Sulphur-rich veggies such as cauliflower, broccoli, and cabbage, and whey protein (but do not take if you are dairy intolerant). NAC (N-acetyl cysteine) is the precursor to glutathione in the body and will raise levels when taken orally (or via nebulizer) – which is most effective when given with selenium. ALA (α-lipoic acid) has also been found to increase mitochondrial glutathione levels. Also, when doing a dedicated glutathione (orally over time), IV therapy, topical or nebulized, you want to make sure you are giving your body the appropriate vitamin co-factors to ensure proper glutathione recycling and use within the body, which are a full-spectrum B-complex and mineral complex.

If you’re curious, or if you’re concerned you are low, your glutathione levels can be measured. People who also have detoxification issues or tend to be chemically sensitive, or prone to lowered immunity, can also have a mutation in their innate ability to make glutathione. These are your GST and GPX genes, which can be found by completing your ancestry.com or 23andme.com and then converting it into a medical report at Strategene.me.

If you would like guidance in this area, we would love to see you! We love creating personalized health plans for patients, and would love to do so for you! Please reach out if you have questions!

 

In love, health and light,

Dr. Angila Jaeggli, ND

Phone: (425) 835-0359

Sage Integrative Medicine Clinic, PLLC

110 James Street, Suite 103

Edmonds, WA 98020

info@sagmedclinic.com

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Dr. Angila Jaeggli