Glutathione has been gaining traction. It is THE ultimate antioxidant and anti-carcinogen, made and recycled within our body naturally. It quenches free radicals and reduces oxidative stress on the body making it one of our best defenders. Let’s break down this trending supplement and learn more about why it might be right for you.

What IS glutathione?

Glutathione is a tri-peptide structure made up of cysteine, glutamic acid, and glycine. Although it can be found in several organs and tissues throughout the body, it is highly concentrated at the liver, kidneys, reproductive organs, and even within red blood cells.

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What does glutathione do?

Glutathione has a propensity to attach to electrophiles (think of “loose cannons”), which helps prevent genetic mutations, cellular damage, and toxic injury. In addition, glutathione has the ability to support the detoxification of fat-soluble toxins by making them water-soluble and ready for kidney excretion. 

What are fat soluble toxins, you may ask?

Think:

• Parabens from personal products and cleaners
• BPA and other BP derivatives from plastics 
• Heavy metals like tin, lead (from paint), mercury (from amalgams and fish) 
• Fuels & flame retardants
• Although not necessarily a toxin, estrogen is also a fat-soluble substance that needs to be removed as well!

…just to name a few. 

Common reasons glutathione is depleted

Although there is research that has shown that glutathione production naturally reduces with age, it also increasingly reduced by:

• alcohol use
• increased toxic burden from chemical, heavy metal, and mold exposures (as listed above)
• chronic use of acetaminophen (Tylenol) 
• Diets rich in fructose 
• Stress

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How can I increase my glutathione levels?

For this reason, improving glutathione levels can be gently improved through food sources. 

Foods high in glutathione include: 

• High Sulfur Rich Foods: Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, kale watercress, mustard seed, garlic, shallots, onions 
• Vitamin C Rich Foods: Kiwis, strawberries, citrus, bell peppers, papayas
• Selenium-Rich Foods: Brazil nuts, organ meats, beef, fish, chicken, brown rice
• Spices: Curucmin and turmeric

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Do I need glutathione supplementation?

Of course on a case by case scenario, some patients will require more need and glutathione support! That’s why we offer membership at MIMC. Working with one of our providers to identify nutrient deficiencies, hormone imbalances, toxic burden, and inflammation through appropriate testing and case work up, can help to identify if supplementation is further warranted—and get tailored health recommendations that are right for YOU.

Dr. Danielle Vogler-Bos

Dr. Danielle Vogler-Bos is a Naturopathic Doctor, registered and licensed in both Minnesota and Arizona. Her passion is educating and empowering her patients to take back their health, partnering with them to find the root cause of their struggles, and helping them feel better, faster. After graduating from Gustavus Adolphus College with a Bachelors of Arts in Biology, Dr. Vogler-Bos earned her Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, a fully accredited and nationally recognized institution in Phoenix, AZ.

During her clinical training, Dr. Vogler-Bos completed a rigorous internship gaining experience in the diagnosis and treatment of hormonal imbalances, thyroid disorders, and adrenal fatigue using both traditional naturopathic medicine and bio-identical hormone therapies.