Glutathione is a star ingredient in the beauty industry for its antioxidant properties. This Mother of Antioxidants is not just beneficial for your skin but also works wonders on your immune system. When it comes to immunity vitamin C is the most popular ingredient, but glutathione might be an underrated actor who deserves the starring position. In this blog we will understand glutathione benefits to the immune system.
Role of Glutathione in Building Immunity
Glutathione plays an essential role in beauty along with immunity. Glutathione helps keep our immune system strong and ready to strike against infections. Its strong antioxidant powers help fight against free radicals generated by our body. Free radicals are imbalanced molecules generated by our body as a by-product of exercising, eating and even breathing.
How does Glutathione Boost Immunity?
Free radicals in the body can cause maximum damage as they attack our body at a cellular level, stealing the electrons from other molecules, thus creating a chain reaction and destabilising them. Glutathione helps by supplying an extra electron to these imbalanced free radicals by making them stable. This prevents deterioration of cells and aids in self-repair, prolonging their functionality and lifespan. It also helps repair cells that were damaged by stress, radiation, pollutants and infection (1).
Glutathione also plays an essential role in increasing the number of the frontline soldiers of our immune system - T Cell Lymphocytes (white blood cells) and Natural killer (NK) cells. Glutathione helps by supplying an extra electron to these imbalanced free radicals by making them stable. This prevents deterioration of cells and aids in self-repair, prolonging their functionality and lifespan. It also helps repair cells that were damaged by stress, radiation, pollutants and infection. Glutathione also plays an essential role in increasing the number of the frontline soldiers of our immune system - T Cell Lymphocytes (white blood cells) and Natural killer (NK) cells (2).
Enhanced by glutathione, T cells produce more substances that fight infection, managing bacterial and viral infections. One clinical trial found that, after just six months of use, Glutathione doubled NK cells' ability to kill the invaders. It also modulates the behavior of many immune system cells and protects against microbial, viral and parasitic infections.
There are multiple chronic infections that wreak havoc on the immune system by deregulating and suppressing it. Glutathione can help by modulating and reversing this suppression. Imbalanced glutathione levels are also a hallmark of autoimmune diseases.
Glutathione Dosage for Immune System
While there is no standard dose of glutathione some studies suggest that consuming 500-1000 mg of glutathione daily can help to boost the immune system (3).
Why do You Need Glutathione Supplement?
Glutathione is naturally produced by our body, but its levels decrease due to aging, stress, free radical damage and toxin exposure. Glutathione obtained through food is not enough to maintain the optimum levels. So, to obtain its maximum benefits, it's essential to bring it back to optimum levels through supplements. While choosing glutathione supplements, ensure that it has reduced glutathione, as it is an active form that neutralizes free radicals and prevents oxidative stress.
While choosing oral glutathione supplement look for Japanese Opitac glutathione as it is clinically proven for faster absorption in the body. Also choose an effervescent oral supplement for maximum benefits.
Conclusion
In conclusion, glutathione, often celebrated for its beauty benefits, plays a critical role in enhancing immunity. Its potent antioxidant properties neutralize harmful free radicals, preventing cellular damage and promoting self-repair. By boosting T Cell Lymphocytes and Natural Killer cells, glutathione strengthens the body's defense against infections.
Chronic infections and autoimmune diseases, which disrupt immune function, can be mitigated by maintaining optimal glutathione levels. Given that natural production decreases with age and stress, supplementing with reduced glutathione, particularly in easily absorbed forms like Japanese Opitac, is essential for sustaining a robust immune system and overall health.
FAQs
1. Does glutathione make your skin glow?
Yes, glutathione can make your skin glow. Its antioxidant properties help reduce oxidative stress, lighten hyperpigmentation, and improve overall skin tone by neutralizing free radicals and promoting cell repair, resulting in a brighter, more radiant complexion.
2. Can glutathione fight infection?
Yes, glutathione can fight infection. It boosts the immune system by enhancing T Cell Lymphocytes and Natural Killer cells, neutralizing free radicals, and repairing damaged cells, thereby strengthening the body's defense mechanisms against bacterial, viral, and other infections.
3. Why is glutathione so powerful?
Glutathione is powerful because of its exceptional antioxidant properties, which neutralize free radicals, prevent cellular damage, and support detoxification. It also enhances immune function, aids in cell repair, and regulates vital cellular processes, making it crucial for overall health.