Do you know which nutrient works tirelessly to scavenge free radicals and eliminate mycotoxins, heavy metals, environmental pollutants, and more? You guessed it – glutathione! This powerful nutrient is a detoxification powerhouse and is critical for toxic mold recovery.
However, there’s a catch. Glutathione gets depleted from poor diet, stress, age, toxins, and yes…toxic mold. This is unfortunate because that’s when you need glutathione the most! This article will lay out what glutathione is, what it does, and how to optimize your glutathione levels.
What Is Glutathione & What Does It Do?
Glutathione is called the master antioxidant of the body. It is essential for detoxification, but becomes depleted when the toxic load is too high.
This is especially true for mold illness, as mycotoxins decrease the gene expression of the enzymes needed to produce glutathione. (1) This is why several animal studies link mycotoxins exposure with reduced glutathione levels. (2)
That’s bad news, as glutathione helps your body in many ways:
Combats free radical damage
Supports phase 1 and 2 detox
Reduces risk of cancer
Regulates cell apoptosis (cell death)
Boosts energy production (ATP)
Acts as a cofactor for several enzymes
Improves insulin sensitivity
Regulates gene expression
Helps your body regenerate vitamin C and E
Supports immune health
Like many nutrients, glutathione has an active and inactive state. The inactive state is called oxidized glutathione (GSSG), and the active form is called reduced glutathione (GSG). Your body recycles glutathione from its oxidized state (GSSG) into the active form (GSG). (3)
As I mentioned before, glutathione can also be produced by the body. This requires the amino acids cysteine, glutamic acid, and glycine, which are the precursors to glutathione production.
N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC), the precursor to cysteine, is often taken to bump up glutathione levels. Hospitals have even used N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) as a treatment for poisoning for this very reason! (4)
Your body can recycle glutathione, or make it. It’s found in foods like cruciferous veggies and can be taken as a supplement. It also increases with coffee enema use.
Does Glutathione Cause Side Effects?
When using glutathione as a supplement, you may find you feel better, worse, or neutral!
Side effects are rare, but could include:
Abdominal pain
Bloating
Skin rashes
Breathing problems.
Glutathione for me, like binders, doesn’t really feel like much. But I know they are doing good things for me so I take them.
But I’ve had clients feel instantly better or worse on a binder or on glutathione. If you feel worse, reduce the dosage. If it’s still a problem, take a break from it and try it again when you’re feeling stronger (i.e. have made progress in your recovery).
Forms of Glutathione - Which is Best?
There are several forms of supplemental glutathione. We carry one by Results RNA that is a micro-ionized spray. This is a good option for kids and people who need dosing options.
There are also liposomal glutathione formulas that usually come in a liquid form. These are very well-absorbed and good for those who can’t swallow pills or need dosing options.
I am also a huge fan of S-acetyl-glutathione. This type of glutathione is formulated to prevent it from breaking down in the gut, enhancing absorption. How?
An acetyl group is attached to the sulfur atom of cysteine in the glutathione molecule. This protects glutathione from breaking down in the gastrointestinal tract. Once absorbed and inside the cells, the acetyl group is removed, leaving the glutathione molecule intact. Viola!
Our product, Glutathione Synergy by Functional Detox Products, contains this highly-absorbable form, along with NAC and B6, which also boost glutathione production.
N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is a precursor of L-cysteine, which enhances glutathione production. Some people tolerate NAC better than glutathione, and it can also be more affordable. I prefer to include ‘straight’ glutathione as well, though.
Choosing a Glutathione Supplement
When it comes to glutathione supplementation, you get what you pay for. Many glutathione supplements are poorly absorbed and a waste of money. So, be sure you do your homework and choose one of the forms mentioned above, so you get the most bang for your buck.
Each serving of our Glutathione Synergy contains:
1 gm NAC
200 mg s-acetyl glutathione
10 mg B6
This potent formula gives your body the building blocks needed to replenish your glutathione stores and keep your detox game strong.
Detox Collection
Mi Detox Electrolytes is another great way to up your antioxidant game, with quercetin, vitamin C and blackberry powder.
I’d love for you to try these products I specially designed for your detox recovery! We offer a no-fuss, 30-day refund period if you are not satisfied for any reason, so it’s risk-free!
Learn How to Boost Your Body’s Detox
Hungry for more detox tips and tricks? Check out my book The Ultimate Toxic Mold Recovery Guide: Take Back Your Home, Health, & Life on Amazon.
It’s chock full of helpful tips to help you create a detox lifestyle – including my favorite detox supplements and techniques, along with lifestyle habits and tips to create a low-tox environment.
Bridgit Danner, LAc, FDNP, is trained in functional health coaching and has worked with thousands of women over her career since 2004. She is the founder of Women’s Wellness Collaborative llc and FunctionalDetoxProducts.com.
Check out her easy 5-Day DIY Detox Guide here!
I was introduced to CoQ10 as an supplement about 4 years ago. At the time, I was in the middle of detoxing from mold, and I had already spent a lot of money on trying to heal. I was skeptical to try yet another thing, but the truth was that I was only about 50% better, which is not enough at all. So I tried it…