In this summary of new research on glutathione’s ability to improve liver function, natural medicine expert, Michael Murray, ND, describes glutathione as “one of the most important compounds that every cell in your body produces” and “one of the most important keys in maintaining proper cellular function”. Glutathione detoxification is a critical part of health in modern society and supplementation with glutathione is a primary way to improve detoxification. Murray lists the following glutathione benefits, as detailed in tens of thhousands of research studies:
- Critical Antioxidant: It is the body’s main cellular antioxidant and it recycles other antioxidants like vitamins C and E.
- Essential in Cell Function: Glutathione is required for the manufacture of many cellular proteins, the synthesis and repair of DNA, and the activation and regulation of cellular enzymes involved in overall cell function.
- Detoxifying compound: Glutathione is the body’s most effective detoxifying agent. Glutathione binds undesirable toxins, pollutants, cancer-causing chemicals, heavy metals, and drug metabolites and excretes them through the urine or the gut.
- Immune system effects: Glutathione is critical in modulating the immune system. It boosts functions with the immune system is underactive and brings it back into balance when it is overactive.
“Low levels of glutathione are linked to almost every chronic disease, especially those associated with aging like cognitive decline. Glutathione levels tend to drop as we age, as well as when we are exposed to toxins, drugs, environmental pollution and any other compound that causes oxidative damage. Even something as simple as taking acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) can cause glutathione levels to plummet.”
-Michael Murray, ND
In the following study, a glutathione supplement made from a fermentation process was demonstrated to be absorbed and benefit liver disease patients and improve liver function. All patients first underwent intervention to improve their lifestyle habits (diet and exercise) for 3 months, followed by treatment with glutathione (300mg/day) for 4 months.
ALT levels, a marker for liver damage, significantly decreased following treatment with glutathione for 4 months.
The researchers wrote the following about glutathione benefits:
“This pilot study demonstrates the potential therapeutic effects of oral administration of glutathione in practical dose for patients with Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. “