GLUTATHIONE: BENEFITS, USAGE & SIDE EFFECTS FOR YOUR SKIN AND BODY
GSH or glutathione is a molecule, very common in the body. Nerve cells and the liver produce it in the central nervous system. 3 amino acids L-cysteine, glycine, and L-glutamate are the components of glutathione. Proponents are of the view that glutathione supplement is much helpful in treating and preventing several health conditions like Alzheimer, and heart disease. However, the claim needs to be proved.
Benefits
Glutathione is an antioxidant that helps to fight free radicals. Excessive free radicals lead to different health issues and inflammation like Alzheimer’s, diabetes, high blood pressure, and many more. Antioxidant secures healthy balance in this regard. The body itself produces some antioxidants and rest comes from external sources like supplements like GSH or diet. Apart from being an antioxidant it further confirms the metabolism of cancer and toxins causing substances in the body. It repairs DNA and natural creation. It produces prostaglandin compounds with hormones and protein to activate enzymes. Glutathione even helps to break down nutrients to regulate important body processes like an immune response. In short, glutathione has several benefits. Glutathione can reverse the aging process, preserve memory, and prevent cancer. Further, it has a wide range of benefits in health problems like alcohol use disorder, Parkinson’s disease, liver disease, hepatitis, heart disease, glaucoma, diabetes, cataract, osteoarthritis, high cholesterol, colitis, chronic fatigue syndrome, Alzheimer, Lyme disease, hardened artery. As per the publication of Medical Science Monitor in 2011, glutathione even shares a connection with an autism spectrum disorder. The study with the help of 26 children aged between 3 to 13 with autism spectrum disorder is diagnosed for 8-week treatment either through glutathione skin lotion or oral glutathione supplement. The result of the study has confirmed that glutathione supplement helps to increase the glutathione level of the participants noticeably. However, the matter is still under research.
Side effects
The research about glutathione is not very popular and it shares in the aspect of possible side effects of using Glutathione supplement. Through some consideration, it can be said that the overuse of glutathione supplements can lead to bloating and cramping. It can even be allergic for some people which can be seen in the form of a rash.
Usage
Proper dosage of it is not properly scientifically supported. Some are of the view that a supplement of N-acetylcysteine can be more effective. Several studies have investigated the doses of glutathione for a specific medical condition. The proper dose for anyone can depend on several factors like medical history, sex, age, etc. The medical practitioner often uses glutathione for treating Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, atherosclerosis, and for removing the side effect of hemodialysis, bypass surgery, and chemotherapy. In certain conditions, it can even be inhaled or can be given through a nebulizer. If you are opting for glutathione for some conditions, it is better for you to consult a health care provider or medical practitioner before starting any supplement regimen. Self-treating through glutathione for a chronic condition or to avoid complications can further have consequences.
Endnote
As an antioxidant, glutathione helps the body to balance free radicals to confirm healthy staying. It works at the cellular level to prevent cell damage and inflammation which can be the causes of illness. It has several benefits for the health to treat many diseases as well as to prevent the side effect of many diseases. On the other hand, it has some side effects like skin rashes. Thereby, it is better for a person to opt for a glutathione regimen only by consulting with a health care provider or medical practitioner to avoid further consequences.