Glutathione: Nature’s Defense Against Inflammation

Apr 30

**About Glutathione and how it can help reduce inflammation**

You may have heard the buzz about glutathione during the COVID-19 pandemic or from your favorite wellness influencer. Let’s see how much you know about this potent antioxidant molecule and learn how Vancouver Wellness Studio can support your glutathione levels!
Glutathione, also known as γ-l-glutamyl-l-cysteinyl-glycine or GSH, plays an important role in the removal of cellular waste and toxins in the body. Reactive oxygen species and toxins are neutralized by glutathione which prevents downstream tissue damage. Glutathione is also involved in cellular replication and metabolism. Every cell contains glutathione but the liver cells are responsible for releasing glutathione into circulation. Low glutathione levels can occur in patients with poor liver function, large toxin burden, cancer, and inflammation.
**Book a Glutathione Push with Emily**

Link to Disease with low glutathione levels

Numerous diseases are associated with low glutathione status. Those who may have lower glutathione levels include smokers and those diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis, cancer, MS, infertility, diabetes, viral infections, and much more. In research glutathione has been found to decrease tumor necrosis factor-alpha, CRP, inflammation, flu virus colonization, cisplatin induced neurotoxicity, and melasma. More research is looking into glutathione treatment for Parkinson’s disease.

COVID and Glutathione

Glutathione was investigated in the past few years due to its relation to COVID-19. Patients who are infected with the virus and have a worse prognosis tend to have lower glutathione levels. SARS-CoV-2 has also been found to decrease glutathione levels in the body. As a result of low glutathione levels, patients may experience downstream effects such as increased lung damage and blood clot formation with COVID-19.

Improving Liver Health and How Glutathione Helps

Liver disease, more specifically nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is one of the many metabolic diseases running rampant in the modern world. When liver disease progresses it can lead to systemic inflammation, weight issues, visceral fat deposition, hypertension, and liver fibrosis. One study found after administering glutathione daily x 4 months to patients with NAFLD, their liver enzymes and inflammatory markers decreased.

How to Improve Glutathione Levels

At Vancouver Wellness Studio we provide comprehensive care to help your body replete glutathione stores. One treatment we offer at VWS includes a “glutathione push.” A push is another term for a quick intravenous injection. Unlike other IVs, a push is much quicker and allows patients to get in and out in less than 30 min. IV administration also allows glutathione to bypass the digestive system so it is more readily available for the body to utilize (aka increased bioavailability).

Other ways to support glutathione include herbs, nutrition, and supplements. Glutathione is a sulfur containing molecule. Therefore, brassica vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower support glutathione because they contain sulforaphane. Another option is to increase protein intake since glutathione is made by the combination of 3 amino acids. Omega 3 fatty acids, especially found in food such as salmon, have been found to increase glutathione levels. In addition vitamins such as riboflavin, vitamin C, vitamin E all support glutathione levels. Other supportive measures include drinking green tea or fresh fruit juices and taking selenium and alpha-lipoic acid supplements. Herbs such as turmeric, gingko, rosemary, and milk thistle show promise as well. NAC (N-acetylcysteine), a precursor to glutathione, is even used in conventional medicine to treat acetaminophen overdose, because acetaminophen decreases glutathione levels.1

Comprehensive Care Including glutathione pushes

Our naturopathic physician Dr. Emily Morris administers glutathione pushes in-house and she would be happy to answer any questions you may have. You can either book an initial appointment or schedule a complimentary consultation to see if a glutathione push is right for you. Throughout the month of May 2024, all glutathione pushes are 10% off!

Side effects may occur with IV therapy. As always, consult with your provider before starting any new therapy including glutathione.

Sources and more reading

Forman HJ, Zhang H, Rinna A. Glutathione: overview of its protective roles, measurement, and biosynthesis. Mol Aspects Med. 2009;30(1-2):1-12. doi:10.1016/j.mam.2008.08.006
NatMed Pro - Professional Monograph. Accessed April 11, 2024.
Glassman I, Le N, Mirhosseini M, et al. The Role of Glutathione in Prevention of COVID-19 Immunothrombosis: A Review. Front Biosci (Landmark Ed). 2023;28(3):59. doi:10.31083/j.fbl2803059
Honda Y, Kessoku T, Sumida Y, et al. Efficacy of glutathione for the treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: an open-label, single-arm, multicenter, pilot study. BMC Gastroenterol. 2017;17(1):96. Published 2017 Aug 8. doi:10.1186/s12876-017-0652-3
Minich DM, Brown BI. A Review of Dietary (Phyto)Nutrients for Glutathione Support. Nutrients. 2019;11(9):2073. Published 2019 Sep 3. doi:10.3390/nu11092073

Dr. Emily Morris

Emily Morris, ND, MSAOM is a 1st year naturopathic physician resident at VWS. Dr. Morris focuses on patient-centered care with a background in nutrition, Naturopathic Medicine, and Traditional Chinese Medicine. She was born and raised in Ohio and always wanted to be a part of the healthcare field. She discovered Naturopathic Medicine through her step-mom’s cancer journey while in high school. She was inspired by her Naturopathic Doctor’s holistic approach to medicine and decided this was her life’s calling. After graduating from The Ohio State University with a BS in Nutrition Sciences and a minor in Integrative Approaches to Health and Wellness, she moved across the country to pursue her Naturopathic Medicine degree at Bastyr University. Due to her experience working with an Oriental Medicine Doctor and multiple acupuncturists in college, she pursued a dual degree with a Master in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Throughout medical school, she was shaped into a physician and learned how to heal her own ailments with the help of holistic practices. Dr. Morris understands how devastating health issues can be and can related especially to those who have experienced the loss of loved-ones from terminal illnesses. With her background, Dr. Morris is a strong ally for a patient’s health journey. She will work together with her patients to find their barriers to healing, and discover personalized treatment plans that work with their resources, values, and beliefs.

Dr. Morris has clinical interests in gastroenterology, women’s health, dermatology, and mental health conditions. With 5 years of camp counseling experience, she has also developed a clinical interest in working with teens and young adults. She provides integrative primary care and offers Western and Eastern healing modalities in addition to conventional diagnosis and treatment options. She loves herbalism, mind-body medicine, energetic medicine, nature-cure philosophy, and nutrition. Dr. Morris looks forward to meeting you!

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