Glutathione is an antioxidant produced by the human body. It has quite a number of functions, but its main function is to protect cells from free radical damage. The functions include: aiding major organs such as the liver and the kidneys in the detox process, keeping the skin vibrant, and preventing heart diseases among others.
As a result of aging, stress, medication, and high toxicity levels in the blood, most people suffer from glutathione deficiency. To enjoy the above-mentioned benefits, it means that they have to supplement with glutathione boosting pills, capsules, drips, injections, and even inhalants. Read on to find out the advantages of glutathione in the human body in general, as well as the disadvantages that might come about as a result of taking glutathione supplements:
Advantages Of Glutathione
The following are glutathione benefits:
- Treating rare diseases.
People take over-the-counter glutathione supplements to treat diseases and infections that are otherwise difficult and expensive to treat artificially. These diseases and infections include: glaucoma, cataracts, hepatitis, memory loss, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, anemia, osteoarthritis, and diseases that weaken the immune system such as AIDS.
- Treating addiction-related illnesses.
Glutathione is used to treat people who are recovering from addictions, such as smoking and alcoholism. Besides suppressing alcoholism and smoking habits, it is also used to treat the diseases which may arise from the habits. These diseases include the liver disease, kidney failure, heart diseases, and lung diseases such as cystic fibrosis and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
- Boosting the immune system.
Glutathione is an important compound used in the actual production of white blood cells. White blood cells are essential for fighting off all disease-causing microorganisms.
- Preventing poisoning.
Pollution is inevitable in the current world that we are living in. As a detoxifying agent, glutathione neutralizes metals such as mercury and lead that might be in the blood system. The medication we sometimes take such as mild painkillers, antidepressants, and sleeping pills might sometimes cause the accumulation of harmful chemicals in the blood. Glutathione eliminates these harmful chemicals also.
- Role in cancer treatment.
Glutathione is given as a shot to cancer patients to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy. These effects include fatigue, nausea, unpleasant skin, and hair loss.
- Boosting fertility.
Glutathione is among the most recommended remedies for infertility, especially for men. It is recommended as an opening treatment for those men who have problems fathering a child.
- Important for after-surgery recovery.
Glutathione is given as an after-surgery recovery drug to patients after surgery. After a heart bypass surgery, it is given to prevent kidney complications that may arise as a result of the heart operation. It is also given to patients who have had kidney transplants and other kidney- related surgeries.
Disadvantages Of Taking Glutathione Supplements
As you would expect, the disadvantages of taking glutathione supplements are not many. In fact, the few disadvantages are clouded by the many advantages and they become quite insignificant.
Although, not very serious, some people experience some discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract after taking the supplements. Others can also experience nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
