Glutathione's Effect on Autoimmune Disease
Autoimmune diseases affect up to 10% of adults and are on the rise. One contributing factor may be altered glutathione balance, as more pollution, stress, and toxins cause free radicals and impact human health.
Glutathione helps neutralize free radicals and modulates the body's immune response. This immune support is critical in autoimmune diseases, like lupus, where the immune system attacks the body - in this case, the mitochondria of specific cells.
An effective way to restore glutathione balance is with glutathione supplements. Today's article will explore autoimmunity and liposomal glutathione benefits. Keep reading to discover:
- What is glutathione?
- Glutathione and autoimmunity
- Liposomal glutathione benefits
"An effective way to restore glutathione balance is with glutathione supplements."
What is Glutathione?
Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant and essential for life and health. It's an immune regulator, part of the body's defense system. As an antioxidant, it combats free radicals, protects cells from damage, and helps reduce and control inflammation. Additionally, glutathione is essential for detoxification in the liver. (Source 1, 2)
Glutathione levels decline with age and lower levels are associated with chronic diseases, including autoimmune diseases. (Source 2, 3)
"Glutathione levels decline with age and lower levels are associated with chronic diseases, including autoimmune diseases."
Read more about the 14 liposomal glutathione benefits for your health.
Autoimmune Disease and Glutathione
Autoimmune diseases are complex, involving both genetic and environmental factors. The immune system becomes dysregulated and begins attacking self-tissue like it's a foreign invader, causing increased inflammation and tissue damage.
The type of autoimmune disease depends on the part of the body that's impacted. For example, Hashimoto's affects the thyroid, celiac disease involves the small intestine, and rheumatoid arthritis impacts the joints. Yet, all autoimmune diseases are fundamentally immune system issues.
When autoimmunity flares, as in other cases of chronic inflammation, antioxidant defenses are weaker. Research suggests that those with autoimmune diseases lack optimal antioxidant function. Without enough antioxidants on board, autoimmune-related inflammation and tissue damage can accelerate. (Source 1)
"Research suggests that those with autoimmune diseases lack optimal antioxidant function. Without enough antioxidants on board, autoimmune-related inflammation and tissue damage can accelerate."
Glutathione supplements help to increase glutathione levels and antioxidant status, which is beneficial in autoimmune diseases.
Research on glutathione supplementation in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) suggests many benefits, including:
- Improved antioxidant balance
- Improved lymphocyte (immune cell) function
- Cellular protection
- Reduced inflammation
- Reduced autoantibody levels (Source 4)
Liposomal Glutathione Benefits
You can increase glutathione levels through nutrition strategies by including specific foods in the diet. However, glutathione supplementation is the best way to get therapeutic doses to support autoimmunity. More specifically, supplementing with liposomal glutathione.
Glutathione is a peptide (small protein) molecule, so taking preformed glutathione in a supplement breaks down in the digestive system. Some studies suggest that most glutathione supplements are ineffective at raising glutathione levels in the body. (Source 5)
Another option is supplementing with N-acetyl cysteine, a glutathione precursor, which encourages the body to increase glutathione production. Because of genetics or other factors, some may have difficulty manufacturing enough glutathione to support autoimmune disease.
Liposomal glutathione solves the glutathione supplementation issues by encapsulating active, preformed glutathione inside liposomes. These liposomes act like human cell membranes and protect the molecule from breaking down in the digestive system. Liposomal glutathione is easily absorbed and readily available to cells. It also has a high safety profile at recommended dosages.
In clinical trials, liposomal glutathione consistently increases glutathione levels in the body by up to 25% with just a 500mg dose. (Source 5)
"In clinical trials, liposomal glutathione consistently increases glutathione levels in the body by up to 25% with just a 500mg dose."
Core Med Science Liposomal Glutathione Dietary Supplements
Core Med Science is an industry leader in liposomal technology and offers several liposomal glutathione options to support immunity and overall health. Our formulas include:
- Core Med Science Liposomal Glutathione Liquid with 500 mg per serving in a tasty liquid formula that makes it easy to adjust your dose.
- Core Med Science Liposomal Glutathione Softgels with 500 mg per serving in an easy-to-swallow softgel.
- Core Med Science Liposomal Glutathione Capsules contain 500 mg in each 2-capsule serving.
Each liposomal formula contains sunflower phospholipids and is soy, gluten, and GMO-free. We also use third-party testing to ensure the quality and purity of every supplement.
When it comes to autoimmunity and protecting your cells from oxidative stress, don't overlook the importance of glutathione for immune health and balance. It's not a cure, but liposomal glutathione can be incredibly supportive along with comprehensive Functional Medicine care.
References:
- Perricone, C., De Carolis, C., & Perricone, R. (2009). Glutathione: a key player in autoimmunity. Autoimmunity reviews, 8(8), 697-701.
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/glutathione-uses-risks
- Ballatori, N., Krance, S. M., Notenboom, S., Shi, S., Tieu, K., & Hammond, C. L. (2009). Glutathione dysregulation and the etiology and progression of human diseases. Biological chemistry, 390(3), 191-214.
- Ravi, N., Choday, S., Shantha Kumar, V., Kc, A., Parisapogu, A., Ojinna, B. T., Tran, H. H., Sherpa, M. L., Shrestha, N., & Mohammed, L. (2022). The Key Role of Glutathione Compared to Curcumin in the Management of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Systematic Review. Cureus, 14(11), e31324.
- Minich, D. M., & Brown, B. I. (2019). A Review of Dietary (Phyto)Nutrients for Glutathione Support. Nutrients, 11(9), 2073.