Glutathione

I encountered the word before I heard the hype about it. A friend of mine told me that it is a skin-whitener. But what shall I do with it? I already have fair skin. The truth is I am pale because of the “anemia” I am suffering more than six months ago. Spending money for something that is not essential is seems absurd.

However, after months of hearing about it, my curiosity was raised especially when I am already seeing celebrities endorsing the substance on TV. What is glutathione really?

Glutathione “is a very powerful anti-oxidant that protects the body by targeting and destroying reactive oxygen molecules and free radicals. It is found in high concentration in the liver, where it binds to heavy metals such as mercury and lead, chemical pollutants, and carcinogens and transforms them into form that can easily flushed out of the body via enzymatic pathway. It enhances the body’s immune response. Studies have shown depleted levels of glutathione are associated with enhanced toxicity and weaken the immune system.”

I read further and realized that there is really so much about it than a skin whitener. In fact, skin whitening is just a side effect of glutathione. Would you believe that? But I am not really interested on it being a super anti-oxidant than a skin-whitener.

Another important thing I’ve read about it is that, oral intake of glutathione is not as effective as it is given intravenously or through an injection. It is easily damaged in the intestine before it reaches the cells. So the best thing to do is to take it with Vitamin C. This is no problem with me because I always dose 500mg of ascorbic acid a day.

The benefit that the body could get from glutathione changed my attitude towards it. Before I thought this is just another commercial gimmickry. But hey, if it could help boost my immune system considering my hyperactive lifestyle, why not give it a try. Anyway, before jumping into the bandwagon, why not try the natural means first.

Glutathione is present in fresh and frozen fruits, vegetables, meat and fish, and asparagus, avocado and walnuts are said to be rich with it. This sounds nice because these are very accessible except for the last one.

The problem is that, how would I know if there is a significant effect in my glutathione consumption through the natural means? My diet is almost as healthy as that which is recommended by health professionals. My body is in very good condition.

I guess the best way is to overdose myself so that I would see the side effects.