Glutathione is essential for the healthy functioning of mitochondria, the energy powerhouses of cells. Damaged or dysfunctional mitochondria play a critical role in the cancerization process. When the function of mitochondria is impaired due to toxins or an unhealthy cellular environment, they switch to a more primitive form of respiration that uses glucose (sugar) instead of oxygen, leading to cancerization.

To stay healthy, improve performance, prevent diseases, and protect against the effects of aging, glutathione levels must be kept high. Research shows that high levels of glutathione reduce muscle damage, shorten recovery time, increase muscle strength and endurance, and shift metabolism from fat storage to muscle production.

Glutathione is one of the most important molecules for staying healthy and preventing disease. It plays a key role in preventing aging, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, dementia, and many other chronic/degenerative diseases. Glutathione consists of three building blocks: cysteine, glycine, and glutamine amino acids. It is naturally produced in our bodies. Glutathione is called the "master antioxidant" because it captures free radicals, transports them to the liver, and renews itself to continue its work. Free radicals are often by-products of normal cell metabolic oxidation and toxic waste. If not neutralized by antioxidants, they can lead to autoimmune diseases and chronic diseases such as cancer.

Glutathione Deficiency

The body naturally produces glutathione, but its production decreases with age. Toxins also lead to reduced glutathione levels. When glutathione decreases, free radicals can damage body structures since we are no longer protected against them.

Active Glutathione (GSH): When glutathione captures free radicals and becomes saturated, it renews itself in the liver. Under ideal conditions, 10% of glutathione is in its inactive (oxidized) form, while 90% is in its active form. When the active glutathione level (known as GSH) falls below 90%, we begin to lose the battle against free radicals. As toxins accumulate, GSH continues to decrease. When GSH falls below 70%, immune system dysfunction occurs.

Causes of Glutathione Deficiency

Some of these substances include:

• Glutathione (GSH) deficiency in the body can be caused by both internal and external factors.
• Internal factors relate to increased demand for glutathione, which is an essential part of processes such as immunity, DNA repair, and protection from oxidative stress.
• External factors, such as toxic and harmful substances, lead to significant amounts of glutathione being used for detoxification.

• Acetaminophen (paracetamol),
• Acetone, solvents (thinner),
• Fuels and their by-products,
• Heavy metals (mercury from dental fillings, vaccines, tattoos), lead, cadmium, copper, etc.,
• Pesticides, herbicides, agricultural chemicals,
• Nitrates and chemical food additives (salami, sausages, smoked foods, etc.),
• Artificial sweeteners like aspartame,
• Synthetic food dyes,
• Benzo(a)pyrenes (cigarette smoke, BBQ smoke, exhaust fumes, etc.),
• Alcohol,
• Household cleaning products (detergents, fabric softeners, air fresheners, naphthalene, cleaning agents, bleaches, etc.),
• Cooking materials (non-stick cookware, plastic storage containers, canned food, and packaging materials),
• Formaldehyde and styrene (toner inks from photocopiers and printers),
• Chlorinated water,
• X-rays,
• UV radiation,
• Electromagnetic fields (EMF),
• Industrial waste,
• Other external factors,
• Poor nutrition – deficiency in vitamins and minerals that are cofactors for glutathione synthesis results in inadequate production, while deficiency in other antioxidants leads to the consumption of glutathione,
• Excessive exercise – excessive free radical production in the body leads to glutathione depletion,
• Chronic stress,
• Anxiety, worry,
• Depression,

Exposure to light at night suppresses melatonin secretion, leading to a decrease in glutathione levels (such as from bedside lamps, cell phones, or tablet screens);
After the age of 20, natural glutathione production decreases by approximately 10% every decade.

It is not possible to avoid all of these factors, but many of them can be minimized through regular lifestyle habits, avoiding toxins, and performing detoxification.

Foods and Supplements That Increase Glutathione Levels

• Foods rich in sulfur that help increase glutathione production in the liver include garlic, onions, brassica vegetables (broccoli, cabbage family, watercress, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts), radish, and turnip.
• N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) is a valuable supplement that stimulates glutathione production. It is inexpensive and effective. The increase in GSH levels with NAC is temporary and lasts for a few hours.
• SAMe – S-adenosyl-methionine – is a type of methionine that is partially converted into cysteine. It is used in the treatment of cirrhosis and cholestasis and is a popular supplement for stabilizing mood.
• Consuming methylation nutrients, such as folate, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and biotin, found in foods like liver, lentils, spinach, asparagus, avocado, parsley, beetroot, and beans is recommended.
• The hormone melatonin regulates sleep and wake cycles and is produced by the pineal gland in the brain. Melatonin is released into the bloodstream at night, and its production is largely dependent on light. Melatonin is also a powerful antioxidant and has the ability to stimulate other antioxidants. It has been shown that melatonin effectively increases GSH levels in the brain, liver, muscles, and blood. The only known natural source of melatonin is cherries.
• Magnesium is a mineral necessary for the function of the gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase enzyme, which is important for glutathione synthesis.
• A daily intake of 490-700 mg is recommended. Magnesium-rich foods include fish, spinach, pumpkin, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, beans, walnuts, almonds, and peanuts.
• Zinc deficiency, especially in red blood cells, leads to a decrease in active glutathione levels. However, high zinc levels can also be toxic. The recommended daily intake for adults is 8-11 mg. The richest sources of zinc are oysters, red and white meat, and shellfish. The bioavailability of zinc from plant sources is much lower than from animal sources.
• Selenium is important for glutathione production and recycling in the body. Brazil nuts, sardines, pike fish, pasture-fed animal meats, and more are good sources of selenium.