RAISE YOUR GLUTATHIONE LEVELS
- Damilola Olawoye
- Jan 20, 2020
- 3 min read
Glutathione is one of the body’s most important and potent antioxidants. Antioxidants are substances that reduce oxidative stress by combating free radicals in the body.
While most antioxidants are found in the foods you eat, glutathione is produced by your body. It is primarily made up of three amino acids: glutamine, glycine and cysteine
There are a number of reasons why your body’s glutathione level may become depleted, including poor diet, chronic disease, infection and constant stress.
Glutathione is also known to decrease with age
Maintaining adequate levels of this antioxidant is incredibly important.
You can increase your glutathione level by doing some of the following
1. Consume sulfur rich food
Sulfur is an important mineral that occurs naturally in some plant and protein foods.
It’s required for the structure and activity of important proteins and enzymes in the body. Notably, sulfur is required for the synthesis of glutathione
Sulfur is found in two amino acids in food: methionine and cysteine. It’s primarily derived from dietary proteins, such as beef, fish, egg,
However, there are vegetarian sources of sulfur as well which includes vegetables like brocolli, spinach, garlic, carrots, avocado, grapefruit, apple, cabbage and onions e.t.c which can help boost your glutathione levels.
To get the most glutathione from this food group, eat fresh fruits and vegetables, not overcooked or processed ones. Overcooking and processing will decrease the level of benefits you will obtain
2. Increase Your Vitamin C Intake
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin found in a variety of foods, particularly fruits and vegetables.
Strawberries, citrus fruits, papayas, and bell peppers are all examples of foods rich in vitamin C.
This vitamin has many functions, including working as an antioxidant to protect cells from oxidative damage. It also maintains the body’s supply of other antioxidants, including glutathione.
Researchers have discovered that vitamin C may help increase glutathione levels by attacking free radicals first, thereby sparing glutathione.
In fact, researchers have found that taking vitamin C supplements increased glutathione levels in white blood cells in healthy adult, but it is unclear whether consuming foods rich in vitamin C will have the same effect
3. Add Selenium-Rich Foods to Your Diet
Selenium is an essential mineral and a glutathione cofactor, meaning it’s a substance needed for glutathione activity.
Some of the best sources of selenium are beef, chicken, fish, organ meats, cheese, brown rice, walnuts, oats, sunflower seed cereals, Turkey e.t.c.
By increasing your intake of selenium, you may help maintain or increase your body’s supply of glutathione.
4. Eat Foods Naturally Rich in Glutathione
The human body produces glutathione, but there are also dietary sources. Spinach, avocados, asparagus and okra are some of the richest dietary sources
However, dietary glutathione is poorly absorbed by the human body. Additionally, cooking and storage conditions can decrease the amount of glutathione found in food.
Despite having a lower impact on increasing glutathione levels, glutathione-rich foods may help decrease oxidative stress.
5.Get Enough Sleep
A good night’s rest is essential for overall health. Interestingly, long-term lack of sleep can cause oxidative stress and even hormone imbalances.
Furthermore, research has shown that chronic lack of sleep may decrease glutathione levels.
For example, a study measuring glutathione levels in 30 healthy people and 30 people with insomnia found that glutathione peroxidase activity was significantly lower in those with insomnia.
Multiple animal studies have also shown that sleep deprivation causes a decrease glutathione levels
Therefore, making sure you get good, restorative sleep each night may help maintain or boost your levels of this antioxidant.

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