Glutathione and mental health

 

Glutathione (GSH) is a tripeptide containing a gamma-amide bond, consisting of glutamic acid, cysteine and glycine. GSH plays an important role in human detoxification, amino acid transport and metabolism.

Glutathione is one of the most talked about supplements in the healthcare industry. Research has found it has a range of benefits, including mental and brain health.

1. Anxiety, Depression and Stress

Studies have found that people with depression have low levels of glutathione.

Therefore, glutathione prevents animals from becoming depressed under stress. What's more, anti-anxiety drugs may work in part by raising its levels.

Some people with anxiety, depression, and chronic stress have low glutathione levels; restoring optimal levels may help calm the mind.

2. Obsessive-compulsive disorder and schizophrenia

People with schizophrenia have low glutathione levels. NAC increases glutathione levels in the brain, improving symptoms of schizophrenia in clinical studies.

People with OCD may have lower levels of GSH in certain parts of the brain and higher levels of free radicals in the blood. Boosting glutathione can improve antioxidant defenses, stress tolerance, and control overall symptom severity.

Since many of the medications used to treat bipolar disorder work by increasing glutathione levels, increasing glutathione naturally may also help stabilize mood and symptoms.

People with obsessive-compulsive disorder and schizophrenia often have low levels of glutathione.

3. Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer's disease is caused in part by oxidative stress. Antioxidants can prevent or delay disease. Multiple clinical studies have shown that oral administration of vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant, can slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease.

In Alzheimer's disease, the accumulation of toxic proteins further reduces glutathione levels, making patients more susceptible to a deficiency.

In mice with Alzheimer's disease, increasing glutathione enhanced memory, reduced plaque buildup, and improved overall symptoms.

The content of this article is provided as information only and cannot replace a doctor's treatment diagnosis and advice. If you decide to add any supplement, including glutathione, to your routine, talk to your doctor.

*Special note - This article is for informational purposes only and cannot replace a doctor's treatment diagnosis and advice. It should not be regarded as a recommendation or proof of efficacy of the medical products involved. If it involves disease diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation, please be sure to go to a professional medical institution to seek professional advice.