Before we find out the 7 foods that help boost glutathione levels in our bodies let me ask you this:
Do you know what glutathione is?
Glutathione is a natural antioxidant that when present in high levels, can protect cells against inflammatory conditions, viral infections and toxic metals.
It is found within every cell of our body and it improves the function of all other antioxidants.
If this sounds intriguing to you, don’t wait any longer and have a look at our list of 7 foods that can help boost your glutathione levels!
What is glutathione?
Glutathione is a substance produced naturally by the liver. It is also found in fruits, vegetables and meats. Glutathione acts as an antioxidant, scavenging harmful free radicals from the body and helping to protect cells from damage.
Low levels of glutathione have been linked with a variety of health problems, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, cancer and premature aging.
There are a few things we can do and this is how to increase glutathione levels in your body:
- Eat plenty of sulfur-rich foods such as garlic, onions, eggs and cruciferous vegetables (kale, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cabbage).
- Make sure you’re getting enough vitamin C – citrus fruits, bell peppers and other vitamin C-rich foods will help here.
- Get some exercise! Physical activity helps to increase glutathione levels.
- Consider supplementing with N-acetylcysteine (NAC), which is a precursor to glutathione production.
- Try milk thistle supplements – these can help to protect the liver and promote glutathione production.
Types of glutathione in our bodies
There are three main types of glutathione in our bodies: reduced (GSH), oxidized (GSSG), and protein-bound (GPX).
Reduced glutathione is the most active form of the compound and is responsible for scavenging free radicals and toxins. It is found in all cells, but is especially abundant in the liver.
Oxidized glutathione is a less active form of the compound that is formed when reduced glutathione comes into contact with free radicals or toxins.
It is still able to scavenge some toxins, but not as effectively as reduced glutathione.
Protein-bound glutathione is a complex of glutathione and protein that is found in foods like eggs, milk, and meat.
It is not as readily available to the body as reduced or oxidized glutathione, but it can still provide some benefit.
Eggs, milk, and meat are good sources of protein-bound glutathione.
The liver is the main organ responsible for producing glutathione. However, the compound is also found in other tissues, such as the lungs, spleen, and pancreas.
Glutathione levels can be measured in the blood, but this is not a reliable indicator of tissue levels. The best way to measure glutathione levels is through a biopsy of the liver or other tissues.
7 Foods that help boost glutathione levels in our bodies
Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect our cells from damage. It also plays a role in detoxifying our bodies and helping to reduce inflammation.
While our bodies produce glutathione naturally, we can also get it from certain foods. Here are some of the best foods to eat to boost your glutathione levels:
Garlic
This aromatic and flavorful ingredient is more than just a great addition to your cooking. Garlic is also very rich in sulfur, a mineral that’s necessary for the production of glutathione.
So, make sure to add garlic to your meals on a regular basis if you want to keep your glutathione levels high.
Cruciferous vegetables
Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cabbage, and kale, are also very rich in sulfur and they can help increase your glutathione levels.
They also contain a compound called glucosinolate, which helps the body detoxify itself from harmful substances.
So, eat your cruciferous veggies every day to cleanse your body and boost your glutathione levels at the same time!
Nuts and seeds
Nuts and seeds are a great source of selenium, another mineral necessary for the production of glutathione.
Brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, and flaxseeds are especially rich in selenium, so make sure to include them in your diet on a regular basis.
Other foods that help boost glutathione levels in our bodies:
- Eggs
- Green tea
- Turmeric
- Fish like salmon and tuna
- Shellfish like oysters and shrimp
- Goji berries
Glutathione and Cancer
Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect our cells from damage. It also plays an important role in detoxifying our bodies and helping to fight cancer.
There is some evidence that glutathione levels may be lower in people with cancer, which means that boosting levels of this nutrient could help to fight the disease.
There are a few ways to boost glutathione levels in our bodies, including eating foods that are rich in glutathione or taking supplements. Some of the best food sources of glutathione include:
- Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts
- Raw garlic
- Nuts and seeds
- Eggs
- Fish and shellfish
- Meat and poultry
If you are interested in taking glutathione supplements, it is important to talk to your doctor first to make sure they are safe for you.
Conclusion
Eating a diet that includes certain foods can help boost glutathione levels in our bodies. Glutathione is an important antioxidant that helps protect against cell damage.
Some of the best foods to eat for boosting glutathione levels include broccoli, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts. Other good options include kale, spinach, and Swiss chard.
Eating a healthy diet rich in these foods can help keep our bodies healthy and free from disease.
While glutathione is found in many different foods, some of the best sources are leafy green vegetables.
These foods are packed with nutrients and antioxidants that can help keep our cells healthy. If you’re looking to boost your glutathione levels, make sure to include these seven foods in your diet.
Stay well, stay healthy, fly high,
Namaste!
