How Can We Strengthen Our Immune System?

We take tremendous care to keep our health these days. Getting adequate sleep, engaging in regular exercise, and even taking supplements are on our lists of healthy behaviors. Some of us are unaware, though, that glutathione can also help to boost our immune systems.

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The small protein molecule known as glutathione is made composed of the amino acids glutamate, cysteine, and glycine. In addition to aiding in the removal of toxic substances, it also works to protect our cells from harm. It promotes healthy cells, keeps the immune system operating correctly, and even delays aging.

Glutathione's Relation To Our Immune System

In addition to defending immune cells from damage, glutathione also has direct antiviral effects. Glutathione operates as an equilibrium to boost immune system performance when it is underactive, and it restores balance when it is overactive. The generation of various cellular proteins, DNA synthesis and repair, activation and regulation of cellular enzymes necessary for regular cell function, and the proper functioning of vitamin D3 are just a few of the activities that depend on glutathione. Glutathione binds to toxins, pollutants, chemicals, heavy metals, and drug metabolites and excretes them through the urine or the stomach.

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Low glutathione levels make cells more susceptible to oxidative damage. Some people with low glutathione levels easily become sick or feel weak because low glutathione levels can also damage the immune system and the barriers that keep viruses out of the digestive and respiratory tracts.

Since immune health has received more attention during this pandemic, it's vital to understand how glutathione protects against other diseases. According to several research, higher cellular glutathione levels are associated with the proper immunological response to viral infections. This consequence comes from glutathione's capacity to protect immune cells from damage and enhance immunological processes, both of which are crucial for fighting off viruses. Glutathione has also shown direct effects in stopping the multiplication of several viruses at various stages of a virus' life cycle. The antiviral properties of glutathione are believed to help avoid rising viral loads and the massive release of inflammatory cells into the lungs that results from some viral infections.

Thus, we can state with confidence that an advantage of glutathione is immune system activation as well as skin whitening. However, it's vital to keep in mind that you should always see your doctor before taking any supplements, especially if you have any co-morbidities because they might have a detrimental influence on your health. It can help in the fight against diseases that weaken your immune system.

Reference: Dröge W, Breitkreutz R. Glutathione and immune function. Proc Nutr Soc. 2000;59(4):595-600.