Can Glutathione reduce Brain Fog and improve Mental Clarity?

Why Glutathione helps improve Mental Clarity

Glutathione helps manage brain fog by reducing inflammation that damages brain cells and the mitochondria. By protecting the cells, they are able to function properly, and the mitochondria is capable of producing sufficient energy. This would decrease the symptoms of brain fog and reduce confusion.

Additionally, glutathione helps reduce glutamate levels in the brain. This regulates the level of toxicity, thus protecting brain cells from damage, and improving mental clarity.

How Glutathione works for Brain Fog

Glutathione is an antioxidant that plays an important role in getting rid of toxins and chemicals in the body. These toxins increase inflammation in the brain which could lead to brain fog and neurological damage.

Accordingly, glutathione binds to these toxic substances and neutralizes their function. Then, the antioxidant transforms the fat-soluble toxins to water-soluble toxins, known as mercapturic acid, that can be flushed out of the body through urine or feces.

This reduces oxidative stress in the body which in turn decreases the inflammation found in the brain. As a result, brain cell damage becomes less, which helps in relieving some brain fog symptoms and improving mental clarity.

Moreover, N-acetylcysteine, a precursor of glutathione, can reduce excess glutamate in the brain by interacting with the cysteine/glutamate amino acid antiporter (System xc−).

This helps reduce neuronal excitability, which is a main cause behind brain toxicity. As a result, brain cells are better protected, brain fog symptoms are reduced, and mental clarity and memory are improved. 

Glutathione Dose for Brain Fog: How much to Take

There is no official glutathione dosage indication to take for brain fog. However, the standard dose recommendations of glutathione are:

• Capsules: in this form of supplement, glutathione is encapsulated with microscopic liposomes, which are tiny globules surrounded by a lipid bilayer similar to your cell membranes. Capsules are considered the best oral form since the liposome protects the main drug from metabolic processes and enzymes during its delivery to the targeted area. The recommended daily glutathione dose is between 50mg/day and 600mg/day or 20-40mg of body weight taken 2-3 times per day. Always start with a smaller dose in sensitive children.
• Intravenous therapy: this is the most effective form of glutathione but is also the most invasive. The recommended dose is between 1,500mg to 4,000mg  once or twice per week. The dose can either be administered in a clinic or at home, if the doctor prescribes it.
• Glutathione powder: This form is either taken with water or mixed with food. It is not highly recommended to take glutathione powder because it does not include liposomes that protect glutathione from metabolic processes during ingestion. The recommended glutathione daily dose ranges between 50mg/day and 600mg/day or 20-40mg of body weight, taken 2-3 times per day.
• Inhaled nebulizer: the recommended glutathione dosage of this form is 600mg daily, but it needs a medical prescription, especially that people with specific conditions like asthma should not use this. The glutathione is used as a liquid form and put in the nebulizer. The instruction of usage should be given by the doctor or health expert.
• Transdermal and lotions: glutathione could be administered through the skin by a patch or lotion.

Important Notice: Dosages should always be consulted with the doctor in order to revise each person’s personal case according to age, weight and medical purpose.

Taking Glutathione for Brain Fog: precautions

If you are taking glutathione, you need to avoid drinking alcohol as it could interfere with the absorption of the supplement in the body. Plus, alcohol increases the rate of depletion of glutathione.

Glutathione may have a negative interaction if taken with anti-psychotic or chemotherapeutic drugs. Also, high doses of paracetamol, a drug used to treat fever and pain, could deplete glutathione especially in the liver.

People with certain medical conditions:

People with the following conditions should be careful and always check before taking glutathione:

• Allergies: People who have allergies can possibly have a reaction to glutathione, which might lead to a skin rash.
• Asthma: If you have asthma, do not inhale glutathione through a nebulizer as it can increase asthma symptoms including wheezing.
• Other conditions: people should consult their doctor about taking glutathione if they have liver, kidney, or heart problems.

Taking Glutathione for Brain Fog: side effects

If you take glutathione, some side effects can take place such as abdominal cramps, bloating, cough or hoarseness, frequent urge to have bowel movement, and straining while passing stool.

In addition, taking glutathione for a long period of time can lower zinc levels.