With a nickname like "the master antioxidant," glutathione is a one-of-a-kind bioactive that deserves your attention. Even if you've never heard of it before, this powerhouse compound is hard at work throughout your body in order to help you feel your best. Thing is, glutathione can only have its full impact if you've got ample amounts of it—and while your body can produce its own stash of the antioxidant (with some help from you in the form of a healthy diet and lifestyle), you might not be churning out enough to keep up with the stresses of modern living.
Here's what you need to know about glutathione, what it does for your health, and how to make sure you're getting what you need.
What is glutathione — and what does it do in the body?
Glutathione is an antioxidant that's made up of the three amino acids—glutamine, glycine, and cysteine—all of which are rich in the mineral sulfur. The main functions of glutathione are to fend off free radicals—or unstable molecules that can stress your cells and/or DNA—in order to control oxidative processes, as well as to remove toxins from the body.
According to functional medicine doctor and mbg Collective member Mark Hyman, M.D., the sticky, flypaper-like nature of the sulfur in glutathione is what allows it to essentially grab on to free radicals and toxins (like mercury and other heavy metals) in order to usher them out of the body.
Left unchecked, free radicals and oxidative stress contribute to a variety of health concerns, as well as the aging process4.
You'll find glutathione in every tissue and fluid throughout the body; it's that important.
