hanging bags of IV

Glutathione is a dynamic antioxidant that has gained headlines for its potential health benefits. How you take Glutathione can make all the difference in its effectiveness which is why it’s very important to know when is the best time to take glutathione. To ensure that you’re getting the most out of this powerful antioxidant, here are three different ways to take glutathione safely and effectively.

What is Glutathione and Why do You Need it?

Glutathione is a substance consisting largely of 3 amino acids: Glutamine, Cysteine and Glycine. Found in many plants and animals, nearly every organism found on Earth contains some glutathione in its cells. Glutathione is naturally produced by our bodies in the liver, which makes it unique among most other antioxidants, which are primarily obtained through supplementation or diet.

Glutathione levels in the body can be diminished by factors such as stress, environmental toxins as well as poor nutrition. Those without sufficient levels of glutathione may find themselves at risk of serious health conditions including stroke, Alzheimer’s, or significant heart disease. But, when glutathione levels are normal, the risk of these potential health issues can be decreased. Normal glutathione levels also support healthy energy reserves with an unmatched focus and mental clarity.

The dilemma in all of this is that your body also does not produce as much glutathione with age, making it especially challenging for older adults to get enough of this antioxidant on a daily basis.

The Benefits of Glutathione

a woman looking up with her eyes closed, both her arms spread out to her side with green grass in the backgroundOne of the most powerful antioxidants in the body, glutathione plays a crucial role in a number of vital body functions.

  • Naturally recycles other antioxidants – glutathione is often referred to as the ‘Master antioxidant’ due to its abilities to recycle other antioxidants such as vitamins E and vitamins C.
  • Helps manufacture DNA – the infrastructure of cells and proteins within the body.
  • Helps produce proteins – that construct muscle and skin tissues.
  • Imperative for the detoxification process – glutathione helps process and flush drugs, pollutants, and naturally created chemicals from the body.
  • Glutathione supplements may improve symptoms of conditions – such as autoimmune disorders, respiratory conditions, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, or peripheral artery disease.
  • May reduce insulin resistance – especially in the elderly.
  • Can help reduce cell damage – resulting from fatty liver disease.
  • Can promote faster recovery from Covid-19 – and helps decrease symptoms of long Covid.

Glutathione Side Effects

man sitting on a bench holding his head in frustrationGlutathione is a naturally produced antioxidant that declines as we age. Absorbing glutathione from eating foods rich in glutathione does not present any health risks. Supplementation is common and a relatively safe treatment. However, there are side effects that can occur if you overload on glutathione or take it over a long period of time.

Is Glutathione Safe?

A healthcare expert can evaluate your diet and health concerns to determine if glutathione supplements are appropriate for you. Dosage can vary on a case-by-case basis depending on various factors that may influence your natural glutathione levels.

Some of the side effects of glutathione supplementation include:

  • Decline in zinc levels – long-term supplementation of glutathione has been linked to low zinc levels. If you struggle with zinc deficiencies, you may want to discuss this possibility with your healthcare provider before taking glutathione.
  • May trigger asthma attacks – glutathione has been associated with triggering asthma attacks in inhaled forms. It also has been linked to bronchial constriction. People with asthma should consult their medical provider before supplementing glutathione and look for signs of resulting asthma triggers like wheezing.
  • Abdominal cramps and bloating – supplementing glutathione orally may cause cramps or bloating.
  • Allergic reaction – some people may experience an allergic reaction to glutathione, like rash, pale skin, or heartbeat changes.

How Long does it take to See Results from Glutathione?

Glutathione has a relatively slow process in getting your body’s fat cells to release fatty acids. The amount of time it takes for you to see results will vary depending on how much glutathione per day you are taking and your weight.

For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, it could take up to 90 days of taking 2 grams of Glutathione before you see results. However, if you weigh 250 pounds, it could be as few as 45 days before you start noticing results. The best way to determine how long it takes to start seeing changes with Glutathione supplements is by tracking your progress at regular intervals and consult with your doctor regularly about how much glutathione to take.

How and When to Take Glutathione Effectively?

There are many ways to increase glutathione levels in your body. Using one or a combination of methods can help ensure you are getting the optimal amounts to support whole-body health. Before making any purchase, though, make sure you understand how each of these methods works and what they might do for your body.

Oral Supplements such as Pills and Liquids

herbs and pills in cups and bowlsGlutathione is now available in an enhanced-absorption liposomal pill as well as capsule form for you to supplement it directly. In addition to capsules and tablets, you can find it in powder form. Regularly suggested to treat health conditions including heart disease and Alzheimer’s, glutathione is also featured in dermatology to combat the physical signs of aging.

Be sure to read the labels to make sure you are getting it in a highly absorbable form that helps to sustain optimal levels. It’s important to remember that oral supplements may not be the best choice for everyone. Because supplement forms can cause stomach discomfort for some people, you may benefit more from getting a glutathione IV drip therapy.

Glutathione IV Therapy Treatments

woman smiling and enjoying her IV treatment while sitting on a couchAn IV infusion blend of nourishing vitamins and fluids featuring glutathione delivers the powerful antioxidant directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive tract where full absorption is not assured. Once it’s been introduced to the bloodstream, glutathione is then transported through the body, including the heart, brain and lungs, allowing your cells to reap its enormous rewards and detoxifying qualities. Supplementing glutathione with an IV therapy drip is an ideal combination as glutathione is broken down during the digestive process. As such, infusions offer a superior absorption rate than oral supplementation and work more quickly than diet changes.

However, not everyone can have a glutathione IV infusion due to health conditions or other factors. If you’re among those who need a solution that doesn’t involve needle injections, oral supplements and diet can help restore normal levels.

Glutathione-rich Diet

glutathione-rich healthy food on a wooden plate, such as low-fat meat, eggs, nuts, vegetables and fruitsOne way we can make sure our bodies manufacture enough glutathione is by crafting a diet featuring plenty of foods that contain high levels of the antioxidant. Consuming glutathione-rich foods is an ideal way to boost the body’s natural production while helping it ward off disease, inflammation and infections.

Expanding your daily intake of foods that are rich in selenium, whey protein, vitamin C, and turmeric can also help increase and promote glutathione production. Recent human and animal studies have shown that eating foods that are rich in sulfur can also work to decrease oxidative stress by naturally increasing glutathione levels.1 Generally derived from dietary proteins, there are several vegetarian sources of dietary sulfur, as well.

Reach for snacks or meals featuring any of the following, sulfur-rich foods in your diet to naturally boost glutathione production:

  • Fish
  • Poultry
  • Beef
  • Mustard greens
  • Broccoli
  • Kale
  • Watercress
  • Onions

Keep in mind to not exceed the recommended daily intake of glutathione.

What to Avoid when Taking Glutathione

There is not enough research to confirm the safety of glutathione supplementation for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, so supplementation should be avoided. While there are no known severe medication interactions, there are numerous mild interactions with various medications. You should consult your healthcare provider if you are taking prescription medications before supplementing glutathione but also to find out when is the best time to take glutathione.

Different Methods of Glutathione Administration

Glutathione is currently available in three primary forms: topical application (such as creams and lotions), inhalation (nebulized or aerosolized glutathione), and injections (intramuscular or subcutaneous).

Topical Application

Topical glutathione products like creams and lotions offer anti-aging effects and are an easy, convenient way to improve the appearance and health of your skin. We will discuss topical glutathione in more detail later in this article.

Inhalation

Nebulized glutathione is often used to counter the effects of acute respiratory syndrome in addition to health conditions affecting the upper and lower respiratory tract, including COVID-19.4 It is administered through a mask covering your mouth and nose. Neither pain nor discomfort is associated with using a nebulizer.

boy getting inhalation

Injections

Glutathione injections can be delivered into muscle (intramuscular) or fatty tissue under the skin (subcutaneous). Glutathione injections can be effective but may need to be administered frequently. Later, we will discuss in detail the typical duration of your glutathione injection treatment and the average duration of how long the effects last.

Effectiveness of Each Method

In this section, we will discuss the bioavailability and absorption rates, duration of effects, and suitability for the varying needs and health conditions of the following methods of glutathione administration, including:

  • Oral supplements such as pills and liquids
  • Glutathione IV therapy treatments
  • A glutathione-rich diet
  • Topical application
  • Inhalation
  • Injections

Oral Supplements Such as Pills and Liquids

Oral glutathione pills and liquids can be used to treat skin issues and correct low glutathione levels. However, oral supplements like pills and liquids have lower bioavailability and absorption rates in the body because they are degraded during digestion. Bioavailability refers to the proportions of the substance effectively entering the body. Not all of the glutathione your body takes in (in any form) can and will be used.

The effects of oral glutathione also wear off quickly compared to other administration methods. The digestion process is particularly harmful to glutathione, rendering oral supplements and nutritionally derived sources less effective methods of increasing your glutathione levels.

Glutathione in IV Therapy Treatments

Glutathione is a common ingredient in IV infusions, where it offers significantly higher bioavailability and absorption rates than oral glutathione supplements.

Because IV glutathione is delivered directly into your bloodstream, its effects can be felt almost immediately, with the benefits experienced for months.

Glutathione-Rich Diets

Crafting a menu featuring a glutathione-rich diet of foods like asparagus, avocado, okra, and spinach can also help you increase your body’s levels of glutathione.

However, the absorption rate of glutathione in food is low, and cooking and storing these foods further diminishes the amount of glutathione they contain.

Additionally, foods encounter enzymes in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract that can compromise and even destroy glutathione during digestion. Dietary glutathione can improve skin health and provide other benefits, but its effects typically do not last as long and are minimal when compared to other methods of administration.

table-filled-with-food

Topical Application

Topical glutathione has a high bioavailability and absorption rate because these products come in the form of creams or lotions that are easily absorbed by the skin. Topical glutathione is typically used to help detoxify your skin and reduce the appearance of skin imperfections such as:

  • Acne
  • Age spots
  • Brown spots
  • Crow’s feet
  • Dark circles under the eyes
  • Lentigines
  • Liver spots
  • Wrinkles

Inhalation

Nebulized glutathione has high bioavailability and absorption rates because it is inhaled directly into the lungs. How often you use a glutathione nebulizer will depend on the specific condition being treated, the severity of your condition, your metabolism, and a number of other factors. Severe lung issues often require daily treatment, with an appointment taking approximately 10 to 15 minutes to complete.

Nebulized glutathione may help treat the following conditions:

  • Bronchitis
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Chronic rhinitis
  • Common cold
  • Emphysema
  • Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
  • Influenza
  • Upper respiratory tract infection

Injections

Glutathione injections offer similar bioavailability and absorption rates as glutathione IV therapy because they are injected into muscle or fatty tissue.

Most regimens start with one to three injections per week, with results typically noticeable after four treatments.

Glutathione injections can help to detoxify your organs, including your intestines, kidneys, liver, and lungs. They can also help defend against free radicals that can damage your skin, helping reverse signs of aging and prevent wrinkles.

Remember to consult a doctor before considering any form of glutathione treatment.

doctor holding an injection in his hand

Can Glutathione help Combat COVID-19?

a woman adjusting her medical face mask for Covid with both hands and looking into the distanceThe COVID-19 pandemic has caused overwhelming damage to the world’s population in countless ways. In many cases, the virus brings with it mild symptoms or asymptomatic advancement. For those who are moderately or severely immunocompromised, at an advanced age, or living with issues like hypertension or diabetes, COVID-19 can quickly become a destructive and even fatal condition.

A prevailing factor in conditions affiliated with COVID-19 appears to be the impaired redox homeostasis pledged to reactive oxygen species (ROS) buildup.2 Depleted levels of glutathione have been shown to be clinically connected to serious disease, with major deficiencies an associated contributor to severe symptoms and death due to COVID-19.3

Accordingly, restoring and maintaining healthy levels of glutathione may be significant factors in preventing severe cases of COVID-19.

How does At-home Mobile IV Treatments Work?

nurse preparing an IV bag for an at-home patient.Glutathione IV therapy is one of the most effective ways to increase levels of this antioxidant, as an IV drip allows almost-immediate absorption through the bloodstream. Infusions can deliver results in a more accelerated manner than when compared to oral administration.

Whether you’ve chosen one of the IV treatments highlighted below featuring glutathione or decided on one of Drip Hydration’s many other patented IV blends, you can be assured your treatment will be administered by a registered nurse for a safe and comfortable infusion experience.

Here’s what to expect during your treatment:

  • Select a cozy spot on the couch or your favorite chair as you will need to remain still for the duration of the treatment.
  • Once your nurse has administered your IV (usually placed in the arm), the fluid will then drip from the bag through a catheter before entering your body and bloodstream.
  • During your IV therapy session, you will need to remain stationary so as not to dislodge the catheter, but beyond that, you can feel free to catch up on your favorite show, read a few chapters of your new book, or scroll away at the timeline on your phone.
  • Your IV therapy will conclude in about an hour, after which you’ll be ready to take on the world with a refreshed outlook and renewed vigor.

If you’ve been feeling sluggish at work or during social activities, haven’t been getting the quantity or quality of sleep needed, or are getting over a cold, an IV drip containing glutathione can have you looking and feeling rejuvenated in no time.

Drip Hydration currently offers infusion blends containing glutathione in our:

The addition of the antioxidant glutathione in these IV treatments is also known as ‘Glutathione Push’ therapy.

Get Glutathione IV Therapy

Supercharge your immune health with the master antioxidant, Glutathione. This powerful antioxidant is included in many of our treatments and supports immune health, mood, energy levels, skin health, and more.

Schedule a convenient in-home appointment today by clicking the button below!

Glutathione - Frequently Asked Questions

What is glutathione?

Glycine, cysteine, and glutamic acid are the building blocks for the compound glutathione. It is created by the liver and is used by several bodily functions. Glutathione helps with the production of chemicals and proteins required by the body, as well as immune system activity.

What are the benefits of taking glutathione?

Taking glutathione has many benefits including:

  • Reducing oxidative stress
  • Reducing cell damage in alcoholic and nonalcoholic liver disease
  • Improves insulin resistance in older people
  • Increase mobility for people with peripheral artery disease
  • Reduces symptoms of Parkinson’s disease
  • Might help fight autoimmune diseases
  • Might reduce oxidative damage in children with autism
  • Might reduce the impact of uncontrolled diabetes
  • Might reduce respiratory disease symptoms
  • Might improve psoriasis

Glutathione IV Therapy vs supplements

Glutathione supplementation has been related to digestive problems, such as bloating or stomach cramps. Intravenous glutathione provides the antioxidant directly to your cells by totally avoiding the digestive system.

Does glutathione help reduce oxidative stress?

According to one research, glutathione either increases or decreases the body's immune response, which helps alleviate oxidative stress. Diseases with an autoimmune component damage particular cells' mitochondria. By scavenging free radicals, glutathione protects the mitochondria of the cell.

References

[1] Bogaards JJ, Verhagen H, Willems MI, et al. Consumption of Brussels sprouts results in elevated alpha-class glutathione S-transferase levels in human blood plasma. Carcinogenesis. 1994 May.;

[4] Lana JFSD. - Nebulization of glutathione and N-Acetylcysteine as an adjuvant therapy for COVID-19 onset;

[2] Silvagno F, Vernone A, Pescarmona GP. The Role of Glutathione in Protecting against the Severe Inflammatory Response Triggered by COVID-19. Antioxidants (Basel). 2020 Jul 16.;

[3] Polonikov A. Endogenous Deficiency of Glutathione as the Most Likely Cause of Serious Manifestations and Death in COVID-19 Patients. ACS Infect Dis. 2020 Jul 10.;