Lung Rescue with Glutathione

Sep 29

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👏 From wildfire smoke to a pandemic virus….our lungs are under attack from all angles. Whether or not you’ve been feeling the effects on your breathing and your chest, there’s still a chance that you might in the near future.

So listen up. Airborne irritants (like cigarette smoke or pollution or wildfires) create free radicals and oxidative stress in your lungs that cause inflammation and damage. Infections do a similar thing. Your body’s best defense?

✨Antioxidants….and especially glutathione!

Glutathione is called the “master antioxidant” because it not only fights free radicals directly but also recycles other antioxidants—like vitamins C and E, alpha-lipoic acid, and coenzyme Q10.

Our cells can make glutathione, but individuals differ in their ability to do so. Some people have genetic variations that compromise glutathione production. Others may just be under so much toxic stress that they can’t keep up. Alcohol depletes glutathione, so if you’re a drinker, you may be at a disadvantage here.

"Glutathione is not easily absorbed when taken orally, so be sure to look for liposomal glutathione if taking a pill. "

anatomy, body, organs

That’s when supplementation can help.

But don’t just grab any glutathione off the shelf. Glutathione is not easily absorbed when taken orally, so be sure to look for liposomal glutathione if taking a pill.

Another option is to load up on glutathione’s precursor—n-acetylcysteine (NAC). It’s not as direct as taking glutathione, but it’s a more economic option.

Three ways to boost glutathione

👉 Eat Brussels sprouts, spinach, tomatoes, garlic, almonds, broccoli, and walnuts as they naturally contain glutathione

👉 Increase your vitamin C intake with foods such as tomatoes, broccoli, strawberries, Brussels sprouts, citrus fruits, and cantaloupe

👉 Increase your selenium intake with foods such as brazil nuts, chicken, turkey, spinach and eggs

Three ways to support lung health

👉 Change your furnace air filter frequently

👉 Exercise

👉 Stay hydrated

✨ Reach out if you have questions about supporting your lung health!

References

Yeligar SM, Harris FL, Hart CM, Brown LA. Glutathione attenuates ethanol-induced alveolar macrophage oxidative stress and dysfunction by downregulating NADPH oxidases. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol. 2014; 306: L429-41.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24441868/

Sinha R, Sinha I, Calcagnotto A et al. Oral supplementation with liposomal glutathione elevates body stores of glutathione and markers of immune function. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2018; 72: 105-111. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28853742/