Are you one of those glutathione users taking it as part of skincare? For your information, glutathione offers several benefits such as promoting skin elasticity and treating pigmentation.
However, there are certain things that you should avoid while taking glutathione. In this article, we explain what to avoid while taking glutathione and the reasons behind it.
Things to Avoid When Taking Glutathione?
When considering the use of glutathione, it’s crucial to be mindful of potential pitfalls to ensure safe and effective supplementation.
Comprehending these safety measures will enable users to make well-informed choices.
➡️ Drinking alcohol and smoking
It is best recommended to avoid drinking alcohol or at least limit it to moderate levels. In addition to that, It is better to quit smoking as well.
Glutathione’s major function as an antioxidant is to counteract oxidative strain. When you indulge in alcohol drinking and smoking, it may promote oxidative pressure thus causing the production of dangerous free radicals. As a result, it will damage your cells and tissues.
Alcohol consumption and smoking also create an overload on your liver. The reason is that both alcohol and glutathione are processed through the liver.
Thus, excessive alcohol consumption and smoking adversely affect the liver’s ability to metabolize glutathione and various other substances successfully.
When you drink alcohol and smoke, it also causes cellular damage. For the unknown, it is the same function that glutathione targets to prevent.
➡️ Caffeine
The consumption of caffeine in moderate quantities is generally considered safe. However, if you have the habit of consuming caffeine in large quantities, you need to consider glutathione levels.
Also make sure that you balance your diet with foods high in glutathione precursors, such as fruits and vegetables.
One more drawback of caffeine consumption is that it can clash with the absorption of vitamins, consisting of glutathione 6 thus lowering its bioavailability and effectiveness.
Consuming caffeine excessively can also lead to several other health issues such as elevated heart rate, tension, anxiousness, and disrupted sleep patterns, which may counteract the potential benefits of glutathione.
➡️ Dairy products
Are you sensitive to dairy products or have lactose intolerance? If that is the case, then the intake of dairy products can lead to inflammation or digestive issues.
It may adversely affect the absorption or utilization of nutrients, and it includes the ones that support glutathione synthesis as well. Thus, if you have such sensitivities, it is better to stay away from dairy products.
➡️ Certain medications
The intake of certain medications can lead to a reduction in glutathione levels or interact with glutathione thus hampering its effectiveness.
Thus, it is best recommended to consult your doctor before combining glutathione with other medications.
➡️ Dehydration
Sufficient hydration is integral for the cell functioning in your body. It applies even to the cells involved in the production of glutathione.
When your body is dehydrated, it can impair cellular function and badly affect your body’s ability to produce and utilize glutathione effectively.
Thus, make sure that you stay hydrated to fully reap the benefits of glutathione supplementation and support overall health as well.
➡️ Fried and processed foods
Processed foods and fried foods are also a strict no-no. Especially, the fried foods prepared at high temperatures can generate oxidative stress and lead to the production of free radicals.
Glutathione as an antioxidant performs the function of neutralizing free radicals. However, when you consume too much fried foods, it may increase the burden on your body’s antioxidant defenses.
The problem with processed and fried foods is that they generally lack the essential vitamins and antioxidants that help in glutathione function and production.
Thus, the best approach is to consume a diet rich in whole foods that act as the essential building blocks for the ideal glutathione levels.
One more danger involved in processed foods is that they contain dangerous preservatives and chemicals that could adversely affect glutathione’s antioxidant properties and overall effectiveness.
Moreover, processed and fried foods may lead to chronic inflammation. This may negatively impact cellular health and affect your body’s capacity to produce and utilize glutathione.
Points to keep in mind
By making slight modifications to your lifestyle, you can enhance glutathione levels.
➡️ Eat a balanced diet
Make sure that you eat a balanced diet rich in greens, grains, and lean proteins. With all important nutrients, antioxidants, and amino acids in it, these foods contribute to the production of glutathione.
➡️ Do regular physical activity
When you engage in regular physical activity, it helps enhance blood circulation, increase antioxidant defenses, and boosts glutathione synthesis.
➡️ Drink glutathione on an empty stomach
Though it is safe to consume glutathione at any time of the day, experts opine that consuming it on an empty stomach comes with the benefit of enhancing absorption. Also, having it with meals, especially high-protein meals can support absorption.
➡️ Have sufficient sleep
Make sure that you get sufficient sleep. The reason is that proper sleep lets your body regenerate and optimize glutathione production.
➡️ Drink lots of water
Consume plenty of water so that it supports detoxification processes and total cellular health.
➡️ Have supplements
Consuming supplements such as vitamin E, vitamin C, and selenium can complement the antioxidant function performed by glutathione and boost its effectiveness.
➡️ Limit exposure to environmental toxins
Try to cut down the exposure to environmental toxins. This includes factors such as air pollution and harmful chemicals which can cause an increase in oxidative stress.
➡️ Curb chronic stress
When you are going through chronic stress, it can burn up glutathione levels. To relieve the stress, practice yoga, meditation, or deep respiratory breathing exercises.
Conclusion
Staying away from certain food habits and practices will not only help maintain optimal glutathione levels but also enhance its health benefits. Hope now you have more clarity on what to avoid when taking glutathione.
Make sure that you stay away from such food items so that it helps you achieve your goal easily.
Last but not least, keep in mind that you need to consult a doctor before starting any skincare regimen that includes glutathione. Based on your health condition, the doctor can suggest the ideal dosage that best suits your body.
References
- Loguercio, C. D’Argenio, G., Delle Cave, M., Cosenza, V., Della Valle, N., Mazzacca, G., & Del Vecchio Blanco, C. (2003, September). Glutathione supplementation improves oxidative damage in experimental colitis. Digestive and Liver Disease, 35(9), 635–641
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14563185 - Lutchmansingh, F. K., Hsu, J. W., Bennett, F. I., Badaloo, A. V., McFarlane-Anderson, N., Gordon-Strachan, G. M., … Boyne, M. S. (2018, June 7). Glutathione metabolism in type 2 diabetes and its relationship with microvascular complications and glycemia. PLOS
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0198626
