Tripeptides are essential for supporting your health and keeping your body youthful. Made from amino acids, tripeptides specifically help the body produce collagen, a springy material that keeps your skin supple and your joints moving comfortably. Tripeptides also help heal wounds and control inflammation hormones, including hormones that stimulate or inhibit the release of other hormones. One of these tripeptides is glutathione.

What is Glutathione?

Glutathione, or GSH, is a large and complex compound made of cysteine, glycine, and glutamate, which are all amino acids. GSH is considered an antioxidant and is thought to play a key role in protecting the body. Antioxidants help protect living cells from damage caused by free radical oxygen molecules. These molecules can take electrons from other molecules, potentially damaging cellular structures like DNA. Glutathione also helps prevent cell damage caused by heavy metals, peroxides, and chemicals such as formaldehyde. Most of the body’s GSH is found in the liver and the lungs.

The Science of Glutathione and Why it Works

The science behind glutathione (GSH) and its function in the body is complex, but it can be understood by breaking it down into its two primary forms: reduced GSH and oxidized GSH. These two forms exist in a delicate balance within your cells. The ratio of reduced to oxidized GSH is an essential indicator of the health of your cells. Essentially, this ratio reflects the amount of oxidative stress your body is experiencing. Oxidative stress occurs when there is an excess of free radicals or other harmful compounds within the cells. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cell structures, proteins, and DNA, leading to inflammation and aging. A lower proportion of reduced GSH compared to oxidized GSH signals that the body is under stress from these damaging molecules.

Beyond its role in managing oxidative stress, GSH is involved in several essential processes that support overall health. One key function is the production of leukotrienes, signaling molecules that help regulate immune responses and inflammation. This highlights the role of GSH in maintaining a strong immune system, which is critical for fighting infections and promoting healing.

GSH also plays a pivotal role in the synthesis of prostaglandins, lipid compounds that act as hormones in the body. These substances help regulate a variety of bodily functions, including inflammation, blood flow, and blood clot formation. In this way, GSH is indirectly supporting many physiological processes that keep the body functioning smoothly.

Another critical function of GSH is its support for citrulline, an amino acid involved in various detoxification processes. Citrulline helps the body remove ammonia, a toxic byproduct of metabolism, and aids in detoxifying drugs and other harmful substances. This makes GSH essential for maintaining a healthy, well-regulated metabolic system and protecting the body from toxins.

The Ideal Ways to Take Glutathione

Humans can make their own GSH, but levels decline with age, stress, and exposure to toxins, and it can be difficult to replenish it solely through diet.  One way to get enough of the benefits of glutathione if they’re lacking is to take liposomal glutathione. This is GSH that’s been processed, so the molecule is incorporated into a lipid. This compound can’t be dissolved in water but can be dissolved in acids, bases, and enzymes. You may think of fats when you think of lipids, but they can also be waxes, oils, or types of vitamins that are fat-soluble. Placing the GSH in a lipid protects it and allows it to be more readily absorbed by your body.

Some Liposomal Glutathione Benefits

Here are some of the reasons to choose liposomal GSH as opposed to unprocessed GSH.

• It mitigates damage by free radical molecules.
• Liposomal GSH enhances the effectiveness of other antioxidants, such as vitamin C.
• It also makes cysteine more available to your body. Cysteine is an antioxidant precursor thathelps to form the bonds that make up protein molecules and keeps your skin, nails, and hair healthy.

GSH is a needful compound, but if you’re deficient, it’s difficult to achieve healthy levels of it unless it’s processed into liposomal glutathione. This process protects glutathione and allows your body better access to it.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement or health regimen, particularly if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or are taking prescription medications. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The product discussed is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.