What Causes Glutathione Depletion?
Glutathione levels are affected by both internal and external factors. Internal factors include the increasing need for glutathione as an important part of various processes in our bodies, such as food for our immune system, recycling of vitamin C, vitamin E and alpha lipoic acid, repairing our DNA, and protecting our cells from oxidative stress to name just a few.
However, it is the external factors that impact the level of glutathione in our body the most. Our bodies are exposed to many toxic and harmful substances on a daily basis and this requires considerable amounts of glutathione for detoxification. Pharmaceuticals, environmental pollutants, food preservatives and artificial additives, household chemicals, UV radiation, and electromagnetic fields are just some of the components of modern living that affect our Glutathione levels.
Glutathione deficiency leads to:
- Increased oxidative stress
- Accumulation of toxins and heavy metals
- Inability to repair DNA
- Cell mutation
- Reduced supply of oxygen and nutrients to the cells
- Eventual cell death
People who consider themselves to be in good health may not necessarily be glutathione deficient but may still have declining glutathione levels. Age is a key factor in this. Glutathione production in cells declines naturally at an average rate of 10% per decade after age 20.
Additionally, the daily exposure to environmental pollution, exhaust fumes, smoke, viruses and dependency on fast food as the easy go-to option for many busy professionals, has a negative impact. Such a lifestyle eventually leads to a certain degree of glutathione deficiency.
The symptoms may include:
- Headache and dizziness
- Lack of energy
- Joint pain
- Sleep disorders
- Lack of focus
- Mood swings
It is important for us to ensure that our cells maintain a healthy level of Glutathione production in order for our body to function at an optimum level.
