What Does Glutathione Have to Do with Fertility?

 

Glutathione is the body’s most powerful antioxidant. It Is produced in highest amounts by the liver, and in smaller amounts by every other cell in our body. It aids in liver detoxification and prevents cell damage from the free radicals that are produced by daily exposure to toxins in our environment; making glutathione immensely important. 

The roles that glutathione plays in the body makes it necessary for good health including immune function and preventing premature aging. But did you know that it is also beneficial for fertility?

 

Although glutathione is incredibly important in the body, much of our population is deficient in glutathione due to a variety of factors including stress, obesity, toxins, antibiotic use and smoking. Since, every cell in our body requires it, it is in high demand. 

 

From a fertility aspect, glutathione is essential to the production of both eggs and sperm, influencing both their production and their quality. This is because glutathione protects our DNA from damage. 

 

The good news is that the quality of our eggs or sperm can be enhanced over a 3-4 month period leading up to their maturation with the use of antioxidants, most especially glutathione! 

 

So, where do we get glutathione?? 

• Glutathione can be raised by consuming a diet rich in sulfur containing foods such as onions, garlic, broccoli, cauliflower, bok choy, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, kale, and collard greens. 
• The body can also recycle the glutathione that it already has however, this process is nearly impossible if you are low in essential nutrients such as selenium, vitamin C, B6 and B12.
• Herbs such as milk thistle can enhance production of glutathione by the liver.
• N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) which is a direct glutathione precursor. However, like with our body’s glutathione recycling process, NAC requires essential nutrients, like the amino acids glutamine and glycine, to produce glutathione. 
• DIRECT INTRAVENOUS GLUTATHIONE is the most effective way of increasing glutathione levels at a rapid rate. 

 

There are many glutathione supplements on the market. Of these, liposomal glutathione is the best way to take oral glutathione. However, even with liposomal form, glutathione is poorly absorbed in the gut making this a very ineffective route of administration. 

 

I am thankful to be able to offer IV treatments to my patients that need it, or for the enhancement of any treatment plan. Glutathione can be given on its own or added into any custom IV vitamin drip.

LEARN MORE on our WEBSITE or give us a call at 905-892-1318! If you are interested in IV therapy for fertility you don’t need to be a current patient to get started!

In Health 

Dr. Lisa Maddalena ND