GUIDE
Glutathione: The Master Detox Molecule
Every toxin you eliminate goes through glutathione. Heavy metals, mold, chemicals — all of them. If your glutathione is depleted, detox stalls. Here's how to optimize it.
Key Points
What it does: Master antioxidant + Phase II liver detox (conjugates toxins for excretion)
Best forms: Liposomal glutathione, S-acetyl glutathione, or IV (regular oral is destroyed in gut)
Best precursors: NAC, glycine, alpha lipoic acid, selenium, sulfur foods
Warning: High-dose glutathione can mobilize metals. Pair with binders during detox.
Why Glutathione Matters
Glutathione (GSH) is a tripeptide made from three amino acids: cysteine, glycine, and glutamic acid. It's found in every cell of your body, with highest concentrations in the liver.
It serves two critical functions:
- 1.Master antioxidant: Neutralizes free radicals, regenerates other antioxidants (vitamin C, E), protects mitochondria
- 2.Phase II detox: Glutathione S-transferase (GST) enzymes attach glutathione to toxins, making them water-soluble for excretion
The bottleneck: When glutathione is depleted, Phase II detox slows or stops. Toxins mobilized in Phase I have nowhere to go — they circulate and cause damage.
What Depletes Glutathione
- •Toxin exposure: Every toxin eliminated uses glutathione. Heavy metal detox = massive demand.
- •Chronic infection: Immune activity consumes glutathione.
- •Mold exposure: Mycotoxins deplete glutathione rapidly.
- •Oxidative stress: Inflammation, exercise, UV, pollution.
- •Alcohol: Major glutathione depleter.
- •Acetaminophen: Tylenol depletes liver glutathione.
- •Poor diet: Low protein, low sulfur foods = low precursors.
- •Aging: Production naturally declines with age.
Glutathione Supplement Forms
Liposomal Glutathione
Best
Glutathione wrapped in phospholipid bubbles (liposomes) that protect it from digestion and allow absorption intact.
- + Survives digestion
- + Good bioavailability
- + Easy to take
- - Quality varies by brand
- - More expensive than regular capsules
Dose: 250-500mg 1-2x daily
S-Acetyl Glutathione
Good
Acetyl group attached to glutathione improves stability and absorption. Converted to glutathione in cells.
- + Stable in capsule form
- + Intracellular delivery
- + No taste issues
Dose: 100-300mg 1-2x daily
IV Glutathione
Most Potent
Direct injection bypasses digestion entirely. Immediate, high-dose delivery.
- + Maximum bioavailability
- + Best for acute need
- - Requires clinic visit
- - Expensive ($50-150 per session)
- - Effects don't last (need precursors too)
Dose: 600-2000mg per push (practitioner-determined)
Regular Oral Glutathione
Don't Bother
Destroyed by stomach acid and digestive enzymes. Minimal absorption.
- - Degraded in gut
- - Poor absorption
- - Waste of money
Glutathione Precursors
Instead of (or in addition to) supplementing glutathione directly, you can boost your body's production:
NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine)
The most important precursor. Provides cysteine, the rate-limiting amino acid for glutathione synthesis.
Dose: 600-1800mg daily
Glycine
Often overlooked. Many people are glycine-deficient. Direct precursor.
Dose: 3-5g daily (powder in water/smoothie)
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Regenerates oxidized glutathione back to active form. Also a chelator.
Dose: 300-600mg daily (or per Andy Cutler protocol)
Selenium
Required for glutathione peroxidase enzymes. Many are deficient.
Dose: 200mcg daily (or 2-3 Brazil nuts)
Sulfur Foods
Cruciferous vegetables, garlic, onions, eggs — natural cysteine sources.
Dose: Several servings daily
Glutathione Protocol for Detox
Foundation (Daily)
- • NAC 600mg 2x daily
- • Glycine 3g daily
- • Selenium 200mcg daily
- • Vitamin C 1-2g daily (recycles glutathione)
Active Detox (Add to Foundation)
- • Liposomal glutathione 500mg 1-2x daily
- • Alpha lipoic acid 300-600mg daily
- • Binders (charcoal or zeolite) — critical to catch mobilized toxins
Intensive Support
- • IV glutathione 1-2x weekly
- • Continue oral precursors (IV depletes quickly without them)
Important Caution
Glutathione can mobilize metals. By enhancing Phase II detox, you may mobilize toxins faster than drainage can handle.
During metal detox: Always pair glutathione with binders (zeolite, charcoal). Start low and increase slowly. Watch for detox symptoms.