Factors Affecting Glutathione Status

TIME OF DAY:

According to researchers at Emory University, levels of glutathione vary over a 24-hour period, spiking about six hours after each meal and hitting their lowest point in the morning hours.

AGE:

Young, healthy people tend to have enough glutathione. However, glutathione levels start to decline at around age 45 and continue to decline until death.

HEALTH CONDITIONS:

Glutathione status may be depleted by a variety of different health conditions.

DIET:

The best dietary sources of glutathione are freshly prepared meats and fresh fruits and vegetables (both raw and cooked). Most processed foods have little to no glutathione.

GLUTATHIONE ANTAGONISTS:

Some foods - such as cereals, bread, and dairy products - are not only lacking glutathione, they actually act as glutathione antagonists. Common beverages such as tea and coffee also contain glutathione -destroying compounds, although in lower concentrations.

LIFESTYLE FACTORS:

Because cigarette smoking and excessive alcohol intake cause an increase in free radical production, both habits deplete glutathione levels.

MEDICATIONS:

Both prescription and over-the-counter drugs can lower glutathione status.

WEIGHT:

People who are overweight tend to have lower glutathione levels than those who are within normal weight range because excess fat is correlated with oxidative (free radical-induced) stress.