Glutathione - a Testosterone Enhancer

Glutathione, composed of three amino acids - glutamic acid, glycine, and cysteine, is indispensable for carrying out numerous vital life functions. It is a potent antioxidant that safeguards our cells from harm caused by free oxygen radicals. This can prolong our youth by several years. Hence, it is crucial that glutathione is present in appropriate concentrations in the body. Glutathione also partakes in the process of transporting amino acids to cells, known as the γ-glutamyl cycle. One can say that muscle mass can be as high as the glutathione concentration in muscles allows. Glutathione is also the sole antioxidant that possesses an extraordinary ability to regenerate free radical-damaged proteins! What makes it so unique? And what about testosterone?

It has been discovered that there is a close relationship between the activity of glutathione and the effectiveness of steroid hormones, especially testosterone. This happens because it catalyzes the binding of cortisol to blood proteins, which deprives this hormone of its potency. It is an antagonist of testosterone, hence this characteristic of glutathione aids in raising the level of anabolic hormones. Moreover, it inhibits the release of gonadotropins from the pituitary gland, which stimulate the testes to produce testosterone. And Dr. Gustavo Bounous, a leading authority in the field of glutathione research, states that "the fundamental factor determining the activity of lymphocytes (white blood cells) in the body is the presence of glutathione". This indicates that it is indispensable for our body's normal immunity.

Glutathione in its pristine form cannot be absorbed into the body through its consumption, therefore, we have to be content with the consumption of glutathione precursors, which can be found in products such as avocados, asparagus, broccoli, garlic, spinach, tomatoes, turmeric. Naturally, the most efficacious recourse is to supplement with glutathione. Recent investigations have dispelled skepticism concerning whether it will bring about the desired effect. It is also worth reducing the consumption of glutathione. How can this be achieved? Firstly, by means of a diet rich in antioxidants and devoid of stimulants. It is of paramount importance to avoid paracetamol - the most popular analgesic, which unfortunately rapidly 'purges' the body of reserves of this precious antioxidant. Glutathione activity can also be significantly amplified by supplying the body with an appropriate amount of selenium. It is also worth supplementing with vitamin C, vitamin E, folic acid, and vitamin B12 in tandem with glutathione supplementation. These are compounds that significantly elevate its level.

As time passes, the glutathione level in older individuals decreases. This decrease can be observed relatively early, even in people over 40 years of age. The body cannot digest the glutathione molecules. In order to regenerate the glutathione molecules, they must first be broken down, releasing cysteine, which then participates in the process of forming new glutathione molecules. Instead of seeking supplementation in pure form, the focus should be on increasing the intake of vitamin C and cysteine. The body will take care of the regeneration itself. There are many pieces of evidence that Alzheimer's disease, cataracts, Parkinson's disease, and atherosclerosis may be associated with a decrease in glutathione levels in organs or systems affected by disease. A deficiency of glutathione can also lead to a weakening of the immune system of our body and a decrease in its ability to fight free radicals.