This article is in partnership with Setria Glutathione.
What Exactly Is Glutathione?
Glutathione (say it with me: gloo-ta-thigh-own) is a powerful antioxidant made in your body from three amino acids—glutamate, cysteine, and glycine. Think of it as your body’s natural detox squad, patrolling every single cell and cleaning up cellular messes before they become major issues.
Unlike some nutrients that you only get from food, your body is built to produce glutathione. But here’s the kicker. Production naturally drops as we age and can be depleted by stress, poor nutrition, environmental toxins, and even intense exercise. By your 60s or 70s, you could be making half of what you did in your 20s. Ouch.
So, Why Is It Called the “Master” Antioxidant?
Glutathione doesn’t just neutralize harmful free radicals like other antioxidants do—it goes a step further. It recharges other antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, and alpha-lipoic acid, essentially putting them back in the game after they’ve fought off oxidative stress. It’s the team captain, the coach, and the All-Star player all in one.
Where Free Radicals Come From (and Why You Should Care)
Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage your cells, accelerate aging, and increase your risk of chronic disease. Your body produces them naturally—when digesting food, exercising, or fighting infections—but they also come from external sources like UV rays, pollution, cigarette smoke, and chemical-laden skincare products. Antioxidants help neutralize these free radicals. But glutathione? It’s like the antioxidant that keeps all the other antioxidants strong.
Major Benefits of Glutathione
- Cell Protection: Glutathione binds to free radicals, preventing them from causing inflammation and damage. Chronic inflammation is behind everything from aging skin to heart disease to brain fog, so yeah—this matters.
- Immune Health: It supports white blood cell and “natural killer” cell production, giving your immune system the reinforcements it needs to fight infections and potentially even abnormal cells.
- Liver & Detox Power: Your liver relies on glutathione to neutralize toxins and escort them out of your body. It’s especially concentrated in the liver and kidneys, your body’s major detox hubs.
- Heart & Fitness Support: Emerging research shows that pairing glutathione with citrulline may support nitric oxide levels—think better blood flow, stronger workouts, and a healthier heart.
How to Boost Glutathione Naturally
Your body is smart, but it needs the right support. Here’s how to help it keep glutathione levels up:
- Eat Glutathione-Rich Foods: Asparagus, avocado, spinach, strawberries, and citrus are solid picks. Sulfur-rich veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts also help.
- Focus on Nutrients that Support Glutathione: Vitamin C, selenium, and B vitamins all help your body produce and recycle glutathione.
- Consider Supplementation: If your levels are low, supplements can help—they are convenient and easy to find, plus they come in many different delivery systems including tablets, capsules, stick packs, liquid, powders, sprays and liposomal. Make sure to check the labels, because not all glutathione is created equal. It’s best to look for a branded ingredient like Setria. Setria Glutathione has been clinically studied to increase blood glutathione levels and support the immune system. (P.S. Work with a healthcare pro to choose the right option for you.)
The Bottom Line
Glutathione might not get the spotlight like vitamin C or collagen, but behind the scenes, it’s doing the heavy lifting for your immune system, detox pathways, and cellular health. Keeping levels high is one of the smartest wellness moves you can make—especially as you age.