We’ve all been told about the virtues of adhering to an antioxidant-rich diet to ensure strong bodily defenses against damaging free radicals. Less common knowledge is that our bodies actually produce their own antioxidants, a master detoxifier called glutathione. Put simply, you would have to look long and hard to find another substance as effective at ridding your body of harmful toxins, chemicals, metals, and pathogens as glutathione.

Sadly, due to a variety of factors both genetic and circumstantial, not all bodies are capable of producing glutathione at optimal levels. The result is that some people experience glutathione deficiency.

Without a clear sense of what a glutathione deficiency looks like, many may continue to struggle with glutathione deficiencies without having a remedy. So, let’s take a look at four unmistakable signs that you may be suffering from a glutathione deficiency so you can recognize the consequences and take action.

YOU EXPERIENCE CHRONIC EXHAUSTION AND FATIGUE

Doctors treating chronic illness have noted that a glutathione deficiency is often a hallmark in nearly all their patients, regardless of age. Indeed, glutathione plays a fundamental role in the production and regulation of metabolic energy and low levels of glutathione in the body can grind this process to a halt. 

Additionally, since glutathione is critical in managing the damaging effects of oxidative free radicals, a deficiency of this miracle molecule leaves one susceptible to a range of serious health concerns related to accelerated aging and degenerative disorders, many of which exhibit themselves in the form of an atypical amount of weariness and lethargy.

YOU STRUGGLE WITH WEIGHT LOSS

While obesity and excessive weight are undoubtedly caused by a diverse range of contingent factors, it is often a sign that the body is not naturally producing optimal amounts of glutathione. Glutathione helps protect mitochondria, organelles which oxidize cells to use glucose and create energy from oxidative stress. In effect, glutathione is a fundamental component of weight regulation and greatly determines the body’s ability to produce energy and burn fat.

YOU ARE CONSTANTLY ILL

Research shows that glutathione is a key player in the fortification and management of a healthy immune system. Glutathione regulates inflammatory responses to damage and toxins. Constantly experiencing illness and aches, whether viral, bacterial or chemical in origin is a sign that your immune system may be compromised, potentially due to a glutathione deficiency.

YOU ARE EXPERIENCING LIVER COMPLICATIONS

Glutathione is critical in aiding the liver as the central organ in detoxification processes. Glutathione also boosts the body’s ability to engage an important and natural process called apoptosis, also known as cell death, which is crucial for the creation of new, healthy cells.  An inability to engage in cell death as caused by a glutathione deficiency has been shown to result in chronic liver complications such as fatty liver disease, even in non-drinkers.