glutathione and respiratory heatlh

​What is glutathione?
Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant made of three amino acids (glycine, cysteine and glutamine), that naturally occurs in the human body and is used to combat inflammation, prevent oxidative damage and supports detoxification. 
 
The critical roles of glutathione in the body:

• Directly neutralizes free-radicals produced by Phase I liver metabolism of toxins.
• Cofactor and needed for several antioxidant enzymes to function properly
• Recycling of vitamins C and E
• Supports Phase II Detoxification in the liver
• Transportation of mercury out of cells and the brain
• Supports cellular proliferation and apoptosis (necessary cellular functions)
• Vital to mitochondrial function (energy unit of each cell) and maintenance of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)
• The liver uses glutathione to help detoxify fats before the gallbladder emits bile, supporting healthy digestion.

Who could benefit from glutathione?
Glutathione is easily depleted with inflammatory conditions, exposure to pollutants and wildfire smoke, viral infections, alcohol consumption, over-training and many other chronic ailments. It is one nutrient that can become chronically low with age and in aging populations. Some of the ailments that could benefit from glutathione supplementation may include:

• Chronic congestion, sinusitis or runny nose
• Post-viral cough
• Post-COVID infection
• Wildfire exposure
• Bronchitis
• Multiple chemical sensitivity disorder
• Autoimmune conditions
• Chronic fatigue
• Chronic cigarette smoking detoxification / replenishment
• Chronic alcohol consumption
• Chronic lung disorders (COPD, cystic fibrosis)
• Eye conditions (cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration)
• Sperm motility issues
• Osteoarthritis
• Heart disease
• Neurodegenerative conditions (Alzheimer’s & Parkinson’s)

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​How is glutathione supplemented:
Glutathione is not very shelf stable, making it difficult to supplement in the tablet or capsule form. Therefore, glutathione is most effective when used as an injection, included in an IV treatment or inhaled with the use of a nebulizer.


Why is nebulized glutathione a good choice for many?
Glutathione is found abundantly in the epithelial lining fluid (ELF) in the lower respiratory tract, making the nebulized and inhaled form the best form for respiratory conditions and respiratory health.


How nebulized glutathione treatments work:
Nebulizer treatments take 10-15 minutes and can be done at home with the use of a nebulizer and a mask. Although treatment recommendations will vary from individual to individual, typically, nebulized glutathione treatments are recommended twice weekly for 4 weeks and then once or twice a month thereafter for maintenance. 


While nebulized glutathione may be recommended for children, each child will need to be able to tolerate a 10-15 minute long treatment with a mask on their face. Glutathione naturally has a sulfur smell, and sometimes children have aversions to the smell. 


Are there any risks?
Glutathione is naturally heavy in sulfide compounds and therefore, those with severe sulfur sensitivity need to be screened prior to nebulized glutathione treatments being administered. Our office will screen each patient prior to their first use of nebulized glutathione with a urine test to check for sulfur sensitivity. We instruct our patients on use and monitor their first treatment before sending them home with the equipment necessary to continue subsequent treatments at home.


What are the potential side effects?
Nebulizing glutathione can cause coughing during or shortly after the treatment. In rare cases, it can cause bronchoconstriction, worsening an asthma flair.


What is the cost of nebulized glutathione therapy at Sonoma Roots?
While cost will fluctuate a little depending on the exact dose of glutathione dispensed, one could expect:

• Established naturopathic patients: $315 for initial 4-week treatment
• New naturopathic patients: $365 for initial 4-week treatment. 
• Monthly maintenance cost of treatment after initial 4-week course: $15-$45.
• An annual follow-up visit with Dr. Danielle will be required to continue treatment.

Each of the above cost breakdowns above include the visit fee with Dr. Danielle, first monitored treatment, a nebulizer with a mask and 4-weeks of glutathione treatments. For those who own a nebulizer (or share one amongst family members) and can bring it to the visit, the overall cost of initial treatment will be reduced by $60.

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