How Does the Immune System Work, and Why Does it Need Support?
If you are wondering how to strengthen immunity, you should know how the immune system works.
The immune system is your defence system, made up of white blood cells, proteins, chemicals and organs. They protect you from bacteria, viruses, cancer cells and parasites. They do this recognising foreign cells and eliminating germs that don’t belong. Once this is done your immune system learns about the germ and develops antibodies to combat them in the future.
- Modern lifestyle can contribute to a weaker immune system. A poor diet can impair immune function, disrupting the production of cells that help you, leading to nutrient deficiencies which reduce the effects of immune cells and cause inflammation.
- Chronic stress, a sad feature of modern life, causes inflammation. This damages cells, weakening your immune system.
- Pollution also contributes to poor immunity. Breathing in polluted air constantly means that white blood cell levels remain high. When this happens, soon they begin to attack healthy cells. Harmful toxins will also disrupt your immune function, leaving you more susceptible to infections.
- Antioxidants like L-Glutathione are important in reducing oxidative stress in your body and inflammation, both of which put stress on your immune system.
The Science Behind L-Glutathione and Immune Function
Science backs up that L-Glutathione is a powerful immune booster.
A 2009 study suggested that supplements would be beneficial in the treatment of autoimmune diseases as higher L-Glutathione levels are associated with stronger immunity. A 2020 study found that L-Glutathione would be helpful alongside vaccines to help COVID-19 patients, aiding the immune system and improving resilience against infections.
Another 2020 study found that severe symptoms of COVID-19 occurred due to excessive inflammatory responses and increasing L-Glutathione levels could reduce it – possibly improving recovery time.
All this occurs because L-Glutathione enhances immune cell function in many ways, affecting:
T-Cells
T-cells help direct other cells to combat infection as well as aid cell-to-cell communication. They also activate B cells which are important in producing antibodies. When T-cells are activated, they produce reactive oxygen species as a by-product. If ROS levels are too high, this can impair T-cell function so the presence of L-Glutathione helps create a balance.
NK Cells
L-Glutathione helps with the production and activity of NK cells. These cells are part of the innate immune system, not needing exposure to an antigen to fight it. They are important in killing infected and cancerous cells.
White Blood Cells
White blood cells are vital for identifying and fighting infections. L-Glutathione protects them from damage and helps maintain cytokine levels – proteins important in cell communication.
Inflammation Regulation
Immunity is a balancing act. Inflammation is a core part of your body fighting off infection.
L-Glutathione helps regulate these inflammatory responses in your body. If your body’s immune system overacts and inflammation occurs more often, healthy cells begin to get attacked – which can lead to chronic conditions.
Why Supplementing with L-Glutathione is the Best Way to Boost Your Immunity
L-Glutathione levels naturally decrease over time. As we age, enzymes responsible for glutathione synthesis become less efficient. Combining a balanced diet with supplements is the way to achieve optimal L-Glutathione levels.
Supplements come in three major forms:
- Oral: capsules, powders, liquids that you ingest orally. They are easily found but are not absorbed by the body as effectively.
- Liposomal: L-Glutathione liposomal capsules are when the glutathione molecule is contained inside a lipid. It comes in a capsule but absorption is improved.
- IV Therapy: the liquid L-Glutathione is delivered directly into your bloodstream. This results in near-immediate absorption and minimal side effects.
Additional Health Benefits of L-Glutathione
Whilst L-Glutathione might be the best antioxidant for immune health, known as the master antioxidant, it also has many other benefits. These include:
Detoxification
L-Glutathione helps your liver to eliminate harmful toxins from your body. It binds to harmful toxins, making it easier for your liver to flush them out. It also protects your liver from oxidative stress, meaning the organ can work more efficiently.
Anti-Ageing
It can also protect cells from the signs of ageing. L-Glutathione can help with cell regeneration, improve skin elasticity and reduce hyperpigmentation to leave your skin looking healthier and with less wrinkles.
Energy Boosting
L-Glutathione supports mitochondrial function. The mitochondria in cells are responsible for their energy production, so when they are working, they are more efficient. This efficiency means you will be more energised and have more endurance.
Brain Health
Oxidative stress can also affect your brain. As L-Glutathione protects against oxidative stress, this helps reduce brain fog and cognitive decline. Increased L-Glutathione levels can potentially help reduce the risk of conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
How to Take L-Glutathione for Maximum Immune Support
What form of L-Glutathione supplement you take and when you take it can influence its effectiveness. If taking an oral supplement, taking daily in the morning on an empty stomach can mean it is absorbed better. The same goes for liposomal L-Glutathione.
If taking L-Glutathione orally, doses can change depending on age, lifestyle and health conditions.
- People with chronic illnesses: Up to 500mg per day
- Adults: Up to 200mg per day
- Over 50 years old: Up to 300mg per day
- Pregnant women: Up to 250mg per day
- Athletes: Up to 300mg per day
Who Can Benefit from L-Glutathione Supplements?
One of the main draws of antioxidant-rich supplements that you can find on the NAD+ At Home shop is that everyone can benefit.
However, some people may get more from supplementing their L-Glutathione levels, alongside doing it naturally. These include:
- People with weakened immunity or frequent infections – strengthening your immunity will make you less susceptible to everyday illnesses.
- Those exposed to high levels of stress or environmental toxins – pollution and constant stress can decrease your immunity and run you down so getting a boost can help you fight back.
- Individuals looking for a natural way to support long-term health and vitality – even if you are a fit and healthy person, L-Glutathione levels decrease as you age. Taking L-Glutathione for energy and wellness can support your long-term physical and mental health.
- Anyone experiencing fatigue, sluggishness, or signs of oxidative stress – feeling rundown can mean free radicals are causing oxidative stress. L-Glutathione is an antioxidant that can help reduce these symptoms.
