Glutathione whitening products including pills, powders, injections, and drips are all the rage for the past few years. They are mainly marketed for skin-lightening properties in countries where the lighter skin tone is considered more desirable. Read about no-makeup beauty hacks here. However, it is very important to know what are you consuming, if the promised results are true, and what are the results attached?
Since Glutathione whitening drips are introducing the largest bulk quantity of chemical cocktails directly into your bloodstream. in this article we will look into them deeply, starting from very basic and progressing to everything you should now.
What is Glutathione?
Glutathione is a molecule made of proteins and amino acids that act as a powerful antioxidant removing toxins from our body. It has sulfur attached to its structure, which attracts and binds the toxins in the body and helps get rid of them. It is naturally produced in our body by the liver and neurons and has several health benefits. Its natural production in our body helps us keep healthy and its production levels decrease as we age. Other factors contributing to its production level are poor diet, pollutants, toxins, and stress. The decrease in its production level can compromise our health.
What are the benefits of Glutathione?
It has often been labeled as the master detoxifier, mother of all antioxidants, master of immunity. It is known for its anti-aging properties, fighting cancer, heart diseases, and fatty and non-fatty liver problems. Known health benefits of glutathione are listed below:
- Act as a strong anti-oxidant
- Reduces cell damage
- Increases cellular turn over
- Promote a balanced inflammatory response
- Facilitates healthy aging
- Helps in detoxification
- Defends against environmental toxins
- Improves athletic strengths and abilities
- Encourages fat burning
- Increase lean muscle mass
- Helps with insulin resistance
Studies support that increase in glutathione levels shifts metabolism from producing fat towards developing muscles, decreases muscle damage, speeds up healing, and enhances strength and immunity. Glutathione was given as a functional medicine to cancer patients undergoing chemo to help with their immunity as chemotherapy greatly compromises immunity.
Does Glutathione lighten the skin color?
The skin lightening effect of Glutathione was first observed in patients undergoing chemotherapy. Later it was studied that glutathione decreases the production of darer skin pigment called melanin. This pigment is present in both our hair and skin. Glutathione deactivates the enzyme tyrosinase, which helps produce melanin. It also converts melanin to a lighter color pigment. So yes, it does lighten the skin color, however, to achieve significant skin lightening results it must be consumed with vitamin C at least equal to double dosage.
Does Glutathione suppress appetite?
It is known as a gentle appetite suppressant and individuals consuming Glutathione supplements have reported reduced carb craving however this is not scientifically studied yet.
Does Glutathione cause weight loss?
Since the lower level of glutathione in the body lead to less fat burning and more fat storage, a decline in its level can cause weight gain. Similarly increasing the glutathione levels in your blood can help increase fat burning, decreasing fat storage. However, it also promotes lean muscle development, so you might not exactly lose much weight but you will surely achieve a more fit looking and stronger body. It can definitely help you in slimming down if you are more on the obese side.
What are the natural sources of Glutathione?
Since it is protein and amino acids, consuming food with proteins and amino acids (milk, egg, and fish) encourages its production naturally in our body. Foods rich in sulfur (broccoli, kale, collards, cabbage, cauliflower, watercress, etc.) can help increase the natural production of glutathione. Working out can also help elevate the production of glutathione in your body. Other glutathione boosters include:
- Magnesium
- Vitamins C and E
- Vitamins B6, B9, B12, and Biotin (methylation nutrients)
- N-acetyl cysteine (NAC)
- Alpha-lipoic acid
- Sulfur-rich cruciferous and allium vegetables
- Selenium-rich foods like Brazil nuts and sardines
- Curcumin powder
- Milk thistle (herb)
What form of glutathione is best?
The most suitable route to supplement glutathione is intravenous as components are directly introduced into the bloodstream. Doctors prefer the intravenous route for patients with atherosclerosis, diabetes, chemotherapy, hemodialysis, and bypass surgery. The glutathione whitening drips are also considered the most effective and fast-acting way to deliver glutathione along with a suitable amount of vitamin C and other vitamins.
How long does glutathione whitening drips last?
Usually, glutathione whitening drips are run at a very slow speed as pacing up the drip can make you feel dizzy and nauseous. It may take 3 to 4 hours or even more to run the full drip.
What are the benefits of glutathione whitening drips?
Glutathione whitening drips detoxify your blood and cleanse your liver. They have glutathione and vitamins that increase cellular turnover, rejuvenating your skin. It helps lighten the skin tone, reduce the dark spots, scars, and marks. They also help in reducing the visibility of acne scars.
If you are struggling with acne read these helpful tips.
Marketed benefits of glutathione whitening drips are listed below:
- Lightens skin tone
- Evens skin tone
- Smooth skin texture
- Reduce dark spots
- Diminishes scars
- Reduce acne scars
- Healthier hair and nails
- Increases cellular turn over
- Detoxifies body
- Skin rejuvenation and Anti-aging effects
- Better immunity
Does Glutathione lighten drip skin permanently?
The skin lightening effects are long-lasting if not permanent. You will not go back to your original sin color for years. You can help results last even longer by avoiding sun exposure and other harsh elements. However, if you can’t avoid the sun or feel your skin is tanning or darkening you can always have a follow-up treatment planned with your doctor.
Are glutathione Whitening drips safe?
While oral glutathione supplements are FDA approved, injectable or intravenous supplements are not approved for aesthetic or cosmetic purposes. They are approved as functional medicine for cancer patients undergoing chemo. FDA is concerned that while there is not much research on these injectables and drips they may cause skin cancer and kidney stones. FDA has not approved these drips solely on the basis of research to back up their safety.
However many experienced and highly qualified doctors are offering glutathione whitening drips for skin lightening in their private clinics. It is important to know that these drips are not recommended for pregnant women and lactating mothers as there is no study done for their effect on unborn children or infants consuming mother feed.
What are the bad side effects of glutathione?
Consuming a healthy diet rich in glutathione-boosting foods does not have any bad effect. But taking supplements may not be suitable for everyone. Although there are no known drug interactions for glutathione, it is recommended you must seek a doctor’s advice before supplementing glutathione in any form. Discuss with your doctor about glutathione to determine if it is a suitable choice for you. Possible side effects may include:
- dizziness
- lightheadedness
- nausea
- abdominal cramps
- bloating
- trouble breathing due to bronchial constriction
- allergic reactions, such as rash
This is due to the rapid detoxification that is occurring within the brain.
