If you are living with fibromyalgia, or another chronic illness, it may be helpful to know what your glutathione levels are.

A few years ago I had a DUTCH hormone test done (a 24 hour urine test which looks at sex hormones and their metabolites, the overall diurnal pattern of free cortisol, and the total distribution of cortisol metabolites, in addition to OATS, which provides insight into nutritional deficiencies, oxidative stress, gut dysbiosis, melatonin, neuro-inflammation and more). The test results showed that my glutathione levels were quite low. If you know anything about glutathione, not having enough of this master antioxidant is not a good thing. Take a look at the functions of glutathione below, and you’ll see why your body would struggle to thrive if your levels were low. This DUTCH test is quite pricey, but very worth it if you can afford it, or your insurance may cover it!

Glutathione has many important functions in the body, including:

• making DNA (the build blocks of proteins and cells)

• supporting immune function

• forming sperm cells

• breaking down free radicals (KEY)

• helping certain enzymes function

• regenerating vitamin C and E

• transporting mercury out of the brain

• helping the liver and gallbladder emulsify with fats

• assisting regular cell death

For a few years I received a glutathione push in my IV therapy (added to a Myers cocktail), and I definitely found this helpful. Now, I have switched to taking a NAC (N-acetyl cysteine) supplement, which is a precursor to glutathione, along with a liposomal glutathione supplement, and they both seem to be helping.

Drinking milk thistle tea, and eating foods such as cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, etc.), garlic, onions, eggs, nuts, avocado and legumes can help increase glutathione levels. I recommend that clients eat cruciferous vegetables three times per week and cooking with garlic and onions as often as you can! Reducing your exposure to toxins (which is next to impossible in 2024) would be helpful to naturally increase glutathione levels as well.

If you’re interested in diving deeper into this topic with me, follow me on instagram, or send me a message!

Cheers,

Alexis Tanner, RHN

The Nutritionist Mama

*Disclaimer - this is my own personal experience and not medical advice.