Is Glutathione the Secret to Brighter Skin? What to Know
Are you tired of investing time and effort in losing weight and coming up short of your target?
What haven’t you tried? You’ve tried different diets. You’ve subscribed to different weight loss blogs, YouTube channels, products, and weight loss programs, all to no avail.
What if there’s a magical key that can support your weight loss journey and aid your total body transformation? That’s where glutathione comes in.
Glutathione injections can be a valuable addition to your weight loss journey, especially when combined with a healthy lifestyle that includes balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, and medical guidance.
Although glutathione is popular as a key to the fountain of youth, helping many people improve their skin tone and suppleness, its role in helping with weight loss is underreported and underutilized.
In this article, we shed more light on how glutathione injections can help you lose weight, including who is a good candidate for them as well as some of its other potential benefits.
What is glutathione?
Glutathione is an antioxidant found in the human body. It is the body’s natural and primary defense against free oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is a situation where there are more free radicals than the body can clear with antioxidants like glutathione. This is akin to having more criminals than the police can handle.
It is made in the liver from the amino acids cysteine, glutamate, and glycine. It combats free radicals that can damage skin cells and other cells throughout the body.
Levels of glutathione drop as we get older, leaving excessive oxidative stress if it is not combated.
How does glutathione work?
Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant. It plays a crucial role in various bodily functions and can aid weight loss. It works by supporting the liver, a vital organ responsible for processing fats.
Glutathione enhances the body’s ability to break down and metabolize fats by improving liver function. This leads to reduced fat storage and increased fat burning, ultimately contributing to weight loss.
In addition, glutathione helps combat oxidative stress, which can hinder weight loss efforts. Glutathione creates a more favorable environment for weight management by limiting oxidative stress.
How do glutathione injections help with weight loss?
Although Glutathione isn’t a magic weight loss pill, it helps support weight reduction in several ways:
- Enhances metabolism: By reducing oxidative stress, glutathione may help increase fat metabolism, “the internal process by which your body expends energy and burns calories.” Due to increased metabolism, you burn calories more efficiently, which can support your weight loss efforts.
- Reduces inflammation: Chronic inflammation can lead to weight gain. In a 2019 study, researchers found that “a key inflammatory marker in the blood” increased as weight also increased. Oxidative stress can lead to chronic inflammation. Hence, glutathione’s anti-inflammatory properties may aid your weight loss journey.
- Improves insulin sensitivity: Inflammation can trigger insulin resistance by interfering with insulin’s ability to regulate blood sugar. This can result in increased fat storage, particularly in the liver, which further fuels the inflammatory response and perpetuates the cycle of weight gain and insulin resistance. Glutathione can improve how your body uses insulin, thus making it easier to lose weight as less fat is stored.
- Supports detoxification: Scientists found that endotoxin seeps into the bloodstream and damages fat cells’ function in people with obesity or excess weight. Consequently, endotoxin reduces fat cells’ ability to drive weight loss. Glutathione aids in removing these toxins.
How to use glutathione injections for weight loss
As we mentioned earlier, glutathione is not sufficient for weight loss by itself. It accelerates various mechanisms within the body that make weight loss efforts more effective.
To this end, doctors often recommend glutathione injections as part of a multiple-pronged treatment protocol.
For example, it’s not uncommon for your doctor or weight loss specialist to also recommend taking vitamin C to aid glutathione absorption in addition to eating a healthy diet.
Here are our recommendations for using glutathione injections for weight loss:
1. Consult a healthcare professional
Before starting any weight loss treatment, it’s crucial to speak with a qualified weight loss specialist to assess your options. The expert will examine your medical history, present condition, and previously used medical weight loss program to determine if glutathione is a viable option for you.
Additionally, they will determine the right dosage and frequency of your glutathione injections. The frequency and dosage may be front-loaded to quickly raise your body’s glutathione to normal levels, with subsequent injections simply for maintenance.
You may need shots as often as three times in the first week. Treatments will then be reduced to once per week. Total treatment usually lasts four to six weeks, depending on the specific scenario. You should begin seeing results in six to eight weeks.
A glutathione injection or weight loss IV drip is similar to a vaccine. An expert will administer the glutathione with or without other chemicals personalized to your needs. They will then administer the shot into a vein, typically in the shoulder or buttocks. Unlike Botox, glutathione is never administered to the face.
2. Only receive glutathione injections from a professional
After getting your diagnosis and recommendations from a healthcare professional, you may be tempted to administer the injections yourself. You absolutely shouldn’t. When your injections are administered by a professional, they are performed safely, at the right dosage, and with no risk of infection.
They can also keep you for a while and monitor for side effects. At La ViE MD, our medical director administers all injections, ensuring that all patients receive safe and effective treatments.
3. Combination therapy
It bears repeating that glutathione injection is not a one-stop solution. It must be combined with other solutions, such as semaglutide injection, physical activity, a balanced diet, and others.
Your healthcare professional is best positioned to recommend the best course of action for your specific context and desired outcome.
Glutathione injection preparation and aftercare
The good thing about glutathione is that it doesn’t require preparation or aftercare. It works like any other injection. Your healthcare professional will clean the injection site to make it sterile before administering the supplement.
You can go back to work or complete daily tasks immediately after the treatment with no downtime. If you experience any swelling, you may apply ice to the injection area, but we’ve found that this rarely happens. Most side effects can be treated with OTC medications and supplies.
Although glutathione does not require aftercare, your esthetician may recommend you avoid certain behaviors after treatment.
For example, they may tell you to avoid hot baths, skin treatments, and direct sunlight after your injections to reduce the risks of skin irritations, particularly if you also want to enjoy the skin-brightening benefits. They may also recommend taking vitamin C to increase glutathione absorption.
You should also minimize alcohol consumption as it increases glutathione in the liver and may produce oxidative stress.
Does glutathione have any side effects?
Glutathione is generally safe and well-tolerated. Many scientific studies exploring its benefits report no serious adverse effects.
However, certain, usually mild side effects have been noted, including the following:
- Irritation and inflammation at the injection site
- Nausea
- Digestive issues
- Respiratory issues
- Tiredness
- Numbness
- Steven Johnson syndrome
- Hair loss
- Breast pain
- Allergic reactions
In rare cases, glutathione can be toxic to the liver, kidneys, and nervous system, especially when taken in excess dosage.
Glutathione may also interact with other drugs and medications. That’s why it’s important to talk to your provider before beginning treatment to reduce the risk of harmful interactions.
Who is a good candidate for glutathione injections for weight loss?
Glutathione injections may be beneficial for individuals struggling with weight loss, particularly those who:
- Resist traditional weight loss methods: Despite trying various treatments and products, they’ve failed to achieve significant weight loss.
- Suffer from chronic inflammation: Chronic inflammation is a known contributor to obesity. It disrupts metabolic function, leading to weight gain and making it harder to lose weight. Glutathione’s anti-inflammatory properties can help alleviate this underlying issue.
- Have insulin resistance: Insulin resistance significantly impedes weight loss efforts. When cells become resistant to insulin, glucose builds up in the bloodstream, and fat accumulates in the liver, leading to weight gain. Glutathione helps improve insulin sensitivity, allowing glucose to enter cells efficiently making weight loss more achievable.
Who should avoid taking glutathione?
For starters, there’s yet to be a consensus or enough data to suggest if glutathione is safe enough for pregnant or breastfeeding women. With this in mind, it’s recommended that anyone in these categories avoid taking glutathione.
In addition, the following group of individuals should avoid taking glutathione:
- Chronic smokers and alcoholics should avoid it because smoking and alcohol counteract the effect of glutathione. Taking glutathione injections would not have any impact on their weight loss outcomes.
- Individuals on some medications may also avoid taking glutathione. Drugs like acetaminophen may cancel its effects.
Always consult with a medical professional before taking glutathione injections, and ensure you’re open and transparent about your medical history, current medications, and behavior.
How to incorporate glutathione injections into your weight loss journey
Glutathione injections can be a valuable tool in your weight loss journey when combined with other healthy lifestyle changes.
While glutathione itself doesn’t directly burn fat, it can indirectly support weight loss by improving your body’s fat metabolism. It helps your liver process fats more efficiently, reducing fat storage and promoting weight loss.
However, it’s not a standalone solution. You’ll still need to pair it with a healthy lifestyle, which includes eating a balanced diet, practicing portion control, and staying hydrated and physically active as part of a holistic weight management program.
Regular exercise boosts your metabolism, and a nutritious diet helps control calorie intake. Glutathione injections work best when combined with these healthy habits, creating a comprehensive approach to long-term weight loss and overall health.
Does glutathione really Work?
Scientists have conducted multiple studies to determine the efficacy of glutathione across many health issues, including those directly and indirectly related to weight loss.
In a weight loss-related study, researchers found that participants who originally had a higher glutathione level (GSH >3.5 µmol/g Hb) lost more weight than those in the low glutathione group (GSH <3.5 µmol/g Hb) when subjected to dietary therapy.
Participants in the higher glutathione group lost 9.08% of their original body weight and approximately 24% of body fat, compared to 5.68% and 19.73%, respectively, for the lower glutathione group.
A 2017 NIH study showed it reduces pigmentation, decreases wrinkles, and promotes skin elasticity after four weeks of use in young, healthy participants. A 2021 study also showed topical and oral administration provides skin-lightening effects.
What are other benefits of glutathione injections
Some other benefits of glutathione injections include:
- Reduces acne and black spots: Glutathione reduces inflammation related to acne and other skin conditions. It also boosts the immune system, helping the body fight acne.
- Detoxification: Helps the liver detoxify harmful substances and supports overall body detox.
- Immune system support: Enhances immune function, reducing infection risk.
- Brightens skin: The substance helps boost pheomelanin production and decrease melanin production, so skin looks brighter.
- Minimizes hyperpigmentation: Glutathione regulates melanin to produce a more even skin tone.
- Reduces wrinkles: The antioxidant properties protect the skin from free radicals that accelerate aging.
- Protects the skin from UV rays and free radicals: Free radicals make the skin susceptible to UV rays. Glutathione protects the skin from free radicals, improving its defense against UV rays. In doing so, it prevents age spots related to sun exposure.
- Does not require any downtime: Glutathione injections do not require any preparation or downtime. After treatment, you can go about your day.
- Increased self-confidence: People who use glutathione injections tend to feel better about their skin, their appearance, and themselves.
Takeaway: Maximize your weight loss efforts with glutathione
Glutathione injections offer a promising addition to traditional weight loss methods, enhancing fat metabolism, improving insulin sensitivity, and reducing inflammation.
While the injections shouldn’t replace a healthy lifestyle, glutathione injections can help you break through stubborn weight loss roadblocks that prevent you from reaching your weight loss goals.
Additionally, the skin and detoxification benefits provide an added boost to your overall health and appearance. Remember, glutathione injections are most effective when combined with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and healthy habits like portion control.
Ready to get better weight loss results? Book an appointment with LA ViE MD to learn more about our comprehensive weight loss services. LA ViE MD is a top provider of natural-looking, non-surgical cosmetic treatments in the Danville and Los Gatos/San Jose, CA, areas.
FAQs
Below, we address some frequently asked questions about glutathione.
How long do glutathione treatments last?
Dermatologists generally recommend treatments of 240 mg to 3600 mg for up to 12 weeks. It is said to produce permanent results with proper maintenance. However, while it can protect skin, it can’t prevent future damage. Many patients return for follow-up injections to ensure ongoing safety and effectiveness.
Will glutathione lighten skin?
Glutathione will even out skin tone by producing more melatonin that lightens the skin and reducing melatonin that darkens the skin. However, there is conflicting evidence on whether it can lighten skin tone. Some say it is not effective enough and that it only works on certain parts of the body.
How do you maintain glutathione results?
A healthy diet and exercise will support glutathione injections, helping them last longer.
Are diet and exercise still necessary after taking glutathione injections?
Diet and exercise are still crucial, even after glutathione injections. Think of glutathione as a tool that can help your body work more efficiently. However, it’s still up to you to provide the right fuel (healthy diet) and help your body burn calories through exercise. Combining glutathione injections with a healthy lifestyle can maximize your weight loss efforts.
Can glutathione injections help reduce belly fat?
A 2018 study found that participants with a higher level of glutathione enjoyed a greater reduction in belly fat and body weight compared to those with modest or low levels of the substance. So yes, it can help in this regard.
Are glutathione injections safe?
Glutathione injections are generally considered safe when administered by a qualified healthcare professional. That said, there are some moderate to mild side effects you should be aware of, such as temporary redness, swelling, or mild discomfort at the injection site, as well as nausea, digestive issues, numbness, and more.
How long does It take to see results from glutathione injections for weight loss?
The time may vary per individual. Factors such as the initial level of glutathione, current metabolic rate, and healthy lifestyle play a significant role in how soon a patient begins to see results. That said, the most noticeable change begins to show after a few weeks of consistent use.
Is glutathione the secret to brighter skin?
Glutathione will even out skin tone by producing more melatonin that lightens the skin and reducing melatonin that darkens the skin. However, there is conflicting evidence on whether it can lighten skin tone. Some say it is not effective enough and that it only works on certain parts of the body.