Fibromyalgia a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues. Researchers believe that fibromyalgia amplifies painful sensations by affecting the way your brain processes pain signals.

The exact cause of fibromyalgia continues to be an unfortunate mystery. However, studies have found correlations between glutathione levels, antioxidant levels, mitochondrial dysfunction and fibromyalgia.

• One study reported individuals with fibromyalgia have significantly lower levels of glutathione when compared to healthy controls
• Research has found evidence between oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in patients with fibromyalgia
• Individuals with fibromyalgia tend to show lower levels of antioxidants

What is Glutathione?

Glutathione is unlike any other antioxidant. Most antioxidants neutralize free radicals. However, they actually rely on a glutathione-dependent detox process to remove the toxins from the body. Below is a simplified process of the detoxification function and process of glutathione.

1. Toxins are identified and metabolized into a form the body can more easily handle
2. Glutathione-related enzymes complete the breakdown and excretion of the toxins via the liver or kidneys
3. At the end of the process, the body then recycles glutathione and uses it to recycle other antioxidants like vitamins C and E

Why is Glutathione important?

• Mitochondrial protection from the free radicals (the mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell, vital for proper cellular function)
• It protects the liver from free radicals produced from certain foods and toxins
• Neutralizes and detoxifies from exposure to heavy metals, xenoestrogens and other environmental or dietary toxins
• Also, Glutathione is shown to improve the appearance of hair, skin, and nails

Would you like to see if a personal blend of antioxidants and glutathione can improve your overall health and well-being? Give us a call and schedule an appointment!  

References

Sendur OF1, et al. Serum antioxidants and nitric oxide levels in fibromyalgia: a controlled study. Rheumatol Int. 2009 Apr;29(6):629-33. doi: 10.1007/s00296-008-0738-x. Epub 2008 Oct 14.

Okun JG1, et al. S-Acetylglutathione normalizes intracellular glutathione content in cultured fibroblasts from patients with glutathione synthetase deficiency. J Inherit Metab Dis. 2004;27(6):783-6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15617191

Cordero MD1, et al. Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in fibromyalgia. Neuro Endocrinol Lett. 2010;31(2):169-73.

Nicolson GL. Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Chronic Disease: Treatment With Natural Supplements. Integrative Medicine: A Clinician’s Journal. 2014;13(4):35-43. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4566449/