IV and Nebulized Glutathione: What You Need to Know

Glutathione(GSH) is a potent antioxidant and immune system modulator. It is a naturally occurring compound composed of a tripeptide—a combination of three amino acids called cysteine, glycine, and glutamine. It’s produced and present in most of the cells in our bodies, though it’s most often found concentrated in the liver. Because it is an antioxidant it is used in a number of processes in the body and we use it in a variety of treatments. The best absorbed administration is through IV or through nebulizing (breathing it in).

IV Glutathione Therapy

IV Glutathione therapy delivers this powerful antioxidant directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system for maximum absorption and effectiveness. This method is especially beneficial for individuals dealing with chronic illness, inflammation, or toxin buildup, as it allows for rapid cellular uptake. IV administration supports liver detoxification, enhances immune function, and promotes faster recovery from stress or physical exertion. It's also commonly used to address conditions like Long COVID, autoimmune diseases, insulin resistance, and even fertility challenges. Many patients report increased energy, clearer skin, reduced brain fog, and overall improvement in wellbeing after a series of treatments.

Critical Roles of Glutathione:

• Repairs damaged cells

• Neutralizes free radicals

• Encourages mitochondrial growth

• Creates new cells to replace the aging ones.

• Cofactor of several antioxidant enzymes

• Mast cell stabilization

• Regeneration of vitamins C and E

• Decrease incidents of muscle damage

• Boosting strength and endurance

• Encourages the body to make more muscle than fat

• Reduces exercise and injury recovery times

• Detoxifies the liver, even in conditions like fatty liver disease

Side Effects of Glutathione:

Some people may experience flu-like side effects such as chills, headache, and nausea. Immediately after an IV.

People with Asthma may still be eligible for IV GSH but there is a risk of it aggravating and causing an attack.

A surprising side effect of glutathione is that it can unexpectedly lighten your skin tone. Once it gets into your body, it deactivates tyrosinase, the enzyme that produces melanin. Depending on your personal preference, that can be a good or bad thing. But in any case, it’s only a temporary shift. As soon as the glutathione cycles through your system, the skin lightening effects dissipate.

Oral glutathione supplements are rarely absorbed, enzymes in our stomach immediately begin to dissolve the bonds holding the three amino acids together. And without those bonds, it won’t be absorbed into our systems.

GSH has been shown to be helpful in the following conditions

• Liver detox

• Liver support: ARLD, MASLD, Cirrhosis, Hepatitis, Liver tumors

• Chronic Disease

• Long Covid

• POTS

• MCAS

• Digestive issues like IBS, SIBO, etc

• Stress

• Anxiety

• Heart disease and Stroke recovery

• Fertility (male and Female)

• Anti Cancer

• Autoimmune diseases

• Anti Aging

• Insulin Resistance and Diabetes

How often are treatments required?

This varies on a case-by-case basis and commonly depends on the condition being treated. Typically, 1-2 times per week for 4-6 weeks is most common. Thereafter, depending on the individual’s progress, a maintenance plan of 1 treatment every 2-6 weeks may be indicated in order to prevent recurrence.

In the case of a severe and progressive condition with acute exacerbations, treatments may be administered every few days for best results. This will be determined by your practitioner when you are assessed.

Nebulized Glutathione

Nebulizing a solution of glutathione allows direct administration to the respiratory tract including the lungs. This improves the therapeutic benefit for those suffering from respiratory tract disorders.

Nebulized Glutathione has been shown to:

• Improve immune system function by increasing the numbers of white blood cells (specifically Cytotoxic T cells).

• Function as a mucolytic (thins and loosen mucus)

• Improve pulmonary function by increasing total lung capacity

• Increase oxygen saturation of red blood cells.

• Reduce ear fullness, nasal obstruction and rhinorrhea (runny nose)

• Improve antioxidant concentration in the respiratory tract

• Decrease smoking induced damage to lung tissue.

Why is glutathione important for respiratory health?

GSH is known to be in high concentrations within the epithelial lining fluid (ELF) of the lower respiratory tract, which refers to the layer of cells which first come into contact with inhaled air. In fact the ELF concentration of GSH is 140 times that of blood serum concentrations. GSH is the body’s first line of defense against oxidative stress imposed from the outside world including but not limited to pollution, cigarette smoke, bacteria and viruses, amongst many other invaders. In respiratory disease, cellular damage and injury is mediated by an increased oxidant burden and/or decreased antioxidant defenses. By ensuring we provide the body with adequate glutathione to counteract the increased demand, we may improve respiratory function and alveolar health.

Glutathione is only beneficial for lung conditions when it is delivered directly to the pulmonary tissue – this is best achieved using a nebulizer. In medicine, a nebulizer is a drug delivery device used to administer medications (both pharmaceuticals or nutraceuticals) in the form of a mist inhaled into the lungs.

Nebulized GSH has been shown to be helpful in the following conditions:

• COPD

• Cystic fibrosis

• Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

• Cigarette smoking detox-support

• Multiple chemical sensitivity disorder

• Non-sulfite sensitive asthma

• Farmer’s lung

• Chronic congestion

• Chronic rhinitis

• Chronic sinusitis

• Post-viral cough

• Upper and lower respiratory tract infections

• Bronchitis

• Bronchiectasis

• Pneumonia

Side Effects of Nebulized Glutathione

Minor side effects such as transient coughing and an unpleasant odour are common during this treatment.

Risks of Glutathione

Any individual who has a sensitivity to sulfites is likely not a candidate for treatment as the GSH may lead to bronchoconstriction or trigger an asthma flare. Nebulized glutathione is not used as a treatment for primary lung cancer.

How often are treatments required?

This varies on a case-by-case basis and commonly depends on the condition being treated. Typically, 1-2 times per week for 4-6 weeks is most common. Thereafter, depending on the individual’s progress, a maintenance plan of 1 treatment every 2-6 weeks may be indicated in order to prevent recurrence. In the case of a severe and progressive condition with acute exacerbations, treatments may be administered

every few days or even twice daily for best results. This will be determined by your practitioner with assessment.

Whether you're navigating chronic illness, supporting your liver, recovering from a viral infection, or simply looking to boost your overall wellness, glutathione therapy may offer the support your body needs. At Inlet Integrated Health, our naturopathic doctor provides personalized treatment plans based on your unique health goals and concerns Contact us today to find out if IV or nebulized glutathione is the right fit for you and take the next step toward feeling your best.