It is now known that the coronavirus can have a more severe and detrimental effect on the health of those over 60. COVID-19 can cause severe symptoms in older people with pre-existing conditions. This demographic has higher rates of infection and more severe symptoms. The immune system is the main culprit. The immune system’s ability to fight infection naturally declines with age. When older, immune systems are further weakened by chronic diseases, making a coronavirus strike much worse.
A glutathione deficiency is considered a leading cause of COVID-19 deaths and complications.
Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that can be found in almost all species of animals and plants. It reduces the oxidation process in the body, which can lead to free radical molecules that cause chronic diseases. Glutathione is also required to make anti-inflammatory compounds such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes. A glutathione shortage can lead to increased systemic inflammation, which is what COVID-19 causes.
The American Chemical Society/Infectious diseases published a comprehensive review of academic literature to examine a possible link between glutathione deficiency, COVID-19 symptoms, and death. The review authors note that it is important to determine whether the symptoms of COVID-19 are mild, moderate, or severe enough for intensive care.
The study found that glutathione can be found in large amounts in all cells. This indicates how crucial it is to protect against free radical damage and support immune system health. Although research proves that glutathione has many beneficial effects on overall health, the study asserts that glutathione remains highly underestimated as a powerful antioxidant.
Glutathione’s ability to stop some viruses from replicating at specific stages of the viral cycle is a little-known property. The antiviral nature of glutathione seems to inhibit viral “loads”, or the number of replicated viruses in the bloodstream.
COVID-19 is primarily a virus that attacks the lungs. The higher the viral load, the more inflammatory cells are released into the lung. Cytokine storms are a massive release of cytokines in the lungs. Researchers are finding these cytokine storms are causing COVID-19 patients to need ventilators, longer hospitalizations, and even longer recovery times
Researchers found that the antiviral properties of glutathione can be reduced in older people who are at high risk. Injecting NAC (N-acetylcysteine) for six months to subjects with severe ARDS experienced an improvement in symptoms. According to this study, the anti-viral and antioxidant properties of glutathione reduced viral infection and lung damage in older people with underlying medical problems.
COVID-19 isn’t expected to simply “go away”, especially with the emergence of new variants. Staying healthy through the pandemic means integrating these habits in your everyday routine and ensuring that your body has access to adequate glutathione. Contact our office today to find out more about the possible advantages of glutathione.
At Invigorate Health, we offer IV glutathione infusions at our Long Island health and wellness clinic. To learn more about this treatment, call us at 615-288-4777 or click the button below to choose from our services and schedule your appointment online.