Start dropping pounds today!
The body needs the antioxidant
glutathione, known as the “master detoxifier,” to ferry trapped fat and toxins from the liver and out of the body. Only with enough of this mighty molecule can the body function optimally so we feel our best and release pesky pounds. And while the body makes its own glutathione, it also absorbs it through food and supplements, which is welcome news since levels plummet by more than 50% as we age. Says Mark Hyman, M.D., “Learning to maximize glutathione in the body is crucial, as many of us are being bombarded by more toxins than our body can fight off.”
A toxin-laden liver is also a hidden reason so many New Year’s diets fail. Luckily, it’s easy to reverse. Glutathione expert Nayan Patel, PharmD, reveals, “More glutathione equals more fat burning.” To get the perks, he created a two-week slimming reboot designed to harness the detox power of glutathione. During this time, you’ll support your liver by eating a clean menu of whole-food, plant-based options, plus fish and healthy fats. You’ll avoid foods that strain the liver like alcohol, meat and dairy. Patel says, “It’s great for a postholiday cleanup or a New Year setup!”
Feeling and looking your best is as easy as following these steps…
Step 1: Let food lift you
“Food is the building block for our body’s glutathione-making machinery,” says Patel. Everyone’s toxic load is different, but Patel recommends enjoying a steady diet of glutathionerich foods including zucchini (36 mg. per cup), skin-on potatoes (22 mg. per large spud), pork (19 mg. per 31⁄2 oz) and winter squash (11 mg. per cup). He also advises eating fare rich in the glutathione building block cysteine, like cod (259 mg. per 4 oz.), walnuts (345 mg. per 1 cup) and eggs (278 mg. per 3 eggs). Also smart: Add cysteine-rich whey protein to a daily smoothie—a strategy Canadian researchers found can boost glutathione levels by 47%.
Step 2: Supplement
For slimming, choose this formula. To get a continuous dose of glutathione, women over 45 should also take a supplement. But many formulations are not absorbed properly. Fortunately, new research shows liposomal glutathione is more potent than traditional forms. Why? The molecule is encapsulated inside protective fatty lipids, preventing it from being devoured by digestive enzymes.
Proof of the power of this form: In a Penn State study, folks given 500 mg. of liposomal glutathione increased their levels by 40% in two weeks. The recommended daily dose varies based on toxin exposure, but experts suggest around 500 mg. daily for weight-loss purposes (200 mg. for maintenance). Rest assured, glutathione is safe, so you can’t overdo it, says Patel.
Functional diagnostic nutrition practitioner Jennifer Woodward recommends Pharmaca Quicksilver Scientific Liposomal Glutathione ($45 for 50 servings, Pharmaca.com.) Two pumps of the liquid into your mouth delivers 200 mg. And Mark Hyman, M.D., trusts Tri-Fortify Orange Gel liposomal glutathione 450 mg. ($94 for 48 servings, DrHyman.com).
One word of caution: Some people experience fatigue or rash when starting glutathione, but detox symptoms usually clear within a week or two. If bothersome, health expert Ann Louise Gittleman, Ph.D., advises reducing the dose or supporting your liver with a cup of dandelion root tea.
For bonus anti-aging perks,
choose a spray. For years, scientists tried to develop a topical form of glutathione, but the molecule was just too big. Now there’s a new, patented technology, developed by Patel, that shrinks glutathione, so it can pass through skin to repair cells, reducing oxidative stress and speeding weight loss. Women are raving that this form, designed to erase age spots and sun spots caused by free radicals, can also deliver increased energy. Learn more about GlutaRyl glutathione spray, $119 for 1 oz. (about 60 doses) at AuroWellness.com. To use: Spritz on skin four times and rub in.
One caveat: Due to the powerful sulfur molecules, the spray is sticky and has a strong odor, but the scent vanishes in 30 seconds or so.
Day 15 and beyond…
With the boosted energy and speedy weight loss you’ll see on this plan, you’ll want to keep eating and supplementing with your liver in mind. But even if you don’t, the good news is that glutathione can recycle itself in the body by grabbing electrons from other antioxidants, such as vitamin C. So once you’ve shored up your levels, consider supplementing with C. Says Patel, “This keeps the glutathione coffers full.” Indeed, a study at Arizona State University found that getting 500 mg. of vitamin C a day increased glutathione levels by 50%!