You might have heard of this before, perhaps even read about it on this website. But liposomal glutathione is an amazing discovery that is worthy of being shared. Today, I’m going to explain what it is, where you can get it, and how you can make it yourself.

Glutathione (GSH) is an antioxidant present in nearly all cells and is recognized for its function in maintaining overall health. It is your body’s detoxifier. In fact, it has been identified as a key part of preventing damage to important cellular components caused by reactive oxygen species such as free radicals, peroxides, lipid peroxides, and even heavy metals. It has also been clearly and repeatedly documented that there is a direct link between lower levels of GSH and dysregulation of essential T-cells associated cytokines.

The problem is that when we get sick, suppress our immune systems, or simply get older, the amount our body can or will produce is reduced substantially. Every system in the body can be affected by a lack of glutathione in our system, including the immune system, the nervous system, the gastrointestinal system, etc. This means that when our levels get low, the more prone to various types of infection we become. Inversely, when our levels are high, the less likely we are to get these infections.

And it is simply a fact that supplementing with liposomal GSH has resulted in infection prevention. This is due to a significant increase in the levels of TH1 cytokines and a substantial decrease in the levels of free radicals and immunosuppressive cytokines. It has also been shown that such supplementation has improved the function of immune cells that control infection. So basically, there is a direct correlation between low levels of GSH and increased susceptibility to infection, which can be relieved with liposomal GSH supplementation.

It’s a simple equation, really; if you are sick or taxing your body in a significant way, you should supplement with liposomal GSH to help your body deal with the stress and help get rid of the garbage so that the rest of your immune system and supplements can work to the best of their ability.

What are Liposomes and How do They Work?

Liposomes are basically fat-soluble membranes encapsulating a water-soluble liquid interior. They are made from phospholipids, a similar material to that of our cells. This “capsule” allows the water-soluble material to bypass or avoid the stomach by penetrating mucosal tissues, allowing rapid release into the bloodstream. This means more of it gets into your individual cells. The good news is that the phospholipids we use to make liposomes are from an abundant and healthy source; lecithin. This makes this process a very strong and cost-effective way to supplement.

Can I Get Glutathione from Diet?

Yes, you can. There are quite a few foods that can help your body make more glutathione. But let’s be honest; if your diet were where it needed to be, you probably wouldn’t be reading this. Still, you can help your body create more by eating things like watermelon, avocados, asparagus, garlic, onions, cauliflower, spinach, broccoli, and other members of the cabbage family.

Is that enough? It may be for some people. However, I’ll provide an example to give you an idea of what you would need to consume to match the supplement. Avocados are considered high in both glutathione and glutathione-producing material. But you would have to consume 45.5 ounces of avocado to match the glutathione content of a single teaspoon of liposomal glutathione (roughly 400 milligrams).

There is an important precursor to glutathione that might interest you. For that, be sure to check out my article titled, “The N-acetyl Cysteine (NAC) Powerhouse.”

What About the Expense?

Yes, there are some very expensive products out there. This is because the discovery is fairly new. But like most things that are awesome in regard to health, you can make your own, which can help reduce the costs. And I have put together a formula that I think works great! It works great because each ingredient works synergistically with the other, and it is a powerhouse when it goes to work in your body. If you don’t want to make your own and you want to try something similar out, check out the following:

The Formula Components and Why It Rocks!

Sunflower Lecithin is extracted without harsh chemical solvents like hexane and acetone. For me, sunflower has the advantage because you can still get sunflower lecithin that has not been genetically modified, unlike soy lecithin, which seems to be all GM now. Lecithin is rich in Omega-6 (Linoleic Acid), which is considered beneficial to the brain and nervous system and aids in wound healing. It is also rich in Phosphatidylcholine, which helps minimize age-related decline.

Acerola – (cherry) is a significant source of vitamin C, containing as much as 1000 to 4500 milligrams per 100 grams of edible fruit. It also contains a large amount of Vitamin A, approximately 3400 to 12,500 IUs per 100 grams of fruit. Acerola is a powerful antioxidant with the ability to manage diabetes, reduce signs of aging, prevent certain types of cancer, improve heart health, increase circulation, reduce allergic reactions, stimulate the immune system, increase eye health, protect the skin, and improve mood. Awesome!

Pomegranate Juice (as a carrier/binder) – Punicalagins are an extremely powerful antioxidant found in the juice. The juice has been found to have three times the antioxidant activity of red wine and green tea. These antioxidants are thought to provide several heart-protecting benefits, including reducing low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or “bad”) cholesterol. It has potent anti-inflammatory properties. It can slow down cancer cell reproduction (even breast cancer), and even induce apoptosis (cell death) in cancer cells. It can lower blood pressure, improve memory, fight arthritis, lower the risk of heart disease, treat erectile dysfunction, and has been shown to be beneficial against some types of bacteria, as well as the yeast Candida albicans. And this is just a binder we use to hold the Acerola and L-Glutathione.

L- Glutathione (for the reasons listed above).

Now imagine for a second that all of this is basically getting mainlined into your blood and maximized in your cells. THIS is why this formula works so well; it’s an antioxidant powerhouse! Combine with this daily intake of things like magnesium, D3, and K2, and you better hold on!

How to Make It

Step 1 (Premix) – In a blender (on low), mix 16 ounces of organic (unsweetened) pomegranate juice, six tablespoons of acerola, and two heaping tablespoons of glutathione powder. Allow blending for 2 minutes – it is important that you get as much of it dissolved as possible. When complete, pour into a glass container (like a mason jar) and set aside.

Step 2 (Premix) – In a blender (on low), mix 16 ounces of distilled water and 12 heaping tablespoons of sunflower lecithin. Allow blending for 2 minutes – it is important that you get as much of it dissolved as possible. When complete, pour into a separate glass container (like a mason jar) and set aside.

You can let these mixtures stand for a while. You will notice foam forming. Let stand until the foam begins to go away. This can take anywhere from a couple of hours to a day. I let my mixes stand for about 24 hours because I want the components to be completely dissolved.

Step 3 – The Big Mix – pour the lecithin mix into the pan of an ultrasonic machine. Start the machine. Take the glutathione mix and pour it into the pan as well. Slowly stir with a wooden or plastic spoon. At this point, the lecithin will begin to suck up the water-soluble mix. Run the mixture (continuing to stir every couple of minutes) in the machine for no less than 24 minutes.

You’re done. Pour the mixture into a glass jar and place it in the fridge.

It should be noted that this is technically part emulsion and part liposomal. However, this formula tends to produce a serum with very little “fallout.” It should be a similar consistency to that of light motor oil. Additionally, you are not just making liposomal glutathione here. You are also making liposomal vitamin C and Pomegranate, so you are really getting a big bang for the buck.

If you need to make smaller batches, just cut this formula in half.

How to Use It?

Start with 1 oz on an empty stomach two times per day – roughly 30 minutes apart. You can work yourself up to 2 ounces 3 to 4 times for a total of 8 ounces per day max.

Some people have enjoyed much success taking 1 to 2 ounces every 30 minutes first thing in the morning. An example might be 6 a.m. (2oz), 6:30 a.m. (2oz), 7 a.m. (2oz), and then eating at 7:30 a.m.

Shelf life (in the fridge) is about eight days.

NOTE: ensure you take the mixture on an empty stomach.

Where Can I Get Supplies and What Does It Cost?

Here are some decent suggestions in regard to the supplies. Just click on the link, and a new window will pop up with some suggestions from Amazon.com. The cost will vary depending on what you make it with and how much you choose to consume.

Roughly $15 – $30 – Sunflower lecithin – about three jars worth.

Roughly $7 – Acerola – about two to three jars worth.

Roughly $10 – Pomegranate Juice – in a pack of 6 here – you might be able to find some locally – about two jars worth.

Roughly $25 – $50 – L- Glutathione – Have had good results with both of these: Source 1 and Source 2 – 3 to 5 jars worth.

Roughly $60 – $80 – Ultrasonic Machines – Source 1 and Source 2 – you really don’t have to get fancy here. One-time expense.

Each jar you make has about 32 ounces in it. Each dose is approximately 1 to 2 ounces. So each jar is roughly a week’s worth. You could make it in smaller batches and extend this out and reduce monthly costs. My total cost per jar (but I experiment a lot and take higher doses) is roughly $24. So basically, anywhere from $24 a month to $24 a week, depending on how you choose to make and consume it.

Dr. Robertson is a health researcher and educator, not a physician. The information provided here is not medical advice, a professional diagnosis, opinion, treatment, or service to you or any other individual. The information provided is for educational and anecdotal purposes only and is not a substitute for medical or professional care. You should not use the information in place of a visit, call consultation, or the advice of your physician or other healthcare providers. Dr. Robertson is not liable or responsible for any advice, course of treatment, diagnosis, or additional information, services, or product you obtain or utilize. IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY, YOU SHOULD IMMEDIATELY CALL 911 OR YOUR PHYSICIAN.