Reduce the Risk of a Stroke with Glutathione (GSH)

According to the American Stroke Association, stroke is one of the top causes of disability in the United States and the fifth-leading cause of death. Fortunately, we can prevent about 80% of strokes with education and self-care. 

Our board-certified physicians at Advanced Medical Care in Queens and Brooklyn, New York, offer a life-changing way to reduce your risk of stroke and lower the severity of certain types of strokes — glutathione (GSH). 

What’s a stroke?

Your brain relies on unhindered blood flow in your veins as they deliver oxygenated blood from your heart. However, certain conditions can temporarily or permanently block this delivery system, creating a life-threatening situation. There are three primary types of stroke:

• Ischemic stroke: caused by a blood clot
• Hemorrhagic stroke: caused by a burst blood vessel
• Transient ischemic attack (TIA): caused by a temporary blood clot

Although anyone can have a stroke, certain circumstances, including your age and genetic makeup, can put you at a higher risk. But there are some controllable factors, as well, such as:

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Sickle cell disease
• Having had a previous stroke or TIA

Your lifestyle can also increase your chances of having a stroke. For example, being inactive, eating a high-fat diet, smoking, and drinking too much alcohol could lead to health conditions that make you more susceptible to stroke.

Recent research has identified yet another factor that may be involved in strokes — low levels of glutathione, your body’s main antioxidant. 

The role of glutathione before and after stroke

Your body manufactures glutathione to protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals and toxins. When free radicals run rampant in your system, it creates a situation called oxidative stress, which triggers an avalanche of problems like altered proteins and DNA. Glutathione stabilizes free radicals, so it’s essential that you have enough of them.

In addition to wreaking havoc on proteins, molecules, and DNA, researchers also believe that low levels of glutathione can increase your risk of stroke.

Fortunately, maintaining healthy levels of glutathione can reduce your risk of stroke by detoxifying free radicals, regulating blood flow, and inhibiting blood clotting. One study showed that exogenous glutathione (meaning the kind produced synthetically, not by your body) has a therapeutic effect on ischemic stroke by increasing the feel-good hormone dopamine and decreasing inflammation. 

Another study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences found that oxidative stress is often a precursor to stroke, and an ischemic stroke can, in turn, increase oxidative stress. The researchers also concluded that glutathione plays a protective role in the brain before and after a stroke. 

Glutathione therapy

Our experienced specialists at Advanced Medical Care can determine whether glutathione therapy can reduce your risk of stroke. If so, we deliver glutathione directly into your bloodstream intravenously. 

Book an appointment online or call our friendly staff at our locations in Queens or Brooklyn, New York, to schedule a consultation that will give you valuable information and peace of mind.