Does Glutathione help Fibromyalgia??? - Fibromyalgia Message Board

outoffocus · 01-31-2007, 10:30 PM

Does anyone know anything about treating Fibromyalgia with Glutathione? I've heard it can work wonders for fibromyalgics but I can't find much information about it... am I supposed to take glutathione itself in a supplement form? Am I supposed to take and/or eat other things that raise glutathione? Has anyone tried any of this and found it helpful?

Thanks for your time, any input helps!

elmhar · 02-01-2007, 11:34 AM

Hi OOF,

Just in the past day or two, I saw a "research hypothesis" from a scientist concerning the role of methylation defects & antioxidants in fibro. The reasoning was very technical & ... it was an hypothesis. It's possible that the future may hold some sci. info., but for now, the answer to your question is: maybe.

Glutathione is known to be a critical component of an enzyme used by the liver, to help it deal with toxins. There are some foods that contain actual glutathione -- raw spinach & avocado come to mind, however, most studies have shown that glutathione has trouble surviving the trip through the digestive tract. In other words, you can eat it, but eating it, or swallowing supplements of glutathione, doesn't necessarily raise the level of it in your blood. Studies of reduced glutathione (a special type) supplements, have shown a little success raising blood levels. But giving your body the building blocks of glutathione in high-quality protein foods, or supplements like NAC or whey protein, seems to be most effective at increasing glutathione stores.

Will extra glutathione help your fibro pain? We don't know enough to predict. There are likely subtypes among fibro sufferers with different physiological contributions to the pain. Maybe glutathione will work for some fibro sufferers, or none of them. Maybe it will only help in combination with some other treatment or lifestyle consideration.

If you decide to try glutathione, I hope you will report back to the group. Best wishes.

outoffocus · 02-01-2007, 01:46 PM

Thank you for your response, that's very helpful. I am planning on trying a N-Acetyl Cysteine supplement, and seeing what happens. My rheumatologist already has me on Coenzyme Q-10 and high levels of B-complex vitamins, which help a lot, but I am still looking for ways to fight the fatigue, pain and brain fog. I'll let everyone know if it helps... here's hoping!!

elmhar · 02-02-2007, 11:00 AM

Hi OOF,

WOW -- where did you find that gem of a rheumie??? Rare,indeed to find one who would recommend NAC & CoQ 10.

I'm not sure of your age ... low testosterone is one of a number of possible causes for fatigue & brain fog. Some women are low their entire lives, but many women experience a dip pre & post menopause. A good self test is to ask yourself (I don't need to know -- too much info) if your libido has changed since your fibro became apparent. Low libido, along with fatigue & brain fog, is the hallmark of low testosterone. There is a blood test, and there are various types of hormone replacement available. T-HRT has been a lifesaver for me, and for many other former fibro-zombies.

Best wishes.