Heading into Surgery? Consider Glutathione to Clear Post-Anesthesia Damage To The Brain & Body
Did you know that anesthesia can linger in your system for weeks to months after surgery, potentially causing brain fog, fatigue, headache, constipation, bloating and more? Through the recovery process you may feel sluggish and forgetful, but there’s a natural way to get ahead of it: glutathione.
Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that detoxifies the body. Getting a high-dose glutathione IV before your procedure and after could make all the difference. Not only does it help your body clear anesthesia more quickly, but it also protects your liver and kidneys from potential damage caused by the medication.
Anesthesia depletes natural glutathione reserves and stresses our detoxification pathways, resulting in a build up of the medication(s) used in anesthesia.
Many people worry that taking glutathione might reduce the effectiveness of anesthesia during surgery—rest assured, it won’t. Glutathione supports your body’s detoxification pathways, which anesthesia tends to deplete, leading to the uncomfortable buildup of medication in your system. By replenishing your natural glutathione reserves beforehand, you help your body process and eliminate the anesthesia more efficiently to prevent toxic build up.
By incorporating glutathione into your pre and post surgery routine, you can shorten the recovery time and reduce the uncomfortable side effects of anesthesia. Your body will thank you!
Our Detox IV contains: Vitamin C, Zinc, Glutathione, and NAC. Vitamin C and zinc balance and power the glutathione.
Are you on a mission to increase your glutathione stores before and after surgery with supplements?
The following supplements and/or herbs encourage optimal glutathione stores, but remember, oral glutathione does not absorb as well as IV glutathione because most oral supplements are wasted through the digestion process by stomach acid.
Liposomal Glutathione - a liposomal form of glutathione absorbs and transports best within the body for maximum benefit compared to water soluble forms which many vitamins are classified as. Take 300 mg 1-2 times per day. Or, up to 2,000 mg per day for detox purposes. Our favorite product is a spray version made by Results RNA called ACG Gluathione Extra Strength.
If you have lab testing to confirm your body produces and optimizes glutathione properly, you may not need the below products or herbs listed. Consider this: during times of high stress, illness, or surgery the body depletes its stores of glutathione quickly and the natural detox pathways are overburdened for a short time.
Curcumin - an herb derived from turmeric root. The concentration of curcumin found in capsules or powders is much higher than what is found in turmeric products. Look for doses of 500mg-1,000 mg once per day of curcumin, not turmeric (can take up to twice per day). This will aid in reduced inflammation, pain relief, and improved glutathione levels. This may be taken 1-2 weeks before surgery and for several weeks after surgery to act a pain reliever additionally. Pure Encapsulations has our favorite version of this product available in various doses.
NAC (acetylcycsteine) - it helps make glutathione (a precursor). 500mg-1,000 mg may be taken 1-2 times daily. Pure Encapsulations is our suggested brand for this product.
Foods rich in cysteine (the amino acid of NAC) are: eggs, meat, poultry, eggs, fish, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, garlic, onions.
Magnesium - the body needs optimal magnesium levels to produce glutathione. If magnesium is severely deficient, it is hard to make and store glutathione. Look for a magnesium glycinate or threonate form. Glycinate is the highest absorbing form for general wellness. Threonate is specific for brain health to improve brain fog symptoms.
The optimal amount of daily magnesium (for those not deficient) is at least 320 mg a day for women and at least 420 mg a day for men.
For those who need higher doses short-term, or are deficient, the general rule of thumb it to start with 200 mg a day then increase the doge by 200 mg every two days until you start having loose stools. This can occur because magnesium brings water to the colon; which is why magnesium is used to treat constipation. If you begin having loose stools or diarrhea, decrease the dose by 100-200 mg per day until you reach a balanced dose for your body and bowel movements are soft, easy and regular. This is your ideal dose.
Pure Encapsulations Magnesium Glycinate or Magnesium Breakthrough by Bioptimizers are our favorites. Magnesium Breakthrough is a blend of several specially formulated types of magnesium with vitamin B6 to further power its strength. This is a wonderful aid for those deficient in magnesium.
Foods that contain magnesium: dark chocolate, leafy green veggies, avocado, pumpkin seeds, spinach, nuts & seeds, almonds, seafood, meat, poultry.
Milk Thistle (silymarin) - prevents depletion of glutathione. Look for a dose of 70mg three times daily. Take one week before surgery and continue for two weeks after. DaVinci Laboratories or Pure Encapsulations are recommended brands for this product.
Selenium - adequate selenium is necessary for glutathione production. 100-200mcg daily is recommended.
Foods that contain selenium: flax seeds, Brazil nuts (highest source), sunflower seeds, poultry, meat, seafood.
B-complex - B vitamins are essential to power detoxification pathways. A standard dose of a methylated B-complex like B-Complex Plus by Pure Encapsulations is a great choice for daily support.
Check the label of your multi-vitamin, many of these ingredients may be in your regular routine. Alternatively, shopping for a quality multi-vitamin may be a good source to find many of these ingredients to prepare for surgery or for daily detox and general wellness support.
CONSULT YOUR SURGEON PRIOR TO THE PROCEDURE FOR ANY MEDICATIONS AND/OR VITAMINS THAT NEED TO STOPPED BEFOREHAND.
🔥 Bonus Tips:
After surgery, consider utilizing a sauna to further detoxify. The heat promotes sweating, which is another natural way to help your body release toxins, including any remaining traces of anesthesia. Ensure you are not dehydrated before attempting a sauna session, this could make you feel worse.
Your bathroom habits have more to do with your health than you think. Pooping is one of the three ways our bodies detox. Daily bowel movements rid of toxins moving through the body. If someone is constipated, the toxins sit in the bowel long enough to start reabsorbing into the bloodstream. Can’t seem to go daily? Hydrate well and use magnesium for regular bowel movements.
20% off supplements via our Fullscript store HERE.
As Always,
Happy Hydrating!
