How Glutathione Can Detox Your Brain and Protect Against Alzheimer’s With Dr. Nayan Patel

In this Episode

00:27 – Glutathione and its benefits

05:45 – Can someone be allergic to glutathione?

09:15 – What is the best form of glutathione to take?

12:29 – How much glutathione does the body need?

23:17 – Are there side effects to taking glutathione?

32:25 – Glutamine and its benefits 

36:59 – The only approved product that improves glutathione levels

44:43 – Impact of glutathione on cancer patients

51:20 – How to use Glutaryl and other glutathione products

56:07 – What Dr. Patel looks forward to every day

58:42 – Boosting cognitive function with glutathione

1:02:18 – An inspiring story about Dr. Patel’s father

Resources:

– Top Supplements for Alzheimer’s Guide 

– The Glutathione Revolution By Dr. Nayan Patel 

Connect with Dr. Nayan Patel, PharmD:

– Website 

– Instagram 

– Facebook 

– LinkedIn 

Connect with Dr. Josh Helman, MD:

– Instagram 

– Facebook 

– LinkedIn 

– TikTok 

– YouTube 

– Others 

Disclaimer: Please remember that this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your doctor or healthcare professional before making any changes to your treatment plan.

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READ THE COMPLETE BLOG POST HERE:

Struggling With Brain Fog or Cognitive Decline? Here’s Why Glutathione Might Be the Missing Piece.

Ever feel like your brain isn’t firing on all cylinders? You’re not alone—and there’s a molecule you probably haven’t heard enough about that could change everything: Glutathione.

Known as the body’s “master antioxidant,” glutathione plays a crucial role in detoxifying the brain, fighting oxidative stress, and even protecting against neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s. In this compelling conversation with Dr. Nayan Patel, author of The Glutathione Revolution, we unpack how glutathione works, the best way to take it, and why it’s an essential part of your long-term brain health strategy.

Whether you’re optimizing your cognitive edge or helping a loved one with Alzheimer’s, you’ll learn exactly why glutathione should be on your radar.

Key Takeaways from Today’s Discussion:

• You can’t be allergic to glutathione—it’s a natural molecule your body already makes (05:59).
  
• Topical glutathione is more effective than IV or oral forms for brain detoxification (16:43).
• Three key steps to raise glutathione: avoid toxins, eat cysteine-rich foods, and supplement smartly (10:00).
• Watch for detox symptoms like fatigue or headaches—these are signs your body is releasing stored toxins (21:17).

What Is Glutathione, Really?

Glutathione is a tripeptide—three amino acids (glycine, glutamine, and cysteine)—that your body produces naturally. It’s responsible for:

• Neutralizing free radicals
• Supporting your immune system
• Detoxifying cells, especially in the liver and brain

As Dr. Patel puts it, it’s the most abundant molecule in the body after water and air. Yet most people don’t realize how vital it is until it’s too late.

How Glutathione Protects the Brain

Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases are closely tied to oxidative stress. Inflammation builds over decades and damages neurons. Glutathione helps “close the door” on oxidative stress, preventing further damage and clearing out cellular “dirt.”

“The brain consumes 20% of all the oxygen we breathe. It’s also where the highest stress occurs,” says Dr. Patel. “That’s why detoxing the brain is so critical.”

Best Ways to Raise Your Glutathione Levels

1. First, Remove Toxins 

Before you supplement, start by reducing exposure to things that deplete glutathione:

• Alcohol (even one drink lowers glutathione)
• Environmental toxins
• Processed foods
• Household chemicals

2. Eat Cysteine-Rich Foods

Cysteine is the limiting amino acid in glutathione production. Top food sources:

• Whey protein
• Avocados
• Brazil nuts
• Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts)

Dr. Patel recommends pairing this with N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) to supercharge production.

3. Supplement Smartly

Not all glutathione supplements are created equal:

• IV glutathione? Expensive and mostly excreted in urine.
• Oral glutathione? Often broken down in digestion.
• Liposomal glutathione? Better, but still depends on individual genetics.
• ✅ Topical glutathione spray: According to Dr. Patel, this is the most effective option for boosting intracellular levels—especially in the brain.

His patented delivery system uses a sugar molecule to bypass the skin and cell membrane, ensuring glutathione gets inside your cells where it’s needed most.

“It’s like putting money directly in your wallet instead of waiting for a wire transfer,” he explains.

What Happens When You Start Detoxing?

If you’ve been toxic for decades, you might feel worse before you feel better. Common detox reactions include:

• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Stomach cramps or diarrhea
• Rashes at the application site

Don’t panic—these are signs that toxins are finally moving. Dr. Patel recommends starting slow and ramping up as your body adjusts. Aim for 4 sprays twice a day, and eventually shift to maintenance once your levels stabilize.

Why Topical Glutathione Beats IV and Oral Forms

You might be surprised to learn that IV glutathione is quickly excreted and doesn’t raise blood levels significantly. Studies show that even 2 grams of IV glutathione end up mostly in the urine within 15 minutes.

By contrast, Dr. Patel’s topical form has been shown to:

• Raise red blood cell glutathione levels
• Activate macrophages (immune cells)
• Reduce inflammation markers within 3 days

In fact, during a human study, infected blood treated with topical glutathione showed a rapid decrease in bacterial load and a rise in immune activity—all from a 3-day application.

Can Glutathione Help with Cancer or Autoimmune Issues?

Dr. Patel is careful here: glutathione isn’t a cure, and he doesn’t recommend it in place of chemotherapy. However, it may help:

• Offset chemo toxicity (especially with drugs like cisplatin)
• Starve cancer cells by preventing them from hijacking your body’s glutathione

He’s also observed promising results in post-viral nerve damage and chronic fatigue—but more research is needed.

“Glutathione helps close the door to oxidative stress. But you still need the tools to clean the house,” Dr. Patel says, using a metaphor that perfectly captures the process.

How to Start Using Topical Glutathione

Dr. Patel suggests:

1. Start with 4 sprays twice a day
2. Rub into a large surface area like your belly or arms
3. Watch for detox reactions and scale accordingly
4. Once stabilized, move to a maintenance dose

He personally uses up to 18 sprays per day when traveling or under stress.

Conclusion: Detox Your Brain and Reclaim Cognitive Vitality

If you’re dealing with cognitive decline or chronic illness or just want to stay sharp as you age, glutathione may be one of the most powerful tools at your disposal. It’s safe, natural, and incredibly effective when used the right way.

From improving detox to reducing oxidative stress and boosting immune health, topical glutathione offers a clear path forward—especially when Alzheimer’s or brain fog feels overwhelming.

👉 If you found this helpful, check out this episode on neuroinflammation and brain toxins or subscribe to the Alzheimer’s Breakthrough podcast for more insights from Dr. Josh.

Have you tried glutathione? What was your experience like? Let us know in the comments below.