how to nebulized glutathione at home?

In that interview, Serena quickly mentioned that she had nebulized glutathione and we wanted to learn all the details. Knowing you too might be interested, we asked Serena to unpackseverything we wanted to know about this form of respiratory supplementation and/or drug treatment….

During my (and my sister’s) personal journey with COVID (read the full story), I had shared a series of initial protocols, including foods and supplements, that we found supportive for our recovery. As a summary, my sister and I had very different experiences, despite being quarantined together and completely without contact with anyone else for about 10 weeks.

With my sister’s experience, which was more acute but lasted about 3.5 weeks, we did not yet have access to some of the protocols and devices we later had access to while I was in my fifth week of having the virus. Some of those latter protocols included peptide support, oxygen therapy via an oxygen concentrator and the nebulization of certain supplements. Everything we did was under the supervision of a doctor (several, actually!). All that said, that these are not my medical suggestions as I’m not a doctor, but a report on what I did that helped in my own personal recovery.

While I had COVID, and even several weeks after recovering and testing negative twice, I still felt some respiratory challenges. Using a nebulizer with a compounded blend of glutathione, NAC and magnesium sulfate helped my respiratory constraints tremendously.

As both a health and wellness practitioner and someone who recovered from a long stint with COVID, I highly recommended having a nebulizer as a part of your household medical care kit, alongside your thermometer, oxygen saturation meter (pulse oximeter) and a wrist blood pressure device.

A nebulizer is a small piece of medical equipment that is used to administer liquid medication or supplements, directly into the lungs and respiratory system. The direct delivery into the lungs reduces the dosage and the systemic side effects that can come with oral administration. The device converts the water-based solutions into a very fine mist that can be easily inhaled through a mouthpiece or a mask.

There are 3 types of nebulizers, as there are three ways to convert the liquid into a mist:

Jet – which uses compressed air or air-blast atomization to make an aerosol Ultrasonic – which uses high-frequency vibrations to make an aerosol Mesh – where the liquid passes through a very fine mesh to form the aerosol.

Typically, nebulizers are used for acute respiratory distress (asthma attacks), wheezing; chest tightness; severe cough; breathlessness; lung infections, cystic fibrosis; bronchiectasis; COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease); lung injury; shortness of breath; sinus & respiratory infections; children and adults who have a hard time taking oral medication and supplements or inhalers.

Nebulizer are a more effective way to deliver medications/supplements than an inhaler because it does not require deep breathing.

Typically, the need to nebulize medication or supplements is preceded by an immune-compromised condition or infection. The immediate delivery of the mist into the lungs, blood stream and into the whole body systemically is almost as effective, but less invasive as IV administration. Particularly for children and those with small veins, nebulizing is a much better option, depending the condition and dosage needed.

We used two nebulizers, one by OMRON and one by Phillips, both were jet nebulizers and they were equally effective. Both companies are highly reputable with a long history of manufacturing medical devices and equipment. Depending on the website you go to, some may require a prescription from a doctor for purchase, but there are many sites that do not require an Rx (including Amazon).

As mentioned, we used a prescribed, compounded solution of liquid Glutathione, NAC (N-Acetylcysteine) and Magnesium with saline solution.

Glutathione is a powerful “master” antioxidant, an essential tri-peptide (glycine, cystine and glutamine) that is made in our liver and found in nearly every cell in our body. Because it is not easily absorbed orally (unless liposomal), glutathione is best taken in intravenously, intramuscular injection or nebulized so that it can bypass the digestive tract. Glutathione is a key factor in our immune response, inflammation of the lungs and respiratory tract, DNA repair, liver support, neutralization of chemical/free radicals/oxidative stress, detoxification process, neurodegenerative disorders, autoimmune diseases, chronic fatigue, regeneration of vitamins C & E, so many things!

Nebulized glutathione has been highly effective in treating the respiratory issues listed above, including my own during with COVID. This is because glutathione is found in the highest concentrations in the lungs and the liver. In the lungs, it is found in the epithelial lining fluid, which is the layer of cells that first come into contact with inhaled air (higher than in our blood serum). These cells are the first line of defense and maintaining high enough glutathione levels is necessary for immune support. Breathing in glutathione direction into the pulmonary tissue is most beneficial, not only for respiratory support but to the whole body systemically.

NAC is another potent antioxidant combined with glutathione as it acts as a precursor to cysteine, which supports the synthesis of glutathione, particularly when the need for it is increased, during oxidative stress and inflammation. NAC also reduces the inflammatory and oxidative stress environment created by the cytokine storm syndrome that has been prevalent in cases of cornonavirus. In addition to the benefits of glutathione alone, the combination of NAC and glutathione together in a nebulized treatment has also been shown to be effective for dissolving the mucous in sinus and respiratory infections, as well supportive for neurotransmitter balancing for issues related to addiction, anxiety and depression.

Separately, health and medical practitioners have used nebulized magnesium to treat asthma and other bronchial and respiratory symptoms. Magnesium acts as a cofactor in enzymatic reactions and works as a smooth muscle relaxant with bronchodilatory effects. When combined with the NAC and glutathione, magnesium works in synergy to promote easy breathing, dissolving of mucous and overall lung health. Although much of this may still be considered “off-label nebulization”, there are many naturopaths, respiratory therapists, pulmonologists and pharmacists that endorse this an alternative, non-invasive treatment for pulmonary issues or infections.

Although you can receive the glutathione (or combo) already prepared in liquid form, ready to go for the nebulizer, you can also use capsules and mix it with pure saline solution. Get the dosage recommendations and instructions from a doctor for best practices, but it can be done at home.

The differences between the type of nebulizers can also affect the type of treatment and dosage desired. We used ours once to twice a day for 15-20 minutes at a time. Always double check with your practitioner as to the best option for your goals and if you have a particular sensitivity to sulfites, or any of these supplements.

In addition to glutathione, NAC and magnesium, there are other colloidal alkalizing solutions that can be nebulized. Again, instructions and dosages come best from a medical practitioner, based on your needs, but supplements include: NAD+, melatonin, food grade hydrogen peroxide 3% (can be diluted), colloidal B vitamins, minerals and some oils. As with all supplements and medications, sides effects can vary depending on the individuals and the dosage.

With NAC, Glutathione and magnesium, there are typically little to no side effects as opposed to side effects from medication. However, for a person with difficulties in breathing, adjusting to a nebulizer may be challenging at first, due to the contraction of the airways and the temperature of the solution (usually it comes from the refrigerator). It can take a moment to adjust to allowing the mist into the airways and lungs, as opposed to trying to swallow through the throat and esophagus. Rarely, nebulizing can exacerbate an asthmatic reaction or a severe coughing fit, but always be conscious of signs of reaction the first times you use it.

It’s also important to note that if someone has COVID-19, there needs to be extra caution in the administering of the nebulizer to the patient. Since we have been informed of the spread of the virus in droplets and mist in the air, there has to be an awareness that nebulizing can also place the virus in the air in the room of the recipient for 2 hours. So, take extreme care with sanitation, masks and other distancing need to be exercised. As with all respiratory and medical devices, proper care and sanitation should always be done to avoid any contamination.

A nebulizer is a machine that blows air, or oxygen, through a solution of medication such that it “nebulizes” the solution for inhalation.  Put simply, it is like breathing in a mist that contains the medication.

We commonly use nebulizers to administer medications for asthma.  A nebulizer is easier to use than inhalers in order to get a full dose of medication.  We also use nebulized acetylcysteine for mucous thinning.  And it allows custom mixes such using peroxide or glutathione.

We recommend using nebulized hydrogen peroxide early during course of pulmonary infections to help prevent viral / pathogen replication.  The nebulization has been shown to be extremely effective for the rapid elimination of pathogen presence in the sinuses, nose, throat, and deep into the lungs.

The Peroxide needs to be diluted with saline.  Do not use regular water.  I recommend diluting it down to 0.1%.   Use only food grade hydrogen peroxide.  Your dilution will stay fresh for a month or so.

Other docs use different concentrations.  For example, Dr Brownstein recommends diluting it to 0.04%, while Tom Levy recommends 3% and higher.

You could make your own saline by mixing one teaspoon of unprocessed salt into a pint of water.  This will give you approximately a 0.9% saline solution.

Hydrogen peroxide is unstable and light sensitive, and therefore it is difficult to maintain a solution at a specified concentration. Commercial hydrogen peroxide is packaged in an opaque bottle, usually a brown color, to shield the peroxide molecules from light. The concentration of commercial hydrogen peroxide is usually 3%.

To make a 0.1% solution for nebulization combine 1 part 3% peroxide to 30 parts saline.  For example, starting add 1/4 tsp of peroxide to 8 tsp saline (technically this is 32 parts saline…).  To make a larger batch, use 1 tsp peroxide and 10 tbs saline.

Nebulzation takes 10-15 minutes and may be repeated every hour or so.

In the later phases of pulmonary infection, past the point of active viral replication, we avoid peroxide given it’s oxidative nature.  At this point we need antioxidants to help clear up inflammation and promote healing.  This is where glutathione comes in.

What is Glutathione?

Glutathione is often referred to as the “mother of all antioxidants”, serving as one of the main molecules to maintain health and prevent the development of chronic disease. It is produced naturally in the body as an assembly of 3 amino acids – glycine, cysteine and glutamine.

The critical roles of glutathione in the body:

Dr. Mark Hyman, MD explains, “The secret of its power is the sulfur (SH) chemical group it contains. Sulfur is a sticky, smelly molecule. Its acts like fly paper and all the bad things in the body stick onto it, including free radicals and toxins like mercury and other heavy metals. Normally, glutathione is recycled in the body, except when the toxic load becomes too great”.

We can provide glutathione via IV therapy, oral repletion as well as through inhalation. For lung and respiratory-related conditions, inhalation is the most effective delivery method.

What is a nebulizer?

Why is glutathione important for respiratory health?

Glutathione (GSH) is known to be in high concentrations within the epithelial lining fluid (ELF) of the lower respiratory tract, which refers to the layer of cells which first come into contact with inhaled air. In fact the ELF concentration of GSH is 140 times that of blood serum concentrations with a redox ratio of greater than 9:1.

GSH is the body’s first line of defense against oxidative stress imposed from the outside world including but not limited to pollution, cigarette smoke, bacteria and viruses, amongst many other invaders. In respiratory disease, cellular damage and injury is mediated by an increased oxidant burden and/or decreased antioxidant defenses. By ensuring we provide the body with adequate glutathione to counteract the increased demand, we may improve respiratory function and alveolar health.

Glutathione is only beneficial for lung conditions when it is delivered directly to the pulmonary tissue – this is best achieved using a nebulizer

This therapy may be helpful in the following conditions:

Who is a good candidate for this therapy?

Adults and children can both benefit from nebulized glutathione when indicated.

A note for children:

Parents are encourages to bring along a favourite book, iPad or any other device or toy to keep their child occupied and calm for the treatment. Parents are welcome to hold their children or sit right beside them during treatment.

Who is not a good candidate for this treatment?

Any individual who has a sensitivity to sulfites is not a safe candidate for treatment as the GSH may lead to bronchoconstriction or trigger an asthma flair. Before your first treatment, you will collect a urine sample and test for this sensitivity in order to prevent this from occurring.

Nebulized glutathione is NOT used as a treatment for primary lung cancer

How often are treatments required?

This varies on a case-by-case basis and commonly depends on the condition being treated. Typically, 1-2 times per week for 4-6 weeks is most common. Thereafter, depending on the individual’s progress, a maintenance plan of 1 treatment every 2-6 weeks may be indicated in order to prevent recurrence.

In the case of a severe and progressive condition with acute exacerbations, treatments may be administered every few days or even twice daily for best results. This will be determined by your practitioner with assessment.

Treatment can be monitored by organizing spirometry tests before the first treatment and then periodically throughout treatment to compare objective results to determine effect.

What is the cost of the therapy?

The cost of each session will vary depending upon the dosage of glutathione required for an effective treatment plan. This may range between $50-$100 per treatment. You will require a mask which you can bring to each appointment as well which would be a one time cost of $5.00.

Are there any side-effects?

Minor side effects uch as transient coughing and an unpleasant odor are common with this treatment

Are there any risks?

Glutathione is a powerful molecule that is found naturally in the body and has many positive effects on our health. It has the ability to decrease viral replication and strengthens our immune system to help us fight off viruses.

However, glutathione levels decrease as we age, which leads to a weakened immune system.

The excellent news is that you can boost your body’s immune system via glutathione breathing treatments, which can be done easily and safely at home.

At Butterfly Holistic Center, we offer safe and effective at-home glutathione breathing treatments.

If you’re interested in learning more, just call our office at 480-582-5364.

Now more than ever, the health of your body’s immune system is vital.

Like we mentioned above, boosting your body’s natural levels of glutathione is an excellent way to strengthen your body’s immune system. While there are many ways to increase glutathione levels, inhaling this molecule via a “nebulizer” is the most effective option.

In fact, studies have shown that IV glutathione does not show the benefit of increased glutathione in the lungs as well as nebulized glutathione.

Some benefits of inhaled glutathione can include:

Many studies show increased benefits from glutathione breathing treatments in those with Cystic Fibrosis and COPD.

Glutathione nebulizer may have an unpleasant odor and side effects of mild cough.  Asthmatics with sulfite sensitivity may have adverse reactions to glutathione.

It’s important to do an intake with a physician before starting glutathione breathing treatments.

Request a glutathione nebulizer or simply learn more about this at-home treatment by calling our office at 480-582-5364.

We’re happy to explain this treatment in more detail and answer any questions you have about glutathione nebulizers.