Using GSH Therapy for Cystic Fibrosis

by the UVICF

This guide provides practical information for ordering and using GSH. For more information about GSH, see http://home.att.net/~windhorse/gshlay.html.
Warning: Before inhaling GSH, consult with your doctor and obtain their permission. This therapy treatment is experimental, clinically unproven, and has caused serious side effects, including bronchial constriction and increased congestion in some users. Before taking any GSH, see Reported Detrimental Effects. People choosing to use this therapy must do so AT THEIR OWN RISK. The authors cannot be responsible for any direct or indirect damage caused by using GSH. The authors do not endorse the use of GSH, nor do they guarantee beneficial results. Detrimental side effects in addition to those listed in this guide might occur. The authors do not testify that the statements in this paper are accurate; many statements will be revised as more reports come in. This guide was not written to endorse the use of GSH; it was written so that the experiences of people who have inhaled GSH can be shared. Last update: 1/11/99.

Contents

Getting GSH

How Much Do You Use

Reported Beneficiary Effects

Reported Detrimental Effects

Who Should Not Use GSH

What to Report

Getting GSH

There is more than one source for GSH. The source used by many people is:
 
Theranaturals
P.O. Box 344
Orem, Utah 85059-0344

Phone number is 801-224-8893
FAX number is 801-226-6064
Email: theranat@itsnet.com

Quality Guidelines

GSH must be at least 98% pure.

Price

Prices are subject to change. As of this writing,

Note: There are 1000 mg. in 1 G.

Why GSH Cannot Be FDA-Approved for CF Treatment

GSH is categorized as a nutritional supplement, and as such, under the Hatch Act of 1994, does not fall under the jurisdiction of the FDA. The FDA cannot "approve" GSH, because the FDA has no power to approve or disapprove of nutritional supplements.

Where GSH Comes From

GSH is produced from torula yeast. The manufacturing process is as follows:

The yeast is purified.

It undergoes heat extraction.

The yeast is refined by copper salt reaction to produce a solution of reduced glutathione.

The glutathione is refined by ion exchange resin with acetic acid.

The reduced glutathione is concentrated, crystallized, separated and dried.

How Much Do You Use

You create a dose of GSH by mixing GSH powder with sterile bronchial saline solution. You then insert it in a nebulizer and inhale it either through a mask or a tube.
Tip: If you use a tube, exhale through your nose so your sinus benefits.
Dosing at the time of this writing is approximate. Factors include age and progression of lung damage. The younger you are, the lower the suggested dose. The more progressed your lung damage is, the lower the starting dose and the higher the dose you want to work toward.
WARNING:If you encounter adverse side effects, stop using GSH immediately. Refer to Reported Detrimental Effects . Dose amounts are still being established. Start with small doses and increase dose amounts slowly. Pay attention to your body's reactions and do not exceed its limits.

If You Have Reactive Airways

If you have reactive airways:

Dose Amounts

Warning: Correct dose amounts are still being determined. Overdose amounts have not been determined. Use the following amounts as guidelines only. Start with small amounts and work up.
The following dose amounts are per inhalation; for example, if you are an adult starting out with 100 mg., you should inhale 100 mg. of GSH two to three times a day for a total consumption of 200 mg. - 300 mg. of GSH per day.
The general guidelines are:

Start with the smallest amount you can get on the measuring spoon (just a few granules of the powder).

Slowly increase the dose every day (or days), until you reach your target dose, listed below

Carefully monitor  any changes in your breathing/cough/mucous/chest comfort  at each dosage level. If you have problems at a dosage level, dilute the dose more. If you still have problems go back to a dose that you tolerated.

Mix the following approximate amounts of GSH with 5 cc of sterile bronchial saline solution (or 10 cc of sterile bronchial saline solution if you have reactive airways):

Measuring GSH

Common measuring spoons are used to measure doses. The actual amount in the measuring spoon varies according to the accuracy of the measuring spoon and how tightly the GSH powder is packed. Use the following measurements as a guideline:

How Often Do You Do Inhalations

For the most effective use of GSH, inhale it every six waking hours, or roughly two to three inhalations a day. Inhalations must be at least four hours apart.

How Much GSH Should You Buy

Now that you know your daily consumption of GSH, you can calculate how much you will need over an extended period of time using the following formula:
total GSH = ((total daily dose in mg.)/(1000 mg.)) *(number of days)
For example, if your total daily dose of GSH is 600 mg. (three 200 mg. inhalations per day), your monthly (30 day) consumption of GSH is:
total GSH = ((600)/(1000)) * 30 = 18 G.
To determine your monthly amount in grams, replace the 600 with your total daily dose in milligrams.

Storing GSH

The GSH powder from Theranaturals is represented as having a shelf life of two years. It does not need to be refrigerated. It should not, however, be subjected to extreme temperatures.
GSH is unstable once it is mixed with saline solution. For that reason, you should NOT mix more than one dose at a time.

Reported Beneficiary Effects

The following beneficiary effects are a list of anecdotal responses by people inhaling GSH:

Reported Detrimental Effects

Contra indications include but are not limited to:

What to Do If You Have Adverse Reactions

If you have ANY side effects, discontinue the use of GSH immediately.
If you choose to continue using GSH (not recommended) even though you have had an adverse reaction, you should:

Who Should Not Use GSH

This area of interest is not well developed at this point. Here, however, are some reasons not to inhale GSH:

If you have adverse side effects.

If you currently have a fungus infection, such as Aspergillus.

If you are allergic to the product, torula yeast, from which GSH is derived.

What to Report

It is important to share your experiences, both qualitative and quantitative, in inhaling GSH. Please send your reports to W.L. Group at wlgroup2@onelist.com.

Quantitative Analysis

Quantitative results help validate the therapeutic uses of GSH. It is helpful to report the following data before starting GSH and then periodically when measurements in your cystic fibrosis clinic are taken: