How to Boost Glutathione Naturally on Keto
Glutathione production skyrockets when you give your body sulfur-rich animal proteins, glycine, and clean fats — all things keto excels at. This version removes high-carb foods and focuses on what works best for a ketogenic metabolism.
1. Prioritize Keto Foods High in Cysteine
Cysteine is the bottleneck for glutathione — keto makes this easy because it’s rich in animal protein.
Top keto cysteine sources:
- Eggs (soft-boiled, over-easy, or poached are best)
- Grass-fed beef (ribeye, chuck, ground beef)
- Chicken thighs / wings
- Turkey
- Salmon & sardines
- Pork shoulder & bacon (clean, no sugar)
Ideal intake: Include at least one cysteine-rich protein every meal.
2. Maximize Sulfur-Rich Keto Foods
Sulfur helps your body build and recycle glutathione.
Keto-friendly sulfur sources:
- Eggs (yes, again — powerhouse)
- Garlic & onions (small amounts to stay keto)
- Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower
- Bok choy, kale
- Mushrooms
- Brussels sprouts
Tip: Lightly cook cruciferous veggies to improve digestion and reduce bloating.
3. Add Glycine — a Keto Power Move
Glycine balances methionine (high in meat), supports detox, and boosts glutathione.
Best keto sources:
- Bone broth
- Collagen peptides
- Gelatin
- Chicken skin
- Pork rinds
- Oxtail, shank, short ribs
- Glycine powder (very keto-friendly)
Target: 3–5 g/day of glycine for ideal glutathione support.
4. Use Keto-Supportive Fats That Increase Glutathione
Certain fats enhance liver function and reduce oxidative stress.
Choose:
- Grass-fed butter / ghee
- Beef tallow
- Duck fat
- Salmon & sardines (omega-3s reduce glutathione depletion)
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Avocado oil (cold use only)
Avoid:
- Seed oils (soy, corn, canola, safflower, sunflower)They drain glutathione because they create oxidative stress.
5. Add Nutrients That Help Make & Recycle Glutathione
Vitamin C (keto sources):
- Lemons, limes
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Bell peppers (½–1 pepper fits most keto plans)
- Sauerkraut
- Strawberries in moderation
Selenium (critical for glutathione enzymes):
- Eggs
- Salmon
- Beef
- Brazil nuts (1–2 only — very high selenium)
B vitamins (keto sources):
- Eggs
- Beef liver (top food for glutathione)
- Salmon
- Sardines
- Dark leafy greens
Magnesium:
- Avocado
- Pumpkin seeds (limit for strict keto)
- Magnesium glycinate supplement if needed
6. Keto-Optimized Ways to Elevate Glutathione Naturally
✔ Intermittent fasting
Fasting upregulates glutathione production and autophagy.
Best schedule:16:8 or 18:6 (no need for extreme fasting).
✔ Strength training
3–4x/week boosts antioxidant response and metabolic health.
✔ Electrolytes
Low electrolytes = stress = lower glutathione. Take sodium, magnesium, potassium daily.
✔ Deep sleep
Keto improves sleep for many, and sleep restores glutathione levels.