Found an interesting article entitled IS GLUTATHIONE DEPLETION AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE PATHOGENESIS OF CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME? see http://phoenix-cfs.org/GluAACFS04.htm. What caught my eye was these para's in particular

"......While there are no published controlled studies of mercury level testing in CFS patients, several clinicians who specialize in treating CFS have reported that many of their patients have high mercury levels . In addition, immune testing has shown significantly elevated hypersensitivity to mercury in many CFS patients (Stejskal et al., 1999; Sterzl et al., 1999; and Marcusson, 1999). This suggests that the immune system has responded to elevated mercury levels. .
(Note that there have been epidemiological studies that showed no evidence that dental amalgams are associated with CFS as a causal factor. However, this does not constitute evidence that amalgams do not give rise to elevated mercury levels after CFS onset in people who have amalgams and who may have developed CFS as a result of other causes.)"

and also

"When GSH repletion is begun in patients who have been GSH-depleted for extended periods of time, their immune and detoxication systems can begin to function at higher levels of performance. If their bodies have accumulated elevated levels of toxins (especially mercury) and infections, glutathione repletion can cause significant Herxheimer-type reactions as pathogens are killed and toxins are mobilized. Care should be taken to proceed slowly and cautiously in such cases in order to avoid moving toxins into the central nervous system or exacerbating symptoms to a level that is intolerable to the patient.


WHAT APPROACHES HAVE BEEN USED TO BUILD GLUTATHIONE?
Diet high in sulfur-containing amino acids (as in animal-based protein, such as milk, eggs and meat) and antioxidants (as in fresh fruits and vegetables)
Diet high in GSH, e.g. fresh fruits and vegetables and meats
Curcumin
N-acetylcysteine together with glutamic acid (or glutamine) and glycine , or NAC together with dietary protein
Non-denatured whey protein
Oral reduced glutathione
Intravenous reduced glutathione
Intramuscular reduced glutathione
Transdermal reduced glutathione skin cream or lotion
Sublingual reduced glutathione troches
Reduced glutathione rectal suppositories
Reduced glutathione aerosol
Reduced glutathione nasal spray


Any opinions comments on this article? Has anyone tried increasing glutathione levels by any of the methods mentioned? Successfully or unsuccessfully? Problems side- effects if any?