The Fastest-Acting Nootropic I’ve Ever Used

Dave Asprey

Jul 18, 2025

Episode description

What if one spray could upgrade your brain, protect your mitochondria, and outperform IV therapy and liposomal supplements? In this episode, you’ll discover the breakthrough science behind topical glutathione delivery that uses your skin’s water channels to raise intracellular glutathione levels in just 60 seconds. Learn how this powerful antioxidant works at the cellular level to reduce oxidative stress, support mitochondrial function, and drive real improvements in brain health, emotional resilience, and human performance.

Watch this episode on YouTube for the full video experience:

https://www.youtube.com/@DaveAspreyBPR

Host Dave Asprey sits down with Nayan Patel, a world-leading pharmacist and formulator who pioneered this next-gen delivery method. With over two decades of clinical work in functional medicine, Nayan has helped reshape how we think about glutathione benefits, systemic detox, and performance optimization. His research shows that topical delivery bypasses traditional fat-based absorption, achieving higher brain uptake and faster results than IVs or capsules.

You’ll learn:

• Why glutathione for longevity is foundational to biohacking

• How it protects against cellular inflammation and improves TBI recovery issues

• Why pairing glutathione with NAD+, vitamin C, or pharmaceutical nicotine creates a powerful synergy

• How it preserves NAD+, supports sirtuins, and enhances ATP production

• When to use glutathione as an immune booster for resilience and recovery

This conversation also reveals the truth behind liposomal supplements, how your age affects glutathione absorption, and why this molecule is critical for anyone using nootropics, in ketosis, or pushing metabolic limits.

This episode is essential listening for anyone into biohacking, cold therapy, functional medicine, or RFK-style medical freedom. You’ll walk away with practical tools to boost nitric oxide naturally, prevent dysfunction, and optimize your biology whether you’re on a carnivore diet or just looking for an edge.

Dave Asprey is a four-time New York Times bestselling author, founder of Bulletproof Coffee, and the father of biohacking. With over 1,000 interviews and 1 million monthly listeners, The Human Upgrade is the top podcast for people who want to take control of their biology, extend their longevity, and optimize every system in the body and mind. Each episode features cutting-edge insights in health, performance, neuroscience, supplements, nutrit

Mindsip insights from this episode:

Recognize low blood glutathione as a sign of cellular efficiency

Similar to ketones, low levels of glutathione in the blood can be a positive sign that your body is effectively utilizing it within the cells rather than it just circulating.

#efficiency

#glutathione

Preserve NAD with glutathione to enhance sirtuin function

Glutathione is an NAD-sparing molecule that preserves your body's NAD pool, which in turn allows longevity-pathway sirtuins to function more effectively.

#glutathione

#NAD

Beware of glutathione spray overdose and its effects

The specific transdermal glutathione spray discussed, Auro Wellness, is so potent that you can overdose, causing a "reductive stress" state with symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and rashes.

#glutathione

#supplement

Utilize glutathione spray to enhance brain levels directly

Unlike traditional IV or oral forms which have a delayed effect, this specific glutathione spray was shown in studies to cross the blood-brain barrier and raise levels directly in the brain.

#glutathione

#supplement

Leverage glutathione as a master immune modulator against pathogens

Beyond being an antioxidant, glutathione acts as a master immune modulator by signaling the body to mount an attack against pathogens like mycobacterium.

#glutathione

#immune-system

Ensure supplements penetrate cells for maximum benefit

The biggest challenge for supplements like glutathione is not just getting into the body, but getting inside the cells where it is actually needed.

#cells

#supplement

Utilize transdermal glutathione for instant delivery through skin

A new transdermal glutathione uses sugar technology to actively transport through the skin's water channels, bypassing the fat layer for instantaneous delivery.

#glutathione

#transdermal

Utilize exogenous glutathione without hindering natural production

Taking exogenous glutathione does not create a negative feedback loop that shuts down your body's own production, a mechanism typically seen with hormones.

#glutathione

#supplement

Raise glutathione levels to protect brain from impact injuries

Raising glutathione levels before activities with a risk of head impact, like contact sports, can reduce brain damage by combating immediate post-injury oxidative stress.