NAC

NAC (N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine) can provide robust benefits for your whole body.

That includes bronchial, respiratory, liver, kidney, brain, and immune health.

What is NAC?

N-acetyl-L-cysteine is an easily-absorbed nutrient and a precursor of L-cysteine, an amino acid that cells need to replenish and boost the levels of glutathione.

Glutathione is particularly important to protect your neurons. It's in every cell in the body and is considered the body’s most important antioxidant because of its location within the cell. This enhances its ability to neutralize free radicals, fight oxidative stress, and provide protection against a broad array of modern toxins.

Oxidative stress is closely associated with many age-related chronic diseases, and because NAC through glutathione can protect cells, this also affects pretty much every bodily function.

L-cysteine is classified as a “semi-essential” amino acid because it can be made in small amounts by the human body, but many people can still benefit from consuming more cysteine from their diets (protein-rich foods such as turkey, chicken, eggs, yogurt, and legumes) or supplements because of its numerous benefits of keeping the glutathione levels strong and healthy. Moreover, the levels of glutathione drop with age.

Benefits of NAC

NAC is used in the medical setting as an antidote against acetaminophen poisoning. Research interest and popularity are increasing, and the list of health conditions that may be improved with NAC supplementation seems to grow each year. Here are some of them:

Immune, respiratory & bronchial health: NAC is shown to improve immunity and be a selective immune system enhancer, supporting healthy respiratory tract function. It's shown to be of value when combating bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

A natural liver detoxifyer: The antioxidant activity of NAC is shown to promote optimal liver function, support the body's detoxification proces, and help protect the liver from the side effects of exposure to a broad range environmental toxins.

Help for kidney damage: NAC has demonstrated benefits for people with pre-existing kidney damages. Formation and recurrence of kidney stones may also be circumvented by NAC supplementation.

Brain function & neurodegenerative conditions: Researchers have discovered that NAC may be beneficial for brain health, protect brain function into older age, plus potentially reduce risk for neurodegenerative conditions. Moreover, it has also been concluded that NAC could be a potential therapeutic strategy for stress-related depression.

Studies also show that NAC can promote a healthy inflammatory response and favorably can affect your energy production and well-being.

NAC supplements

While L-cysteine, the amino acid from which N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) is derived, is found in most high-protein foods, NAC is not derived from dietary sources.

Optimal levels of supplementation are uncertain, but a considerable proportion of the research studies on NAC used 250-1,500 mg per day.

NAC supplements may extend benefit to the following diseases:

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, Arterial hypertension of diabetic etiology, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Chronic bronchitis, Male infertility, Cataract, Dry eye syndrome, Diabetic retinopathy, and Age-related macular degeneration.

References