What Is All The Fuss About NAC?

NAC helps treat the common cold, respiratory congestion and influenza. NAC has also been shown to decrease platelet aggregation and blood clotting.

N-acetyl cysteine, also known as N Acetyl L Cysteine (NAC) is a supplement form of cysteine. Cysteine is known as a dispensable or non-essential amino acid. It is a sulfur amino acid and is produced from the essential amino acid methionine.

It indirectly functions in the production of the body’s most abundant antioxidant – glutathione, which is made in the body’s cells. Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals that can damage cells and tissues in your body.

As a mucolytic (a substance that loosening mucus in your air passageways), NAC helps treat the common cold, respiratory congestion and influenza.

NAC plays an important role in your body’s detoxification process.

I am currently loving NAC-Plex Revive. This is a potent and comprehensive formula.

I am taking 1 tablespoon in water 20-30 mins either side of a meal for preventative health.

If I had a cold or was detoxing I would take it twice a day as above.

Always remember to stay hydrated – clean water with a squeeze of citrus and a pinch of Celtic

or Himalayan Sea Salt, bone broths, green tea, herbal teas (hot and cold) or seasonal, organic fruit

and vegetables are all great sources of hydration.

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Eating high-protein foods can provide your body with the amino acid cysteine.

Levels of glutathione decrease as we age, and also as a result of stress, and toxin exposure. Boosting glutathione levels may provide many health benefits.

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Interactions:

Activated charcoal – avoid taking NAC at the same time as it nullifies the effect of charcoal

Nitroglycerine – used in some instances for heart problems cannot be used with NAC

Disclaimer: this is for information purposes only and not to replace advice by your qualified health care provider.

References:

de Andrade KQ, Moura FA, dos Santos JM, de Araújo OR, de Farias Santos JC, Goulart MO. Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Hepatic Diseases: Therapeutic Possibilities of N-Acetylcysteine. Int J Mol Sci. 2015 Dec 18;16(12):30269-308. doi: 10.3390/ijms161226225. PMID: 26694382; PMCID: PMC4691167.

Di Marco F, Foti G, Corsico AG. Where are we with the use of N-acetylcysteine as a preventive and adjuvant treatment for COVID-19? Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2022 Jan;26(2):715-721. doi: 10.26355/eurrev_202201_27898. PMID: 35113447.

Dröge W, Breitkreutz R. Glutathione and immune function. Proc Nutr Soc. 2000 Nov;59(4):595-600. doi: 10.1017/s0029665100000847. PMID: 11115795

Dröge W, Eck HP, Mihm S. HIV-induced cysteine deficiency and T-cell dysfunction–a rationale for treatment with N-acetylcysteine. Immunol Today. 1992 Jun;13(6):211-4. doi: 10.1016/0167-5699(92)90156-2. PMID: 1378279.

Mokhtari, V., Afsharian, P., Shahhoseini, M., Kalantar, S. M., & Moini, A. (2017). A Review on Various Uses of N-Acetyl Cysteine. Cell journal, 19(1), 11–17.

Wahlqvist, M.L., (2011). Food & Nutrition (3^rd Ed.). Crowns Nest: Allen & Unwin