✨ ✨ Spotlight on NAC ✨ ✨
There’s a little-known supplement that is starting to gain in popularity, and I want to tell you why.
It’s called n-acetylcysteine (NAC). NAC has long been used to break up mucus in the lungs and also to protect the liver from damage in acetaminophen overdose. It’s routinely given intravenously to protect the liver and kidneys in that scenario..
But actually, NAC has so many more benefits! To understand why, you need to know that it has these 2 key mechanisms:
???? NAC breaks disulfide bonds (which is why it can break up tenacious mucus)
???? NAC provides the body with cysteine to make glutathione—a major antioxidant
(which is why it protects the liver from damage)
So….NAC supports lung health AND boosts antioxidant defenses. Since we know that antioxidants play a role in immune health, NAC is a win-win for anybody concerned about boosting their immune defenses and protecting their lungs at the same time. Shouldn’t we all be doing what we can to boost our immunity and protect our lungs during this viral pandemic?
Here is a list of other health benefits of N-AcetylCysteine:
1. It is essential for making glutathione, one of the body’s most powerful antioxidants. Glutathione is important for immune health and fighting damage to your cells. Some researchers think optimal glutathione levels improve your longevity.
2. NAC is important for your ability to detoxify itself. It can protect you from side effects of drugs and environmental toxins.
3. NAC helps in regulation of your brain glutamate levels which is an important neurotransmitter in your brain. NAC has been shown to improve psychiatric disorders such as OCD, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia and addictive behaviors. NAC may reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms from cessation of smoking, marijuana and cocaine use.
4. Helps relieve symptoms of respiratory symptoms in those with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and chronic bronchitis by loosening mucous and from its antioxidant properties. It has shown promise in improving lung functions of COPD patients.
5. Improves brain health by regulating glutamate and improving glutathione levels. Glutamate is involved in long term memory, behavior and learning while glutathione protects the brain from the oxidative inflammation associated with aging. It may slow the cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer’s Disease and reduce the tremors associated with Parkinson’s Disease.
6. By stabilizing blood sugar, NAC may reduce the risk of Type 2 Diabetes by reduction of inflammation in fat cells.
7. NAC may reduce heart disease by preventing oxidative damage to heart cells. It also appears to improve Nitric Oxide levels which provides blood vessel dilation and improved blood flow. When combined with green tea, NAC has shown the ability to reduce damage from oxidative Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL). Heart disease occurs from chronic inflammation and is reduced by optimal glutathione levels.
8. Both NAC and glutathione may improve and actually restore immune function.
NAC is available over the counter as an oral supplement. Or, to get to the “heart” of the matter, glutathione can be ordered as an injectable to be given either intramuscularly or intravenously. An injectable glutathione supplement is available by prescription with one of our partnering medical directors. If this type of supplementation is of interest to you, get in contact with me. I am an affiliate with several companies and compounding pharmacies that provide pharmaceutical grade supplements. Please, do not buy your supplements from bulk suppliers or at a convenience or big box store.
Everybody is unique and has different needs for nutritional support. I am available to help you navigate through the health care system, avoid chronic disease and avoid multiple pharmaceutical drugs interventions. Contact me at bryanjtreacymd@gmail.com or through my website at www.healthwithoutrisk.com and I’ll get you headed in a healthier direction. I team with various health professionals who are well versed in Functional and Age Management Medicine to help you age in a more graceful and healthy manner.
Reference
Aldini, G, A Altomare, G Baron, G Vistoli, M Carini, L Borsani, and F Sergio. “NAcetylcysteine
as an Antioxidant and Disulphide Breaking Agent: The Reasons Why.”
Free Radic Res 52, no. 7 (2018): 751–62.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29742938/
