What Are the Benefits of NAC Supplements & Foods
(N-Acetylcysteine)?
NAC, an abbreviation for N-Acetylcysteine, is a potent antioxidant that has captured the interest of health and wellness practitioners everywhere. But, what exactly is NAC and are the benefits of NAC supplements ? Originating from the amino acid L-cysteine, NAC plays an essential role in replenishing the most powerful antioxidant in your body, glutathione.
Historically, NAC was first introduced in the 1961. It was not patented until 1965 by Mead Johnson for use as a mucolytic (medication or substance) that breaks up mucous.
Use as a mucolytic (breaking up mucous) in the treatment of respiratory diseases NAC has also been used as a liver support for years (1) One of the discovered health Benefits of NAC supplements was that it restored glutathione levels and consequently antioxidant defense mechanisms in with respiratory issues.
It has been used a “medication” to treat acetaminophen poisoning, and since then, its use has expanded to manage a wide range of health conditions. Its potential benefits include improving lung health, boosting brain health, aiding in detoxification, and more.
The benefits of NAC supplements extend beyond the Liver and the Respiratory System .It’s a power-packed nutrient that can significantly enhance your overall health and wellbeing. It is a supplement that has stood the test of time and continues to prove its worth in the health and wellness industry.
Deep Dive into the Health Benefits of NAC Supplements
1. Enhances Brain Health
One of the remarkable benefits of NAC supplements is its ability to enhance brain health. This is due to it’a antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. NAC crosses the blood brain barrier and may protect mitochondria in the brain, thereby preventing memory loss. This analysis of studies shows that there is an expression of something called mitochondrial Complex I, which reduces cell death in the brain. These and other findings may support the prevention of other neurogenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and even cardiovascular diseases, such as stroke (1)
2. Boosts Immune System
NAC supplement also plays a crucial role in boosting the immune system. It enhances the body’s resistance against infectious diseases by promoting the production of glutathione, which is vital for immune health. Another benefit of NAC supplements are their ability to promote “the inhibition of the nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) enzyme, resulting in a decrease in the production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and nitric oxide (NO) in astrocytes” (2). Astrocytes are cells that make up the Nervous System.
Nitric oxide has a range of positive effects in the body, including defending the body against organisms like babesia.
3. Improves Lung Health
NAC supplement is well-known for its benefits on lung health. It helps to thin and loosen mucus in the airways, making it an effective supplement for individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, asthma, and cystic fibrosis. Additionally, NAC can help reduce inflammation in the lungs, promoting respiratory health. This is one supplement that can be ket handy for those winter colds and flus!
4. Aids in Detoxification
The liver is the primary detoxifying organ in the body, and NAC reduces toxic affects on the liver and supporting the detoxification processes. By increasing liver levels of glutathione, the body can better eliminate the reactive metabolites and reactive oxygen species )oxidative stress) that happens when the liver si working to detoxify the body (3).
By replenishing glutathione levels, NAC helps neutralize harmful toxins, protecting the liver from damage.
5. Promotes Heart Health
NAC supplement also provides significant benefits for heart health. It can help lower levels of homocysteine, a type of amino acid that is linked to heart disease when present in high amounts. Something called the transsulfuration pathway changes atoms on some amino acids, to make new amino acids. When this pathway is disturbed, an increase in homocysteine can occur (5).
Besides, NAC has been found to improve endothelial function, which is crucial for cardiovascular health.
6. Supports Mental Health
We’ve already noted that one of the benefits NAC supplements is to c\modulate neurotransmitter systems like glutamate. Neurotransmitter systems like this may be involved in psychiatric illness, neurodegenerative diseases, and brain injuries (4). It works by balancing glutamate levels and replenishing glutathione, thereby protecting brain cells against oxidative stress. Interestingly, NAC supplement may also be helpful in managing addiction. Studies have shown that NAC can help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms in people with substance use disorders, including nicotine and cocaine addiction.
7. Improves Skin Health
Another benefit of NAC supplements can be for skin health. This comes from NAC’s ability to work topically on sebaceous gland activity and decrease the growth of Propionibacterium acnes, which is one bacteria implicated in mild to moderate forms of acne vulgaris.
The benefits don’t end there. There has been positive outcomes with use of NAC for those with lamellar ichthyosis, bullous morphea, ulcers in scleroderma, toxic epidermal necrolysis, and dermatitis (5).
9. Helps in Weight Management
Could another benefit of NAC supplements be weight management? NAC shows the ability to decrease inflammation, which has an effect on reducing C-reactive protein, which is a marker for increased cardiovascular disease risk. It also helps with blood sugar and insulin resistance (6).
What about Foods Naturally Rich in NAC?
While the benefits of NAC supplements include boosting the antioxidant glutathione, the amino acid cysteine also found naturally in certain foods. Foods rich in NAC include poultry, yogurt, cheese, eggs, sunflower seeds, and legumes.
Eating a diet rich in these foods can help boost your NAC levels naturally. However, it’s important to note that the amount of NAC you get from food may not provide the same therapeutic benefits as a supplement. Therefore, if you’re looking to target specific health conditions, a NAC supplement might be a more effective option.
Safety and Side Effects of NAC Supplements
NAC supplements are generally considered safe for most people when used appropriately. However, like any supplement, they may cause side effects in some individuals. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
In rare cases, NAC supplements can cause an allergic reaction, resulting in rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. It’s always important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.
Where to Buy NAC Supplements?
NAC supplements are available at health food stores, pharmacies, and online retailers. When choosing a NAC supplement, please consider factors like the dosage, the reputation of the brand, and whether the product has been tested by a third-party lab for purity and potency.
This is a multifaceted nutrient with a plethora of health benefits. From enhancing brain health to aiding in detoxification, boosting the immune system, and promoting heart health, NAC truly stands out as a potent supplement.
Out Top Takeaways about the Benefits of NAC Supplementation
Supplementing with NAC, or increasing cysteine rich foods may enhance brain health by aiding in detoxification, boosting the immune system, and promoting heart health.
If you see Cysteine resonate imbalanced on your CBH Energetics report, this could correlate to a number of things:
- Are your detoxification processes or systems under stress?
- Are you struggling with overall inflammation?
- Did you resonate with viruses, depleting your cysteine levels?
- Do you show stress in your Nervous System?
Testing and not guessing can be very helpful with a Full Scan.
You may need more support in the way of diet changes, drainage methods or supplementation, in your quest of creating balanced health. You can eat Cysteine rich foods, however, the therapeutic effects are more pronounced with supplements, making it a valuable addition to your health regimen.
While it’s available in certain foods, the therapeutic effects are more pronounced with supplements, making it a valuable addition to your health regimen. If you are curious about your own needs for NAC, taking one of our bioenergetic tests.
