NAC (N-acetylcysteine)

NAC (N-acetylcysteine) is a form of amino acid cysteine.  This substance is produced by the body.  Its main function is to increase the production enzyme glutathione which is a powerful antioxidant.  Due to this, NAC can combat disease at the same time boost the immune system.  People that have problems related to the immune system are found to have lower glutathione levels.

For more than thirty years, NAC (N-acetylcysteine) served as a mucolytic (mucus dissolving) agent that helps in breaking up the thick mucus which commonly occurred in people with chronic respiratory ailments.  It is also a proven antidote in treating acetaminophen overdose and protects the liver from the toxins of acetaminophen overdose.  NAC (N-acetylcysteine) is currently available in supplement form which is recommended in treating and preventing a broad number of ailments that react to its antioxidant properties.

NAC (N-acetylcysteine) serves as a supplemental antioxidants that protect the body’s cell from free radicals or altered oxygen molecules.  The damage wrought by free radicals to the body cells is attributed to be the cause for the degenerative conditions such as cancer and heart disease.  There are other factors that contribute to such diseases though such as life style and genetic susceptibility.  All these factors play major role in disease development. By lowering susceptibility to free radical damage, NAC (N-acetylcysteine) is hoped to lower also susceptibility to various chronic medical conditions.  The antioxidant action enables NAC (N-acetylcysteine) to assist the liver in eliminating potentially dangerous environmental and biological toxins from the body.

Aside from supplemental antioxidant, NAC (N-acetylcysteine) also lowers congestion related to sinusitis, bronchitis, asthma and other respiratory diseases.  Physicians use NAC (N-acetylcysteine) to dilute thick mucus and drain it from nasal passages and other congested areas.  It is commonly used for people with pneumonia and other chronic respiratory diseases.  And it is proven to reduce mucus secretions to people who regularly smoke or exposed to secondhand smoke.

NAC (N-acetylcysteine) is also used to treat HIV-infected individuals.  It does this by interfering with replication of certain viruses which includes the HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) which causes AIDS.  A study have shown that HIV-positive patients that are taking NAC (N-acetylcysteine) supplements have twice the chances of surviving for two years compared to those not taking NAC. Since NAC (N-acetylcysteine) boost gluthatione production, it supports the proper functioning of immune-system components such as T cells, B cells and phagocytes.

NAC (N-acetylcysteine) lessens flu symptoms by thinning mucus and weakening the flu virus. 
 
NAC (N-acetylcysteine) also prevents heart disease.  It does this by lowering homocysteine and lipoprotein (a) levels which are associated with heart disease. 

NAC (N-acetylcysteine) also delays age-related cataracts and macular degeneration. It boosts antioxidant activity in the eye’s lens and macula and may prevent cataracts.

NAC (N-acetylcysteine) counters environmental toxins which are excreted through the liver because of its glutathione components.  These substances include carbon tetrachloride, chloroform, carbon monoxide, alcohol and heavy metals such as mercury and microorganisms such as aflatoxin.

NAC (N-acetylcysteine) lessens the risk of cancer by getting rid of environmental toxins and fighting free radicals. 

NAC (N-acetylcysteine) slows down the progress of multiple sclerosis because of its antioxidant actions.

NAC (N-acetylcysteine) also slows down Parkinson’s disease by boosting glutathione with NAC supplements.

If you are taking NAC (N-acetylcysteine) dosage for a period of time try to include 2 mg copper and 30 mg zinc to treatment to increase urinary excretion of copper.

If you have used NAC (N-acetylcysteine) for more than a month add amino acid complex to get enough amino acids.

NAC (N-acetylcysteine) is available in tables. Also, by prescription only, in intravenous solution and inhalant. Follow the doctor’s recommended dosage and administration.

For most ailments, take 500 mg three times a day.  For bronchitis, take 500 mg three times between meals. For chronic bronchitis, take 250 mg three times a day between meals. For sinusitis, take 500 mg twice a day between meals.  For multiple sclerosis, take 500 mg three times a day every other day and alternate with 30 mg zinc and 2 mg copper.

NAC (N-acetylcysteine) is effective if taken on an empty stomach.  There are no known drug interactions with NAC (N-acetylcysteine). 

NAC (N-acetylcysteine) has no side effects if taken in recommended dosage. High doses can cause vomiting or a rash accompanied by fever and if taken in at 2,800 mg a day, it acts as pro-oxidant rather than anti-oxidant.  Pregnant women are not advised to take NAC (N-acetylcysteine).