"Cure sometimes, treat often, comfort always." - Hippocrates

Some supplements are worthless, but some are so comprehensive and powerful that they seem to capture the attention of the industry. N-acetylcysteine ​​(NAC) is apparently one such example. In the 1960s, NAC was used as a drug, and then in the 1990s, it was also used as a dietary supplement. The United States is currently trying to ban NAC as a dietary supplement. After all, it is already a drug. Now, I don't want to cause panic or suggest a shortage. There isn't one. At least not yet, but if something is banned, I'd naturally like to know why. I'll leave it to people to investigate. Read this article about the remarkable and versatile effects of the NAC supplement.

N-acetyl-L-cysteine ​​(NAC)NAC is the acetylated form of L-cysteine, a sulfur-containing amino acid that the body can produce itself from the amino acid L-methionine. In some cases, dietary modification alone is insufficient to meet the body's needs. In such instances, NAC supplementation can provide a solution. Traditionally, NAC has been used to prevent liver damage due to medication overdoses (particularly acetaminophen) and to thin the mucous membranes in people with cystic fibrosis or COPD. It is not only an antidote for acetaminophen poisoning but is also used after ingesting one of the most poisonous mushrooms, the green-trunked manitan mushroom.

Respiratory diseases

NAC, with the help of its sulfur compounds, helps break down mucus in the airways, making it easier to cough up. NAC also improves oxygen uptake and has anti-inflammatory properties, making it suitable for use in (chronic) respiratory diseases and infections. "Oral administration of NAC (1200 mg/day) in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia reduces the risk of mechanical ventilation and mortality. Our findings should be confirmed by well-designed prospective clinical trials." (1)."

Detoxify

The greatest success of NACI think this can be attributed to the fact that it is a precursor to glutathione. This is a tripeptide made up of three amino acids: cysteine, glycine, and glutamine. Glutathione is found in fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, and meat products, but asparagus, avocados, and walnuts are particularly rich in glutathione. Glutathione Glutathione is a multifunctional substance and, alongside hydrogen and melanin, the most important antioxidant in our body. It is present in all our cells, but the highest concentrations are found in the liver and lungs. In the liver, it can neutralize and remove heavy metals and other toxins. When detoxifying, also consider tobacco, air pollution, painkillers, and other medications that put a heavy strain on the liver. Glutathione is able to prevent liver and kidney damage in people who have taken an overdose of paracetamol (2,3).

Depression and addiction

Due to glutathione's detoxifying, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects, NAC is successfully used to treat addiction and depression. Glutathione plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance between neurotransmitters, including dopamine and glutamate. It ensures that the dopaminergic system (our reward system) remains intact. This involves the balance between dopamine (reward) and glutamate (anti-reward/stress). Glutamate, also a neurotransmitter, is essential for triggering a stress response, but it must be broken down quickly, otherwise it can lead to hyperactivity, anxiety, restlessness, and even brain damage. Excessively high glutamate levels can trigger a range of mental health conditions, including schizophrenia, ADHD, OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder), tics, and addiction. Glutathione It acts as a kind of glutamate suppressant, making glutamate receptors less sensitive. It would also favorably influence the effects of antipsychotics and antidepressants.4,5)

Reverse hearing loss

There are studies showing that NAC can reverse hearing loss by improving the quality of cells in the cochlea. In 2016, a study was published comparing two groups of 35 men who had suddenly become deaf. One group received NAC, and the other was treated with corticosteroids. The first group showed a significantly greater mean improvement in hearing than the corticosteroid-treated group.6).

Food sources

Cysteine ​​is a semi-essential amino acid, meaning our bodies can produce some of it themselves and obtain some through food. Cysteine ​​is produced from methionine, which is found primarily in meat, eggs, and fish, but also in Brazil nuts, seeds, and grains. Cysteine ​​is mainly found in dairy products (yogurt, cheese), meat, and poultry. N-acetylcysteine ​​(N-acetylcysteine) is not found in food and can (at least for now) be purchased in the form of supplements.

Addition

Glutathione is considered a holy grail in orthomolecular medicine. Westerners can benefit from supplemental glutathione, especially if they live in a busy city with high levels of particulate matter and other pollutants. Due to its detoxifying properties, our lungs require it more (up to 100 times) than other organs. Stimulating glutathione production is particularly advisable if you smoke, drink alcohol, take medication, have COPD, sleep with closed windows, or experience high levels of stress. However, supplementing glutathione directly is not very effective. Our bodies break it down in the intestines, and it is not absorbed. Supplementation with NAC (nitrogen-anhydrous potassium) is more beneficial, as its absorption is significantly improved. There is also evidence suggesting that the liposomal form of glutathione is better absorbed by the body.

Another way to increase glutathione levels is through natural substances that stimulate the production and reuse of glutathione. One important one is kaempferol (7Kaempferol is found in high concentrations in saffron, capers, arugula, kale, and mustard seeds. Besides increasing glutathione levels, kaempferol also enhances the effects of GABA, the Zen master among neurotransmitters and the counterpart to glutamate. A particularly helpful substance during stressful times, wouldn't you say?

Ineke Eebes

Orthomolecular therapist for depression and burnout

Disclaimer: Everything is connected. A dietary supplement never does all the work alone; it's a combination of all possible factors. All supplements can interact with other medications. Check this. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have other specific medical conditions, check for contraindications first. If in doubt, please consult a healthcare professional first.

Spring:

1. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/23744235.2021.1945675
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5241507/
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9727078/
4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19581567/
5. http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1516-44462014005031244&lng=en&nrm=iso&tlng=en
6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27553486/
7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2538700/