N Acetyl-Cysteine
Sounds like a big scary word.
Don't worry, I'm here to make this simple.
NAC is a powerful, naturally occurring antioxidant in our human bodies. Uses can range from managing Endometriosis or Cystic Fibrosis to assisting with addictive behaviors or even detoxification!
NACwithtiss
1/10/21 by talkswithtiss
N Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) is the supplement form of the semi-essential Amino Acid Cysteine. This means that our bodies can usually make it from other Amino Acids or extract it from the foods we eat (chicken, cheese, eggs, sunflower seeds, legumes, etc).
However, medicinal studies have revealed the benefits of supplementing with this Amino Acid for certain conditions. Here we will explore these studies :)
Before we start, here is something that studies don't show you...my personal experience of consuming NAC. Powdered forms are generally most easily absorbed (and the only version available in Aus due to TGA tablet restrictions). However, this is an ACID!! I would highly recommend drinking through a straw to prevent tooth enamel erosion or buying some gelatin/veggie capsules and dispensing it yourself. Also, if you are prone to digestive upset, having something to coat the lining of your stomach (e.g. banana or carob drink) would be highly advisable.
This is a fantastic Amino Acid that can help so many people, but I must always give a word of caution as too much of anything is never good! I would also recommend speaking to a nutritionist/dietitian prior to self-dosing willy-nilly. 😂
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Warnings aside, lets get to the good stuff!
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Precursor to Antioxidant Glutathione
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Glutathione is one of the most important Antioxidants in the human body. We need it - and alot of it - as it works to remove any nasty free radicals that may be damaging your body!
And what makes Glutathione? That's right, you guessed it - NAC (Cysteine).
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So what does all this mean???
Basically, if you are having issues with your immune system, have a family history of heart disease or just want to live longer, NAC MAY help you.
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Here are some other important uses:
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Natural Detoxifier
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As an important antioxidant, studies reveal that NAC may assist in detoxification of the liver. In fact, doctors use NAC to treat patients who have had an overdose of Acetaminophen in order to protect the kidneys and liver :) What a fantastic anti-inflammatory effect!
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Mental Health
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Along with increasing antioxidant Glutathione levels in the body, NAC can regulate a very important neurotransmitter Glutamate!
And why do we care?!
Because studies reveal that this regulation can assist in mental health conditions such as OCD, addictions (drug/alcohol), Bipolar, Depression and Schizophrenia.
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NAC may also assist in the prevention of Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's by protecting the brain and improving dopamine levels.
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Helps you breathe
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The antioxidant effect of NAC can actually help loosen mucous in the lungs and decrease inflammation in the airway passages.
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Who might benefit from this???
People with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD) e.g. asthma, bronchitis, cystic fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis or allergies.
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Women's health
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Studies show that NAC can actually reduce the growth of cysts in individual's with Endometriosis! Therefore pushing back the need for laparoscopic surgery (Porpora et al., 2013).
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This powerful antioxidant has also shown positive effects on PCOS. This may have something to do with the moderation of insulin levels.
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Porpora, M., Brunelli, R., Costa, G., Imperiale, L., Krasnowska, E., Lundeberg, T., Nofroni, I., Piccioni, M., Pittaluga, E., Ticino, A. & Parasassi, T. (2013). A Promise in the Treatment of Endometriosis: An Observational Cohort Study on Ovarian Endometrioma Reduction by N-Acetylcysteine. Translational Research in Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2013 (240702), 7.
https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/240702
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