What is n acetylcysteine used for?

N acetylcysteine, commonly referred to as NAC, may sound like something you’d hear in a NASA acronym or Star Trek techno-babble. But it’s actually a real thing – one that can help you battle everything from depression to respiratory infections.

So what exactly is NAC and how can it benefit the human body? Let’s take a closer look:

What is NAC?

N acetylcysteine is an amino acid derivative often used as a supplement for its antioxidant properties. Simply put, this natural compound helps protect cells against damage caused by toxins and free radicals.

It’s worth noting that acetylcysteine, without the “N” prefix, has long been used in emergency rooms as an antidote to acetaminophen (paracetamol) overdose by restoring depleted glutathione levels – which detoxify liver cells affected by too much exposure of acetaminophen’s metabolite. In general health purposes however, both terms are interchangeable but medical professionals usually prefer using the full term when referring to this particular substance.

How Does it Work?

When ingested orally as a dietary supplement or medicine, our bodies rapidly metabolize NAC into L-cysteinethat replenishes glutathione stores depleted due oxidative stressor blood pressure spikes-induced organ damage e.g Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This may explain why doctors often turn to n-acetyl cysteine supplementation- known for increasing namely fast-twitch skeletal muscles’ endurance time duration- in cases such as:

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease(COPD)

COPD makes breathing difficult and suffering individuals experience symptoms like wheezing and shortness of breath just while completing simple tasks such washing dishes or climbing stairs.

To improve airflow and prevent exacerbations [thereby reducing risk for hospitalization], a 2019 current opinion in pharmacology research paper reported n acetylcysteine improved lung function- FEV1 score- and prevented deterioration of COPD patients, contrary to placebos that increased mortality rates.

Depression

The usefulness of NAC supplementation for depression treatment is slowly gaining traction in medical circles with an British Journal of Psychiatry study finding significant MDD (Major Depressive Disorder) reduction on subjects regularly taken it over weeks .

There are different mechanisms through which NAC helps improve depressive symptoms such as decreasing inflammation caused by cytokines i.e harmful signals secreted by immune cells following infection or injury . Lowering oxidative stress, glutamate recovery modulation from addiction e.g cocaine dependency reducing cravings but causing little behavioural modifications when used alone. These were observed on human clinical trials conducted when consuming 2,400mg/day .

Substance Use Disorders

N-acetyl cysteine appears to treat substance abuse disorders beneficial properties may be directly linked to its glutamate-modulating effects [the neurotransmitter responsible for cognitive processing] by targeting the reward area e.g nucleus accumbens involved in drug-induced behaviors Cravings reduced dosage varied across studies– Example ranges stated are:

  • Cocaine addicts – considerably lowered risks of relapsing
  • Marijuana addiction assistance after ten week period
  • Other opioids (heroin) greater discrepancies documented however psychiatric patients struggling can find relief : This disorder coincides with addictive personality traits needing abstinence therapy support groups reaching self awareness their predispositions avoiding reoccuring addictions thus promoting better social consequences over time.

Benefits as Prevention Tool

Apart from managing illnesses like the ones listed above here’s a couple of prevention benefits;

Hangover Reduction / Liver Function Optimization

Alcohol causes hypoglycemia [low blood sugar] and dehydration; including other factors that culminate into hangover morning aftermath associated symptoms. Alcohol metabolism produces free radicals which create inflammation in the liver.

A 2001 study published in American Family Physician found N-acetylcysteine decreased hangover symptoms notably relieving migraine headaches and nausea . Also, this supplement has been shown to improve liver function markers thus improving overall liver health by normalizing levels of aminotransferases, glutamyltransferase and bilirubin common challenges experienced during alcoholic and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease onset.

Cardiovascular Disease

There exists epidemiological evidence that n acetylcysteine consumption improves vascular endothelial functioning- the lining tissue within blood vessels supplying essential nutrients- promoting better heart health prevention.

Through its antioxidant properties preventing low-density lipoproteins (LDL) oxidation curtailing cigarette-induced procoagulant state reducing platelet adhesion related chances of experiencing stroke events as reported on a Clinical Nutrition Research journal article. Higher dosages were necessary for genuine outcomes: yet further studies need carried out

Dosage information

The European Food Safety Authority recommends between 0.3g to 3g daily for adults depending on their conditions.

This is relatively safe as side-effects are very rare however gas trouble, headache and stomach upset may still occur if consumed excessively or without consultation from physician especially with breastfeeding mothers pregnant women who could require lower doses due unknown fetal effects large amounts might have ,no sufficient evidence-based literature exists .

Wrap-Up

As you can see, N acetyl cysteine has many potential applications when it comes to maintaining our physical well-being. Whether you’re dealing with respiratory issues like COPD or looking to boost your mood naturally,NAC is definitely worth considering as an addition supplement for supporting healthy lifestyles! And if all else fails…it’s still pretty cool-sounding stuff!

Note:Please seek professional medical advice before commencing any supplements because doses mentioned serve informational purposes only.

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