You may be familiar with N-Acetylcysteine as a prescription medication used to treat acetaminophen overdoses as well as certain chronic lung conditions, but it is also available as an over-the-counter supplement with many potential benefits for those living with an autoimmune disease. In fact, it’s so good that there has been an attempt by the FDA to ban it! So if you’re wondering, “What is N-Acetylcysteine?”, then keep reading because we want to share with you the power of a little amino acid known as NAC.
NAC…So Good The FDA Tried To Ban It!
Because NAC was first approved by the Federal Drug Administration as a prescription drug and there were claims it was not used as a supplement before it was used as a drug, an attempt was made to remove it as an ingredient from dietary supplements. However, products containing N-Acetylcysteine have been available for purchase in the U.S. for decades, and it is generally well tolerated and safe to use. Interestingly, this was not spearheaded until the Covid era when multiple papers came to light indicating it as a potential therapy for Covid-19. As you will learn, this is not surprising as NAC has anti-viral and anti-inflammatory benefits.
So, What Is N-Acetylcysteine?
What exactly makes NAC such a topic of controversy? Is it really all that important? The short answer is yes! N-Acetylcysteine is the supplement form of cysteine, a powerful amino acid with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Amino acids form proteins, the building blocks of life, and help the body in various ways, including breaking down food into energy. NAC is also one of the most important precursors to the “master antioxidant” called Glutathione; without NAC, your body wouldn’t be able to replenish and manufacture enough glutathione, so your immune system, digestive system, and many other functions in your body would suffer as a result (and many research papers are pointing towards low glutathione as a main culprit in autoimmunity). Take a look at this quick overview of a few benefits of N-Acetylcysteine:
- Supports a healthy natural immune response– antioxidants work with your immune system to find and destroy toxins as well as reduce inflammation to ensure your body can protect itself and prevent infection and illness. Specifically, NAC targets Nfkb, a potent inflammatory chemical linked to numerous chronic illnesses.
- Aids in the detoxification process– another role of an antioxidant like NAC is to help your liver and kidneys flush out harmful substances– conditions such as IBS, food sensitivities, and nutrient deficiencies can interfere with Glutathione production, reducing your body’s ability to detox properly.
- Helps with heart and lung function– NAC can improve mucus viscosity in the lungs to improve breathing and respiratory health, and Glutathione supports the reduction of oxidative stress in both the heart and brain.
A NAC Supplement For You
Now you know the answer to “What is N-Acetylcysteine?”! The levels of glutathione in your body can have a direct impact on your autoimmune symptoms, and an N-Acetylcysteine supplement could give your immune system the boost it needs to make more glutathione and result in improvements in both your physical and mental health.
Take a closer look at our NAC Power supplement, and let us know if you have any questions. We support a wide range of autoimmune conditions, from thyroid to gut health, diabetes, lupus, and more. Best of all, we offer 100% remote support with expert guidance you can rely on!
