NAC is short for N-acetyl-L-cysteine page. It is called NAC for short. (And no wonder!) It is a natural derivative of the nonessential amino acid 'Cysteine'. Your body seems to absorb N-acetyl-L-cysteine better than unmodified Cysteine.
Of the three amino acids your body needs to produce Glutathione, Cysteine, Glutamic Acid, and Glyceine; Cysteine is the most important! What this means to you is that the level of Cysteine in your system is the limiting factor in how fast you can produce Glutathione and how much of it you can make.
Since some peoples’ systems seem intolerant of taking Glutathione supplements, a viable alternative is taking N-acetyl-L-cysteine, which helps the body produce Glutathione. I recommend taking Selenium too. Both are building blocks for forming Glutathione naturally in the liver.
Cysteine is found naturally in beans, eggs, whole grains, and lean meats.
N-Acetyl Cysteine protects the body from acetaminophen toxicity and is used in hospitals for patients with acetaminophen poisoning. It has also been shown to be effective at treating liver failure. Heavy metals like lead, mercury, and arsenic are detoxified and removed from the body by NAC. It also increases the excretion of zinc and other essential minerals when taken over an extended period.
Glutathione is known to aid in the transport of nutrients to lymphocytes and phagocytes, (two classes of immune cells), and protect cell membranes. While purified glutathione is available as a dietary supplement, N-Acetyl Cysteine is thought to be a better method of boosting cellular glutathione levels because our bodies absorb it better than Glutathione. N-Acetyl Cysteine is being investigated as a treatment for AIDS.
Double-blind research has found that N-Acetyl Cysteine supplements improved symptoms and prevented recurrences in people with chronic bronchitis. Taking 1,200 mg per day helps to prevent Influenza infection and reduce the symptoms and duration of existing Influenza infection.
N-Acetyl Cysteine has been shown to reduce the proliferation of certain cells lining the colon and may reduce the risk of colon cancer in people with recurrent polyps. Its action as an antioxidant and a glutathione precursor may also contribute to a protective effect against other various forms of Cancer.
NAC is really inexpensive also, so check it out! Don't know much about Glutathione? You can click on this link to learn more about the importance of keeping levels at an optimum!
Some people have a problem taking Glutathione because it upsets their stomachs and digestion. If you are one of those people, just take NAC. There are few reported gastrointestinal problems from taking this supplement. If you can't take the former, take the latter.
Remember too, when you take Glutathione or NAC for the first time, be sure not to take more than the recommended amount. Start out slowly. If you are normal, which I suppose you are:o), then you will actually get a 'small buzz' when you take it.
It is nothing to worry about and is comparable to the 'buzz' you'd get from drinking a 'Red Bull' or other caffeinated drink.
Why do you get a 'buzz'?
Well, its like this. Your liver processes many, many toxins. If you've never 'boosted' it for Glutathione production before, your body will be surprised the first few times it gets a boost. This is completely normal and yet another way you'll know the Glutathione levels are up, which is what you want them to be.
Without Glutathione levels at an optimum, you are at risk. Why is Glutathione so important? Please see the referring page above or below.
Traditional Chinese Medicine suggests an effective liver cleanse that I like to do periodically, to help clean out the excess toxins that can accumulate in the liver. It is also specifically designed to help in liver support.
It is extremely easy to do and very effective. However, having the right ingredients is essential. It’s very basic and very easy to do!