N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a molecule that the body can synthesize, but whose properties are stimulated and enriched by an additional contribution. It is an amino acid that activates, among other things, the production of glutathione and therefore has a very effective antioxidant effect, as well as detoxifying properties. NAC can enter the cells where, as a precursor of glutathione, it acts by maintaining an effective quantity. Itis therefore useful as a supplement in all pathologies where there is a lack of glutathione: viruses in general, infections, trauma, diabetes, chronic diseases.
This food supplement is particularly effective against lung diseases, to regenerate the liver, against certain intoxications and addictions, against depression ... The NAC is an excellent food supplement, especially in winter, to preserve the body from viruses and other infections. It participates actively, and at all levels, in the defense of the body, and the physical and mental well-being.
What is NAC?
N-acetylcysteine is a molecule with multiple roles (pleiotropic). Plant or animal food products only provide the body with cysteine. To become acetylcysteine, it must be acetylated by specific enzymes (acetyltransferases), which is mostly done in the liver.But studies have shown that synthetic acetylation is more efficient, especially in the manufacture of dietary supplements where NAC is easier to absorb by the body.The presence of N-acetylcysteine in the body is essential for the synthesis of glutathione, which is a powerful natural antioxidant. NAC also participates in the synthesis of cystine, rich in sulfur, which promotes healing and hair growth.Finally, N-acetylcysteine acts as an anti-inflammatory by slowing down the activity and synthesis of inflammatory substances, such as cytokines and nuclear kB factors.
Its action on the immune system
N-acetylcysteine is a primary agent of immunity. It increases the levels of glutathione in the body, one of its most powerful antioxidants, which represents an excellent asset to fight against the appearance of free radicals causing oxidative stress that can lead to many chronic diseases and infections.The role of NAC is therefore essential when the amount of glutathione decreases in the cells because of an unbalanced diet, the presence of environmental toxins, high exposure to stress, but also over time as the body ages.
Its action on the respiratory system
N-acetylcysteine is used orally in cases of heavy bronchial secretions. In pneumology, it acts as a mucolytic mucomodifier, i.e. by acting on the "gel phase" of thick mucus, it liquefies it and facilitates expectoration.By liquefying bronchial secretions, fighting inflammation and improving breathing, N-acetylcysteine is effective against bronchitis in particular, but also against chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases: respiratory insufficiency, chronic cough, sputum, shortness of breath...NAC is also effective in improving lung function in certain forms of asthma, those with signs of mucus in the lungs.In addition, a study conducted over six months on people over 65 years of age suffering from chronic diseases showed that taking NAC significantly reduced the frequency, severity and duration of flu episodes during the winter, while being very well tolerated by the body.
A detoxifying function
NAC is recognized as a detoxifier of the body. It acts against the side effects of environmental toxins, such asheavy metals (mercury, lead, arsenic) which are concentrated in the liver, kidneys and brain. These metals consume glutathione, causing a lack that disrupts the proper functioning of antioxidants in the body and therefore the metabolism. NAC, which facilitates the synthesis of glutathione, plays an important role in this case. As a detoxifier, it also acts against pollutants (tobacco and pesticides) by making them soluble, thus easier to eliminate by natural means.NAC can also reduce the toxicity of acetaldehyde, an organic compound which is derived from the degradation of alcohol and is much more toxic than alcohol itself because it promotes the production of free radicals, leads to glycation which modifies the structure of proteins and reduces the production of glutathione.
Mood disorders
NAC can benefit several essential brain functions such as learning, memory and other brain activities. It also acts on anxiety and depression.It normalizes the levels of dopamine and glutamine, neurotransmitters necessary for the proper functioning of the brain and which are disturbed in people suffering from addiction. When their level is excessive, while that of glutathione is too low, brain activity is disturbed. The effects of NAC in this context have been investigated and there is encouraging research that shows that it helps to reduce, for example, symptoms of bipolar disorder, depression and OCD.Parkinson's disease can be aggravated by prolonged oxidative stress and decreased antioxidant capacity leading to progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons. NAC can improve the dopamine cycle. It also reduces certain symptoms such as tremors.Other studies indicate that it also has an effect on Alzheimer's disease, thanks to its action on the presence of glutathione, which reduces the damage caused by age on the brain cells.
Fertility
In men, NAC can correct infertility, which is often caused by low antioxidant activity in the male reproductive system. It works by rapidly increasing sperm count and improving sperm motility, concentration and morphology.In women, it advances fertility by stimulating ovulation in cases of polycystic ovary syndrome.
