Improved Immune Function As We Age
As we age, immune function declines, which is in part due to oxidative damage and inflammation.
In a small study assassing the benefits of 600 mg/day of NAC in supporting postmenopausal womens immune health it was concluded that:
The present finding suggest that a short period of NAC supply at the dose used may lead to prolonged strengthening of immune defense in postmenopausal women, likely by increasing the leukocyte glutathione pool. Thus, NAC could contribute to maintenance of good health and quality of life in postmenopausal women by decreasing the probability of immune system-related diseases, such as infections, in aging.
These conclusions were drawn because NAC supplementation led to the test groups studied immune system parameters becoming closer to that of the control group . It was concluded that NAC might exert a modulating effect on the immune system, helping it to find balance.
Psychiatry In Troublecan It Be Fixed
NAC is an amino acid, something present in many foods, but supplements give you a higher dose than youd get in your daily diet. It is usually taken in doses from 1000 to 2000 milligrams per dayusually in 600-milligram capsules taken 2 to 3 times a day, and other than mild gastrointestinal side effects NAC is usually well tolerated.
The intriguing thing about NAC to me is that its of great interest to neuroscience researchers. There have been many studies of this compound, including neuroimaging studies, and it has been investigated in innumerable disordersdepression, bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD, schizophrenia, addiction, eating disorders, Alzheimers disease, and addiction . NAC also has established medical uses as an anti-inflammatory medicine in cases of acetaminophen overdose in preventing liver failure. Clinical trials have been promising in many disorders where it has been studied . Clearly, theres a need for more research studies, both more clinical trials in different disorders, and more basic research to see how NAC works in the brain.
To me, the debates between the lumpers and the splitters are most useful when they help move scienceand treatmentforward. In this case, with the emergence of NAC as a potentially beneficial treatment for a common symptom of many disorders, the goal posts are being moved usefully down the field.
References
Nac For Autoimmune Disease
Many autoimmune diseases stem from inflammation in the body. Often, finding ways to reduce the inflammation can have positive outcomes for those who suffer with autoimmune diseases.
Supplementation can also be helpful. And thats where NAC comes in. As a precursor to glutathione that helps to reduce inflammation, it is a great choice for those with autoimmune conditions who want to support their health.
Additionally, NAC was shown in a study to inhibit inflammatory cytokines, making it a potential treatment for Th1-mediated autoimmune diseases.
Remember, autoimmunity is complex, which is why it generally requires a holistic approach, which sometimes also includes pharmaceuticals.
Read Also: How Fast Does Anxiety Meds Work
What Is The Best Nac Supplement
The Best NAC Supplement is:
- High dose
- 120 Tablets lasting 2 months taking 2 per day
- Affordable
- 3rd-party tested
Furthermore, it is usually presumed that NAC supplements are better than cysteine as it is stable and more soluble. Also, NAC is thought to have great potential for supplying sulfur.
Here is a recommended NAC Supplement. This NAC supplement is a potent antioxidant amino acid and precursor in the body to the critical antioxidant glutathione.
It supports lung functions and the liver. This antioxidant supports the cell membranes and inside cells as well.
Unfortunately, it may be difficult to find NAC on the market anymore. It was pulled due to its many benefits, we live in a sick care system. If people are getting better without medications, there will be fewer customers.
There will be a denial of this, of course, however, NAC is an amino acid, which is the building block of protein. So should we ban the consumption of protein? Absolutely not! People would starve, be weak and not be able to repair our bodies without the consumption of protein.
This is your warning to stock up on NAC if it works for you or if you feel like the above information describes you. Thankfully there are other nutrients that are on the market that can be helpful for anxiety as well such as niacin and magnesium.
References:
Journal of psychiatry & neuroscience : JPN3613
May Improve Psychiatric Disorders And Addictive Behavior
NAC helps regulate levels of glutamate the most important neurotransmitter in your brain .
While glutamate is required for normal brain action, excess glutamate paired with glutathione depletion can cause brain damage.
This may contribute to mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder and addictive behavior .
For people with bipolar disease and depression, NAC may help decrease symptoms and improve your overall ability to function. Whats more, research suggests that it may play a role in treating moderate to severe OCD (
16 ).
Summary By regulating glutamate levels in your brain, NAC may alleviate symptoms of multiple psychiatric disorders and reduce addictive behavior.
Read Also: How To Overcome Fear And Anxiety
It May Reduce Inflammation In The Brain In Major Depressive Disorder
Inflammation and oxidative stress go hand in hand: the presence of one can give rise to the other. Neuroinflammation or inflammation in the brain is one of the causative factors that worsen depression pathology.
Several studies have highlighted that patients with depression tend to have high levels of inflammation-causing agents and immune markers. Strategies that target the immune system function may aid in depression treatment.
N-acetylcysteine turns out to be one such therapeutic agent.
A study published in Experimental Biology and Medicine , 2016 showed that NAC along with an antidepressant inhibited inflammatory pathways to ameliorate depressive symptoms.
It lowered stress hormone levels, improved levels of antioxidant enzymes and modulated the activity of JAK/STAT pathway- a biochemical pathway also involved in inflammation.
Contrary to expectations, one study in patients with unipolar depression did not find definite evidence on this aspect.
This study was published in Acta Neuropsychiatrica, 2017. 2g of NAC supplement/day was provided in addition to antidepressants for 12 weeks. The patients were followed up four weeks after the study was completed. NAC reduced depressive symptoms but no improvement in inflammatory parameters was observed.
Interleukin-6 is one of the agents in our body that is involved in inflammation.
However, researchers from Londrina State University, Brazil observed that NAC does reduce inflammation in depression.
Nac Is Needed To Make Glutathione
NAC helps your body create intracellular glutathione. Glutathione is our bodys antioxidant powerhouse. Antioxidants protect our cells from free radical damage. Free radicals As I explain in this article about vitamin C, our immune system creates free radicals to defend against viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens.
You May Like: Does Anxiety Make You Feel Cold
Completely Eliminated My Severe Anxiety Symptoms With Three Supplements
- Likes
- 34,577
generalized anxiety disorderN-acetyl-glucosamineflaxseed oilturmericTurmeric is not to be confused with curcuminAnti-Anxiety Effects Mechanism of ActionRecent researchBeing “Wired” Related to Anxiety?Update February 2015:Are you still taking these anti-anxiety supplements, and are they still working?Supplement SourceseBay
- Likes
- 34,577
List of My 29 Anti-Anxiety Supplements N-acetyl-glucosamine Flaxseed oil Turmeric Arginine pyroglutamate Citrulline malate Vinpocetine Vitamin A Taurine Saccharomyces boulardii yeast probiotic Jarro-Dophilus EPS probiotic Inulin Inositol Choline bitartrateProgesterone cream Aloe vera juice Transdermal magnesium cream Horsetail Evening primrose oil Pregnenolone Propolis Curcumin Terminalia chebula Grape seed extract Acetyl-L-carnitine L-carnitine Bacopa monnieri Phosphatidylserine Cetirizineloratadine PiracetamN-acetyl-glucosamineArginine pyroglutamateCitrulline malateInositol Very low dose amisulprideAnti-Anxiety Supplements and Drugs That I Found Also Have Anti-Psychosis Effectsmild psychosisanxiety psychosisandand N-acetyl-glucosamine Amiloride Amisulpride Vitamin C Phosphatidylserine Niacinamide Flaxseed oil N-acetyl-cysteine
- Likes
- 34,577
Risks Side Effects And Interactions
Is NAC dangerous?
While its safe for most people to take, some drug interactions and negative reactions are possible. Overall, most experts believe that the use of NAC yields potential benefits that outweigh potential risks.
What are the side effects of NAC?
Potential NAC side effects can include:
- indigestion/upset stomach
- sweating
- skin rash
It might not be safe for people with asthma, bleeding problems or anyone taking nitroglycerin, including blood thinners and certain blood pressure medications. If these apply to you, check with your doctor before using NAC supplements to discuss any possible interactions.
Is NAC hard on the kidneys? Can NAC cause liver damage?
In very high doses any supplement is capable of contributing to liver or kidney problems however, as explained above, generally NAC is considered protective of the liver and kidneys, not a harm to them.
Also Check: How To Get Rid Of Relationship Anxiety
What Foods Contain Nac
Sulfur is considered a vital mineral that is mostly found in some protein foods and plants. In addition, sulfur is considered vital for the activity and structure of some major enzymes and proteins in the human body.
Sulfur is needed for the synthesis of glutathione. The presence of sulfur is found in a couple of amino acids in food cysteine and methionine. It is mainly originated from nutritional proteins such as poultry, beef, and fish.
Nevertheless, sulfur can also be found in vegetables such as cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, mustard greens, and watercress.
Many studies conducted on human and animal populations have concluded that consuming sulfur-enriched vegetables helps reduce oxidative stress and increases glutathione levels.
Boosts Brain Health By Regulating Glutamate And Replenishing Glutathione
NACs ability to replenish glutathione and regulate brain glutamate levels can boost brain health.
The brain neurotransmitter glutamate is involved in a broad range of learning, behavior and memory actions, while the antioxidant glutathione helps reduce oxidative damage to brain cells associated with aging .
Because NAC helps regulate glutamate levels and replenish glutathione, it may benefit those with brain and memory ailments .
The neurological disorder Alzheimers disease slows down a persons learning and memory capacity. Animal studies suggest that NAC may slow the loss of cognitive ability in people with Alzheimers .
Another brain condition, Parkinsons disease, is characterized by the deterioration of cells that generate the neurotransmitter dopamine. Both oxidative damage to cells and a decrease in antioxidant ability contribute to this disease.
NAC supplements appear to improve both dopamine function and disease symptoms such as tremors .
While NAC may improve brain health, more human research is needed to make strong conclusions.
Summary By helping replenish the antioxidant glutathione and regulate glutamate, NAC has the potential to treat diseases like Alzheimers and Parkinsons.
Recommended Reading: How To Overcome Shyness And Social Anxiety
It Can Improve Antioxidant Defense In The Brain In Depression
Oxidative stress is the imbalance between prooxidants and antioxidants in the body. Patients with depression experience oxidative stress, they have reduced levels of antioxidant defences and increased levels of oxidative damage products.
N-acetylcysteine is an antioxidant precursor- it increases the levels of our natural antioxidant glutathione.
Consuming oral glutathione or oral l-cysteine does not boost glutathione levels. But oral NAC consumption increases cysteine levels in the blood that indirectly leads to increased levels of glutathione.
Cysteine from NAC serves as a precursor for antioxidant glutathione and boosts antioxidant defences in the brain.
Smaga et al. have proven via an animal study that NAC exerts an anti-depressant effect by boosting the brains antioxidant defences. Alone or in combination with an antidepressant it strengthens antioxidant mechanisms in various parts of the brain. the frontal cortex, hippocampus and striatum
However, some researchers feel that NAC by itself is not a powerful antioxidant. They say it is beneficial only in cells that are deficient in the antioxidant glutathione.
And it may be ineffective in cells that still retain the capacity to restore glutathione naturally. This study was discussing the antioxidant property of NAC in general and not about depression.
Nac And Male Infertility
Men with fertility issues have higher levels of semen reactive oxygen species than fertile men. This can cause sperm damage and dysfunction. In a study of 50 infertile men, who were given 600 mg NAC for 3 months, it was shown that the mens sperm count and motility increased. Abnormal structures and DNA fragmentation decreased. It was therefore concluded that oral NAC supplementation may improve sperm quality, as well as help with the balance between oxidative stress and antioxidants in men with fertility problems.
In another study with 35 infertile men with a varicocele, the participant underwent surgery to correct the varicocele and supplemented with 600 mg NAC for 3 months. The study found a 22% increase in pregnancy rates and improved sperm quality.
Don’t Miss: How To Manage Anxiety Without Medication
May Reduce Heart Disease Risk By Preventing Oxidative Damage
Oxidative damage to heart tissue often leads to heart disease, causing strokes, heart attacks and other serious conditions.
NAC may reduce heart disease risk by reducing oxidative damage to tissues in your heart .
It has also been shown to increase nitric oxide production, which helps veins dilate and improves blood flow. This expedites blood transit back to your heart and can lower your risk of heart attacks .
Interestingly, a test-tube study showed that when combined with green tea NAC appears to reduce damage from oxidized bad LDL cholesterol, another contributor to heart disease .
Summary NAC can reduce oxidative damage to your heart, which can in turn decrease your risk of heart disease.
Forest Plot Of Outcomes
Forest plots, showing the estimated results from each study along with the overall results, are shown below. Groups have been defined by whether they were in adults or children/ adolescents. Click on the image for a larger version.
Overall, there was a slight positive effect for NAC vs placebo, but the effect was very much less in adult vs adolescent populations. Excluding the two studies in adolescents resulted in a non-significant overall effect for NAC.
It should be recognised that 3/4 of the adult studies were not statistically significant. Removing the single positive study removes any effect for NAC.
You May Like: What Does Anxiety Feel Like In The Chest
Top 9 Benefits Of Nac
Cysteine is a semi-essential amino acid.
Its considered semi-essential because your body can produce it from other amino acids, namely methionine and serine. It becomes essential only when the dietary intake of methionine and serine is low.
Cysteine is found in most high-protein foods, such as chicken, turkey, yogurt, cheese, eggs, sunflower seeds and legumes.
N-acetyl cysteine is a supplement form of cysteine.
Consuming adequate cysteine and NAC is important for a variety of health reasons including replenishing the most powerful antioxidant in your body, glutathione. These amino acids also help with chronic respiratory conditions, fertility and brain health.
Here are the top 9 health benefits of NAC.