This article has taken on a new meaning over the last two and a half years. NAC, which this article originally talked about several years back around 2013, has received renewed attention as of late. It was thought to be a potential adjunct treatment by some in the alternative health world for a very prominent virus which I won’t even name here.

It’s become so controversial to talk about, we’ll just leave it at that. NAC is actually very hard to find now as multiple large online retail carriers have stopped offering it. This article will stick to the original intent as it was in 2013 discussing the various benefits of this important nutrient, but I would encourage you to read about its other more recent potential health benefits. 

I also encourage anyone reading this to educate yourself on why we need to keep these types of supplements openly and easily available to the American public. If you are not already aware, and chances are if you are reading this, you probably are already very aware how important open and free self-supplementation is to our health freedoms. 

Why NAC is Important

N-Acetyl Cysteine (which goes under the acronym NAC and is also sometimes called N-Acetyl L Cysteine) is an amino acid and antioxidant that is made by the body from its original form of cysteine. It can be found in lower levels in some of the foods we eat. Some examples are yogurt, cottage cheese and various types of pork. It is also of course available in supplement form also as N Acetyl Cysteine for people who require more for therapeutic benefit. It is what you call a precursor, and helps the body produce glutathione. 

Glutathione is a very important amino acid which acts as a detoxifying agent to most of the organs of the body, essentially removing things like toxic heavy metals and other toxins that interfere with proper functionality. One of the most commonly known benefits of taking the amino acid in supplement form is for the detoxification of the liver and the efficient breakdown of mucus. However, there are other numerous, lesser-known benefits. 

NAC Has Demonstrated Neuroprotective Benefits 

Rats who were given doses of the antioxidant amino acid prior to being exposed to aluminum demonstrated less cognitive impairment than the rats that were not dosed with the amino acid. The conclusion of the experiment was that N acetyl cysteine acted as a powerful prevention mechanism against aluminum toxicity and potentially against buildup in the brain. Aluminum toxicity in the brain has long been a suspected underlying cause of alzheimers disease. Related: Read about our Aluminum Free Deodorant Anniversary

In addition to this, one study found that the amino acid may have antidepressant-like qualities. Rats that were supplemented with it exhibited more willingness to explore and remain active after a swimming lab test which indicated that it probably had an antidepressant effect on the brain. Related: Why Sunlight Makes Us Feel So Good

An Overall Detox Effect 

N-Acetyl Cysteine has been identified as a major detox aid within the human body. When administered, it has demonstrated liver detoxification benefits, and helps to remove environmental contaminants and toxins from the blood stream. These include tobacco and other types of carbon-monoxide rich smokes, alcohol, pollution, and other types of inhaled or topically applied toxins. 

NAC May Suppress the Flu 

The amino acid has also shown some significant potential in suppressing influenza A viruses. It is thought to accomplish this by inhibiting the replication of the virus within the human body. It also may help suppress the inflammatory molecules that create discomfort during a flu infection. For these reasons, it may significantly shorten or even prevent an influenza infection.