NAC (N-acetylcysteine) is a compound with many positive properties. It supports health, has a beneficial effect on almost the entire body, protects it, and can also be useful for athletes.
Studies confirm that it may improve the condition of people struggling with many problematic conditions, such as sleep disorders, mood swings, inflammation,
insulin resistance. NAC is also linked to glutathione, so it may help combat oxidative stress and alleviate its effects.
NAC, oxidative stress and oxidative damage
Disruptions in the balance between antioxidant and pro-oxidant processes are, contrary to appearances, a serious problem. This leads to increased activity of aggressive free radicals / reactive oxygen species, whose action causes damage to DNA, cells and tissues throughout the body.
What does N-acetylcysteine have to do with this? Let's start with the fact that it is a modified, but biologically active, form of the sulfur amino acid cysteine. Cysteine, in turn, is essential for the efficient production of glutathione (GSH), which serves as the most important and at the same time the strongest natural antioxidant.
External glutathione supplementation is not always effective, and despite the body's ability to produce it on its own, under disease conditions, stress, inflammation or deficiencies, a shortage may occur. Both the synthesis of the compound and its renewal are impaired. It is made up of amino acid residues, and cysteine is one of them.
A much more effective option is to create the right conditions for its production, that is, to provide the necessary ingredients. Studies confirm that NAC supplementation can reduce oxidative stress, eliminate oxygen free radicals, and thus reduce the damage caused by their activity.
NAC supports liver function
Hepatoprotective and liver-supporting action is one of the more frequently discussed benefits of N-acetylcysteine. It is thanks to liver cells that efficient conversion of carbohydrates is possible, during which, among other things, glucose is converted into glycogen that can be stored.
What is more, the liver is the center of the detoxification mechanism, which allows many dangerous toxins and even heavy metals to be removed from the body. It is worth mentioning that paracetamol, so commonly used, in excessive amounts was one of the main causes of organ damage.
Studies confirm that therapies in which NAC was administered work very well in these circumstances. It reduces the risk of liver damage, lowers hepatotoxicity, supports regeneration, and also limits the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Many sources emphasize that biologically active cysteine may also be a good option for liver damage caused by alcohol and other factors. Indirectly, it may also support the elimination of the effects of xenobiotics.
NAC in insulin resistance and inflammation
We mentioned above that using NAC has a beneficial effect on the liver, which is necessary for the proper conversion of carbohydrates. Of course, we also know that improper eating habits, especially an excess of carbohydrates consumed, can lead to organ damage and reduced function. What is more, if we consume large amounts of carbohydrates from the diet for a long time, cells become less sensitive to insulin, whose task includes, among other things, transporting glucose. The hormone also responds to elevated blood sugar levels, and its role is to stabilize this phenomenon. Of course, carbohydrates are not the only cause of insulin resistance (IR). It is a condition with an inflammatory basis.
Experts have repeatedly emphasized that NAC's connection with glutathione and its role in the antioxidant mechanism are not insignificant for the prevention and treatment of inflammation, as well as glycemic problems such as IR. Supplementation with N-acetylcysteine may be beneficial not only in prediabetic states, but also in type 2 diabetes. Additionally, it can reduce the amount of pro-inflammatory molecules.
Glutathione and its inflammation-reducing action have a positive effect on insulin receptors. Studies confirm that when it is used, inflammation in fat cells themselves is reduced, and thus the amount of receptor damage decreases, while insulin sensitivity improves.
NAC – bronchi and lungs
It is a fact that NAC helps reduce inflammation, as mentioned above. According to the data, this works very well in the context of chronic bronchitis. Another point is that supplementation significantly supports the antioxidant mechanism, and the mentioned problem is caused by oxidative damage. It is no wonder that NAC in this form is our good ally. The amount of oxygen free radicals in the bronchial area decreases, and we feel relief.
What about the lungs? The role of N-acetylcysteine is most often discussed in COPD, that is, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This is also caused by oxidative damage, that is, the long-term action of reactive oxygen species / aggressive free radicals.
Damage occurs as a result of inflammation of lung tissue. What is the role of NAC here? Again, it is about glutathione, specifically in the lungs, and thus about reducing cellular and tissue damage caused by destructive oxidative action.
Experts have noticed that supplementation with appropriate doses of the substance can significantly reduce the concentration and production of harmful radicals, which are a side effect of oxygen therapy used in COPD.
NAC good for women
Apart from the obvious properties of N-acetylcysteine, there are also those that only women can benefit from. This concerns PCOS, which contrary to appearances affects a large proportion of women of reproductive age - even about 20%.
Of course, we do not have complete knowledge of all the mechanisms affecting the development of polycystic ovary syndrome. The fact is that it is a multifactorial disease syndrome with genetic, environmental and epigenetic factors. Nevertheless, some sources note that controlled administration of appropriate doses of NAC may work similarly to clomiphene used during PCOS therapy.
It is also good to remember that polycystic ovary syndrome is often linked to insulin resistance. Therefore, both NAC and berberine, which acts in a manner similar to metformin (excluding the possible side effects characteristic of the drug), may prove helpful.
