What Is N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC Supplements)?
N-acetyl cysteine is a natural way to boost your body's antioxidant function. It protects cells from oxidative damage, stress, and repairs them. It also prevents free radical damage, playing an important role in the body’s detoxification process.
NAC is available as a supplement or as a prescription drug.
Do NAC supplements actually work?
Researchers have discovered various benefits of NAC through decades of trials. Some research indicates that NAC supplementation may be beneficial in the following ways.
Addressing psychiatric conditions
The neurotransmitters in the brain control mood, thoughts, and behavior. Increasing your NAC supplementation may help boost necessary chemicals in the brain for better mental function. NAC may regulate glutamate – which is a major neurotransmitter in the brain and is involved in a variety of psychiatric illnesses. For those with certain mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder, clinical depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, NAC may help to ease symptoms. NAC may improve dopamine and serotonin function in the brain.
Treating lung conditions
You can get a respiratory boost from NAC supplements. It's best for those who have chronic lung problems like bronchitis or cystic fibrosis. As NAC acts as a precursor to glutathione and can replenish levels in the body, it can reduce chronic inflammation in the lungs.