What is N-Acetyl-Cysteine good for? N-Acetyl-Cysteine is used as the building block for the body’s master antioxidant, glutathione. The liver, which is the main place where all toxic substances of the body become neutralized, uses an absorbent amount of glutathione during the detoxifying process. When levels of glutathione are reduced the cell is left without protection, which leads to dysfunction and causes the cell to degrade. Many pharmaceutical products are known to deplete glutathione levels in the liver. For example, acetaminophen can deplete liver stores of glutathione, which leave it vulnerable to the toxic effects of alcohol. Stress, pesticides, smog, food additives, chlorinated water and pharmaceutical products all cause glutathione stores in the body to be depleted.
When cells are not able to regenerate at an optimum level, the aging and degenerative process is accelerated. By restoring glutathione levels to an optimum level the degenerative process may be slowed. Dr. Michael Colgan states “Body glutathione declines rapidly with age. In fact the decline in glutathione levels is so reliable, it is used as an index of human aging.”
So why do we need N-Acetyl-Cysteine? Research has shown that supplementation with glutathione does not raise serum (blood) levels in the body. There seems to be a problem with the supplement form of glutathione and the digestive process but researchers found oral N-Acetyl-Cysteine supplementation elevates serum levels of glutathione. I recommend my patients take one 750 mg capsule of NAC per day to keep their glutathione levels elevated.
Why are we deficient? Most of the foods that contain glutathione are either not eaten often enough or in large enough quantities to provide enough glutathione. So with this imbalanced relationship between our toxic/processed environment and our lack of proper nutritional intake, our stores of glutathione have become depleted.
What foods contain Glutathione? Foods that contain glutathione include avocado, watermelon, asparagus, grapefruit, acorn squash, strawberries, orange, tomato, cantaloupe, broccoli, okra, peach, zucchini, and spinach. I am sure that if you look at your diet for the last few weeks you may see a lack of these specific foods or they may have been insufficient amounts to contribute to your glutathione stores.
Patients and NAC supplementation. All of my patients have been educated on the important role glutathione plays in their health. I have found with my patients who supplement their diet with N-Acetyl-Cysteine and get adjusted on a regular basis report less cold and flu-like symptoms throughout the year. Athletes who are supplementing with N-Acetyl-Cysteine report less muscle soreness following a workout and state they feel they are recovering faster between workouts. It has been shown that intense workouts can deplete muscle glutathione levels by 40% and liver levels by 80%.
Most individuals are not going to be intensely working out like an athlete, but it must be pointed out here that stress is harder and more harmful to the body than regular bouts of exercise. Maybe everyone should look at supplementing with NAC. I have been taking NAC for the past 8 years and I think it ranks right behind vitamin C in importance.
Disclaimer: You should consult a physician in all matters relating to health before making any significant lifestyle or dietary changes. Please make an appointment with Dr. Brandon Di Novi, Chiropractic Physician for further information.