Getting a Knack for NAC: Influenza and Respiratory Conditions

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has been used as a drug since the 1960s and is listed on the World Health Organization (WHO) Model List of Essential Medicines. Fast forward 40 years, today NAC is a common natural health supplement that many people are unaware of.

NAC has been shown to increase glutathione (GSH), the body’s major antioxidant, and it has been found to have better bioavailability than GSH. The past decade has witnessed an explosion of data regarding the multifaceted biological activities of NAC, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities.

The depletion of both GSH and NAC antioxidants cause oxidative stress which leads to inflammation. Inflammation is characteristic of many acute and chronic conditions, including most respiratory conditions, influenza, heart disease, diabetes, obesity and more.

In addition, the therapeutic potential of NAC is beginning to turn psychiatry on its head. Studies have shown most mental health disorders and neurodegenerative conditions are caused by inflammation. NAC has shown benefits in the treatment of substance abuse, depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s, autism, and bipolar disorders.

With changing temperatures and winter about to settle in many people are suffering from various forms of viral respiratory conditions.

NAC has a high affinity for lung tissue and can prevent and or relieve symptoms of respiratory conditions by acting as an antioxidant and expectorant, loosening mucus in your air passageways. As an antioxidant, NAC helps replenish glutathione levels in your lungs and reduces inflammation in your bronchial tubes and lung tissue.

In a one-year study, 600 mg of NAC twice a day significantly improved lung function and symptoms in those with more chronic respiratory conditions. NAC helped to decrease the severity and frequency of wheezing, coughing and respiratory attacks.

Studies confirm that NAC is well tolerated and results in significant decrease in the frequency of respiratory and influenza-like episodes, severity, and length of time confined to bed. Over all NAC supports the immune system, suppress viral replication, and reduce inflammation.

In addition to NAC, increasing evidence shows that vitamins C, D, E, carotenoids, and omega-3 fatty acids may protect against and prevent the progression of respiratory diseases.

Please talk to the knowledgeable staff at the Vitamin Shop to help you support your health during the winter months when many become more prone to different viral infections.