N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) is a form of the amino acid L-cysteine. It has long been used as a specific antidote to acetaminophen overdose, and is also a common therapy for many cancers.
It is employed as a cure for heavy metal poisoning, infections, and the healing of wounds. It is also used as a therapy for HIV infection.
NAC also has important uses in the field of psychiatric medicine, due to its impact upon glutamate and dopamine in the brain.
In this context, the compound is used to treat many serious neurological disorders, such as schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s, addiction, depression, and many others. It is also an excellent anti-oxidant with strong neuro-protective benefits.
N-Acetyl-Cysteine can be considered a part of the “nootropic nutrients” supplement category, which consists of organic compounds required by the body for metabolism, immunity, and healthy cognitive function.
Liver Function
Detox
Fertility- Boosts glutathione & supports liver function
- Shown to increase endurance & reduce fatigue
- Fertility & higher sperm count in males
N-Acetyl-Cysteine Effects
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All amino acids are the building blocks of proteins in the body. They are required for the growth of healthy tissue and production of hormones which act as messengers for all brain communication.
In addition to this role, individual proteins can trigger the release and balancing of specific neurochemicals. N-Acetyl-Cysteine regulates the amount of glutamate in the brain. This is the key compound related to a healthy metabolism and cellular energy.
NAC also mediates the amount of dopamine available in the brain. Dopamine is the neurotransmitter connected to mental energy, drive, some motor control, pleasure, and mental focus.
NAC’s anti-oxidant effects occur as the compound forms into Glutathione, for which it is a natural pre-cursor. Glutathione reduces dangerous free radicals in the body by donating electrons to them, while remaining stable itself.
This action helps cells to fight off bacteria, viruses, and decay, and is responsible for many of NAC’s benefits for poisoning and infection.
NAC has several anti-inflammatory effects, such as inhibiting nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kB) and COX-2, both of which are responsible for generating inflammation in tissues.
Top N-Acetyl Cysteine Supplements
N-Acetyl-Cysteine Benefits
N-Acetyl-Cysteine has a broad range of benefits and clinical applications. It can be used to cure a hangover and prevent alcohol damage to the liver. It actually has many anti-toxicity effects, the most famous being its use as a cure for Tylenol overdose. It is a standard hospital response to this condition.
NAC’s glutamate and dopamine interactions can promote mental energy and attention control. For this reason, it is used in psychiatric practice for patients with low mental drive and/or difficulty controlling thoughts and attention span.
It is used to treat patients with ADHD, OCD, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. It has been used effectively to aid smoking cessation and help reduce other addictive behaviors.
The anti-oxidant value of the drug makes it well suited to preventing heart and lung disease, as well as repairing damage from overdoses and toxic metal poisoning. The anti-infection qualities of the drug have shown promise as part of a combined HIV therapy.
N-Acetyl-Cysteine Dosage
N-Acetyl-Cysteine does have a broad range of dosage recommendations to suit its many varied uses.
For adults in good health, the drug can be taken as a general cognitive wellness supplement at a dosage of up to 600 mg, twice per day. This amount should generate mental focus, increased motivation, and concentration benefits.
There are many natural supplements which address these types of cognitive benefits. While aminos like NAC might be considered energy-boosting stimulants, the same mental focus effects can be achieved without excess stimulation via cholinergic or racetam supplementation. These types of supplements boost acetylcholine, increasing cognitive strength without as strong of an energetic component.
More stimulating dopaminergic supplements like NAC can be combined with choline-boosters to add a motivational component to intelligence gains. Dosages for more specific physical ailments, such as asthma, are generally lower, around 200 mg per day. Treatment with NAC for infection or poisoning should be performed by a doctor only.
- Boosts Glutathione and helps the liver detoxify
- Shown to increase endurance and reduce fatigue
- Increase sperm count and motility in males
N-Acetyl-Cysteine Side Effects
N-Acetyl-Cysteine can produce strong gastrointestinal side effects for some people. These include vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and nausea. Some of these conditions are obviously related to the toxicities which the drug is being used to treat. As with all natural supplements, the best way to avoid side effects is to start treatment at a lower dose and not effects before increasing amounts.
NAC dilates blood vessels and can increase blood flow, so it should not be taken with any blood thinning medication or blood pressure medications. It should not be taken in conjunction with strong stimulants which affect dopamine levels, such as Adderall. This combination could be overly stimulating, and lead to fast heart rate and difficulty breathing. For most people however, NAC’s side effects are mild and short-lived.
N-Acetyl-Cysteine Review
The amino derivative N-Acetyl-Cysteine has long been used as an antidote to toxic poisoning from Tylenol or heavy metals. It has very strong antioxidant properties which make it ideal for fighting severe infections, including HIV.
As a cognitive enhancement supplement, NAC’s ability to increase metabolism and boost dopamine levels creates mental focus and energy benefits. It has been used in this regard to treat serious cognitive imbalance, but can also be an effective therapy for common depression and anxiety. The motivational component of the drug partners well with known brain boosters such as choline supplements or racetams.
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This supplement saved me from debilitating anxiety and depression, that manifested itself mainly physically. So much that I am weaning off my psy medication. Everyone should know about it!