N-Acetyl Cysteine

Why You Need It

• Boosts Master Antioxidant: It raises glutathione levels, your body's primary defense against toxins and oxidative stress.
• Respiratory Health: It acts as a mucolytic (mucus thinner), making it easier to breathe by breaking down phlegm in chronic bronchitis or COPD.
• Mental Health Support: Emerging research suggests it helps regulate glutamate in the brain, potentially aiding mood, impulse control, and addiction recovery.

Deep Dive

NAC works by donating sulfur atoms. Your body desperately needs sulfur to create Glutathione. Without adequate Glutathione, your liver gets overwhelmed by toxins, and your cells age faster. By taking NAC, you provide the raw materials to keep your cellular 'recycling plant' running smoothly. It is particularly famous for its ability to reduce the damage caused by acetaminophen (Tylenol) by binding to the toxic metabolites and rendering them harmless.

Natural Food Sources

Unlike some vitamins, NAC is not found directly in food. It is a supplement form of the amino acid Cysteine. You must eat protein sources to get Cysteine, which your body then attempts to convert.

Supplementation

Because food sources require digestion and conversion, and we often need immediate support for respiratory or mental health, NAC supplements are the preferred method. The body absorbs NAC much faster than it can extract cysteine from food.