Welcome to the topic Why NAC and Glutathione are Important for Immune Health?
N-Acetyl-l-cysteine, also known as NAC, is a powerful antioxidant generated from an amino acid found in nature. However, it appears that supplementing with NAC and/or its precursor glutathione may have extra positive effects on one’s health. NAC’s impacts on the immune system are one particular topic that researchers are interested in.
The body changes the more stable NAC into the less stable glutathione as it digests it. Glutathione is made of glycine, cysteine, and glutamic acid. Humans, animals, plants, and fungi all have naturally occurring glutathione in their bodies, which helps protect cells from being damaged by oxidative stress. In addition, glutathione assists in the “recycling” of vitamins E and C within the body. Studies have shown that those with higher blood levels of the antioxidant glutathione have a lower risk of getting sick, especially elderly people.
Foods high in cysteines, such as chicken, turkey, yogurt, cheese, eggs, sunflower seeds, and legumes, can also contribute to an increase in glutathione levels in the blood.
The dietary supplement known as NAC is the one that is typically used in order to assist in elevating glutathione levels. Supplemental glutathione is something that some people opt to take in addition. NAC and glutathione may be able to assist with the following, according to proponents.
Immune System And Infections
We must have a strong immune system to combat harmful pathogens, such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi, to which we are exposed in the normal course of our lives. Immune health is dependent on both the innate and adaptive immune systems.
Additionally, there is evidence to suggest that glutathione can play a crucial part in maintaining a healthy immune system. According to studies, the production of glutathione, which occurs naturally in the liver, is an essential factor in helping to maintain the readiness of our white blood cells, also known as lymphocytes, to combat infections and disorders.
Glutathione levels can be increased in the body by following a diet high in foods rich in sulfur and cysteine. If increasing glutathione levels through diet alone are not enough, taking a supplement may be necessary.
Respiratory Health
A chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which is typically brought on by the use of tobacco products. Many people with this inflammatory lung condition still favor more natural treatments, despite the fact that there are pharmaceutical medications that can be helpful in making it easier to breathe for individuals who have it.
In many cases, a person will take prescription drugs in addition to a supplement like NAC, which is one of the most often utilized products in this category. Even if it is possible to take NAC in the form of an oral supplement, it is also possible for specialty pharmacies to prepare an oral solution that may be used in a nebulizer.
Liver Health
The consumption of acetaminophen (paracetamol), alcohol, and other environmental pollutants can be harmful to the liver, although NAC has been shown to mitigate these effects. Additionally, it functions by assisting the body in increasing its intracellular levels of glutathione, which in turn enables the liver to detoxify harmful substances.
Those who take acetaminophen (Tylenol, paracetamol) on a regular basis to treat persistent pain should be aware that doing so can impose additional strain on the liver and cause glutathione levels to drop. To my mind, one option for reducing the amount of strain placed on the liver is to take a supplement that contains NAC or N-acetyl cysteine.
Cardiac Health
In the United States, Europe, and Asia, heart disease is the leading cause of death among adults. Unfortuitously, the prevalence of the cardiovascular disease will continue to rise as more nations switch from their traditional foods to a lifestyle more typical of the West. In USA, heart and vascular diseases are responsible for the unnecessary deaths of over one million people each and every year. Heart disease is the root cause of both heart attacks and their harm to the heart.
Diabetes and high blood sugar both have the potential to adversely damage the heart, which raises the probability of a heart attack. The “sugar-induced damage” to the cardiac tissue of rats was shown to be avoided when the participants were given NAC as a supplement in a study conducted in 2016. This suggests that NAC can protect the hearts of persons who suffer from diabetes.
NAC was shown in a study conducted in 2018 on rats to have the potential to help prevent damage to the heart caused by inadequate oxygen flow. Another trial carried out that year demonstrated its usefulness in preventing damage to cardiac tissue caused by heart attacks.
Mental Health
Conditions of mental health such as anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia provide a burden for patients and their families. Although they are frequently helpful, a significant number of individuals do not take prescribed medications because they are concerned about the adverse effects. NAC is one of the naturally occurring medications that is frequently sought for and utilized. There is a possibility of advantages.
NAC may be effective in treating those who suffer from bipolar depression, according to a study conducted in 2018, and another study from 2016 suggests that NAC may be helpful in addition to the typical drugs used to treat schizophrenia.
Fertility
Problems with conceiving a child are so widespread that tens of millions worldwide are affected by them. It is a problem that women and men experience equally, and its causes are complex. It would appear that the antioxidant properties of NAC play a significant part in the process of fertility.
A contributing to infertility is a polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Fortunately, this illness is typically brought on by diet and lifestyle choices, which means that making the proper adjustments, including a reduction in weight, can assist in bringing about good pregnancies. However, there are circumstances in which the consumption of medication is essential.
NAC, when combined with the treatment for PCOS known as clomiphene, may be of assistance to women who are trying to conceive, according to the findings of a study that was published in 2017. Note: Before beginning any supplement regimen, you should always consult with your primary care physician.
In a study that was published in 2020, NAC was compared to metformin, which is a medicine that is often used for PCOS. It was discovered that not only did taking NAC to help people lose weight, but it also suppressed testosterone levels in women. Both groups had almost the same number of pregnancies.
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Also Read: Top 9 Benefits of NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine)
