Supplement with this antioxidant for optimal liver health!

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Supplement with this antioxidant for optimal liver health, focus, free radical protection and immune system support.Today we will talk about NAC or N-acetyl cysteine.

CAUTION: Medical Disclaimer

Due to the amount of supplements I was using back in 2005 I was a bit worried about my liver. One of my coaches at the time suggested that I supplement with this antioxidant for optimal liver health, better focus and protection from the radical damage of my workouts.

Table of Contents

My experience with NAC

After a couple of weeks, I did have a better sense of well-being. I could handle stress better plus my usual sniffles were gone which also hinted at immune system support. In fact, I was even able to survive through an entire flu season without a sneeze while I was on N.A.C.

So when it comes to immune support, better focus and liver health, NAC is one of my top recommendations.

What is N.A.C?

N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) comes from the amino acid L-cysteine. It is has a very powerful antioxidant effect as it can remove poisons and free radicals from your system, protect your liver and also help the body build protein.

NAC benefits include:

  • Strong antioxidant properties. It can protect inner organs (such as the liver and the stomach) by removing toxins and poisons. It can also remove free radicals thus protecting from oxidative damage caused by intense exercise and stress.
  • Strong anti-inflammatory properties which can support physical performance in people who work out while still minimizing the impact of free radicals associated with exercise.
  • It has many uses in medicine as it can reduce mucus and inflammation. This in turn means better breathing in both healthy and people with lung diseases such as bronchitis or fibrosing alveolitis.
  • Removes poisons such as carbon dioxide, acetaminophen (aka Tylenol) and heavy metals (such like cadmium, mercury or lead) from the body.
  • Can prevent kidney problems (when dyes are used in x-ray exams), reduce high homocysteine levels (which are linked to heart disease) and even reduce symptoms of the flu.
  • Because of its effects on patients with psychiatric conditions, it can help with angina (chest pain), bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s, depression, epilepsy and even addictive behaviors. (such as nail-biting, smoking, cocaine etc.)
  • Its cancer-protective properties seem promising as it can cause cell death in cancer cells (apoptosis) and even prevent them from multiplying.

When and how to take it

NAC is available in capsules at supplement stores. It is also used intravenously in hospitals or in an inhaler to send the medication directly to patients with lung conditions but in this article we are only covering NAC, the supplement..

As I mentioned at the start of this article one of the reasons I started taking NAC was to protect my body from free radicals. However, according to one study free radicals might be among the causes that contribute to muscle growth (via IGF-1 hypertrophy of myotubes). This means that removing all free radicals associated with strenuous exercise may hinder your muscle progress in the same way that NSAIDS do.

For this reason I would recommend to avoid taking NAC immediately before and after your workouts. A better idea is to take it 3-4 hours before and after your workouts. Other great times to take it include:

  • early in the morning (not for those who work out in the morning),
  • somewhere mid-day
  • before bed.

Safety and side effects

While NAC is likely considered safe, reported side effects include:

  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, fever, headache, drowsiness, low blood pressure, liver problems, and in some cases, rashes.
  • When breathed in or inhaled, it can sometimes cause swelling in the mouth, runny nose, drowsiness and chest tightness.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Since no studies can indicate the full safety of this supplement during pregnancy and breastfeeding, it is best indicated to avoid use if you belong in this category and should be only be used as a last resort (such as in cases of acetaminophen toxicity after consultation with a doctor).

Contraindications or interactions with other medication/substances:

  • Do not use N-acetyl cysteine if you are allergic to acetyl cysteine.
  • Do not use N-acetyl cysteine if you have asthma as it can cause bronchospasm.
  • Do not combine with Nitroglycerin as it increases the effects of nitroglycerin and can cause headache, dizziness, and light-headedness.
  • Do not combine with activated charcoal as it can bind up these medications in the stomach and prevent them from being absorbed by the body. Taking N-acetyl cysteine will reduce activated charcoal’s effects on removing poisons from your system.

Consult with your doctor before using this supplement and if you have any of the above conditions or take any of the medication/substances above.

Do I need to cycle off?

While cycling is not required, I always using for 3-6 months of use followed by 1 month off.

Dosage

Over the past 20 years I have experimented with literally hundreds of herbs, supplements (and other natural products) and was finally able to discover the right doses for amazing results.

If you wish to learn more about the dosages that I use with my clients for different purposes (better health, hormonal balance, stress management, testosterone boost and more) or how I combine this herb/supp with others, leave a comment below or reach out to me for a consultation through the “Hire me” link.

Closing notes:

NAC is one of the strongest antioxidants out there. If you are serious about your health and especially about supporting your liver health, this supplement should be part of your daily stack. Just make sure you do not take around your workouts to ensure maximum hypertrophy.

Have you ever tried NAC? If yes, what was your experience with it? Let me know in the comments below and I will get back to you as soon as possible.

Don’t forget to click on the Share button below and show your support to this blog. Until next time live your life: strong, healthy and free!

by Nick Sigma SHF
C.W.C, E.H, E-YRT200

Studies:

  • Handayaningsih AE, Iguchi G, Fukuoka H, Nishizawa H, Takahashi M, Yamamoto M, et al. Reactive oxygen species play an essential role in IGF-I signaling and IGF-I-induced myocyte hypertrophy in C2C12 myocytes. Endocrinology 2011;152:912-21.
  • Karbasi A, et al Effect of oral N-acetyl cysteine on eradication of Helicobacter pylori in patients with dyspepsia. Minerva Gastroenterol Dietol. (2013)
  • Scalley RD, Conner CS Acetaminophen poisoning: a case report of the use of acetylcysteine. Am J Hosp Pharm. (1978)
  • van Overveld FJ, Vermeire PA, De Backer WA Induced sputum of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) contains adhesion-promoting, therapy-sensitive factors . Inflamm Res. (2000)
  • Sadowska AM, et al The interrelationship between markers of inflammation and oxidative stress in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: modulation by inhaled steroids and antioxidant . Respir Med. (2005)
  • Sadowska AM, Manuel-Y-Keenoy B, De Backer WAAntioxidant and anti-inflammatory efficacy of NAC in the treatment of COPD: discordant in vitro and in vivo dose-effects: a review. Pulm Pharmacol Ther. (2007)
  • Alsalim, W. and Fadel, M. Towards evidence based emergency medicine: best BETs from the Manchester Royal Infirmary. Oral methionine compared with intravenous n-acetyl cysteine for paracetamol overdose. Emerg.Med.J. 2003;20(4):366-367.
  • Aylward, M., Maddock, J., and Dewland, P. Clinical evaluation of acetylcysteine in the treatment of patients with chronic obstructive bronchitis: a balanced double-blind trial with placebo control. Eur.J Respir.Dis.Suppl 1980;111:81-89.
  • Ayonrinde, O. T., Phelps, G. J., Hurley, J. C., and Ayonrinde, O. A. Paracetamol overdose and hepatotoxicity at a regional Australian hospital: a 4-year experience. Intern Med J 2005;35(11):655-660.
  • Chun LJ, Tong MJ, Busuttil RW, Hiatt JR. Acetaminophen hepatotoxicity and acute liver failure. Clin Gastroenterol. 2009 Apr;43(4):342-9.
  • Simonsen L, Taylor RJ, Viboud C, Miller MA, Jackson LA. Mortality benefits of influenza vaccination in elderly people: an ongoing controversy. Lancet Infect Dis. 2007 Oct;7(10):658-66.
  • Henke MO, Ratjen F. Mucolytics in cystic fibrosis. Paediatr Respir Rev. 2007 Mar;8(1):24-9.
  • Rogers DF. Mucoactive agents for airway mucus hypersecretory diseases. Respir Care. 2007 Sep;52(9):1176-93; discussion 93-7.
  • Marchetti A, Rossiter R. Managing acute acetaminophen poisoning with oral versus intravenous N-acetyl cysteine: a provider-perspective cost analysis. J Med Econ. 2009;12(4):384-91.
  • Saito C, Zwingmann C, Jaeschke H. Novel mechanisms of protection against acetaminophen hepatotoxicity in mice by glutathione and N-acetyl cysteine. Hepatology. Jan;51(1):246-54.
  • van Overveld FJ, Demkow U, Gorecka D, de Backer WA, Zielinski J. New developments in the treatment of COPD: comparing the effects of inhaled corticosteroids and N-acetyl cysteine. J Physiol Pharmacol. 2005 Sep;56 Suppl 4:135-42.
  • Koechlin C, Couillard A, Simar D, et al. Does oxidative stress alter quadriceps endurance in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease? Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2004 May 1;169(9):1022-7.
  • Zembron-Lacny A, Szyszka K, Szygula Z. Effect of cysteine derivatives administration in healthy men exposed to intense resistance exercise by evaluation of pro-antioxidant ratio. J Physiol Sci. 2007 Dec;57(6):343-8.
  • Masha A, Manieri C, Dinatale S, Bruno GA, Ghigo E, Martina V. Prolonged treatment with N-acetyl cysteine and L-arginine restores gonadal function in patients with PCO syndrome. J Endocrinol Invest. 2009 Apr 15.
  • Fulghesu AM, Ciampelli M, Muzj G, et al. N-acetyl-cysteine treatment improves insulin sensitivity in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Fertil Steril. 2002 Jun;77(6):1128-35.
  • Guan D, Xu Y, Yang M, Wang H, Wang X, Shen Z. N-acetyl cysteine and penicillamine induce apoptosis via the ER stress response-signaling pathway. Mol Carcinog. 2010 Jan;49(1):68-74.
  • Li J, Tu HJ, Dai G, et al. N-acetyl cysteine inhibits human signet ring cell gastric cancer cell line (SJ-89) cell growth by inducing apoptosis and DNA synthesis arrest. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2007 Sep;19(9):769-74.
  • Yang J, Su Y, Richmond A. Antioxidants tiron and N-acetyl-L-cysteine differentially mediate apoptosis in melanoma cells via a reactive oxygen species-independent NF-kappaB pathway. Free Radic Biol Med. 2007 May 1;42(9):1369-80.

Sources:

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