NAC is an amazing nutrient that is also used as a drug. It is a derivative of a natural amino acid cysteine, which will also be the focus of this post.

As a nutriceutical, NAC is preferred to cysteine, in general, because of some of its special features.  However, some people do better with cysteine depending upon the situation. NAC contains sulfur, a premier element used for detoxificatioin due to its “stickiness”.

The main functions of NAC (and cysteine) are:

• • helps with detox by enabling the liver re-generate glutathione, the major detoxifier of the body
  • helps thin mucus in the lungs in cystic fibrosis and pneumonia
  • helps brain function in mental illness
  • helps fight acute infections

NAC is used in cases of Tylenol overdose to save the liver. If it is administered within a few hours after overdose, it can completely protect the liver. Otherwise the liver can be severely damaged and require transplant.

It is also available as a prescirbed nebulizer solution, brand name Mucomyst, to help with thick lung secretions.

As seen in the references below, it can be used for general detox in cases of known or presumed toxicity, such as petro-chemicals, Roundup, fluoroquinones and other chemicals).

By thinning mucus, it can worsen stomach acid complaints so it should be taken with food or the dosage may need to be adjusted.

N-Acetylcysteine and Other Sulfur-Donors as a Preventative and Adjunct Therapy for COVID-19.2022