N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) is a form of the amino acid L-cysteine, known for its varied benefits. It is often used during cancer and HIV therapies, as well as acetaminophen overdoses. This supplement will commonly be used when exposed to heavy metal poisoning, infections, and open wounds. It is also used with psychiatric medicine, because it influences both dopamine and glutamate in the brain.
While focusing on mental health, this compound is used to treat Alzheimer’s depression, addiction, schizophrenia, and more. All of these conditions are considered neurological disorders, which often require changes to occur at a neurological level. Due to its antioxidant properties, it promotes a stable immune system, along with healthy cognitive functioning.
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The Effects of N-Acetyl Cysteine
In order to build protein, you require amino acids. In order to maintain healthy tissue growth, as well as the production of hormones, you require proteins. Proteins are essential in terms of cognitive health and functioning. In fact, some individual proteins help trigger the release of various neurotransmitters.
Focusing on NAC, it helps regulate the amount of glutamate present in the brain. In turn, this helps maintain healthy metabolism, as well as cellular energy. Dopamine is another neurotransmitter which is affected by NAC. It helps mediate the amount of dopamine that’s available. When dopamine levels are heightened, users experience increased drive, mental focus, mental energy, as well as an improved mood.
How Will N-Acetyl Cysteine Benefit Me?
While focusing on the benefits of NAC, there’s a broad range of applications. Not only can it help prevent hangovers, but it is thought to prevent damage to the liver. Since it has strong anti-toxicity effects, it has been used when individuals overdose on Tylenol. This is a standard response in hospitals, when a Tylenol overdose occurs.
For those that experience low mental drive and energy, this can be a possible support option. This application is commonly seen within psychiatric practices, as NAC helps influence dopamine and glutamate. Since it also has positive effects on one’s attention span, some individuals with ADHD are using NAC within their treatment.
If you are trying to quit smoking, this supplement may help. NAC is used for a variety of addictions and addictive behaviour. Since it provides antioxidant effects, NAC helps prevent both heart and lung disease. It can also repair any damage that was incurred from heavy metal poisoning. When combined with other HIV therapies, this supplement has shown anti-infection properties.
What Are the Possible Side-Effects Associated with N-Acetyl Cysteine?
For some users, this supplement can cause gastrointestinal side-effects. These effects include vomiting, nausea, constipation, and diarrhea. In some causes, these effects are linked to the toxicities in which this supplement is being used to treat. Although natural, you should start with the lowest dose. Once you experience positive effects, you can increase your dosage.
NAC has been known to dilate blood vessels, which increases blood flow. Due to this effect, please refrain from taking NAC if you are currently on blood thinners. The same applies for those that are taking blood pressure medications. Speak with your doctor if you suffer from issues with your cardiovascular health.
If you are taking any strong stimulants, such as Adderall, this combination can cause over stimulation. If you suffer from ADHD and believe this applies to you, please speak with your healthcare professional. This combination can cause a faster heart rate, as well as breathing difficulties.
For most people, side-effects are mild and short-lived. If you are a healthy individual, who is not currently taking medication, you should not experience any serious side-effects. Remember, start with the lowest dose, and speak with your doctor if you have any concerns.
How Much N-Acetyl Cysteine Should I Take?
Following the recommended dose is crucial for any supplement, natural or not. While focusing on NAC, there are a broad range of recommended doses. This is because certain individuals, use NAC for specific reasons. Due to its varied uses, recommended dosages tend to differ.
If you are an adult in good health, then NAC can be taken as a general wellness supplement, helping to improve your cognitive health. In this case, take NAC twice per day, at a dose of 600 mg. At this amount, you should experience boosted motivation, as well as enhanced mental focus.
If you are looking for natural supplements that provide cognitive effects, you have numerous options. Some are hesitant regarding energy-boosting stimulants. If this is you, you can still achieve mental focus, by stimulating the cholinergic system. This is generally achieved by taking racetam supplements, which boost acetylcholine.
Supplements like NAC, which stimulate dopamine levels, can be combined with choline supplements. This will allow users to combine the benefits of motivation and intelligence. If you are looking to treat specific conditions, like asthma, then you should take around 200 mg daily. However, complications can occur for those with asthma, which is why doses should be monitored by a healthcare professional.
Some other common doses include:
- For chest pain and fibrosing alveolitis (a lung condition), take 600 mg of NAC, three time daily
- To reduce flu symptoms, take 600 mg, twice daily
- To reduce homocysteine in the blood, take 1.2 grams daily
- For preventing damage to the bladder, due to cancer treatment, take 1-2 grams every 6 hours
- For treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), take 600 mg, once daily
If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, please refrain from taking NAC. Although this supplement can cross the placenta, there has been any reports of harm to unborn children or their mothers. To be safe, NAC should only be used in times of need, such as acetaminophen toxicity. If you have an infection or have been poisoned, treatment with NAC should be performed by a doctor only. This applies to everyone, pregnant or not.
