October 31, 2023

Getting to know NAC

Getting to know NAC (N-Acetyl L-Cysteine)

Dr. Claire Arcidiancono

During this time of year I often get asked “what can I do to help boost my immune system?” What can I do to help my lung health/ function? And perhaps the most common question at this time of year is what can I do about mucus and post nasal drip?? While there are many products that can help with these topics I wanted to highlight one of my personal favorites which is NAC. Let’s start simple. What exactly is NAC? NAC is an antioxidant that is made from an amino acid called cysteine. (1)

NAC is an amazing supplement for the immune system and the lungs. Studies show that NAC can help promote our immune system and can even protect our lungs from disorders such as pulmonary fibrosis which is seen in disorders such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or as it is more commonly referred to COPD. (2) Studies also show that NAC can help improve many of the other symptoms seen in COPD such as lung function decline (in other words it helps keep our lungs working!). (3) NAC has also been found to help our lungs by reducing signs of bronchitis. (4) NAC has also been found to help with chronic lung conditions such as cystic fibrosis. NAC helps with other lung disorders such as nasal/ sinus congestion and even asthma. (5) In my clinical experience I have found NAC to be one of the most important supplements for anyone with asthma to use.

NAC also helps to promote our immune system and lung health by helping our body to make glutathione. This powerful antioxidant is very important in so many different aspects of health. One of its many jobs is to help our immune system do its job. (6)

One of the reason I like to recommend NAC is that in addition to boosting our immune system it also helps to kill pathogens or “bad guys” such as virus. Studies show that NAC is particularly good for respiratory health as it can decrease the incidence of pneumonia. New studies are finding that NAC helps improve disease outlook in those with COVID-19. (7) Other studies show that NAC helps to improve inflammatory markers and that leads to overall improved lung function! (8)

Now I know what you are thinking – that’s a lot of studies but what does it all mean on a practical note? It basically means that NAC helps to boost our overall immune system, it helps to kill any pathogens or “bad guys” and it is very important to overall lung health/ helping our lungs to work their best!

In addition to these benefits NAC is also very useful for breaking apart mucus. Having tons of mucus can lead to a post nasal drip which can then lead to a chronic cough. In this situation it is very important to breakdown the mucus so it can easily be eliminated by the body. Studies show that mucus clearance is improved with NAC. (9) The Mayo clinic even says that NAC thins and dissolves mucus! (10) In my clinical experience I find NAC to be very helpful for anyone with congestion or mucus or even a post nasal drip.

NAC does much more than just promote our immune system and lung health! It is also very good for our organs of detox. In other words NAC is beneficial for our liver and kidneys the 2 organs that are important in the detox process. NAC is also important for our eye health and our vision. Newer studies are coming out showing how NAC is great for improving our memory. Interestingly NAC has also been found to help with heart health. (11)

In summary NAC is one of the first supplements that I recommend to anyone who wants to boost their immune system, is suffering from a preexisting lung condition or just has seasonal allergies! I always like to recommend supplements that help promote overall health and given how many benefits NAC has it definitely fits the bill.