With the rapid rise in chronic disease and the effects of the global pandemic, many of us struggle with a dampened immune response which results in more frequent acute respiratory illness. We find ourselves taking more time off work and spending more and more on healthcare costs. Besides eating a nutritious diet and exercising regularly we are often left wondering if we will ever restore our immune systems back to where they once were. Rest assured there are things we can do!
Consider the semi-essential amino acid N-acetylcysteine (NAC) which is most notably found in plants of the Allium species, especially in the onion. NAC is broken down into cysteine and metabolized into glutathione, which is also a powerful antioxidant. In viral infections, such as SARS-C0V-2, NAC can help restore the inflammatory response by inhibiting T-cell apoptosis as well as by restoring glutathione levels. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9651994
Besides its immune modulating, anti-viral, and anti-inflammatory effects, NAC has also been shown to counteract the thrombotic state. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9651994/
Additionally, NAC is used as a mucolytic agent, meaning it helps to loosen and thin mucous in the respiratory tract, making it easier to cough up, and can help relieve symptoms associated with chronic bronchitis, asthma, and cystic fibrosis. It has shown potential in the treatment of mental health conditions such as depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder as well, by regulating neurotransmitters in the brain.
If you are struggling with recurrent respiratory illness or want to enhance your immune function or glutathione, consider adding NAD to your supplement protocol.
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